Recently some good friends of mine and myself went out shooting with various firearms. One of them is an Air Guardsman and veteran of the Iraq war who also happens to be a weapons aficianado. Our arsenal for the day included the following guns: a couple of AK-47s, a decked-out AR-15, multiple shotguns and pistols of various makes and calibers, and enough ammunition to last four people about three hours. Our little armada must have been making quite the ruckus, because a community some miles away from our safely-isolated shooting range could hear the loud muzzle blasts and even see smoke rising above the hills (I learned this randomly after the fact from another friend when he commented on my Facebook status later on who, unbeknownst to me, happened to be near the same area at the time we were shooting).
Generally I have never been a huge fan of guns or even shot much at all, but I must say that this occasion was a blast, literally! In fact for some time prior to this particular occasion I have been planning to purchase my first firearm, a Glock 19 (9mm) pistol, primarily for last-resort self-defense to be stored most of the time, but also as somewhat of an investment, since guns these days are flying off the shelves and never really lose value when taken care of properly. Naturally while planning my purchase I have been reading up on state gun laws and restrictions, especially on the matter of a concealed weapons permit. Holding a permit essentially allows you to carry a firearm concealed on your person or in your vehicle while in public (except where legally prohibited); however, it is important to know, especially while traveling, that not all states will recognize your state’s permit, and still some will not recognize or even issue any. I found a great site that provides legal information for CCW licenses at CarryConcealed.net, so be sure to take a look if the information interests you.
Personally I do not plan on carrying in a concealed holster (though I do not object at all to the practice), but rather legally store it semi-ready in my car along with a potent pepper/tear-gas spray. It is my belief that the right to own firearms is an important personal privilege in the United States. I also support the practice of carrying concealed, since it in my opinion it adds an extra level of protection for the public. Those I know who do carry concealed are some of the most honest and trustworthy persons I know, ones with whom I would entrust my life without hesitation. Guns are a touchy issue for some, but despite the age-old debate, I am most certain that the populace of any stable country is better served and prepared when its civilians are legally able to own, carry and responsibly utilize their weapons.
So what do you think? Your comments are appreciated!
Hey Nigel,
Great post with some great points. I, too, strongly support our consitutional right to bear arms. But, I have to question your decision to not have a concealed holster on your person when you become legally able to carry your firearm. A firearm does you no good sitting in your car or home, unloaded. You might as well try to hit the intruder over the head with the thing, as it is near useless being kept thus. If you are truly committed to the idea of carrying, you need to be ready and able to use it at a moment’s notice, without taking the time to stop and load the weapon. This delay could cost you your life. I strongly suggest that when you purchase your sidearm, you also purchase the pocket holster as well, and practice drawing your weapon quickly and safely.
Fun times! I vote for more practice.
Nigel,
That is awesome. I just looked at your Facebook pics from when you went shooting. Great stuff!
I actually plan on taking a CCW class this summer. Let me know if you haven’t taken it by the time you get back in Utah, maybe we can go together. I know a girl who teaches and can get us all the info.
xoxo,
Drew
Thanks everyone for the great replies and insights thus far.
Anna, you make great points and I most definitely would consider carrying in some instances, but otherwise in most cases it would seem somewhat unnecessary or “overkill” if you will =).
Sure thing, John!
Drew, I am going to go ahead and get an Alabama CCW license but I will probably get the Utah one as well, as each one is legal in states where the other one isn’t (i.e. Utah CCW is legal in Nevada but not Florida, and vice-versa for Alabama).