Why do you carry?

[MikeBjerum]

Got asked this the other day again.  Actually I got asked "Are you scared?"  I said "No - I just believe in being prepared if needed."

This got me to thinking some more about my reply to this question.  We have all used the old spare tire or jumper cable analogy, and I wanted something new with numbers.  So, I went to work and did a little research:

State of Minnesota cause of death on death certificate for years 1999 - 2008

Assault - Homicide 1304
                   Average 130.4
                   High 2000 - 142      Low 2007 - 118

Population - Average for entire state over same period  5.1 million

Odds of dieing as a victim of violent assault in the State of Minnesota 
     1 in 39,110.4

Odds of winning at Power Ball
     Jackpot      1 in 195.3 million
     200k          1 in 5.1 million
     10k            1 in 723k

Odds of being struck by lightning according to NOAA
      1 in 8.99 million

Odds of a child dieing in an automobile accident in the USA
      1 in 23k

PowerBall is well accepted through out the states it is played in, and most states have some type of lotter;
We run for cover, quit playing golf and we get off the lake in a thunderstorm once lighting is spotted or thunder heard;
And we spend hundreds per family on car seats, we buckle our children up and we adjust where we put our children in the car.

Given these facts, why don't more people carry self protection weapons and train in their use?

By the way, these assault numbers are homicide only - resulted in death of the victim.  These numbers do not include assault that resulted in injuries, home invasions, armed robbery, car jacking, etc.

[Solus]

Just a side note....

One of the reasons death by lightening strike is low is that folks have learned what it takes to be safer.

Lightening Rods and other safety gear and just being aware and prepared to deal with it...in this case getting out of the risk area.

Similar to Self Defense.  Carry the right gear, be aware and prepared, and avoid the situation if possible.

[PegLeg45]

I carry a gun because it is a heck of a lot easier (and probably safer) than carrying a cop...........      

[2HOW]

Ultimately we are responsible for our own safety, and those around us to a certain extent .

[ronlarimer]

Short Answer...  I have a wife and 2 children I am responsible for.  

Explanation...  I am no good to them dead, so I must protect myself.  I can't not keep them locked at home so we must go out into the world and interact with people I know nothing about.  Some of those people may want to do them harm and since I do not wish to force them to stay right next to me, those bad men might want to do them harm at a distance; therefore, a short stick will just not do.  Some of those people may also have friends and since I am only one man I may be quickly overcome and I need a tool to help even the odds. Lastly while my family is my #1 priority, there may also be a time when my friends or fellow law abiding citizens may encounter a threat of grave bodily injury or death and this tool would allow me to assist them equally well.

Restated...  I carry a firearm to protect my family, friends or those unable to defend themselves from bad men that mean to do them grave harm, when I alone am not enough.

[Sponsor]

[Solus]

Brigid happened to post a poignant piece on this topic today.  You can find it Here  http://mausersandmuffins.blogspot.com/

And here is an excerpt


For in that one shot, with the confidence it brought, I knew. With this weapon, and practice, I can walk freely, a woman unbound by convention or unseated fear. I can hold my head up high, aware of my surroundings, walking with that purpose that shows I am not afraid of you any longer. Too many victims, too many women afraid, nothing left but soft murmuring bones and deep sighs like wind. Brave women, yet in the end, unarmed, their fight so insubstantial against mass and anger that we can not distinguish it from the bone colored earth that is all that remains or their final moments.

If you have women in your life who are hesitant to take up shooting or carrying, they need to have a read.

[tt11758]

Why do I carry?  Why do you insure your home against fire, and your car against theft?

[TAB]

Why do I carry?  Why do you insure your home against fire, and your car against theft?

so you buy insurance?

where can I get that kind of insurance?



All joking aside, there is a huge diffrence between buying insurance and doing things yourself.

[MikeBjerum]

so you buy insurance?

where can I get that kind of insurance?



All joking aside, there is a huge diffrence between buying insurance and doing things yourself.

I knew sooner or later it would happen 

[TAB]

What the truth?


Carrying a gun is more like having a car alarm, then it is insurance.