2004hemi said:
This might sound a little crazy but I am wondering if anyone feels the way I do. In the last few weeks I have been considering going forward with getting my concealed carry license again. I had one in the past but let it expire. I will be carrying in my vehicle a pistol the type and caliber are not important for this question.
But in doing a little research on many gun forums I noticed the main opinion of people on those forums is that, to have a weapon is the “end all be all for most”. What I mean by that is they feel that by having a 9mm, 40cal. 45Acp on their person they are prepared for anything short of all out combat. I have to disagree and think that they are seriously under prepared, and that they are inviting serious repercussions.
It is my opinion that if I am serious about self defense and have decided to arm myself with a pistol that I should also have a means to defend myself with out the use of deadly force. Not all situations will merit the use of deadly force so with that in mind would you agree that it would be responsible to study some form of a martial art as a back up plan, an ability to defend with out killing, and something that goes with you even when your firearm cannot. Like into a Federal Building, liquor store, or a club.
I ask this here because when I asked a question like this on a gun forum I was laughed at, told martial arts were BS, was told if I had faith in my training I would not want to carry a gun. It was not pretty what people had to say. I just overlooked the comments of the uneducated and thought I would brig this question to a more mature audience, and one that understands the value of martial arts training and it place in self defense.
Remember, the gun is a tool, a useful and extremely powerful tool, but a tool nonetheless. Having only one tool in your tool box makes you limited. If being prepared is your goal, you should train in several areas of armed and unarmed combat.
Being able to use improvised weapons well, for example, is important. Being able to throw a decent punch and kick, and grapple, is likewise important. Understanding how to use a knife is important. Ultimately, your mind, and the ability to view situations tactically is your key weapon.
As for the handgun, if you carry it, you likely will never need it.....however, the handgun is one of those things that when you need it....you REALLY need it. If you need a gun, there is NO SUBSTITUTE for one.
As for training, there is a lot of good training around. If you have a little money, i'd highly recommend Gunsite out in Arizona, they are outstanding at teaching you the art of the pistol. Clint Smith's Thunder Ranch is excellent as well.
As for children and guns, every person in your house old enough to remotely comprehend should be taught the basic safety rules.
http://www.lightlink.com/critters/gunsafety.htm
Hiding you gun from your child, and never discussing what it is or what it will do, is as dangerous as leaving it on the coffee table. A child brought up to understand firearms, and their proper role, and knowing that they NEVER deviate from the rules of safety, make for FAR safer homes that 'out of sight, out of mind'.
As with all things, there is no cure for incompetent ownership. Incompetent firearms ownership can result in the death of children. Of course, incompetent swimming pool ownership kills many times more children each year than incompetent gun ownership. Lets not even mention incompetent vehicle ownership. Incompetence of all stripes is often fatal.
I did like the suggestion about taking family members out and allowing them to fire the weapon, so that they will see what it is capable of doing, and many will less likely view it as a toy. I'd limit the amount of firings without hearing protection, though. I've lost some high and low range hearing over the years, and i'm not sure the effect that would have on the hearing of children and teenagers.
