While working an RSO shift at the range last week I had the opportunity to speak with two gentlemen on the subject of concealed carry. One man was very interested and had permits in numerous states but not California. His buddy felt like he had no need to carry and cited several mutual friends that felt the same way. Carrying a firearm was inconvenient. So, what’s the best answer?
Choosing to become a legally armed citizen is a huge responsibility and not one to be taken lightly. As Americans and residents of San Diego County we have the right to choose. Concealed carry (CCW) is not for everyone but those that choose not to go armed should do so based on facts and accurate information.
Generally speaking, America is a very safe country and most of us will never encounter a violent criminal. That being said, we should realize that people are murdered, raped, or assaulted everyday in this country. A sobering thought is that someone is experiencing one of those crimes right now while you’re reading this article.
One of the reasons the gentleman not interested in CCW cited was that he didn’t go places where he felt the need. That’s a good thing, you should avoid places that make you nervous.
What you do need to acknowledge is that you are at risk, to some degree, as soon as you walk out your front door. People are victimized in their front yard, in parking lots, during the middle of the day and at many other times and places where most people wouldn’t feel threatened. You don’t need to be in a high crime area in the middle of the night to be victimized. The chances of an encounter with a violent criminal are not as remote as you would think. Criminals will come to you.
The following are some numbers to provide perspective:
- Defensive gun use by legally armed citizens happen about 900,000 times each year. Exact numbers are difficult to establish for a variety of reasons, but the estimates range from about 500,000 to 2.5 million incidents each year.
- Based on the 2016 homicide rate, about one of every 235 citizens will end life as a murder victim
Based on a US Department of Justice (DOJ) study of crime data from 1974 to 1985:
- 42% of Americans will be the victim of a completed violent crime (assault, robbery, rape)
- 83% of Americans will be the victim of an attempted or completed violent crime
- 52% of Americans will be the victim of an attempted or completed violent crime more than once
Part of the CCW lifestyle is consistently practicing good situational awareness or ‘paying attention to what’s going on around you. This is a good habit whether you choose to go armed or not. Another way to avoid trouble is to consistently follow John Farnam’s rules of stupid:
- Don’t go to stupid places
- Don’t do stupid things
- Don’t hang out with stupid people
Choosing whether or not to be a legally armed citizen is a serious decision and one that should be based on facts and accurate information. If you choose the CCW lifestyle embrace it fully. Carry whenever and wherever legally permitted. Commit to lifelong continuous learning. Train and shoot regularly and get involved in the gun community. If you do it this way, you’ll have fun, meet great people, and have a surprisingly rewarding experience.
The right to self-defense is a basic human right. Gun ownership is an integral part of that right. If you want to keep your rights defend them by joining San Diego County Gun Owners (SDCGO) in San Diego, Orange County Gun Owners (OCGO) in Orange County, San Bernardino County Gun Owners (SBCGO) in San Bernardino County or Riverside County Gun Owners (RCGO) in Riverside. Support the cause by listening to Gun Sports Radio live on Sunday afternoon or on the internet at your leisure. Join the fight and help us restore and preserve our second amendment rights. Together we will win.
©2019 Joseph T Drammissi
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