Anyone qualified who decided not to?

[G26ster]

Most of the friends I made in my CHL class all carry 24/7.

If one says they carry "24/7," then they never voluntarily go to any of the places listed in PC 46.035, because they will be unarmed. If they do voluntarily go places where they must be unarmed, what makes them any different than those that pick and choose whether they carry when they leave the house on any given day? One could just as easily be a victim of crime in those places as in any other place. Of course there ARE folks who don't voluntarily go to those places. They don't fly, visit friends or relatives in 30.06 posted hospitals, visit large amusement parks, attend high school, college, or professional sporting events, 51% locations, etc., but I don't believe they represent the majority of CHL holders. Just MHO.

[Dragonfighter]

<SNIP>
One reason I'm very glad I carry is that it helps keep me OUT of situations like that in the first place. Of course, I try not to get into serious arguments anyway, I'm no good at it

It took all of 3 months of marriage to come to that realization.

[DLBConductor]

Most of the friends I made in my CHL class all carry 24/7.

If one says they carry "24/7," then they never voluntarily go to any of the places listed in PC 46.035, because they will be unarmed. If they do voluntarily go places where they must be unarmed, what makes them any different than those that pick and choose whether they carry when they leave the house on any given day? One could just as easily be a victim of crime in those places as in any other place. Of course there ARE folks who don't voluntarily go to those places. They don't fly, visit friends or relatives in 30.06 posted hospitals, visit large amusement parks, attend high school, college, or professional sporting events, 51% locations, etc., but I don't believe they represent the majority of CHL holders. Just MHO.

I understand what you are saying and agree that a strict 24/7 carry is almost impossible and does not represent the majority of CHL holders. I should qualify my statement to say, "I try to carry 24/7 except in those places forbidden by law." In my case, I take my gun off and leave it in the car when I go to the hospital, the courthouse, the post office, or do ride-a-longs with the police. In my retirement, I don't happen to fly, attend high school or sporting events, or visit 51% locations. I also will not patronize any business that posts a 30.06 sign.

Deciding when, where, or even if to carry a handgun is a very personal decision. I would never deign to tell another what they should do in regard to getting a CHL or carrying a firearm. Speaking only for myself, I have learned from experience that evil can strike anywhere, at any time, and that there is no such place as a crime free zone. Being 69 years old and stricken with severe arthritis, as much as it is up to me, I carry whenever and wherever I legally can in order to protect myself and my wife. That said, the most important thing I have learned in this journey is the importance of Situational Awareness. Being alert has proven to be far more important than my handgun in keeping me safe. My EDC is my weapon of last resort and I hope never to have to use it. In my recent failed carjacking encounter, my early situational awareness and immediate, decisive action allowed me to escape being carjacked but just barely. