Are you "over-prepared"?

[AddyLO]

Serious question here...

I was reading one of Massad Ayoob's books the other day and it occurred to me that an attorney would have a field day with me in the event I ever had to use my weapon.

I tend to carry a lot of "stuff" around. Most of my gear is oriented around urban "EDC" and totally harmless (i.e. deck of playing cards, Altoids, first-aid kit, etc) but at any given time may also include my CCW (obviously) loaded with Hornady Critical Defense ammo, a spare magazine, one or two large folder knives (3" or larger), gentleman's pocket knife, a Leatherman multi-tool, a Fenix 230 lumen flashlight, and occasionally a BUG. Most of these items aren't on my person but are carried in a Maxpedition bag that I either have with me or keep handy in the car.

It's not that I've necessarily collected these things in preparation for a defense situation. That's hypothetically what my CCW is for. But the other items just kinda accumulated over time and got added to my regular "EDC" because they are there (so to speak). If I didn't like them I wouldn't have bought them, ya know?

But my point is that I'm probably giving some gung-ho attorney the opportunity to say in court, "Look at that whacko! He was looking for a fight and chose my poor, innocent client to pick on!" Most attorneys don't even understand the need for hollow point rather than FMJ. They know nothing about the penetration aspects of our choice in ammo. All they know about JHP is that it "makes a bigger hole". How cruel! And the sad thing is, too many juries just follow along.

So, how many items do you "EDC" each day? Whatever the number, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on this topic.

[PJK]

I think there are times you can get carried away. Personally I always have:

1) Cutco folding knife (gift from my wife)
2) Ruger LCP & Spare Mag - OR - Ruger LCP & Glock 19 - OR - Glock 19 & Spare Mag
3) Surefire flashlight
4) Wallet
5) Keys

If I am walking my dogs or going someplace a bit unsavory I also carry a Kimber Pepper Foam.

I usually feel safe with this.

[WildBill]

So, how many items do you "EDC" each day? Whatever the number, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on this topic.

Carry what you want and don't worry about what others may think.

[MoJo]

I don't worry about my EDC items if there is ever a time I have to use deadly force. My biggest concern is surviving the incident to deal with the aftermath. I have no plans of being guest of honor at a funeral and leaving my loved ones to deal with the aftermath.

[Keith]

To answer your question I see were you are coming from. You are correct an attorney would have a field day with alot of us and what we carry if we ever were invollved in a situation.

What do we do about it? I guess nothing as im not going to change what I carry but im also aware that to some im considered overkill. Rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it.

It stinks that we live in a society were we have to even be worried about this. I think most CHLs are just a different breed. Most would rather take care of ourselves and famlies then rely on someone to come to our aid. Most of society doesnt think this way. Im a fulltime Fireman/Medic and im amazed every shift for the kind of medical calls we respond too.

I think 40 years ago know one would call an ambulance for a spider bite,stomach ache,bowel problems to name a few. Im not complaining as I love my job. We just live in a different society now.

[danpaw]

I guess I'm under prepared. I always have the .45 but usually don't have the extra mag. In my truck I have another .45 , a 4" Eye Brand Sodbuster, and flashlight. I think I might get used to it but carrying all that junk around on me is just too uncomfortable.

[MoJo]

I guess I'm under prepared. I always have the .45 but usually don't have the extra mag. In my truck I have another .45 , a 4" Eye Brand Sodbuster, and flashlight. I think I might get used to it but carrying all that junk around on me is just too uncomfortable.

Concealed carry isn't comfortable it's comforting!

[The Annoyed Man]

I carry a gun and extra rounds in either a backup magazine or a speedloader, depending on which gun I'm carrying.

I carry a pocket knife, a cellphone, a wallet, and my keys. I am rarely out when a flashlight might be useful, and if I am, I have one in the car.

I hate getting loaded down with stuff, and I'm no kind of ninja, so if I felt I needed more than that, I'd bring a long gun.

[gringop]

But my point is that I'm probably giving some gung-ho attorney the opportunity to say in court, "Look at that whacko! He was looking for a fight and chose my poor, innocent client to pick on!" Most attorneys don't even understand the need for hollow point rather than FMJ. They know nothing about the penetration aspects of our choice in ammo. All they know about JHP is that it "makes a bigger hole". How cruel! And the sad thing is, too many juries just follow along.

So, how many items do you "EDC" each day? Whatever the number, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on this topic.

If, in court, you can clearly articulate the circumstances of the situation, your mindset and thought processes, and why you had to use your weapon then the contents of your pockets, your bag or your vehicle have nothing to do with the case. Your defense lawyer can easily debunk the other lawyer trying to make you out to be a rambo because you carry 2 knives.

Don't stop being prepared because of what some lawyer MIGHT do or say. You might as well not go outside because you MIGHT get struck by lightning.

Go though all of your EDC carry equipment. For each item think of a time when you have used it or may use it in the future. If you're ever get questioned about them, just tell them when and how they were used.

I have 4 knives on me every day. I used 3 of them in the last 3 days. I use my Fenix light every single day.

I carry at least 1 gun, 2 spare mags, 4 folding knives, a light and cell phone every day. Sometimes I add a fixed blade knife. None of it is illegal. Most of it's not visible.

Over prepared is Ninja shrukins or a belt sword. What you listed is just plain being prepared.

http://beltswords.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Gringop

[WildBill]

You might as well not go outside because you MIGHT get struck by lightning. Gringop

Carrying all that metal, he just MIGHT.

[Keith B]

You might as well not go outside because you MIGHT get struck by lightning. Gringop

Carrying all that metal, he just MIGHT.

Maybe that is why a lot of folks like the Glock; less metal to attract lightning.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Ayoob's writings on this subject may or may not be accurate in New England where he calls home, but they do not reflect Texas or most anywhere in the South.

Chas.

[AddyLO]

Ayoob's writings on this subject may or may not be accurate in New England where he calls home, but they do not reflect Texas or most anywhere in the South.

That's probably true.

All good points, folks! At my (slightly advanced) age I'm certainly no mall ninja. I make no apologies and don't plan to change what I carry but I do find it interesting to consider the situation. Like everything else related to CHL, it's just one of the many contingencies we need to think through and be prepared to handle.

[08thunders]

But my point is that I'm probably giving some gung-ho attorney the opportunity to say in court, "Look at that whacko! He was looking for a fight and chose my poor, innocent client to pick on!" Most attorneys don't even understand the need for hollow point rather than FMJ.

What kind of attorney? The DA or ADA probably knows police carry HP and why. A personal injury attorney probably knows Section 83.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code.

There's a funny story about a couple who was over-prepared for the movies but I can't find it with Google right now. It may be an Ayoob story.

[glbedd53]

I've been trying to decide what all to take to west Texas next month. I know I'm takin the two handguns, the one I carry and the one in the truck, but something makes me want to take an AR or maybe the 870. I guess it's the closeness to the border, especially in Brackettville and Del Rio.