Do you conceal carry?

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 21:35:01 -0400

Given all the threats being circulated about ISIS attacks here in the states, do you conceal carry?

Response by SN Kevin Townsend made Oct 8 at 2014 9:39 PM

SN Kevin Townsend — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 21:39:50 -0400

I don't walk out of my house without a firearm on me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 1:27 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 01:27:20 -0400

Yes, I carry for my personal protection and that of my family.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Oct 9 at 2014 12:14 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 12:14:05 -0400

I carry open. The state I currently live in and my home state are both open carry states, although you can get a permit and carry concealed. I find that open carry is a better deterrent for crime. I'm not saying I have ever thwarted a Circle K robbery because I was openly wearing a 45, but it puts in the mind of potential future thugs, and everyone for that matter, that people in America still are willing and able to defend themselves and not become helpless victims. Believe it or not, I am against conceal carry, but am very pro open carry. If the question, as in this case is weather or not to carry to protect against terrorist attacks on the Homeland, than DEFFINITELY carry open so these bastards know we are ready to fight.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 4:40 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 16:40:30 -0400

Folks....I'm sorry...is it me or does this not make sense? If you DO conceal carry...why would you answer this question in a public forum - and RP is a public forum....

Answering this question for conceal carriers is absolutely foolish..........

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 4:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 16:45:59 -0400

I conceal carry when authorized (I live in MD, so that's not very often); but this is due to me enjoying it.

As far as an ISIL threat.... that's pretty low on the radar compared to other threads that exist on U.S. streets....

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 5:16 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 17:16:22 -0400

I think everyone should conceal carry not because they should have a gun but if everyone took the concealed class and informed themselves that would be so many responsible people out there should bad things go down.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Oct 9 at 2014 5:31 PM

SSG Maurice P. — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 17:31:05 -0400

i don't because i would have to drop it off every morning before i go on state property and if i forget and get caught with it then i'm an inmate at Angola hehehehehehehehehe

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 9 at 2014 5:57 PM

SPC David S. — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 17:57:29 -0400

Number one rule of conceal carry is not to tell others you are carrying.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 6:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 18:33:18 -0400

No... but this will change very soon.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Oct 9 at 2014 6:58 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 18:58:52 -0400

"Be polite, be professional and have a plan to kill everyone you meet." Name that quote. That being said ISIL is a lower threat in the states than random active shooters: this article is interestingly comforting.
http://www.brookings.edu/research/articles/2014/09/30-syria-foreign-fighters-byman-shapiro

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 12:29 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 12:29:35 -0400

I'm with Copeland, I open carry because I feel like if someone can see my 45, they will be less likely to do anything that will threaten my life or the lives of the people around me.

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Oct 10 at 2014 2:10 PM

SGT Alicia Brenneis — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 14:10:54 -0400

This may sound harsh or crude but when I was deployed I knew who the enemy was. At home it could be anyone of any race, creed, or origin. I am not a paranoid person but I'm also not going to get caught with my head in a hole.

Response by SSG Selwyn Bodley made Oct 10 at 2014 3:38 PM

SSG Selwyn Bodley — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 15:38:33 -0400

Always

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 9:40 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 21:40:22 -0400

I always have a pistol on me when I leave post, because you never know when you will need to protect yourself or your family.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Oct 12 at 2014 10:14 PM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 22:14:49 -0400

no, but hubby does.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2014 8:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 20:33:32 -0400

This goes back to a post a while back where they were asking to describe the types of weapons you own, ummm NO, and nunya

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2014 9:40 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 21:40:51 -0400

sometimes but not at work (they frown on that kind of thing). I do when I ride.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2014 1:49 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 01:49:16 -0400

I don't but I probably should. Not because ISIS, but I live in downtown where in the last month there have been 4 fatal shootings within a 4 mile radius of me.

In fact the only time I have been close to real gun fire was in a bar on 7 June 2012 when two thugs decided to have it out OK Coral style across the street with two civilian M-16 type weapons. The "victim" if you want to call him that who was fired on first, but managed to get off one shot before dying of a fatal wound with half his off. However, that shot went into the bar I was in, we were on the floor behind the bar on the phone with 911. There still is the bullet hole on the wall in that bar to this day.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2014 12:13 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 12:13:45 -0400

I open carry because it's legal.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2014 12:15 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 12:15:39 -0400

Absolutely. I carry everyday. In the exact same Comp-Tac M-Tac holster pictured above...
Better to have it and never need it than need it and not have it...

