Reconsidering CCW

[rdtompki]

My wife and I have handguns for HD and recreation. We've been pretty committed to training and practice and our instructors have a real self defense focus. I've never seriously considered CCW since were homebodies and until recently I didn't consider our area to be "dangerous". However, we live outside of Hollister, CA on a few acres and in the last week three people were shot at the motorcycle rally (I was one block away on my bicycle at the time) and a murder occurred in town one evening. I also do solo bike rides on pretty desolate ranch roads albeit the greatest danger being a bike-squirrel collision on a high speed downhill.

My greatest challenge may be scrounging up three references (San Benito County requirement?) since prior to my retirement last November I was almost a workaholic/long distance commuter/traveler which doesn't make for close friendships. I think I'll check in with the sherrif.

[rod5591]

references are easy if you go to church. Try your ministers and the elders.

[LCU1670]

Past co workers, friends, family friends, gun club, weapons trainers.

[Parabellm]

Reading the title of your post reminded me of what I was going through when deciding weather to pursue getting my ccw.
I have had friends and family ask why I "needed" one. The best answer I could come up with is "because I can".
I came across this little essay and it really expressed to me what I have not been able to put into words about this subject. I even printed it to show family members when I get the "why do you need a gun" speech.

http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/why-i-got-my-ccw-permit-and-why-you-should-too/

[grantar2]

Really there is a bit of misnomer. You have guns, and are trained and competent in there use, but you state it is for home defense. I doubt this is true, I am pretty sure your willing to sacrifice the house itself to some extent rather than kill to defended it, even if it is killing a low life scum bag or just a miss guided teen.

Truth be told, you own a gun and have trained for self defense. If you could give up a TV and avoid the criminal and civil repercussions you likely would, but if someone where out to harm your wife or yourself, you would take the action necessary. You have accepted the concept of self defense in the home, because after all that is about all the state has allowed us. (firearms wise). But the concept of self defense extends beyond your front door, all your really saying is you now want to be better prepared to defend yourself and your family off your physical property. Self Defense is a basic human right.

Everybody knows 3 people, you buy gas, groceries, car repair, have a financial advisor or some such. Your firearms instructor is one likely candidate as mentioned.

The logic is simple, regardless of your political bent, the Gov. has been forced by court order to release hundreds of criminals before their sentences have been fulfilled. The economy is bad, jobs are hard to come by, and these men and women, should they want to turn there lives around are coming out at just the wrong time. Would you hire a felon if you could hire someone with a squeaky clean record? Many will return to what they know, and have honed their skills on. Others don't value human life, a societal problem, but look at how many people lately leave their kids or pets in hot cars. CCW allows you to have a little more peace of mind. It comes with huge liability and responsibility, and I highly recommend reading In the Gravest Extreme to get a feel for this. It's old and still current.

I know this. I have my CCW, I feel better. I live in one of the safest neighborhoods in America, I have a drug house across the street from me that has been busted 7 times in 24 months by interagency teams. The guys in the house are actually reasonably quite and reserved now, but you never know, especially with the curriers and customers. They will likely move on at sometime, but having the ability to chose to carry and be legal, makes things so much nicer.

[Connman]

There is no such thing as a "safe neighborhood" or "safe place" Everyone and anyone is vulnerable at any time, any place. Don't kid yourself.

[crazy_frank]

Bummer that you have to collect 3 references, every county is different I guess. Just try to get them however you can, it sounds like you have a serious good cause on your hands.

[insidetheten]

There is no such thing as a "safe neighborhood" or "safe place" Everyone and anyone is vulnerable at any time, any place. Don't kid yourself.

Absolutely true.

[tnlrat37]

If nothing else the CCW gives you the choice of when you want to carry and when not to. Having that choice is huge