G26ster wrote:DLBConductor wrote:Most of the friends I made in my CHL class all carry 24/7.
If one says they carry "24/7," then they never
voluntarily go to any of the places listed in PC 46.035, because they will be unarmed. If they do
voluntarily go places where they must be unarmed, what makes them any different than those that pick and choose whether they carry when they leave the house on any given day? One could just as easily be a victim of crime in those places as in any other place. Of course there ARE folks who don't voluntarily go to those places. They don't fly, visit friends or relatives in 30.06 posted hospitals, visit large amusement parks, attend high school, college, or professional sporting events, 51% locations, etc., but I don't believe they represent the majority of CHL holders. Just MHO.
I understand what you are saying and agree that a strict 24/7 carry is almost impossible and does not represent the majority of CHL holders. I should qualify my statement to say, "I try to carry 24/7 except in those places forbidden by law." In my case, I take my gun off and leave it in the car when I go to the hospital, the courthouse, the post office, or do ride-a-longs with the police. In my retirement, I don't happen to fly, attend high school or sporting events, or visit 51% locations. I also will not patronize any business that posts a 30.06 sign.
Deciding when, where, or even if to carry a handgun is a very personal decision. I would never deign to tell another what they should do in regard to getting a CHL or carrying a firearm. Speaking only for myself, I have learned from experience that evil can strike anywhere, at any time, and that there is no such place as a crime free zone. Being 69 years old and stricken with severe arthritis, as much as it is up to me, I carry whenever and wherever I legally can in order to protect myself and my wife. That said, the most important thing I have learned in this journey is the importance of Situational Awareness. Being alert has proven to be far more important than my handgun in keeping me safe. My EDC is my weapon of last resort and I hope never to have to use it. In my recent failed carjacking encounter, my early situational awareness and immediate, decisive action allowed me to escape being carjacked but just barely. Once I was in my car with the doors locked, I had my Xd9sc concealed in my hand and was prepared to use it had the BGs shown a weapon.
To get back to the OP's original question, probably more CHL holders do not carry than do. I think that is unfortunate because it leaves them more vulnerable but that is their decision. It also would not surprise me that people who have had a bad experience with BGS, like I have, are probably much more likely to carry as much as possible.
Thanks for helping me to clarify my post.
It took all of 3 months of marriage to come to that realization.
