What do you tell people?

[mnxd9]

I don't have any problems telling people I carry :shrug: I've yet to have any issue, haven't wish I could untell anyone yet.

[macphisto]

I've had my permit for a little over a year now. At first, I was very excited to tell others in hopes of getting them exposed to the idea of carry, inviting them to join me at the range, and perhaps get them interested/concerned enough to seek a permit of their own. There are several people I regret telling, but there's nothing I can do about it. Now I'm very tight-lipped on the matter.

"What's that in your pocket?"

"Nunya."

"???"

"Nunya business!"

[GregM]

I don't volunteer it generally, and I would never volunteer it in the midst of a public debate about it...for a whole bunch of reasons. In the midst of a public argument is not the time to try to convince someone. Now in private, with friends and family, at the right times--that is the right time to reveal it if you are going to reveal it. Like several have said: once you've told you can never untell. Far better to never tell until it is the right time.

I'll second that.

[1911fan]

I tend to be an evangelist about it. While i do not open say I have it on me, when it comes up, I simply say, I manage some apartments in some lousy neighborhoods, and I have to protect both the rent and the keys. Then I go further, and for most people, the realization that for the past ten years or so, if they have seen me, they have seen me with a gun on seems to de-stress them about the risk, which then opens doors.

I think getting everyday people realizing that other every day people carry and do not rack up body counts is the biggest way to get people to relax about it.

[someone1980]

"What's that in your pocket?"

"I am happy to see you." while giving them the look that tells them not to ask stupid questions, or change the subject. Really my Dad asked my a few months ago, in a public place, loudly, if I was carrying. Dumbass. Couldn't tell, didn't need to know and just announced it. I will use that to get him into one of your classes, so you can educated him better then I.

It has taken me two years to feel comfortable to jump into debates. But I do bring up things like the CO shootings and related permit holder. I do put in a bit of a positive word when the chance presents itself. I didn't tell anyone at my current internship, and when asked about the law today (I am done with the job on Friday), I played somewhat informed. I can quote parts of the law and am starting to have it memorized because I have referenced it so much.

Another story. My last job I got by showing up to a party. A guy showed up, figured out where I was then working, figured that I would be good for a job he had open. We had a friend in common, some how we ended up meeting at the range the next day. They were already there. I pull my carry hardware out to proceeded with throwing lead down range, and he figured it out. I ended up taking the job. 4-6 months later 10 of us from work had gotten together at a local bar after work. Sitting around talking and the issue of firearms came up. My boss decided to volunteer that I had my permit to carry. The group was split 50/50 on the subject. It did turn out that everyone I liked was on my side, and the other side I hadn't thought much of before hand. I quit shortly after that for unrelated reasons, but will never work for or with that person again.

[cobb]

Joe - if you think people are surprised to find out that you carry, imagine the reaction that I get (after all, I'm just a girl)

So was the person that saved the lives in the Colorado church.

[Aceq2jot]

At work it comes up as i am often looking through FireArm publications. A lot of people have voiced their opinion on it and a lot of people have asked a lot of questions on getting their permit. It seems the ones who dont like the idea of people with guns are normally the ones who if the crap hit the fan, who wont be counting on them for back up.

And i normally tell people with the crime rate these days when are you not at risk??

[cobb]

During some conversation at Mayo this week, I was asked, kinda out of the blue, if I had a carry permit. I said yes and it went no farther.

[Burnsville Guy]

Cobb it was not out of the blue. Next time take your gun off before you get in the x-ray!

I think we all should try to calm peoples fears and let them know that "normal" people carry. I do however think that if you let people know you are carrying you give up some of your tactical advantage. Just my $0.02.

BG

[BlackEagl]

Cobb it was not out of the blue. Next time take your gun off before you get in the x-ray!

I thought it was the MRI machine he was in.. I could be wrong though..

[Pinnacle]

I have been carying a gun for a long time - and I mean long time.

I have been in debate after debate about 2a rights and self defense and the NRA with "intellectualls" that are not exactly what I would call intellectually honest.

There are 2 kinds of people in the world as far as I am concerned. Those that believe in defending their rights and families by all means and those that believe that the Police will protect them and only a barbarian would carry a gun.

I used to be staunchly against open carry - it is still not a great idea for a lot of reasons - but there are some good reasons for doingit as well. I pick and choose where and when I do this - people ask me - "Why do you have a gun, and Are you a POlice Officer"

My answer is - I carry because I take it upon myself to provide for my own safety and No I am not a Cop (I would not want their job)

One of 2things happens at that point - they either go - Oh, Ok and we continue discussing the MCPPA and or the opposite happens - I hate guns usually happens.

My response to I hate guns is - I bet you would love one when someoneis trying to kill you in the middle of the night.

[Dick Unger]

Talk about Choice. (Leftys like choices. A buzzword.)

It should be my choice or your choice to carry. Everyone should probably get a permit, just to support civil liberties, and be able to excercise their own choice.
And be able to buy a gun without waiting period. If you do have trouble, if you're a permit holder, you're a certified good guy. Take advantage of your record of good behavior.

Then when they ask point blank, "Are carrying a gun now?", I tell them that although I think most people should have a carry permit, what I do personally is up to me. Further, it's recommended one carry 24/7 because if there is an incident, one would not want to say he grabbed a gun just before the incident occured.

And like most people, I don't always do as I say. I sometimes say there were times when I wanted a gun, but fortunately, never a time I really NEEDED it. Just like life insurance.

It's a long involved non-answer, That way, they can comfortably believe whatever they wish.

Works for me.

[selurcspi]

Talk about Choice. (Leftys like choices. A buzzword.)

It should be my choice or your choice to carry. Everyone should probably get a permit, just to support civil liberties, and be able to excercise their own choice.
And be able to buy a gun without waiting period. If you do have trouble, if you're a permit holder, you're a certified good guy. Take advantage of your record of good behavior.

Then when they ask point blank, "Are carrying a gun now?", I tell them that although I think most people should have a carry permit, what I do personally is up to me. Further, it's recommended one carry 24/7 because if there is an incident, one would not want to say he grabbed a gun just before the incident occured.

And like most people, I don't always do as I say. I sometimes say there were times when I wanted a gun, but fortunately, never a time I really NEEDED it. Just like life insurance.

It's a long involved non-answer, That way, they can comfortably believe whatever they wish.

Works for me.

Dick, your inner Lawyer is showing

[dismal]

During some conversation at Mayo this week, I was asked, kinda out of the blue, if I had a carry permit. I said yes and it went no farther.

They probably just googled your name for some other reason, and saw that you are an instructor, and were interested. Hopefully there was no other reason for the question...

[4thfin]

Once again great stuff people. I guess my reason for asking is simply because this is all new for me and I have had reason to sit back and watch the "debate" with others. Up to this point I have chosen to say little and offer little in responce.

Thanks again for reinforcing my rights and my beliefs!

fin