Response by LTC Paul Heinlein made Nov 9 at 2014 11:16 AM

LTC Paul Heinlein — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 11:16:35 -0500

The real question is not if I do, but how many?

Response by SGT Charles Kime made Nov 10 at 2014 12:28 AM

SGT Charles Kime — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 00:28:25 -0500

I carry, not concealed, as permitted in my state.

Response by CPT Steven Harder made Nov 14 at 2014 2:01 PM

CPT Steven Harder — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 14:01:33 -0500

Always! Except in the shower, then it's within arms reach.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 2:09 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 14:09:12 -0500

Yes I carry but it is not because I am nervous of ISIS. It is for the protection for my family and myself.

Response by SSG James Doherty made Nov 14 at 2014 3:03 PM

SSG James Doherty — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 15:03:48 -0500

Why conceal when you can just open carry and scare everyone?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 6:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 18:49:52 -0500

I do carry but not for any threat from ISIS, but because we live in an imperfect world and it is my right to do so.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 11:53 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 11:53:46 -0500

I assume everyone is also, until proven otherwise. Most time, I can tell a conceal carrier.

Response by SPC Travis Grizzard made Nov 20 at 2014 6:06 AM

SPC Travis Grizzard — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 06:06:35 -0500

I open carry

Response by SSgt William Hamilton made Feb 4 at 2015 2:05 PM

SSgt William Hamilton — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:05:05 -0500

Depends where i am going, who I am with, and the circumstances

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 2:08 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:08:34 -0500

None of anyone's business..

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 1:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 01:13:29 -0500

absoulutely....end of story...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 1:23 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 01:23:56 -0500

Every time I leave the house. Around the house I sometimes have a Ruger LCP in my pocket.

Response by 1SG Eric Rice made Feb 5 at 2015 5:44 AM

1SG Eric Rice — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 05:44:38 -0500

When I am in the States I carry everywhere I am legally allowed to. But since I am in Japan I am unable to carry. Carrying concealed requires a lifestyle change and is not to be taken lightly. Everything changes when you holster your weapon and walk out the door.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 10:24 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 10:24:37 -0500

I used to and will again. Due to financial circumstances, I had to sell my prior handguns, but fully intend to purchase again once it is feasible. I'm looking at a S&W Bodyguard 380 (though I can't decide on w/ the laser, or w/o)

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Feb 26 at 2015 11:34 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 11:34:06 -0500

If I told you it wouldn't be concealed.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 26 at 2015 11:38 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 11:38:03 -0500

Only if awake and on days that end in "Y"

Response by SFC Lewis Johnson made Feb 26 at 2015 11:45 AM

SFC Lewis Johnson — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 11:45:59 -0500

I carry, sometimes concealed and sometimes not.
I carry not to protect and defend myself.
I carry:
to protect and defend my Family
to protect and defend my Friends
to protect and defend those who do not have the ability to do so for themselves
to protect and defend my Nation.
Some have asked why do you not carry to defend God...... God protects and defends us. We just need to pay attention and follow the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth!!!
If they're still movin', keep movin' and shootin'.

Response by SSG Christopher Parrish made Feb 26 at 2015 1:26 PM

SSG Christopher Parrish — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 13:26:07 -0500

Let me answer your question with a response that is easily determined without me publicly admitting it.

I am a TX CHL Instructor, Texas Military Forces CHL Instructor and run a side business that teaches self defense (H2H and armed).

You will never know if/when I'm carrying or not, unless something has gone horribly wrong.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Feb 26 at 2015 3:07 PM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 15:07:01 -0500

Anytime I am not on post, I always carry.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 7:17 PM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 19:17:32 -0500

Yes. I also have to be super careful to not forget leaving one weapon (or two) in the car when going on post.

Response by MSgt Allan Vrboncic made Feb 26 at 2015 8:26 PM

MSgt Allan Vrboncic — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 20:26:59 -0500

I am concealed carrying every time I leave my house. At home my weapon is always within arms reach.

Response by MSgt Allan Vrboncic made Feb 26 at 2015 8:36 PM

MSgt Allan Vrboncic — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 20:36:38 -0500

And if you answer Yes without making a post about it then no one knows. Right?

