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

[f44life]

my whole family things im silly to carry a gun including my fiance...i just tell them its an extra safety belt, i have it on but i hope i wont need to use it

[Recycooler]

Because someone stole my tinfoil hat and when I find them I'm going to take it back ! ( then just stare at them )

Or "have you ever read the United States Constitution before?"

[wyntrout]

A little levity:

Seems a guy cruises thru a stop sign and gets pulled over by a local policeman. Guy hands the cop his driver's license, insurance verification, plus his concealed carry permit.

"Okay, Mr. Smith," the cop says, "I see your CCW permit. Are you carrying today?"

"Yes, I am."

"Well then, better tell me what you got."

Smith says, "Well, I got a .357 revolver in my inside coat pocket. There's a 9mm semi-auto in the glove box. And, I've got a .22 magnum derringer in my right boot."

"Okay," the cop says. "Anything else?"

"Yeah, back in the trunk, there's an AR15 and a shotgun. That's about it."

"Mr. Smith, are you on your way to or from a gun range...?"

"Nope."

"Well then, what are you afraid of...?"

"Not a damn thing..."

[Bawanna]

Because someone stole my tinfoil hat and when I find them I'm going to take it back ! ( then just stare at them )

Or "have you ever read the United States Constitution before?"

Tin Foil Hats rule!

[jocko]

cool wyn, very cool

[mr surveyor]

when seconds count, the cops are only minutes away

[AFVet]

I have never had to answer this question because I don't even tell people that I have guns let alone the fact that I CCW. Outside of my wife, there are only 2 other people I can think of that know.

[dusty10]

Gun? I don't even own any guns. That buldge is my cell phone holder.

[OldLincoln]

Mine is my colostomy container, and my private medical condition is none of your business!!!!! Why are you harassing the handicapped??? Maybe I should call 911 and have you arrested for assault on me just because I'm handicapped!! Manager!!!! This person is harassing me because I'm handicapped!!! I want the police so I can file a complaint!!

[Bawanna]

We prefer to be called physically challenged, at least thats the last PC correct word I heard we're supposed to like.

Personally I answer to pretty much anything and have been call alot worse things.

The bags a good idea though. Might use that in a pinch.

[OldLincoln]

Sorry if I offended you, not my intent. I do PC occasionally, but when screaming at somebody in the middle of a store the "H" word carries a lot of impact.

As for challenged, I used to tease my wife a lot in our younger years for being height challenged (5'2"). I'd remind her to be careful not to skin her knees on the curb, etc. Now that we're 44 years older it's not funny.

Actually another approach might be "Oh, you mean my colostomy container. Why, is it leaking again?" I'd think most people would run away at that one and no screaming.

[Bawanna]

You'll have to try alot harder than that to offend this derelict. My skins tough as rice paper and I eat marshmellows for lunch.

[garyb]

I keep it low key as well. My wife is uncomfortable around guns, even though she was FL State Women's Muzzle loader Champ for several years. Repeating arms make her nervous and it is merely because she is not as familiar as she is with the old smoke pole. She is aware I carry, but out of sight, out of mind. Not much is said about it. She knows why I carry and we both hope it won't ever be necessary.

Anyway, I keep it concealed and don't discuss it. It maintains the surprise factor, reduces challenges, keeps people from asking questions, and no one gets nervous because there is a loaded gun around them. It is simply the wise and best thing to do. Why make it an issue? It just asks for problems, questions, challenges, etc....

But it is nice to share thoughts and ideas with you folks.

[LuckyGunner]

I don't advertise that I carry, but I'm not bothered by friends knowing. Most of my friends know that I'm into firearms. So I normally get asked when can we hit up the range, etc.

On the rare occasion that I do get asked. I normally try to have them explain to me why I shouldn't carry a firearm. I try to use those opportunities to teach them a bit a history about firearms and the Constitution. The PC word for it is teachable moment.

[smokey337]

I live in Texas and everybody carries in Texas. "An armed society is a friendly society!" Right after they passed concealed carry in TX a guy was attacked in Dallas by an unarmed 280 pound guy after they bumped in traffic. The big guy reached into the car, grabbed the guy around they neck and began pounding him in the face. The guy in the vehicle was a CCW holder and managed to pull his 9mm and put one into the guy killing him instantly. It was a big deal because it was the first case brought against a CCW holder. The result: The grand jury no-billed the CCW holder because there was no way for him to retreat. Since that event, TX has passed a Castle law and has also passed a law making your car the equivalent of your home. You can now carry in your vehicle without a permit. BTW crime has decreased significantly in TX since these laws were passed.

Why don't you ask your lib friends if they would allow you to place a sign on them stating that they are unarmed, don't believe in violence of any kind and will dial 911 if attacked.