Safety

I grew up around weapons....fired my first pistol at 6 yrs old .22 Ruger Bear Cat Revolver (Dad helped!) Still have that revolver.

Taken several Firearms Training Courses over the years.
Shot competitively and have been issued a CCW

One of the First things taught:
EVERY weapon is loaded until YOU verify otherwise so handle accordingly

Then was taught:
A firearm may be used only when there is a clear and present danger to life.
A firearm may be used only when other defensive methods are inappropriate or have failed.

And that a firearm MUST never be used to:
To apprehend a fleeing suspect.
To demonstrate authority.
To psychologically "impress" others.
As an aggressive or offensive weapon.

Also taught:
Do not pull/banish a weapon unless you are going to USE IT
If you USE it------center mass and stop firing ONLY when threat is eliminated (NO warning shot)


So IF you choose to carry a weapon:
Take a Training Course
Go to shooting range and acquire needed skills and then maintain them
THINK before REACTING



And NEVER pull a weapon unless you follow thru and USE it.
It is a deadly 'tool' and should be respected as such.


IF you get a CCW remember that it is usually available to LEOs that you have one so if stopped:
Let them KNOW and that you have weapon
THEN follow their directions to a 'T'
(Actually CCW requirement is to inform---could be consequences if you don't)

If you carry w/o CCW......taking chances so be prepared for consequences.