Response by SSgt Rilene Ann made Feb 26 at 2015 8:39 PM

SSgt Rilene Ann — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 20:39:22 -0500

I live in Fairbanks Alaska where it is no big deal as if go into the wild or just ski on river in a normal winter can run into moose, wolverine etc.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 7:49 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 19:49:55 -0500

Noting personal, but this is not a question I will answer on the Intertubes.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Mar 4 at 2015 7:59 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 19:59:47 -0500

If a person told you whether or not they carried concealed, would that not defeat the purpose?

Response by MSgt Steve Miller made Apr 8 at 2015 8:41 PM

MSgt Steve Miller — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 20:41:17 -0400

Absolutely, Arizona is a major gun state.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Apr 8 at 2015 8:48 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 20:48:12 -0400

Historically yes, now no. The difference is that I am not working on post every day. Where it is prohibited....

Response by SPC Patrick Gearardo made Apr 8 at 2015 9:06 PM

SPC Patrick Gearardo — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 21:06:47 -0400

Even before ISIS was around.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 9:11 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 21:11:19 -0400

CANT - Carry Always, Never Tell.

Response by Cpl Karl Gleason made Apr 8 at 2015 9:12 PM

Cpl Karl Gleason — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 21:12:37 -0400

Carrying a handgun is like having jumper cables in your truck. I would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

Response by CPO Andy Wright made Apr 9 at 2015 9:14 AM

CPO Andy Wright — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 09:14:00 -0400

Absolutely. My family relies on me to protect as well as provide - it would be foolish not to.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 9 at 2015 9:27 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 09:27:05 -0400

Remember -
When every second counts ...
The police are only minutes away...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 9:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 09:53:26 -0400

"Sheep, Wolves, and Sheep Dogs". Everyone that voted in this post is in one of these 3 categories. If you're not sure which one of the 3 you fall in to, you may be a sheep....?

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 4 at 2015 12:11 AM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 00:11:48 -0400

I can't conceal a broadsword.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 12:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 00:17:59 -0400

Other. I have a conceal-carry license but I rarely use it. Generally if I'm going on road trips, when I usually carry cash or will be sleeping in my vehicle. Where I live is pretty quiet, and I am not convinced that ISIL is the threat it is played up to be. Run-of-the-mill criminals are more dangerous/likely.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 4 at 2015 11:35 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 11:35:47 -0400

Only when necessary, I try to be aware of my location, and where I am going. To be honest, I prefer not to discharge and would handle a situation though non-violent or non-lethal means (if it resorts to violence).

I have never and wish to never have to use my pistol for self defense.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 12:20 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 12:20:32 -0400

Im not paranoid but i pack in my car. Not in my person.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jun 4 at 2015 1:22 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 13:22:04 -0400

Full frame 1911 A-1 mil Spec with self defense rounds and normally one extra mag!

Response by PFC Courtney Hilliard made Jun 4 at 2015 1:37 PM

PFC Courtney Hilliard — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 13:37:58 -0400

I currently don't carry, but my husband and I both are in the process of getting our CHLs. Honestly, not because of every brings ok gnome its ISIS, but everything going on with the government instead. I don't trust them as far as I can throw them, and I only weigh 110 lbs soaking wet. Unfortunately, I work somewhere where I can't carry, so it's really only in the evenings. I'd feel much better if I could legally stay armed 24/7. I'd feel as if our son were safer as well.

Response by PFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 1:47 PM

PFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 13:47:00 -0400

Another comment about carrying concealed and voting yes not making sense for me thinking so here's why I don't see an issue with carrying concealed and idenitifying that I do on this poll:

I don't conceal carry in secret. The fact that I carry is not what I am concealing... I personally aim to conceal my weapon. This protects those around me and prevents them from feeling unsafe in my presence based on their knowledge or lack thereof on firearms or simply if they do not know me to assess my character.

Concealed carrying for me is about self defense and if I see Joe Schmoe at the grocery store im not concerned with if he saw me vote yes on RP. I'm concerned with his wife and child staring me down being a young black female toting an openly carried pistol to buy milk.

I honestly just skip open carrying bc it's more trouble than it's worth and when it comes to self defense, I find as a woman (I say this bc it's the only experience I know so please don't call me sexist, lol) it's better to be underestimated as any attacker that's prepared for their victim is at an advantage.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Jun 4 at 2015 2:57 PM

CSM Michael Poll — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 14:57:29 -0400

I carry everywhere except at work, only because it is against the law to carry a fire arm onto postal property.

