It seems alot of people are uninformed on the concealed handgun process. It's a 2 day training class(15hrs) with extensive background checks and costs ~$250 and alot of running from various state department buildings getting various signitures and having those signitures noterized to get it. IE a huge PITA. If you have anything above a speeding ticket on your record you're not getting a permit. The class goes over situations and focuses on situational awareness, something any motorcyclist should be practicing at all times. Trying to avoid situations before they happen, but as we all know, sometimes things goes down.
Any class that has to do with firearms, be it hunting, range, hell even shooting bb guns in boyscouts the first thing they should tell you is to never point a firearm at something you do not intend to destroy, and to treat every firearm as if it is loaded even if you "know" it is not.
The class also focuses on how to successfully communicate with people and bring them up to an adult level. Adult mentality will generally not result to violence, basically if you speak calmly and rationally and try to agree with the person rather than directly confront them, it changes thier behavior emmensly. IE, back down and see if the other party calms down so you can resolve the issue. and go on your merry way. .
And as a final resort the class pounds the idea that you use the minimum amount of force nessecary to stop the action being directed towards you. If you're able to walk in a different direction do it, if you're able to go into a public area do it. Warn the person verbally, "Hey buddy I know you're there, stop following me." If the person continues to advance or does not respond, and you get backed into a corner than it's obvious they don't just want to ask for directions. At that point you should feel threatened for your life and should draw your firearm with the intent to kill. Hopefully they'll tuck tail and run, but hesitation could mean life and death, after I pull my gun if they take another step that will be thier last. I have no doubt about that.
Unfortunatly, sometimes trying to talk to the guy running at you with a crowbar isn't a option. What do you do? Do you think you can outrun him? Or do you Know you can stop him. When my well being depends on it, I prefer to know
The class then goes over the ramifications of such an action. Things like if you shoot someone in fear of your life, the bullet goes through them and kills or injures another person, you goto prison. If you shoot someone to breaking into your neighbors house that you've known forever, and they didn't ask you specifally to watch thier property, you goto jail. If your gun is visable in public you can have your license suspended and face a fine. There are very specific times and situations where lethal force is nessecary, or legal. It's not like being a cowboy shooting people at the drop of a hat or something.
You have to pass a written test going over various situations, when you can and cannot use it, proper handling of your firearm, where it is legal to carry, and how to carry it.
You also have to qualify at a shooting range, from 3yards, 10yards, and 20yards, though admitably that part is a joke. You also have to renew and requalify at the range every 4 years.
The point is, the class isn't about getting a license to shoot people, it's about getting the tools to not have to shoot someone.
I personally carry my gun, (Khar .40) in my jacket, I have sewn extra CE form into the pocket in the event of a crash it will hopefully keep it from doing more than some bruising, should diffenatly keep it from puncturing anything. In my truck I carry it in a lower back holster. Will I ever use it while moving on my bike? No, it'd be damn near impossible and there is no point. There is no situation I can think of that you would suddenly find yourself in while moving that would require the use of a firearm. Now if I"m stopped at a stoplight and some guy pulls a gun on me, am I going to have time to pull it out of my pocket and shoot the guy? No. I'd simply get off the bike and give him what he wanted at that point until I had the opportunity to pull my firearm and stop the action. I'm not letting some asshat take off with possessions so he can go on with his life and take someone elses possessions, or possibly life down the road.
Basically having a CHL (Concealed handgun License) is a huge responsibility, not something people get lightly or on a whim. Will I ever have to use my gun? Maybe, I hope not. Will I be thankful I have it if I do need to use it? Without a doubt. Is a cop going to show up and save the day? Not a chance in hell.
I have choosen not to be a victim.
P.S. wow that's the longest post I've ever written :eyebrow:
