G26ster wrote:i can't speak for the OP, but he has a point. What are the odds of the CHL being attacked outside the home, vs. the CHL running afoul of the law just by carrying? If I was betting, I'd bet on the latter. Obviously he has read threads on the forum dealing with laws of concealed carry. Many of the posts usually contain the phrase "IANAL" meaning the layman's opinion of the post is worth what the OP paid for it. He has probably read numerous times, "I don't want to be the test case," or "You may beat the rap, but you won't beat the ride." The "ride" may mean you go free, but you've just spent your life savings to do so. He has also probably read of prosecutors, police chiefs, sheriffs, and LEOs that have their "own interpretation" of the law. Everyday on the forum there are questions posted with no clear legal conclusion.
How often and when to carry is a very personal choice. There is no doubt that it stretches from lackadaisical to the intense, depending on the individual. Some carry 24/7, both outside and inside the home, and have weapons stashed throughout the house. Others don't carry at all. Then there are those in the middle somewhere. Personal choice. Life is full of risks, and one person's decision when and where to be armed does not fit in with every other person's decision.
The OP stated he would have defensive weapons at home. When we read almost on a daily basis that a BG was shot breaking into a home or business, he's got that covered. Outside the home, we preach d-escalation, run to get away if you can, and only as an absolute last resort to use your weapon. How often do we read about the CHL outside the home having to use his weapon? Infrequently I think. Perhaps in a high risk business (stop & rob, jewelry store, etc.), but not just out and about. Can it happen just out and about? Sure it can, and it does, but then the odds of it happening come into play again. I'm old, slow and dated, but I recall that even in a combat zone everyone was not armed 24/7. I think the OP is simply weighing his risks and believes the risk of running afoul of the law, whether by his own error, or by vagueness in the law or the loose interpretation of some in authority, is greater than the risk of being attacked outside his home. I wish the OP the best with his decision(s).
