Jul 8, 2010
A frequent question posed by motorcyclist is whether or not they should carry a firearm with them for personal protection. This is a question that has a lot of answers and yet not one fits every situation. Just too many variables to consider on this issue as “one shoes doesn’t fit everyone“. So remember that as we proceed thought this issue. First, let me state that I am trained and carry a 9mm with me almost everywhere i go and am proficient in it’s use as well as a number of one-on-one confrontation scenarios (i.e. martial arts). Granted i’m not a competitive fighter, but i can hold-my-own when it was needed. And have had to “hold my own” over the years (although i was a lot younger and foolish too) when the need arose.
Anyway, at one point in my history i believed that it was not necessary to carry a weapon. There was just no reasonable rationale for doing so. Of course that was when the world we lived it was a bit more reasonable too. Now, however due to life situations (peoples lack of regard for authority, more mentally unstable people on the streets, increasing number of career criminals on the streets as well as the communities i find myself in regularly due to my business), I have had to re-think my position and thus carrying a weapon became part of my everyday life. Plus i have the simple belief that I should, as a responsible adult, be able to protect those if love, those that are around me and my property. I do know that I won’t carry any weapon (gun, knife, etc) that i am not prepared to use, thus being a responsible citizen of this society.
Note: I do believe that every American who can legally own a firearm should have the right to do so. However, just because we should all have that right, does not mean all of us should exercise it. A firearm is a dangerous weapon, and in the wrong or untrained hands, it can cause far more harm than good.
Gun ownership does carry with it a HUGH responsibility. Only you can decide if you are willing and/or able to accept that type of responsibility. You have to understand the legal ramifications that come with gun ownership and use. You also have to understand that there is an emotional price you will pay in using “deadly force”. Are you willing to shoulder that responsibility too? If not, don’t carry. Plain and simple! If you do carry are you trained in the safe handling and use of that firearm? Are you knowledgeable of the circumstances where it can be legally used for defense. The laws vary from state to state, and you must comply with the rules where you happen to be at the time. My personal philosophy is that the first rule of firearms ownership is safety, while the second is discretion. Nobody needs to know you have a gun, and the fewer who do, the better off you will be. Never display your weapon except when you feel a real threat to your life or safety. . The only time I would consider using deadly force is when somebody is actually attacking me or directly threatening the lives of myself or someone else.
Whatever you decide, that is your decision to live with. If you do decide to carry a weapon, do your homework first. Go to a good gun/knife shop and look over the selection and find a knowledgeable teacher. Having your buddy teach you doesn’t qualify! Also, find a range where you can try and compare several different weapons before you make your purchase. Cause this will become part of your life.
