Do I REALLY Need to Carry? (Long)

sensei · #16

I am 60 years old.

I'm a 6th degree Black Belt. I have 3 schools that my senior students teach at. Even if I stay diligent and see it coming, I promise you I cannot protect myself or my family the way I was able to at one point in my life.

I could NEVER forgive myself if something happened to my wife or daughter because I hadn't taken every precaution available to me to protect them.

Guns are just another tool I use to protect us. Think - insurance, motion detectors, car alarms, self defense classes, guns, etc.

By the way I live in a very nice nieghborhood.

sensei

flintknapper · #17

sensei wrote: Guns are just another tool I use to protect us.

And much easier to conceal than a Bo, Sai, or Tonfa.

Sensei, you are entitled to use "Rokudan" also for your rank, are you not?

And I agree, as we age...things definitely change.

pfgrone · #18

Thanks (!!) for all the well thought out responses. I guess I have been really leaning toward getting my CHl but was looking for enough good reasons to accept what I consider to be a pretty major decision. I believe carrying would be a right decision for me and I hope my Princess will make the same decision. Some of you had comments that were compelling. I know I will have questions.

longtooth wrote:A little on the lighter side now. Man you sure hand her a fine firearm.

I didn't hand her anything, longtooth. We went to a couple of gun stores where she "tried on" several until she found the Kahr P9 which happened to fit her grip and finger length. She is very small and petite and Glocks, Sigs, etc. didn't fit. Then we rented one at a range and she went through 50 rounds. Then she chose that one. Hers has been a good, jam free gun with around a thousand rounds through it now and she really enjoys shooting it.
Paul G.

Paladin · #19

Once I got my license, I knew I would never go back (to not having one).

Just cause you've got the license doesn't mean you have to carry all the time. It gives you the right to carry when you want to (except for those pesky prohibited places).

You've already got the guns, and the course should be no big deal for you, so it's mainly a question of cost... and being over 60 your state fee is only $70.

sensei · #20

flintknapper wrote:
sensei wrote: Guns are just another tool I use to protect us.

And much easier to conceal than a Bo, Sai, or Tonfa.

Sensei, you are entitled to use "Rokudan" also for your rank, are you not?

And I agree, as we age...things definitely change.

Kinda funny I think. I can carry a gun but not a Bo, Sai, or
Tonfa. However I can carry a LARGE pointy screwdriver, Large cresent wrench or a hammer in the front seat with me. Could even walk around with them in my hand and would probably never be questioned.

Yes, my rank is Rokudan. I am considered a "Master". Also presented a certicate of "Shihan". (teacher of teachers)

Pretty impressive, Huh? Except to the guy trying to bash your head in. Never had a title or certificate help much in a real world sitation.

Thanks for asking.

Ray

pfgrone · #21

Paladin wrote: so it's mainly a question of cost... and being over 60 your state fee is only $70.

Yep. Just $70. And the cost of the CHL course. And the cost of holsters. Also, I think some of those pocket pistols like KelTec or NAA might make good BUGs. I would really NEED to buy at least one of those. Oh, and I'd have to have a pocket holster for the BUG. And then there's the fees for the Princess and her holsters and possibly purses and probably this would justify a whole new wardrobe for her to dress around a carry gun. I wonder if they have gun purses at Neimans.

Paul G.

wrt45 · #22

pfgrone wrote:And then there's the fees for the Princess and her holsters and possibly purses and probably this would justify a whole new wardrobe for her to dress around a carry gun. I wonder if they have gun purses at Neimans.
Paul G.

I did not know my wife had a second husband somewhere..........

#23

And then there's the fees for the Princess and her holsters and possibly purses and probably this would justify a whole new wardrobe for her to dress around a carry gun. I wonder if they have gun purses at Neimans.

You guys don't know the HALF of it! Women have so many more options when it comes to carrying.

My favorite purses come from Coronado Leather. You can find them at the gun shows sometimes, but if you want a catalog, go to: http://www.coronadoleather.com/

I am not affiliated with them in any way - I just think they have a good product.

longtooth · #24

Your Princess & my Bride must be cut from the same same stock. When mine decided to get her CHL I told her we would go to a gun show & all the shops in town for her to handle all she wanted to look at. She told me that she was quit capable of choosing her own weapon & making her own deal for it.

Yes maam. Short story is we went, she found, made the deal, then said, "Pay them".

I did. She carries what I call 23-6. Shoots to stay in practice & proficient. My Mother is 75 & loves to shoot. At the range w/ me regular. She helps at the loading bench too. Cleans her own hardwear. Still hunts. It is evident that you have made your decision. All of us here knew you would. Prowd of both of you. Welcome aboard & keep us posted on the progress.

flintknapper · #25

Pretty impressive, Huh? Except to the guy trying to bash your head in. Never had a title or certificate help much in a real world situation.

"Title's" don't even help me in the Dojo, if I'm having an "off" night.

As long as I can carry my pistol and a "cane", I'm pretty much happy, and feel well armed.

USMC-COL · #26

sensei wrote:I am 60 years old.

I'm a 6th degree Black Belt. I have 3 schools that my senior students teach at. Even if I stay diligent and see it coming, I promise you I cannot protect myself or my family the way I was able to at one point in my life.

I could NEVER forgive myself if something happened to my wife or daughter because I hadn't taken every precaution available to me to protect them.

Guns are just another tool I use to protect us. Think - insurance, motion detectors, car alarms, self defense classes, guns, etc.

By the way I live in a very nice nieghborhood.

sensei

I fully understand Sensei. I too have been a student of the arts most of my life. After teaching the arts for the past 4 decades, I know what I can realistically do and not do (I'm close to your age). I try to be as prepared as I can whereever I am. I do not leave my residence without my trusty G19 or J-frame. I try to have as many tools as possible in my mental toolbag.

Respectfully,
Kyoshi, Nanadan, Shorin Ryu Kenshinkan

flintknapper · #27

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/l ... ont22.html

Sad outcome, but I'm glad someone tried to intervene.

Sometimes "trouble" finds you!

A grim reminder to us with Martial Arts training: All my years of hard training would have been useless in this situation. In this case, you want a GUN.

Very sad.

I pray this man recovered.

RPBrown · #28

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/l ... ont22.html

The shooter had an assault rifle and a semi-automatic machine pistol?

Another anti wrote this story.

I too hope the man recovers

flintknapper · #29

RPBrown wrote:http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/l ... ont22.html

The shooter had an assault rifle and a semi-automatic machine pistol?

Another anti wrote this story.

I too hope the man recovers

Yeah, I caught that too. Especially the Semi-Automatic-Machine-Pistol! I guess they couldn't come up with anything more demonic sounding.

Sheeeesh!

I guess the next time I have a group of kids from church come out to shoot, I'll have to instruct them as follows: "Now, everyone carefully load your Semi-Automatic-Machine-Pistols" (I have Ruger 22/45's for them) "And fire upon my command"!

The "Anti's" never miss an opportunity....do they?

flintknapper · #30