Oops, asked and answered already. Sorry. Now that the meds have smoothed out, I'll add a few thoughts. First, having a spare tire (in the trunk not waist), doesn't mean you fear an immanent flat, but most probably don't fear a flat because they do have the spare in the trunk. Second, from what you've already said, you seem to already keep more 'options' "on or about you" than some do. Until I got my CHL, I would only carry in the car on road trips. Even with 2 alarms, I wouldn't want to leave the car parked out of my sight, because I'm more concerned about what could happen with a burglary or some kids looking to joy ride. I feel the safest place for my weapon is on me. Second place is behind the gate, in my home with the alarm and 100 lb dog on guard duty. Third, in regard to "defense of others", as has been said countless times on this forum, "it's NOT a BatMan card". Situational awareness and avoidance are your best first defenses, but should I find myself in a situation, I ask myself 'what would I do if I were not carrying?', and 'would I feel compelled to act?'. I evaluate the situation and try to know what I don't know. For example, if I come upon a male holding a gun on a female holding a knife, whether carrying or not, I would take cover, and call 911, for starters. I don't know enough about the situation to 'engage' a target, so I would just try to safely be a good witness. Chivalry might influence one to 'rescue the damsel', but perhaps she was a knife wielding mugger who chose poorly. If I start by trying to know what I don't know, then I feel I can at least make better decisions. As said before, you shouldn't feel pressured to carry, and if carrying no pressure to use. Just some thoughts for consideration. I hope everybody has a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.Zylo_X wrote:Mitch,
Thanks for sparking some thoughtful discussion. Before I continue, can you please clarify a point? In your scenario of "one chance to get it wrong", are you applying that to "defense of others", outside of immediate family?? I would think that "defense of self or others", with "others" being immediate family would generally be a pretty clear cut scenario. Thanks, Z
Yes indeed, this is all about the "good discussion". I could have just answered your OP with "NO", but what fun would that be? 
We're all just gonna do it our own way (hopefully within the law), and hope for the best, and I'm not trying to convince anybody of anything. How sad that we've 'progressed' from barns to bunkers? It always comes down to 
I'm truly just trying to understand what I see as a 'disconnect' between jumping through all the hoops to have the CHL, and then thinking its just 'nice to have'. 
Seems like you'd just be happier in an open carry state, but then wouldn't we all?? 
For me, the line between everyday and WCS is fluid, like the tide. I try to be as prepared as possible at all times. I regularly work night shifts for extended periods, so the 'pinnacle of my week' might be a 4am trip to Wally World. I've survived a gun fight with a knife, and 18 straight hours at a Black Jack table in Vegas, but I'm not that young anymore. If the CHL keeps me 'legal' then its more than just 'nice to have'. For my WCS, I figure nobody is gonna be checking plastic, and have planned accordingly. As 'they' say, 'Anybody more prepared than me is just Paranoid.' 