Response by Sgt Michael Mcelprang made Jun 4 at 2015 4:13 PM

Sgt Michael Mcelprang — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 16:13:59 -0400

Sig Sauer one regular mag and two spare 15 round mags

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Jun 4 at 2015 4:27 PM

CPT Chris Loomis — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 16:27:39 -0400

All I'll say is this: If I've got skivvies on I'm wearing a gun....

Response by CPL Zachariah Chitwood made Jun 4 at 2015 4:38 PM

CPL Zachariah Chitwood — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 16:38:18 -0400

I've carried concealed for ten years. ISIS/ISIL has no bearing on that, other than another reason for me to be alert.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jun 4 at 2015 4:41 PM

1LT William Clardy — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 16:41:18 -0400

If I were the type to carry a concealed weapon for personal security, ISIS would be very low on my list of probable threats.

My own, statistically based, threat assessment is that I face a much higher likelihood of being effectively engaged by armed angry drivers or alpha-personality law-enforcement officers than would-be jihadists. Not to mention that the latter group has one of the lowest hit probabilities demonstrated so far -- coming in second place when using a pair of AKs against a traffic cop is not something that will send your enemies fleeing in terror. Just saying.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 5:37 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 17:37:31 -0400

I can't wait to carry a gun on my hip and go looking for bad guys. Maybe I'll get me a medal! I'll be all like "I got you, Osama Bin Laden!!" Pew pew pew pew pew.

'Murica.

Response by PFC Alex Rivers made Jun 15 at 2015 6:31 PM

PFC Alex Rivers — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 18:31:22 -0400

I would like to, even if isis isn't in the area. Its never a bad idea to have a self and home defense option.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 15 at 2015 10:16 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 22:16:41 -0400

I'm in Idaho now. Very rural with lots of critters trying to get at your chickens. There's a high percentage of folk who carry all the time. Open carry is completely legal. Lots of concealed permits around too. Interesting enough, Idaho shut the Feds out on "accessories" including suppressors which if made in Idaho and owned by a resident within the borders is legal too. The Feds will bite you if you take it out of state.

Response by SFC Jeff Stevenson made Jun 19 at 2015 6:26 AM

SFC Jeff Stevenson — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 06:26:38 -0400

I carry at times, but when I do not feel the need to carry, I won't. The ability to carry never means that you must and there are times it interferes with what's going on and there is a reason it's called CONCEALED.

Response by SGT Edward Thomas made Jun 19 at 2015 6:28 AM

SGT Edward Thomas — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 06:28:05 -0400

Yes

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 19 at 2015 6:29 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 06:29:55 -0400

I voted yes. I don't conceal carry at the moment because I need a gun that is more suited than my Glock 17 for concealed carry, probably a Glock 42 or the new 43 and a good IWB holster (probably Alien Gear), but I do have a CWP (Concealed Weapons Permit) because I WILL carry concealed one of these days.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Jun 19 at 2015 9:31 AM

CSM David Heidke — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 09:31:53 -0400

Is this a chick!?

What gun toting male wears a 31 inch waist and has room for a S&W in the belt! LOL!

or He must be 13 years old...

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jun 19 at 2015 10:12 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 10:12:09 -0400

As long as I am not projected to go onto the base, I carry.

Response by LCDR Bruce Cooley made Jun 19 at 2015 10:23 AM

LCDR Bruce Cooley — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 10:23:01 -0400

I wish that California, and in particular my county, would NOT have such steep requirements to even consider granting a permit. IF they did, I would.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jun 19 at 2015 10:31 AM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 10:31:34 -0400

there is only one way to find out........

Response by MSgt Niclas Svensson made Oct 4 at 2015 6:19 AM

MSgt Niclas Svensson — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 06:19:24 -0400

I did when I was stationed out in AZ, but now I can't because I moved to the stupid state of NJ. I still carry when in my home state of PA though.

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Oct 4 at 2015 6:24 AM

SSgt David Tedrow — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 06:24:44 -0400

I am fortunate to be a LEO so concealed carry is much easier for me throughout the country. I also have a SC and UT concealed carry permit which gives me coverage in 40 states. I carry or have a gun near me 24/7.

