To Carry or Not to Carry

[Running Arrow Bill]

Over the months I've read on this and other gun forums some of the many issues about where to carry or not. Also, people carrying in restaurants, etc., etc.

This said, here are some of my thoughts...

Restaurant carry: I always seat my/ourselves away from entryways, cash registers, etc. Always select the farthest booth and make sure I'm facing others, entryways, etc. In event a waitperson tries to seat us in a non-tactical area, I request seating in another area. Back to wall, etc., so I can easily conceal and/or draw if ever needed. I take my "knowledge" from the gangster movies and westerns...bad guys playing poker...lol.

Questionable areas: Since I'm not genetically paranoid (just situationally aware), I have absolutely no need to "try" to carry into any place prohibited by 30.06 in Texas (or "otherwise posted"). Don't need any potential grief from LEO's, Courts, etc. As a 72 year old on 3rd CHL renewal, I have absolutely no need to "test the system"...the few years I have left, I don't want to be wearing an orange suit or nursing bullet holes in myself while playing "hero".

My property: On our cattle ranch, "my ranch, my rules". Carry openly. Easily accessible and always chance of running into a predator... Since I'm retired from "public employment", I don't have to worry about employer policy, etc.

Bathroom situation: I don't use public toilets for a dump. Otherwise, when I drop my pants at home, I re-attach my belt in the FIRST HOLE of belt...this keeps my holstered gun from pulling my belt out of loops and dropping to floor.

Other areas: I don't go to the mall, have any kids around us, or go to Wally World or other "questionable" areas to test their system and/or the sheeples...I have nothing to prove...

Convenience Stores: I always check the surroundings. Never go there at night. Don't use ATM's. Come back later if suspicious persons around and/or standing around in front. I religiously "plan ahead" for my cash and trips.

Parking Lots: My vehicle, my property. Same applies to liberals' "no tobacco on premises" policy.

[A-R]

I like the way you think, Bill.

[bayouhazard]

Why wouldn't you carry where it's legal?

[Running Arrow Bill]

Why wouldn't you carry where it's legal?

Unless I misunderstood your comment, one should carry where it's legal. From my perspective, I don't go to certain places whether or not I carry or not. Just not my type of place to buy anything from in first place. Some places I have no interest in going to or no need to go there in first place.

[Oldgringo]

Running Arrow Bill, thank you for one of the more intelligent AND mature philosophies seen lately on this forum.

FWIW, the Oldgringo (three score and eight) shares your sentiments exactly!

[rdcrags]

Running Arrow Bill, thank you for one of the more intelligent AND mature philosophies seen lately on this forum.

[maximus2161]

Thats a thoughtful post sir. I pretty much do the same things. I do occasionally go to the mall with my family and I do carry (not posted 30.06). I see a 30.06 I dont go back to my vehicle and put my handgun up. I just leave and take my business elsewhere. Yes and I am aware of the dilemma of the public restroom. I just will wait and go home. I go up to my friends ranch all the time and he is the same way. He is a retired police captain and never sets foot out of his house to walk around his land without a gun or two. In fact he has a gun on him or within reach at all times. Like you said your land your rules.

I will digress just a bit. What gets me is I will hear or read about someone who gets their CHL and then straps on a gun and walks in the worst part of town or known high risk areas. Why? What does that prove and why does that person think because they have a gun they are prepared for a gun fight and/or the aftermath of a deadly encounter? I was on some forum long ago reading up on CHL and CCW stuff. I remember some local guy posting saying he would strap on his gun, wore body armor, and I think carried a set of handcuffs and would hang out at some movie theater that was a known high crime area. The term 'mall ninja' comes to mind. A person like that will ruin it for the rest of us. A mindset like that is delusional about mortality and consequences.

[HB22]

I like what you say about "mindset" there "Maximus".

I was discussing the other day with my wife about my driving technique when out and about. She has noticed that I have become a little more cautious and passive when I Am Carrying and behind the wheel. I explained that it comes from a greater awareness of my surroundings and my personal philosophy of … yes I am carrying… but I am not carrying to look for a fight. And that philosophy has carried over to the way I drive as well. I too have noticed that when I am Not Carrying, I am a more aggressive driver.

So therefore… If we all carry… Fewer Car Accidents, and... the world might just be a better place... LOL

This is just an observation that I have noticed.

HB22

[baldeagle]

If I ever actually get my CHL, my philosophy will be like yours. I'm not interested in looking for trouble, and I pray trouble never finds me. If it does, I believe I will be ready, and there is not doubt in my mind that can shoot someone if I have to, but my first inclination will be to avoid the situation if at all possible.

[danpaw]

It must be nice to be so regular as to not have to use public toilets for a dump. I never plan to either but unfortunately it has happened.

[gwashorn]

LOL, well I have been following this thread with interest. First, on being regular I am. When I go out to eat I do not leave until time has passed because I am, well, very regular. So restaurants I frequent I know what to expect with their facilities. but I am very cautious of how I conduct my business which has been mentioned of Massad Ayoob. In fact I watched a show this morning when him covering this very subject.

But I wanted to ask when you carry do you notice you have a definite approach to everyday things? You sit away from the door as Running Arrow Bill said. I do that as well. But I also notice I choose which way I sit and access to my weapon. Which side to you walk with your wife now? Weapon protected between you both or outside for ease of access? When I leave the movies and stop by the restroom I stand with my weapon nearest a wall. Things we take for granted on how we conduct our business in everday life takes on a more serious and dedicated thought process with responsibility and care. How have many of you changed the little things you do when you carry?

Gary

[Oldgringo]

I still walk on the outside because that is the way I was brought up. Mrs. Oldgringo seats me facing the door/room when we dine out and yes, the carry side (right) is somewhat favored. Additionally, I will make and hold eye contact if there is even the slightest question as to the intent of the {whatever} approaching me/us. OTOH, I have nothing to prove and I'm way to old to be looking for any kind of fight; especially, fisticuffs and/or knives and and/or courtroom.

As for the badezimmer, you do what you have to do.

[HB22]

Restuarants: Always requesting a booth , I sit on the outside seat with gun side in the middle, never my back to the door. my boys say "dad , why dont we sit at a table anymore?"

Also catch myself very aware of my "gun side" at the checkout lines in stores. Keep them running around kids at Wally World away from me.

HB22