Replying before I read any other comments, so as to keep my responses unbiased. My opinion and thoughts may have already been stated by others. I would also like to point out that my thoughts and beliefs are my own, and should not reflect on any other forum members, forum admin, and/or the forums themselves.
Thanks to the OP who made this topic, I find it fascinating. Coming from a country that doesn't allow guns to be carried I find the comments here amazing, insightful and (not directed towards the posters but the situation) kind of abhorrent. Let me clarify. I have nothing but complete respect for those of you who CC. It is borne out of necessity I am guessing. What I find sad, scary et al is that some of us live in places where this is required.
I wouldn't call it necessity, but more precaution. I compare it to my martial arts training... can't say that, since I started, I have ever needed to use that training, and the plan is that I will NEVER need to use it in my lifetime, yet I still train. Let's face it - although I'm much larger and stronger than I used to be (I can thank another love, Highland Heavy Athletics, for that), I'm also much older, and should a situation arise that a younger man decide to leap in, fists flying, I'd like to think I'd be prepared to protect my pretty face.
I also maintain an AMA roadside assistance plan. Hope I never need it, but I'll sure be glad I've got it if I ever do.
I can honestly say that in my 41 years of living I have never ever once felt my life has been threatened. I have been in brawls etc, but I have never been in a life threatening situation. I guess some of us are truly lucky to live in countries where up till now we have been very protected.
Of you that do CC, how many do you think if push came to shove would actually use it? Is it more a point it and threaten or do you think there would be a time / reason to justifiably use it? Again, I am not asking to judge, I am asking because I don't think I would be able to.
I have been around for 45 years myself, and I've only been in a "life threatening" situation once. I used to manage a retail store on the edge of a section of town that wasn't necessarily full of model citizens, and went through an armed robbery. The bad guy had a gun, already drawn, and I calmly did everything he asked of me so that he would go away. CC wasn't allowed on the premises with that employer, but even then, per the aforementioned martial arts training and his proximity to me, I probably could have disarmed him with a fair expectation of success. Again, I calmly did what he asked instead. My first belief, and what I've taught my kids as well, is that discretion is the larger part of valor. If I had felt that my life, or the life of my employees, were in imminent danger, though, my reaction would have been much different.
Having said that, if "push came to shove", I would use whatever resources I had available to defend myself, my family and/or other innocent bystanders if no other option were available. My ultimate hope is that I will never have to do so, but if I have the opportunity to save a life (or lives) through the use of deadly force, I would do so. Without hesitation.
There is no "point and threaten" though. I'm not one who ever open carries (except on the range) even though my state allows for it (personal choice with no ill will to those who do), and my belief is that you shouldn't draw your weapon unless you intend to use it. That's how accidents happen.
Also of you who do CC, do you think you would rather live in a place where guns were banned or are you happy with the "right to bear arms?"
No judging here, truly fascinated.
I definitely prefer to live in a "right to bear arms" environment, and all other discussion aside, I very much enjoy the shooting sports. I love a good day on the range, improving my skill and competing with my wife and friends, and we go regularly.
