doojer

I don't carry a gun, but I respect the rights of those who wish to do so. I have a hard enough time keeping track of my cell-phone... I can't imagine trying to keep tabs on a loaded gun. I'd probably accidentally leave it on some park bench or on the table at Denny's. I've thought from time to time about carrying when I'm out alone in the backcountry... but I have no desire to carry in the city. Then again, I'm one of those crazy guys that crosses the street without full body armor, even though people are killed by cars on a daily basis. Guess I just live life on the edge!

MJS_Jeep_888

A friend of mine (who's also pro-gun) loves to cite Kennesaw, GA, as proof that gun ownership should not only be encouraged, but mandated. Supposedly they saw an 89% decrease in residential burglary after passing their law that homeowners (except mentally-disturbed, conscientious objectors, etc.) must own a firearm and ammunition...

Now compare that against the stats of a town that passes a law that PROHIBITS firearm possession. 'Nuff said.

doojer

Mandatory gun ownership is just as lame as banning guns outright. I'm all for the rights of the people who want to protect themselves... but I'm just as much for the rights of people who choose to live without guns in their homes.

I'll also add that, going back at least 4 generations, nobody in my family has ever kept a gun in their home (including my WWII vet Grandad) and they are all either still alive or have died from natural causes.

GadgetFreek

Just to play devils advovate for a second....

Aren't alot of theses shootings at schools(high schools/colleges), gov. buildings(not sure if this NY shooting was considered a gov bldg?), churches, etc. How would carrying everyday help me if I am not allowed to carry in these situations?

I am seriously considering getting my ccl in TX. We have a small family business so carrying at work is not an issue. I know there are situations I would want to be carrying daily but the question I always come back to....if I cant carry in the places I may most likely need to is there a huge benefit? The way I understand the law in TX is that I can carry in my vehicle at all times, but not on my person when I am in businesses, etc. Not much different than the ccw permit would allow.

Just curious for those who do carry what's your take?

EmbarkChief

In Texas we are not allowed to carry in schools, gov't buildings, hospital's, professional sporting events, and any place that posts a 30.06 sign. Now, that sounds like alot but in reality there are very few times you will have to dis-arm before entering a building. Just stay out of the post office and DMV and you will be set lol. You said yourself "there are situations I would want to be carrying daily" nothings stopping you. True, with the new laws you can carry in your vehicle (concealed), and that's great in my opinion. However time in your vehicle is probably only a small portion of your day. What about the rest of your time?

SmokeShowin

You are exactly right on the police response. In the Pittsburgh shootings, the dispatcher never told the responding officers that the guy had guns even though his mother said so on the phone. If that info had been relayed, they would most likely be alive today.

4x4jkx

I did a speech on this a couple weeks ago. I read a few books and found some interesting facts. I found the in GB and Canada robberies are 5 times more likely to happen as opposed to robberies in the USA. Also note that GB and Canada have very strict gun possession laws and the US doesn't (for the most part).

Notice the correlation? Responsible people don't shoot people.

Most anti-gun advocates oppose guns because criminals get them. As a matter of fact banning guns doesn't prevents more decent people from getting guns than it prevents criminals. Anti-gun people... you are pointing the wrong way. Stop illegal firearm sales... not legal firearm sales.

Just my .02

tkob1060

I agree that they should gather intelligence but waiting hours and doing nothing except maybe trying to talk is just ridiculous Period. The officer in NC is being treated as a hero, he didnt have Any local backup coming, he was ONE officer working that night in a small town of 1800 people.

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/4837676/

You are absolutely right, if they had that info they would have approached differently. It's a real shame they died because of the dispatchers stupidity.

Agree 1000% with that.

bcperry2000

Hey GadgetFreak. If you're even considering getting your CCL go ahead and do it. The wait time is insane right now. I got mine almost 2 years ago and it took 2 months for them to process it. I'm hearing 6-8 months now.

Surprisingly I have had very few times/places where I could not carry. Schools, 51% establishments, courthouses, federal bldgs, professional sporting events, racetracks, and hospitals are pretty much it. Most businesses dont post 30.06 signs. They post unlicensed carry signs but those don't apply to TX CCL. There was something passed in Sept 2007 that allows unlicensed persons to carry in their car as long as they are "traveling". It is now the LEO's burden to prove the person isn't "traveling". Also, you can carry on your person as long as you are going between your home, car, gun range, gun shop, etc. Again, the burden of proof is on the LEO to prove that you aren't. Basically the Sept 2007 change just made your vehicle an extension of your home.

I believe the college campus carry issue is being debated right now. I haven't been following closely but I know this was on the agenda for this session.

bcperry2000

Ah, yes. I failed to mention that. It's the same in TX. No calls or waiting periods for CCL holders. This is a huge benefit.