How Do You Answer "Why Do You Carry a Gun?"

[Dozer]

There have not been many times that I have had to answer this question, but it has come up. My answer usually goes something like "It is my most important job to keep myself and my family safe, and this is the best tool that I have to do so." Sometimes I just say something about it being my job, and leave it at that (I am not a LEO). I have mostly gotten this question from family, but there was one time in a Walmart that I inadvertently let my shirt ride up too high and my gun was briefly exposed (that's when I said "it's my job" and left it at that). It was just a bit uncomfortable, for reasons I can't clearly define. New Mexico is an open carry state, so the fact that it was exposed was no big deal. Just wondering how others answer this question.

[border bandit32]

"because I can't carry a COP"!!

[500KV]

"because I can't carry a COP"!!

That's a classic.

What's that old statement; I've seen it in people's sig. on various forums?
Something like *I carry a gun because I'm too old to fight anymore. A young guy will kick your a$$ but an old man will kill you*
LOL.

[Dogman]

How about, because I can't throw a rock 1000 fps.

[Dietrich]

There have been several instances in my life when I found myself in the wrong place at the wrong time.Some of the places were Honkey Tonks in my youth and I have since learned to avoid them. However,two years ago I had a mugger pull a knife on me in a ******* Barrel parking lot and I had an event with a crazed druggie at a traffic light.Both were resolved without bloodshed thank God,but there wasn`t a cop anywhere near me either. I didn`t have my cc permit at the ******* Barrel but I did have a shotgun handy.The police can`t protect me from all the evil people in this world so I either have to be ready to protect my loved ones or let them be hurt. I`m not going to let any harm come to them as long as I have the breath of life in me. That`s why I carry a gun.I pray that I never have to use it.

[ltxi]

I really like your "WalMart" response...good answer. My friends and family would never even think to ask the question. As to anyone else......well 500KV and Dogman just gave me two good additions to my limited repertoire of snappy comebacks. But, I honestly can't remember the last time that anyone who knows me has asked.

As to the slightly different question of "Are you carrying a gun?", I've found that "yeah" coupled with a "why are you asking" look works pretty well.

[MisterAnderson]

...for the same reasons I have fire extinguishers and wear my seatbelt.

[Zippo Guy]

Because I can.

[steve666]

Why I carry a gun???

Because I don't run, I carry a gun!

[Dietrich]

Oh yeah,I should have added this to my response. There`s only three people who know I carry a gun. The less people who know the better I like it.

[.45mac.40]

Me ?
Haven't been asked by anyone except afew close family members.
I jokingly tell them, we might get "over runned" at the HEB, Wally World ..etc.
I have stated, that since I'm retired military... I just feel better about being armed, just in case... and for our protection. Seems to stop the topic and/or change the conversation.
Seems as though, there really isn't, that much concern. Some people just like to ask, but aren't that deep into tha' issue.
Who ? On an other BBS, stated: "Put it on, cover it up AND leave it alone !"
Mac

[zena]

I was recently asked this question while out to dinner with old friends of my partner who had just "outed" me as carrying. (Why, I don't know. Later was informed this was my story to tell, if ever.) Being put on the spot with people I didn't know well, my answer was "Because I can." When I went on to say I felt it my responsibility to protect my family, GOD FORBID IT EVER CAME TO THAT, how guilty I would feel if I wasn't prepared to defend them and something bad happened, he just stopped me and wouldn't let me go on. Didn't want to hear it. Said we parted ways with that kind of thinking. I dropped it because he was obviously someone whose mind was closed......Don't expect any solutions from you guys. Just wanted to share a frustrating moment. Think next time I'll opt to stir the pot as opposed to trying to keep the peace with partners friends. I was never really asked by a hostile before.

[1911fanatic]

Most of the time I tell people "It's my duty to carry a gun." and wait for a response. If I get one I know they are at least curious to here more.:33:

[laker1]

Why do I carry?

Well, I am trained, criminally and mentally background checked, and government sanctioned to protect myself and family. In addition its been held in the Supreme Court that cops have no duty to protect the individual and anyway they get there after the crime. So,tell me where violent crime never happens and I won't need a gun. END OF Story!

[Bigcube]

How about "I would rather have a gun and not need it than need a gun and not have it"