Why only carry in your car?

[ghentry]

I took my renewal class the other night and the instructor asked the group of 15 or so, "how many here carry on their body every day or very often?". I believe only 3 of us raised our hands. Most people said they just carried in their car.

I wish we would have had time for me to ask them, in what scenarios do they foresee that carrying off-body, in their glovebox would benefit them? I really don't understand the mentality?

Any ideas?

[KBCraig]

While carrying in the car is better than nothing, it's a far cry from carrying on-body.

I think people equate "car" with "going places", which means leaving one's comfort zone and familiar surroundings. I suppose that's the same mindset that created travelling laws in many states, even before licenses and permits were available.

The modern reality, for most people in most places, is that being in the car is fairly safe and secure from attack, and provides an obvious means of escape.

The danger point in cars in the transition, while getting in and out, fumbling with keys and packages. If you are carjacked at that point, a gun in the car is of no use. Not to mention, you've just provided a felon with a weapon.

Plus, there's always the danger of having a car broken into and looted; again, you've provided a criminal with a weapon.

So, I think I understand the mindset that leads to "car only" carry, but I can't explain the lack of thought that causes people to continue thinking that way.

Kevin

[Rex B]

I don't understand it either.

While I do keep a weapon locked in my car, it was those dark parking lots at quaint eateries in mediocre sections of town that made me get a CHL.

[Venus Pax]

I really don't like the idea of leaving my gun in my car.

That is another reason why I do not like restrictions on where a CHL holder can carry a weapon. When a gun is on the body of a CHL holder, it is highly unlikely that it will be used to initiate a crime.
When the gun is left in CHL holder's vehicle and out of CHL holder's control, the gun is susceptible (sp?) to theft and for use by a criminal.

I don't like the idea that I work in a "gun-free school zone." I've taken decent precautions to keep my gun from the good-citizenship challenged, but I still don't think it's the same as the gun remaining on my hip.

I think that some of the car carriers just aren't thinking the process through.

[Popshot]

Carrying a handgun in public takes an adjustment, on many levels. Initially, quite a few people intend to carry only in the car or in unusual situations because they have not been able to legally carry a handgun in public. On the day I began my CHL class, I was one of those people.

Now, a little over month since I received my CHL, I really do not like disarming/re-arming in the vehicle. There is extra time spent moving equipment around while parked. Also, it is easier for me to get all the equipment positioned exactly where I want it before I leave the house, rather than wresting with the gear while seated behind the wheel.

[jbirds1210]

I am going to tell my age....but I turned 21 the first year that CHL was approved for Texas. I took a class ASAP and got my license very early in the game. I had no intention of carrying my gun anwhere else but my car. How things have changed.....for the better.

I bet it would surprise all of us if we knew the actual percentage of CHL holders that only blow the dust off of their gun when it is time for a vacation!
Jason

[JKDubb]

Here is a good one....

When I took my class there was a guy renewing his CHL, sounds normal though right? Well here is the kicker he did not and had NEVER owned a gun!

[Tote 9]

I have had my CHL for 2 years and I was one of those car carriers untill recently.After visiting,talking and shooting with Longtooth, I
have decided my money spent acquiring a CHL
was wasted if I just carried in the car. I know Quite
a few people in my area that has a CHL but they only carry in their car. Doesn't make a lot of sence.
I could carry in the glove box without a CHL.

[Rex B]

Here is a good one....

When I took my class there was a guy renewing his CHL, sounds normal though right? Well here is the kicker he did not and had NEVER owned a gun!

Now I'm curious.
Did he offer any sort of explanation for that?

[gregthehand]

I'm forced to leave it in the car when I go to work. Usually before leaving I put it back on, and drive straight home. Sometimes I drive to class and in those cases I don't even bring it since I live litteraly across the street from campus. Other than that it stays on me. I would hate to go eat somewhere and come back to either a stolen pistol, or worse a thug waiting for me with my own weapon.

[wo5m]

I do both. I have my XD40SC that I normally carry on my person, but I also have a RG-23(.22LR revolver) in my car. I really don’t like the RG-23, but I keep it in a place where I can access it more easily than my XD40SC if I’m sitting in my car.

I like the idea of using the .22lr mainly because if I ever need to use it while I’m in the car, I don’t end up with the possible hearing damage that could result from the .40cal’s louder bang. I really don’t want to experience firing a gun in such a closed space. Maybe I’m crazy.

I would really like to have something other than the RG-23 in the car because I think its junk. I just haven’t decided on a replacement yet.

Randy
wo5m

[JKDubb]

Here is a good one....

When I took my class there was a guy renewing his CHL, sounds normal though right? Well here is the kicker he did not and had NEVER owned a gun!

Now I'm curious.
Did he offer any sort of explanation for that?

Yes, he talked about his faith which I had no problem with. He felt that his protection was from on high. Through the class though he talked with another guy with similar beliefs, he reminded him that sometimes bad things happen to good people. He gave him some good words and he then decided to purchase a pistol after class. I do not know it he followed through but he said he would.

[fm2]

ghentry, I am with you. But I think that they just haven't thought it all the way through, like VP said.

The danger point in cars in the transition, while getting in and out, fumbling with keys and packages. If you are carjacked at that point, a gun in the car is of no use.

Don't forget about people getting task fixated while in a parked car with the keys in the ignition, like balancing the checkbook, talking on the cellphone etc. That's another very vulnerable spot.

[KBCraig]

I would really like to have something other than the RG-23 in the car because I think its junk.

You and everyone else.

The RG revolvers are notorious. They're pretty much the definition of a "cheap Saturday night special". Made to be loaded once, fired until empty, then thrown away.

The odd thing is, RGs have found a certain niche amongst collectors. Surviving examples in working condition are increasingly rare. (Mostly because they don't "work" for long.)

As for potential effectiveness... John Hinckley, Jr., wounded the President of the United States, wounded two police officers, and crippled the President's press secretary, all with a six-shot RG-14 .22LR revolver.

Kevin