off duty carry articles

[texanjoker]

Good article discussing the pros and cons for a off duty leo. In reality take away the job aspect and it's a good article for any chl holder as well. The second article backs up the first and the bullet points are a must read for everybody in here.

Carrying a weapon off duty has been a lively topic of discussion for decades. As with most issues, being armed 24/7 has its pros and cons. However, if we look at this topic objectively, particularly, from a standpoint of risk and reward, I think most of us can agree that a police officer should carry their weapon while off duty.

http://www.officer.com/article/11221281 ... -yes-or-no

http://www.officer.com/article/10455697/off-duty-cop

[Excaliber]

Good article discussing the pros and cons for a off duty leo. In reality take away the job aspect and it's a good article for any chl holder as well. The second article backs up the first and the bullet points are a must read for everybody in here.

Carrying a weapon off duty has been a lively topic of discussion for decades. As with most issues, being armed 24/7 has its pros and cons. However, if we look at this topic objectively, particularly, from a standpoint of risk and reward, I think most of us can agree that a police officer should carry their weapon while off duty.

http://www.officer.com/article/11221281 ... -yes-or-no

http://www.officer.com/article/10455697/off-duty-cop

Both are excellent and thoughtful articles. Thanks very much for sharing them.

The basic thought process most certainly applies to CHL carry as well.

I had my first insight into the pluses and minuses of off duty carry when, at the end of my first shift on the day I was sworn in, I left my just purchased off duty gun in my apartment and walked into my local Bronx, New York deli a couple of minutes after the 3 man holdup team had left. The folks in the store were still shaking. In those days, if the BG's found a police shield on you when they got your wallet, you were dead meat. I was carrying my shield.

Hmmm.

I might not be the quickest guy around, but I'm not the slowest either. That was the last time I left the house unarmed unless I was going to the airport.

Even back then the mousegun concept didn't look like a good idea to me. My off duty carry guns were .357 magnum, 9mm and .45, although for a BUG I sometimes settled for a .38.

[Topbuilder]

"The bottom line is that you don’t need your weapon until you need it. Can you predict when you will need it? No. Carry your weapon."

Well said!

[mojo84]

Makes good sense to me. Always good to have it and not need it than to need to it an not have it. I have gotten so used to carrying mine that it is not that inconvenient. Unless I am wearing sweats or athletic shorts with just a drawstring.

[gthaustex]

Good articles. The concepts definitely apply to anyone carrying a gun. Thanks for posting.

[rdcrags]

•Carry your off-duty pistol and at least one reload. I said pistol for a reason, a five-shot revolver is not enough gun. Snubbies are great for back-up but not as your primary armament.

Who among this forum really agree with this?

[Shoot_First]

•Carry your off-duty pistol and at least one reload. I said pistol for a reason, a five-shot revolver is not enough gun. Snubbies are great for back-up but not as your primary armament.

Who among this forum really agree with this?

For a CHL holder, a revolver may be a valid carry option. Personally, I carry a compact .45ACP with two reloads. You have to go with what is comforting. When the a problem arises you don't want to be thinking "I wish I had brought my _______."

[texanjoker]

•Carry your off-duty pistol and at least one reload. I said pistol for a reason, a five-shot revolver is not enough gun. Snubbies are great for back-up but not as your primary armament.

Who among this forum really agree with this?

I don't. I carried a 5 shot with a spare speed strip for years in certain attire...

[Shoot_First]

•Carry your off-duty pistol and at least one reload. I said pistol for a reason, a five-shot revolver is not enough gun. Snubbies are great for back-up but not as your primary armament.

Who among this forum really agree with this?

I don't. I carried a 5 shot with a spare speed strip for years in certain attire...

And you should know. Thanks for the two articles... good reads. My LEO son carries a Glock 26 off-duty with no spare mag... to each his own.

[Excaliber]

•Carry your off-duty pistol and at least one reload. I said pistol for a reason, a five-shot revolver is not enough gun. Snubbies are great for back-up but not as your primary armament.

Who among this forum really agree with this?

I agree that is a best practice and one I adhere to.

With that said, I know there are competent folks who are comfortable with less.

I'm not similarly comfortable, but mine is just one opinion and I respect those who have given much thought to the matter and differ with me on that.

[Amonix]

Good read! I am going to share with my mother. Personally I wish she would carry when off duty because I really do worry about her safety. Not because my Mom means the world to me or anything. I only got one mom but plenty of BG's out there.

[Pecos]

Thanks texanjoker
Great articles to learn from!