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Oct 4 at 2015 6:30 AM

SSgt David Tedrow — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 06:30:48 -0400

http://concealednation.org/2015/08/top-20-most-popular-concealed-carry-firearms-2015-edition/

Response by PO1 Michael Dumm made Oct 4 at 2015 9:44 AM

PO1 Michael Dumm — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 09:44:01 -0400

Kimber Ultra Carry II in .45 cal.
Carry all day, everyday.

Response by SGT Jimmy Carpenter made Oct 4 at 2015 10:42 AM

SGT Jimmy Carpenter — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 10:42:50 -0400

I have several firearms that I can carry depending on what I'm wearing. Since I live in Florida and typically wear shorts and tee shirts the majority of time, I tend to carry a "pocket pistol", Ruger LCP. I've also got a Springfield XDs .45 and subcompact 9mm

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Oct 4 at 2015 12:25 PM

PVT Robert Gresham — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 12:25:13 -0400

SSgt David Tedrow I absolutely love my Springfield XDs, .45 3.3". Small and lightweight, and it still holds 8 .45 caliber rounds with an extended magazine. I always carry it, except where illegal to do so, of course. As for advice, just follow the safety rules that are basic to all firearms and, in addition, these excellent rules set out in freerepublic.com:

1. YOUR CONCEALED WEAPON IS FOR PROTECTION OF LIFE ONLY. Draw it solely in preparation to protect yourself or an innocent third party from the wrongful and criminal activities of another.

2. KNOW EXACTLY WHEN YOU CAN USE YOUR WEAPON. A criminal adversary must have or reasonably appear to have:

A. The ABILITY to inflict serious bodily injury. He is armed or reasonably appears to be armed.

B. The OPPORTUNITY to inflict serious bodily harm. He is positioned to harm you with his weapon, and,

C. His INTENT (hostile actions or words) indicates that he means to place you in jeopardy - to do you serious or fatal physical harm.

When all three of these "attack potential" elements are in place simultaneously, then you are facing a reasonably perceived deadly threat that justifies an emergency deadly force response. Note that these conditions may be defined differently in certain circumstances. For example, a small woman may be justified in using deadly force with a handgun against a much stronger male who is unarmed and attempting to rape or kill her. For a male vs. male encounter the defendant probably would not be justified unless possibly if he was physically handicapped, elderly, etc. This is known as disparity of force.

3. IF YOU CAN RUN AWAY SAFELY- RUN!

Just because you are armed doesn't necessarily mean that you must confront a bad guy at gunpoint. Develop your situation awareness skills so that you can be alert to detect and avoid trouble as much as possible. Keep in mind that if you successfully evade a potential confrontation, the single negative consequence involved might only be your bruised ego, which should heal quickly with mature rationalization. But if you force a confrontation, and it escalates into deadly force, you risk the possibility of death or serious injury to yourself and any friends, family members, or innocent bystanders that may be present. Also you face the possibility of criminal liability and/or financial ruin from a civil lawsuit as a result of your actions. Flee if you can - fight only as a last resort.

Naturally, there are circumstances in which you may be able to flee but it would not be in your best interest or judgment to do so. For example, a situation that you could easily flee from when alone may be difficult to safely avoid if your family was with you. Also it may be a judgment/ethics call on whether or not to fight or flee based on what is happening to potential victims around you. Use good judgment on how you will react to any given circumstance.

4. DISPLAY YOUR WEAPON, GO TO JAIL.

You should expect to be arrested by police at gunpoint, and be charged with a crime anytime your concealed handgun is seen by another citizen in public, regardless of how unintentional, innocent, or justified the situation might seem.

Choose a method of carry that reliably keeps your gun hidden from public view at all times. You have no control over how a stranger will react to seeing (or learning about) your concealed weapon. He of she might become alarmed and report you as a "man or woman with a gun". Depending on his or her feelings about firearms, this person might maliciously embellish their story in an attempt to have your gun seized by police or in order to get you arrested. Even though your jacket only blew open for a moment, giving a brief glimpse of your gun, that person may tell the police that you were waving it around like a homicidal maniac. An alarmed citizen who reports a "man or woman with a gun" is going to be a lot more credible to police than you are when you are stopped because you match the "suspect's" description and you are found to have a concealed handgun in your possession. Before you deliberately expose your gun in public, ask yourself "is this worth going to jail for?" The only time this question should warrant a "yes" response is when an adversary has at least both the ABILITY and INTENT and is actively seeking the OPPORTUNITY to do you great harm.

