Does your mom know you carry?

[texanjoker]

yup. I grew up in a family where my dad carried a gun.

[RoyGBiv]

Yes, mom knows. Her 80-something boyfriend carries too.

[jsk]

I'm curious as to why having one's CHL and possibly carrying a firearm has to be some deep, dark secret? How does that same thought process exist with those that insist on open carry? Doesn't the attitude of "secret society" or "elitist group" tend to reduce the number of folks that need to be educated and brought into the fold? Having the ability to defend one's self, loved ones and property is a good thing, something we (collectively) would like to see expanded to greater numbers ..... right?

I agree. I can see not wanting to discuss it with people you don't know well, if you think they may dislike guns (or if you know they definitely dislike guns); but outside of that I don't really see the need for secrecy.

My wife and I have discussed taking the course and getting our CHL with both our parents, as well as several friends. No negative reactions at all, in fact my dad is finally getting around to taking the course this weekend and a couple other friends mentioned it's something they've been thinking about doing. My father-in-law used to have a CHL but let it expire several years ago; at time he felt the renewal process was too much trouble plus he's a little wary about being "in the system" as he doesn't trust the government much these days. I told him about the reduced class requirements starting this fall and I have a feeling he'll be getting his CHL again at some point.

[scottmeador]

My mom doesn't really like the idea. My wife, father and I took our classes at the same time and dad began carrying.

[Venting]

At some point my mom asked him to stop carrying, why I don't know. They keep our toddler son on weekdays and dad got his CHL to protect the family. I have asked my mom why she doesn't want him to carry but she just clams up. I express my expectation that since dad is able and willing to protect his family that he should be carrying.

[/Venting]

[OverEasy]

Yes, regrettably.
I didn't tell her because I know she can't keep a secret.
The 1st time she saw me with a butt pack, it was '20 questions' and she wouldn't quit without seeing the butt pack up close.
She doesn't like butt packs because only 'certain people' that she doesn't like wear them.
This was in the driveway in front of her house. One of her friends pulled in the drive, and the first thing she said was "He carries a gun in that"

The only good thing is, now when I use my Smart Carry she doesn't think I have a gun because I don't have the butt pack on.

She is OK with guns and concealed carry. They have a gun in the house and I have taken her to the range before.

She is 87. My biggest fear is being with her in public and have an armed attacker appear in a restaurant . I'm afraid the the first thing she will do is YELL, OE, have you got your gun?

Regards, OE

[RogueUSMC]

We lost my mom in '91...My dad taught me how to shoot when I was young but we never had anything around the house 'sides my BB gun...I don't know if it was because my mom didn't like them or my dad...

Dad bought himself a 12guage a few years ago and just recently bought a 9mm (because he thought it wouldn't be long before they said he couldn't)

He and his new wife know I carry but they don't say whether they approve or not.

My wife's mother on the other hand...she took her CHL class with me. I had to throw my target away because I didn't want her comparing it to mine (a little miss annie oakley she is...lol).

I don't just go around tellin' everbody though.

Semper Fi,
Lee

[goose]

I'm curious as to why having one's CHL and possibly carrying a firearm has to be some deep, dark secret? How does that same thought process exist with those that insist on open carry? Doesn't the attitude of "secret society" or "elitist group" tend to reduce the number of folks that need to be educated and brought into the fold? Having the ability to defend one's self, loved ones and property is a good thing, something we (collectively) would like to see expanded to greater numbers ..... right?

I agree. I can see not wanting to discuss it with people you don't know well, if you think they may dislike guns (or if you know they definitely dislike guns); but outside of that I don't really see the need for secrecy.

I think that you covered it all though. Not all families are tight knit and not all families share a common political leaning.

Thankfully, my mom likes coming out and shooting a little herself when we have the semi annual family get together. I got the family's first CHL and tattoo. Mom knows about both.

[Diesel42]

All of my family knows I have a CHL. My Dad and younger brother don't like guns so they ignore me and pretend everyone shares their preconceived notions. Mom and my older brother see weapons as tools, nothing more or less. In my experience, treating weapons as tools allows me the ability to defuse the drama and hyperbole some folks associate with weapons.

Anyway... I've never had any problems with family or friends and my carry status. I have been approached by several family members and friends asking me to teach them how to shoot, so I must be doing it right. LOL
Nick

[RJGold]

She knows I carry in general. She doesn't ask me if I am carrying on a specific basis.

My dad carries but I don't know if he's carrying on a specific basis. Since his sciatica got unbearable, he carries in "off body" methods so it's dang hard to tell.

My brother used to make it a point to announce to the family that he was packing so I always knew when he was.

Anytime he'd ask me, I'd tell him it was none of his business and if we weren't related I wouldn't have told him that much.

My wife assumes I am (although sometimes still asks me if we are going to a place where I may not be able to carry, i.e. "is this a bar or a restaurant?").

My two cents...

[The Annoyed Man]

I'm curious as to why having one's CHL and possibly carrying a firearm has to be some deep, dark secret? How does that same thought process exist with those that insist on open carry? Doesn't the attitude of "secret society" or "elitist group" tend to reduce the number of folks that need to be educated and brought into the fold? Having the ability to defend one's self, loved ones and property is a good thing, something we (collectively) would like to see expanded to greater numbers ..... right?

