what do i give up when i get my ccw?

[OldLincoln]

In the news today: 20 years for firing a warning shot.

(CNN) -- Saying he had no discretion under state law, a judge sentenced a Jacksonville, Florida, woman to 20 years in prison Friday for firing a warning shot in an effort to scare off her abusive husband.
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Yes it is apparently for real, and likely very unjust. People need to realize ours is NOT a system of justice, but a system of laws. How many times do you read about an obviously guilty person let off on a technically or plea bargain. You can be entirely just in defending yourself but if you violate a law in doing so you can be charged for it.

In the case above, if she had done almost anything without a gun involved she may not even have been charged. But fire a gun and a different set of rules apply. It's probably the gun phobia at work here but it is what it is.

I carry everywhere I can but will not draw unless I am threatened, and will not shoot unless in eminent danger. It's the knowledge and understanding you must to be in the position to defend your life without the need to defend yourself in court.

[AIRret]

WOW!!!!!!!! You should have heard my husband when I read him your post!
It is not a justice system, it's a legal system.

Another concern for people with CCW's is the medical use of marijuana. We have a friend who's Wife is fighting cancer for the third time and she won't take medical marijuana during her chemo because her husband would have to give up his CPL.

[wm36]

The only time you can justify your actions is if the bad guy points a gun in your direction. Then you report that and say he had motive, opportunity, and intent based on your observation.

Exactly. Good thoughts OL. I have had my CHL for months but have yet to carry. I keep coming up with these scenarios and can't convince myself that I would handle it correctly. Sticking to defending only yourself or your family is the safest way to go, but what would I really do in some of these situations where you have to decide in an instant? That's what I really have to make sure of before I would carry. Don't really want to have to spend $$$ on lawyers or end up locked up for good intentions but bad judgement.

[jocko]

lots of responsibility when one sticks a gun in his pocket. Just sayin. Actually WM36,IMO it is good that you think about it alot.

I bet George Zimmerman wishs he could take that one night back.

[TheTman]

You have to remember you're not a cop, not a security guard, not a vigilante, and you sure as hell aren't a super hero all of a sudden. Learn to take lip and ignore it. Avoid the "monkey dance" at all costs (someone picking a fight with you to show off in front of his friends or for whatever reason). Go to the USCCA website and do some reading, they have some good info there. Read anything you can regarding use of deadly force by Masaad Ayoob, and other authors that teach self defense. If you have a bad temper, lose it or don't get the CC permit. Check with your homeowners insurance to see if you are covered in case you have to use your gun, I went ahead and got the USCCA Shield which will pay for a lawyer in an SD situation, both criminal and civil courts. Some CC class teachers say you should have a $100K available very quickly in case you have to use your weapon and need a lawyer. There are many things to think about, and it's a great responsibility. As someone pointed out earlier, either in this thread or another, it's not a system of justice, but a system of laws and bottom feeding lawyers. If you see a situation and not sure what exactly is going on, call 911 and observe, don't just jump in the middle of it to defend some woman or something, how many times have husbands and wives fought only to turn on the cop that shows up to break it up.
Now if I saw a group of people beating up an old person, I might have to get involved, but I'd certainly have 911 on the phone and be explaining what is going on and let the people know the cops were on the way without showing my weapon, I might possibly allude to the fact I was armed by sweeping my jacket back or something, but wouldn't draw unless they turned on me and I feared for my life. Even that could possibly get me in trouble, but I don't think I could just stand by and let something like that happen. Use your head, and trust your gut and always call the cops if you can. Once you pull your gun out, things may and probably will begin to spiral out of control, and you just don't know what will happen. Remember that no good deed goes unpunished.
I personally like to stay in well lit areas at night, and blend into crowds when I can, and make myself as inconspicuous as possible. I never stare at anyone unless they obviously are putting on a good natured show for people, I don't wear flashy jewelry or watches or anything someone might be tempted to grab. I am extra nice to people, hold doors open for people and do things like that, just so no one has any reason to mess with me. If someone bumps into me in a store or somewhere crowded, I say excuse me and go on without looking back (and check my wallet and see if it's still there). Acting the tough guy is liable to escalate into something you don't want.
I also don't go to places that are known trouble spots. Sometimes I'm on my bike and some guys wearing colors will come into the place I'm at. Usually if you ignore them they will ignore you. A polite nod in passing is all that needs to be said usually.
Who was it? Robert Heinlein I think that said an "armed society is a polite society".

[HDoc]

You can have either a temper or a gun. You may not have both at the same time.

+1; well said

[SGT405]

I have been a police officer(Sgt) in Va. For 35 years. In order to use deadly force justifiably 3 criteria must be met.
1-you must be in fear of death or grave bodily harm(or someone around you).
2-the attack must be immediate and unavoidable.
3-the attacker must have the means to carry out the threat.

As for carrying concealed. You get an application from the clerk of the court of you jurisdiction. You must have completed a handgun safety course or have prior training like the military or hunting safety course. Once the app is returned the state has 45 days to approve it or the actual application becomes your permit until the approval comes, so make a photocopy.
You can carry in any establishment that serves alcohol as long as you don't drink. You can carry in a house of worship "with good cause". You cannot carry on federal property unless it's on the approved list. No airport property, no courts, no post office. Remember, some airports like Dulles have private access roads. They are considered federal property.
If you carry concealed properly and discretely no one will no you are carrying. The gun is your weapon of last resort. It is the final option.
Good luck.

[mr surveyor]

I have been a police officer(Sgt) in Va. For 35 years. In order to use deadly force justifiably 3 criteria must be met.
1-you must be in fear of death or grave bodily harm(or someone around you).
2-the attack must be immediate and unavoidable.
3-the attacker must have the means to carry out the threat.

As for carrying concealed. You get an application from the clerk of the court of you jurisdiction. You must have completed a handgun safety course or have prior training like the military or hunting safety course. Once the app is returned the state has 45 days to approve it or the actual application becomes your permit until the approval comes, so make a photocopy.
You can carry in any establishment that serves alcohol as long as you don't drink. You can carry in a house of worship "with good cause". You cannot carry on federal property unless it's on the approved list. No airport property, no courts, no post office. Remember, some airports like Dulles have private access roads. They are considered federal property.
If you carry concealed properly and discretely no one will no you are carrying. The gun is your weapon of last resort. It is the final option.
Good luck.

perfect advice!

[CJB]

I always thought the greatest thing given up when carrying a weapon was fear....

[SGT405]

I always thought the greatest thing given up when carrying a weapon was fear....

That can be a two edged sword. Fear is healthy. It keeps us away from situations that are dangerous. Fear is a survival instinct, use it to your advantage. Controlling it is the key.