It is also not usually a very good idea to let too many people know that you carry a gun. This fact should be limited to your immediate family and select friends who are "gun people" also. Please, for your sake and the sake of others around you - be discreet!

5. DON'T LET YOUR EMOTIONS GET THE BEST OF YOU.

When you are armed, you must realize that you just lost your right to initiate ANY type of confrontation that could possibly escalate into a violent encounter. You must now have a very mellow attitude on life and your fellow mankind.

You just lost the right to flip off the motorist who just cut you off in traffic. You have to ignore the scumbag who just "wolf-whistled" at your wife/girlfriend. If someone wants to pick a fight with you, you lost the right to respond in any way other than a kind, friendly manner while walking away. As an armed person you must be more likely, and willing, to avoid trouble that an unarmed person would be. You have the legal and moral obligation of de-escalating any situation that you are presented with unless you are faced by someone displaying all three of the "attack potential" elements. Carrying a loaded firearm among your fellow citizens is an awesome responsibility that is not to be taken lightly.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Oct 4 at 2015 1:14 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 13:14:02 -0400

I have a carry permit that allows concealed or open carry in Iowa. I do not carry right now but do have a question for those that do. For an automatic pistol, do you have a round in the chamber or just a magazine in the pistol? I know the latter is safer but also slows down the response time. Interested in hearing advice from you all out there.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2015 1:38 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 13:38:14 -0400

I neither denial nor confirm :)

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Oct 4 at 2015 1:41 PM

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 13:41:34 -0400

CCW permitted in a state that does not require a permit, but has reciprocal agreements with 32 other states. Here is a study which supports the argument for Concealed Carry:
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/138894094.html

Cato Institute study says armed citizens prevent thousands of crimes

Researchers at the Cato Institute have reviewed eight years worth of news reports about shooting in self-defense and conclude, "the vast majority of gun owners are ethical and competent, and tens of thousands of crimes are prevented each year by ordinary citizens with guns."

Response by SPC Nick Lai made Oct 4 at 2015 2:14 PM

SPC Nick Lai — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 14:14:43 -0400

If it's legal in NYC.

Response by SPC Bryan Guzman-Piedra made Oct 4 at 2015 2:26 PM

SPC Bryan Guzman-Piedra — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 14:26:00 -0400

I carry a firearm absolutely everywhere I go, with exception of on post, since self defense is frowned upon by those who write our laws.

Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made Oct 4 at 2015 2:27 PM

PV2 Scott Goodpasture — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 14:27:02 -0400

It should be mandatory. We are infiltrated. I'll bet you a box of Krispy Kremes that every Swiss of age has a gun and has been trained to use it in the event. When I was much younger there was a civil defense. Good Americans willing to pick up arms in the event. The government should be passing outammo at this point. Especially with the open borders to the south and north and the influx of refugees. It's almost as though the government wants us to be defenseless in the inevitable attack on our own soil. The Japaneese would have never tried to attack the homeland directly because they knew there was a well armed citizen behind every blade of grass

Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made Oct 4 at 2015 2:28 PM

PV2 Scott Goodpasture — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 14:28:29 -0400

I'll never tell

Response by Cpl Clinton Britt made Oct 4 at 2015 2:48 PM

Cpl Clinton Britt — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 14:48:10 -0400

I have taken the class and passed. The only benefit for me is being able to buy multiple fire arms. That and it cost like 100.00

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Oct 4 at 2015 2:51 PM

SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 14:51:13 -0400

I got the permit but I haven't found the right holster for my gun. Probably gonna have to find something smaller than a Sig Sauer P229.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Oct 4 at 2015 6:21 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 18:21:38 -0400

Every Day!

