Some thoughts from a New Licensee
Posted: Wed May 02, 2007 6:44 pm
I've been reflecting on my first few weeks of carrying a handgun and wanted to share some thoughts.
I carry a Glock 19 OWB and my initial fear of EVERYONE knowing is like an amusing dream. I must say that having to wait better than two months ended up being a blessing. I carried darn near every day around the house and that was definitely the key to becoming more comfortable when the plastic arrived. I feel 100% at ease going out into the world with a gun on my side. In fact, there are a few shirts that I'll wear that are not the best choice and I'm still comfortable. I have become hyper-aware of my surroundings and the fact of the matter is: people are oblivious. I was at my kids baseball practice, threw a ball and my shirt came up and exposed the G19 right in front of a few people and they either didn't notice or didn't care. (Granted, his manager is a Constable who has kidded me for carrying at practice - though, not that particular day).
It is very strange to think that I may actually have to use my gun at some point. Would I pull the trigger? In an adrenaline charged moment how am I going to know if I'm making the right call? I realize there are some no-brainer scenarios in which I would not hesitate to discharge my firearm. But, what about the more subtle situation where I may be justified, but a jury of my peers may see things differently? These are things that if one said to me a year ago would be on my mind, I would have laughed in his face. The whole thought of being arrested/indicted is terrifying to me and that's what keeps me thinking, "Am I doing the right thing by carrying a gun!?" I guess it's better to be prepared than having to second-guess myself. Scary, nonetheless.
I'm very thankful for this right and for this great community. I became disabled four years ago and up until I came to the decision to be a gun owner/CHLer I would have been extremely vulnerable - and, still am to a point. Certainly, nowhere nearly so now.
I don't carry absolutely every time I leave the house, though I must say I'm getting to the point where I'm almost feeling naked without it. Longtooth is right - Carry 24/7, or guess right.
Carrying a gun has made me a bit more patient (especially on the roads) and a little calmer overall. It is a huge responsibility and privilege and I am honored to be a part of a special fraternity.
Thank you all for your time - I apologize if I've been too wordy. I just wanted to share some initial thoughts with you all.
Regards.
I carry a Glock 19 OWB and my initial fear of EVERYONE knowing is like an amusing dream. I must say that having to wait better than two months ended up being a blessing. I carried darn near every day around the house and that was definitely the key to becoming more comfortable when the plastic arrived. I feel 100% at ease going out into the world with a gun on my side. In fact, there are a few shirts that I'll wear that are not the best choice and I'm still comfortable. I have become hyper-aware of my surroundings and the fact of the matter is: people are oblivious. I was at my kids baseball practice, threw a ball and my shirt came up and exposed the G19 right in front of a few people and they either didn't notice or didn't care. (Granted, his manager is a Constable who has kidded me for carrying at practice - though, not that particular day).
It is very strange to think that I may actually have to use my gun at some point. Would I pull the trigger? In an adrenaline charged moment how am I going to know if I'm making the right call? I realize there are some no-brainer scenarios in which I would not hesitate to discharge my firearm. But, what about the more subtle situation where I may be justified, but a jury of my peers may see things differently? These are things that if one said to me a year ago would be on my mind, I would have laughed in his face. The whole thought of being arrested/indicted is terrifying to me and that's what keeps me thinking, "Am I doing the right thing by carrying a gun!?" I guess it's better to be prepared than having to second-guess myself. Scary, nonetheless.
I'm very thankful for this right and for this great community. I became disabled four years ago and up until I came to the decision to be a gun owner/CHLer I would have been extremely vulnerable - and, still am to a point. Certainly, nowhere nearly so now.
I don't carry absolutely every time I leave the house, though I must say I'm getting to the point where I'm almost feeling naked without it. Longtooth is right - Carry 24/7, or guess right.
Carrying a gun has made me a bit more patient (especially on the roads) and a little calmer overall. It is a huge responsibility and privilege and I am honored to be a part of a special fraternity.
Thank you all for your time - I apologize if I've been too wordy. I just wanted to share some initial thoughts with you all.
Regards.