I think it is primarily following reasons:

1. How we pick our friends: Right or wrong, for better or for worse, guns are a polarizing thing in this society. Think about it.....do you tend to seek out your friendships among gun-owners, or gun-haters? I think for most of us, we'd answer that question by saying that we know people on both sides of the issue, but we tend to seek our friendships on the pro-gun side of the issue, because that's the side that we have more in common with. If we have to choose between people who, A) we may like but who will not approve of our free exercise of our rights, or B) people who we like and who share our world view, we are quite naturally going to gravitate to those whome we are most comfortable with.
2. Confrontation avoidance: Guns are polarizing because there is a certain kind of busybody (called a liberal) who isn't happy unless he/she is telling us where we are wrong and what we need to fix in order to bring our lives into compliance with their tidy little world view. Conversely, I could care less if that person chooses to own a gun and carry it or not. I just want them to leave me alone and stop trying to take away my rights. This is the primary reason why, even if Constitutional Carry was Texas law, I would still probably carry concealed most of the time. I just don't want the confrontations from busybodies who aren't happy unless I fall into their line. They won't ever accept that it's not any more of their business whether I carry a gun or not than it is any of their business whether I choose to wear red or green clothing. They may have an opinion, but when it comes to guns, they just can't keep that opinion to themselves, the way they might if they didn't like the red jacket I was wearing.

I don't need the hassles, so that's why I tend to keep it secret unless I'm comfortable with a specific individual's knowing. It's not because I'm an elitist. It's certainly not because I think it is shameful in any way whatsoever. It's just because life is short, and I don't want to hear most of the crap that people are going to spout if they're uncomfortable with my liberty.

I used to be a lot more open about it and didn't particularly care what others think. I still don't care what they think; I just don't want to deal with their crap.

[green2145]

I've never told mine.Its just not something I blurt out but I suppose she'll find out at some point.

[kde71450]

[youtube][/youtube]

http://youtu.be/9DaJjxwcKg8


I Love This Video

[mr surveyor]

I'm curious as to why having one's CHL and possibly carrying a firearm has to be some deep, dark secret? How does that same thought process exist with those that insist on open carry? Doesn't the attitude of "secret society" or "elitist group" tend to reduce the number of folks that need to be educated and brought into the fold? Having the ability to defend one's self, loved ones and property is a good thing, something we (collectively) would like to see expanded to greater numbers ..... right?

I think it is primarily following reasons:

1. How we pick our friends: Right or wrong, for better or for worse, guns are a polarizing thing in this society. Think about it.....do you tend to seek out your friendships among gun-owners, or gun-haters? I think for most of us, we'd answer that question by saying that we know people on both sides of the issue, but we tend to seek our friendships on the pro-gun side of the issue, because that's the side that we have more in common with. If we have to choose between people who, A) we may like but who will not approve of our free exercise of our rights, or B) people who we like and who share our world view, we are quite naturally going to gravitate to those whome we are most comfortable with.
2. Confrontation avoidance: Guns are polarizing because there is a certain kind of busybody (called a liberal) who isn't happy unless he/she is telling us where we are wrong and what we need to fix in order to bring our lives into compliance with their tidy little world view. Conversely, I could care less if that person chooses to own a gun and carry it or not. I just want them to leave me alone and stop trying to take away my rights. This is the primary reason why, even if Constitutional Carry was Texas law, I would still probably carry concealed most of the time. I just don't want the confrontations from busybodies who aren't happy unless I fall into their line. They won't ever accept that it's not any more of their business whether I carry a gun or not than it is any of their business whether I choose to wear red or green clothing. They may have an opinion, but when it comes to guns, they just can't keep that opinion to themselves, the way they might if they didn't like the red jacket I was wearing.

I don't need the hassles, so that's why I tend to keep it secret unless I'm comfortable with a specific individual's knowing. It's not because I'm an elitist. It's certainly not because I think it is shameful in any way whatsoever. It's just because life is short, and I don't want to hear most of the crap that people are going to spout if they're uncomfortable with my liberty.

I used to be a lot more open about it and didn't particularly care what others think. I still don't care what they think; I just don't want to deal with their crap.

I agree with your opinions..... mine may appear different, but I don't think so. I wasn't suggesting wearing the CHL sash to announce to the world, but I think you know that. Your statements regarding "how we pick our friends" is right down my alley. Personally, I have both friends, and acquaintances - much fewer of the former. Those that I consider friends are the ones that I could call on at 0300 in a time of need, and they would be there for me. Actually, all of those guys (many that I grew up with) are fishing, hunting and socializing buddies, and their wives (those that still have them) are almost always involved in our quarterly wild game cook outs, crawfish boils or other eating events. About half that bunch is in my Sunday School class, and all the rest of that class knows we all carry, including our Sunday School teacher that we "influenced" a few years ago (now he can't quit buying guns and has gotten big into reloading). Anyway, outside of that group of guys (and gals), I suppose I consider most everyone I know as either "casual friends", "business acquaintances" or just plain old "acquaintances". And there's several of those that know I carry, because of previous discussions with them over the years that inspired them to get their CHL. But, they're not "strangers".

As to the family thing, I was raised in a family that didn't keep secrets (well.... maybe some little secrets during the teen years), and we always discussed our interests. Sure, there are always going to be differing opinions, but nobody ever got their panties in a wad or split the family. I will admit that I have one living aunt in her early 80's that gives me a "pat down" hug every time I see her (maybe a couple times a year), and always says "are you still carrying that dang thing ... what are you scared of?", to which I always have the same answer "not a whole lot", and smile.

Life is too short to sweat the little stuff .... and it seems to get shorter every day .... but at least the little stuff seems to be getting smaller too.

surv

[Redneck_Buddha]

My poor mom would be horrified. I was raised clear of guns and motorcycles.

[HKMike]

My poor mom would be horrified. I was raised clear of guns and motorcycles.

I was raised to stay clear of motorcycles, and respect guns. Now I carry a gun and ride a Harley. Oh well, she tried...