Response by SPC Greg Osler made Oct 6 at 2015 12:22 PM

SPC Greg Osler — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 12:22:10 -0400

I carry a small frame .45, shoots a better group than that LCP I used to carry.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Oct 9 at 2015 6:01 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 18:01:29 -0400

Yes I do.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2015 8:29 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 08:29:44 -0400

I have my CCW. I carry when I'm not traveling to the base. Parts of the surrounding area can be rough. I'm not looking for a fight and my weapon is a last resort.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2015 12:05 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 00:05:31 -0400

I’ve had several guns that I would carry depending on the weather and what I was wearing. Usually it was the biggest gun I could effectively conceal. A few months ago I purchased a SIG P320 9mm compact and it’s rendered my other handguns obsolete for the most part. I’ll still stick the Ruger LCP or Ruger LCR in my pocket if I’m just running out real quick, but my go to is the P320. It’s everything I need in a handgun. Plenty of capacity, 15+1, great ergonomics, best factory trigger than any other striker fired handgun, and it conceals well. I have a friend that works at SIG, located here in NH. I was able to get his 50% discount. I bought the gun which came with two mags, bought an additional mag and the total was $379.

For holsters I’ve experimented with different types, almost all inside the waistband. I’ve found what works best for me are the Alien Gear and N82 holsters. The N82’s are most comfortable when driving or sitting for long periods and they’re easy to put on. The Alien Gear holsters conceal a little better, have adjustments for cant, retention, and depth, conceal better than the N82, and are more comfortable wearing throughout the day. I also use a Smarycarry holster when wearing elastic waistband shorts.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Dec 5 at 2015 1:20 PM

SSG Robert Webster — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 13:20:35 -0500

I open carry and conceal carry.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 5 at 2015 2:37 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 14:37:56 -0500

No I am afraid of shooting my foot.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2016 8:13 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 20:13:21 -0400

Almost always when not on duty on base

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 25 at 2016 2:16 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 25 Dec 2016 02:16:41 -0500

Why do you need to know?

Response by SFC George Smith made Dec 26 at 2016 12:32 AM

SFC George Smith — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 00:32:33 -0500

I Pack and since the Bastards are trying to obtain Body armor...
I switched from a .45ACP or a .38 Spl to a M-57 Yugo with a 7.62 x25 round... with "subgun" ammo it will defeat type 2 and 3A/B Body armor...

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Apr 30 at 2017 10:16 PM

SP5 Robert Ruck — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 22:16:46 -0400

I carry concealed under Title 18 USC The Officer Safety Act. It has nothing to do with ISIS but with the fact that at best police response may take 20 minutes and I would rather be standing and able to answer questions rather than lying down as another unsolved murder.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made May 1 at 2017 3:11 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Mon, 01 May 2017 15:11:32 -0400

Not necessarily because if ISIS but for my own and my families self defense. Also I carry in accordance with my 2nd Amendment Right. I have had a permit for several years in 2 counties here in Central California (Sacramento and Roseville Counties.)
When I posted this comment I could not see where my answer to the question appears. So, for the record, yes I do carry concealed.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2017 2:19 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 14:19:08 -0400

All the time... Except, ironically, when I'm in uniform and at work in the US Army.
I carry a Springfield XD40 in an AlienGear IWB holster. If I am going into a sketchy or unknown place, I will carry two extra magazines (one JHP, one FMJ)

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2017 2:31 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 14:31:00 -0400

When we lived in the big city, concealed carry was absolutely necessary, and not because of ISIS. There were rapes, robberies, and assaults happening regularly. We lived across the street from a "carry out" which was robbed several times (and we lived in one of the quieter, more desireable neighborhoods). Since FINALLY retiring from work, the wife and I moved to a very pleasant RURAL SETTING, about seven miles from a small city. The neighbors are wonderful, friendly, and we seldom hear of much violence. When we lived in the city, you had better believe we both carried. Now, it is no longer necessary. When we go "to the city" we might well be carrying, depending upon where we go. Otherwise, it is not necessary.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2020 1:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 13:44:09 -0400

Nope. Have an M240B mounted on my Outback. Got a real sweet deal on it too.

Response by SSgt Dave Thompson made Nov 14 at 2020 7:43 PM

SSgt Dave Thompson — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 19:43:23 -0500

As a Security Team trainer the students that open carry our "blue guns" in a training scenario are the first targets.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jun 30 at 2021 3:27 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 15:27:19 -0400

YYYEEEEESSSSSSSSSS

Response by Sgt Larry Irvine made Jun 30 at 2021 5:45 PM

Sgt Larry Irvine — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 17:45:01 -0400

Amen!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2021 10:03 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 22:03:34 -0400

I conceal carry, not worried about terrorists, but the everyday criminal.