steveincowtown wrote:I am not shopping at Academy anymore. I got swept last night by about 50 guns that were sitting in the case.
Just doesn't feel safe.
I think there is some inherent risk (to oneself and others) in carrying a handgun for self defense.
It is greater than the risk that target shooters take by carrying an unloaded, locked, gun to the range firing line...shooting, then unloading, packing up... and carrying the gun home in a case.
If we are absolutists about the "rules" of safe gun handling, then most of us are violating them by carrying for self defense. That pistol in my glove box is continually "sweeping" passers by and other cars. My holstered CCW is sweeping people on an escalator or on floors below me.
Horizontal shoulder holsters are less safe than other types, whether concealed or not. If you choose to carry with one, the risk to yourself and others is higher whether open or concealed (unless your jacket is bulletproof). Still, lots of lawmen and CHL's carry with them. Are we suggesting they should be banned for open carry? If so, I assume only for the "perception" issue, since the actual risk is the same.
I would argue single action "cocked and locked" carried for self defense is more dangerous than a DA revolver or auto, though many lawmen and firearms experts choose to carry this way. There are just more precautions required to do it responsibly (hammer blocking strap, safety, hard side holster, etc.). Therefore, I choose not to carry this way, though I recognize it can be done safely.
I'm personally not comfortable carrying small striker fired pistols. Seems like most of the ND's we hear about recently involve these, although I'm sure that there are other bad gun handling issues that contribute. However, I don't suggest other people don't carry them...just not for me.
There are still people who insist on carrying DA autos with an empty chamber. I think that's like carrying an unloaded gun, but I'm the guy scared of SA cocked & locked, so again it's a matter of choice and taking responsible precautions.
99% of gun safety is keeping the "booger hook" off the "bang switch" until you mean for it to go bang.
Let the purist flaming begin
