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The Gravity of Owning and Carrying a Gun
On my walk this morning, I was wearing a neon pink t-shirt. As often happens, I approached two women with their dogs; we always
exchange pleasantries and I get my dog fix (scratching dog ears). Suddenly one of the women looked at my t-shirt and said, “Isn’t Smith & Wesson a gun company?” I answered yes, and followed with my first stupid comment, “Yes, I own a gun.” She responded, “Oh, you were the last person I would expect to own a gun!” Second stupid response: “I promise not to shoot either of you,” as I walked away.
Okay, okay, I made some foolish comments in a record period of time. First, wearing the shirt publicly wasn’t the best idea, although I often wear it to my workout facility where no one has said anything. Second, after answering that Smith & Wesson was a gun company, I could have smiled and walked away. (Hey, it was 7:00am!) Or I could have said, “Yes, why do you ask?” and been open to a careful but friendly conversation.
But no-o-o-o-o-o! That was clearly more than my brain could manage. My plan for future walks is to never wear the shirt (unless it’s under a jacket). Besides, trying to pursue an intelligent conversation, when my goal is to complete my walk in record time, is not wise.
In my defense, I may be a bit nervous about my plan to pursue a concealed carry permit here in Florida. I’ve read the Concealed Carry information, and have a better idea of what I’d be getting myself into. Most of all, even though I’ve practiced on a gun range regularly for a couple of years, I understand viscerally that a gun is for more than target practice. As one of my favorite judges on the TV show, Forged in Fire says, “It will kill.”
My husband was kind enough to organize the key information for me that I could study even before I take the Concealed Carry class. The sections that jumped out at me made me realize that carrying a gun could be a life-changing experience, in many ways. I already knew that I didn’t want to use the gun unless there was really no alternative; the threat to my life should be imminent. I knew that it made sense to practice with the smaller gun that I would carry (which I’ve owned for a while because I originally bought a smaller gun because it was lighter) so that I could anticipate how the gun would respond to being shot, and how I would respond to its reaction. And there were many other points that were familiar from the last couple of years since my husband and I are preoccupied with gun safety. My favorite trilogy: assume the gun is loaded, point it in a safe direction, and keep your finger off the trigger unless you’re shooting at something.
The points that shook me were that it was possible with a smaller gun for the person threatening me not to be deterred by being shot for a number of reasons, including thick winter clothing. One set of instructions suggested that if after two shots the person isn’t stopped, shoot for the head. Oh my.
Another suggestion was to keep my talking to a minimum after the shooting. Since I can be a blabbermouth, that might be a challenge. Then again, I suspect my reaction to shooting someone might be silence. The third suggestion was to have a lawyer ready. We have that availability through a program to which we belong. How sad to think that the threat to my life doesn’t stop when I shoot the gun; instead, I will likely be in a position of needing to further protect myself after the deed is done.
So I’m finding the whole process rather daunting. Maybe that’s a good thing. It shows how seriously I take carrying and what is at risk.
Meanwhile, we’ll see how the women act toward me on my next morning walk . . .
Published in Guns
Interesting. I don’t consider it to be my civic duty to be armed, but my Christian duty to be armed. As the best way to fulfill my Christian duty to defend those in my care from danger, as well as defend my God-given body from evildoers.
There are a few paragraphs in the Roman Catholic Catechism that are relevant: 2263-2265.
I believe in self defense, and I understand your interpretation, @philturmel, but it doesn’t necessarily apply to CC.
The key phrase there is “best way to fulfill”. I firmly contend, on evidence and belief, that concealed carry is the single most effective tool for self defense and defense of others out in public. I am morally bound to defend my self and others to the best of my ability, so I therefore conclude that I am morally bound to carry concealed in public to the extent allowed. And to act politically to expand the extent allowed.
Others may disagree with any of those priors and reach a different conclusion. But that is my logic applied to my opinion.
I think you have a clear understanding of your decision, @philturmel, and it’s an honorable one. Thanks for explaining.
Okay, late to the party here (hey, I’m a working pro now, I get PAID to talk about this stuff now. :) ,) but…
If you haven’t already, get a copy of Andrew Branca’s “The Law Of Self-Defense,”and read it cover to cover. Pro tip: Mark it up as you read it, that way you can testify in court that yes, you understood the consequences of your actions that day, and did so because you had no other choice.
Think of it as an asthmatic’s inhaler or an Epi-pen or some other portable, concealable lifesaving device.
Because it is.
People carry an inhaler or an Epi-pen or nitroglycerin tablets with them because they know their very life may depend it being used properly in an emergency situation. Ditto with a personal defensive firearm. Carry it everywhere, because as a friend once said, it’s a lighter burden than regret.
And have fun shooting!
Thanks, @kevincreighton. Your input means a lot! Hey, you got me started on this journey. We’ll check out the books, too.
What Kevin said, with emphasis. Good advice, good homework.
The best advice is the last four words. It’s got to be fun. You have to look forward to carrying, shooting, and yes, cleaning your firearm. If it’s not fun, you’ll talk yourself out of carrying it, and that’ll be the day you wish you had it.