Why do you carry (gasp) a gun?

[Texas42]

Cause I want one more option in dealing with a very bad situation.

 

[jocat54]

So I can shoot everyone that needs it.

 

[beardking]

Because I've always liked westerns and I'm trying to live one out in real life.

 

[GlockontheRocks]

This is what I answer, have experienced all 3,

I've been robbed, burglarized, and threatened with physical violence.
I only been asked that question by a relative that felt my weapon in my waistband during a hug.

 

[OldCurlyWolf]

At my age I'am to old for knuckle busting and I darn shure not going to take a butt whoopin and become a victim for anybody.
You don't want to mess with us old folks.

Pretty much the same for me.

And you can't depend on anyone else, including LEO's(They can't be everywhere), to protect you or your family.

 

[Mexican_Hippie]

Cause it dangerous...and Danger...is my middle name.

 

[txinvestigator]

Never been asked. I don't advertise that I carry.

 

[SiscoKid]

Great question!!!

I like the statement made by a Houston cop several years ago that I saw in a documentary... He said...

"It's better to have one and not need it, than to need one and not have it".

 

[KAK]

Never been asked. I don't advertise that I carry.

I doubt that people really seem to care the same way if a cop carries off duty.

That could be a good answer.... Because cops get to see the real world and they carry off duty.

 

[CZ guy]

I have used several answers over the years but my standard answer was "Because crime, corruption and EEEVILE is rampant in the world!"

 

[Randman]

Cause I wanna be like Fitty Cent..

This about sums it up...

"Why I carry a gun
My favorite anecdote about Bill Jordan goes something like this:

Now Ol' Bill, he was a direct man, and a big one at that, so most of the folks he put away were willing to chalk it up to "just business", and leave it at that.

Well Bill heard this feller was raisin' a stink about comin' round to get some back at him for puttin him away, but he didn't think too much of it.

A few days later, Bills sittin' out there on his porch, and he's got his trademark combat magnum in his lap. His neighbor walks by and says to bill "See ya got yer pistol there Bill, you 'spectin trouble?", So says Bill "Nope, if I was expeting trouble, I'd have my rifle"
​

I carry a gun whenever it is legal, and not impolite for me to do so. When I am entering the home or place of business of someone I don't know, I will inform them I am armed, and ask them if they would prefer I not carry a gun while there.
(Only part I don't agree with, I would never tell someone in there business I am carring a gun, if 30.06 is posted, I will just leave)

It's just polite.

A lot of people ask me "Why do you carry a gun, do you expect trouble?"

No, I carry a gun not because I expect trouble, but because I can. If I was expecting trouble I'd carry a 12ga.

More in the extended entry...

The practice of carrying a weapon is a clear assertion that I am a man. By that I'm not talking about macho bull####; By saying I am a man, I mean that I am an adult, responsible for my actions, and willing to accept the consequences of them.

When you carry a gun you have in your hands (or on your hip), the ability to end any mans life. This is a massive responsibility, second only to that of raising children.

Many people are uncomfortable with that responsiblity. They believe that they can't be trusted with it, and by extension, neither can anyone else. They fall back on saying "the police" or "the government" should take care of that. Someone with special training, and the blessings of the state should be responsible, but not me, or you, or anyone else.

I can think of no clearer way of saying "I am immature, and not to be trusted".

When I carry a gun, I accept the fact that I may kill someone. I don't ever plan on doing it, I hope it doesn't happen, but it may. I am prepared for this possibility, and I accept the consequences should it happen.

A few months ago, I broke up with a girlfriend over this. She asked me what I would do to someone if they tried to rape her. I told her flat out that I would kill him. No hesitation there at all. She told me later that from that moment, she was afraid of me.

I asked her what she would do if someone tried to rape her. She said she wouldn't fight. "What if you had a gun, would you shoot the guy to stop it", no she wouldn't do that. "ok what if I was there and I shot him, would that be OK", no of course not. Finally I asked "What if a cop came along, and he shot the guy would that be ok" well of course, he's a cop.

That attitude frankly baffles, and disgusts me, yet there are so many people who hold it. They feel morally superior because they would never "sink to that level".

Personally I would consider that pretty clear evidence of moral bankruptcy.

The same applies to people who would never fight in a war, but are OK with soldiers and cops defending their rights. Oh, they'll protest, and march in the streets, but actually doing anything? No they're all above that and have disdain for everyone else who isn't, calling us savages, and rednecks, and barbarians etc...

I carry a gun because it is my right, and because I am responsible enough to exercise it. I feel nothing but pity or contempt for those who are not."

I agree with 99% of the above...

 

[cuate]

Because I can ? Personal Safety ? Paranoia ? None of the Preceeding ? Actually for the same reason that there dempster dumpsters all over in the cities, and wastebaskets in most homes and offices....To prevent my person, other persons, property, and other essentials becoming overcome by the trash that is blowing across the land in increasing numbers due to the present condition of the Nation, it's ever lowering morals, permissiveness, and lax Judicial System toward the
criminals, dopers and dope peddlers and other scum that breed like flies or come from other places without restraint.

If the Government and the State would do their job, carrying a firearm would be less necessary.....But they do not !

 

[CabbitOne]

.

 

[txinvestigator]

I doubt that people really seem to care the same way if a cop carries off duty.

What has that got to do with my post, since you quoted me?

 

[Jakashh]

Because TEXAS SKEETER scares me

 

[lalonguecarabine]

What has that got to do with my post, since you quoted me?

I think he thinks you're a cop.
I used to also until I read your profile some time back.

 

[mkillebrew]

Why do you carry a gun? That question is generally asked with either an air of disgust or contemptuous reproach, their nose snarled or looking down it. "Why do you wear a seatbelt?" works well, otherwise their followup question implies that I go out looking for someone to shoot.

 

[MuddyWaterMan]

Because it is better than carrying a stick.

 

[wllmwallace]

In my best Bobcat Goldthwait screech..."BECAUSE THE VOICES TELL ME TO!!!"

 

[GAR]

I have been asked this question before, and I always answer honestly and without joking.

My reply is short, simple and to the point: I carry a gun because I am a husband and a father and it is my responsibility to protect my loved ones from those who wish to do them harm.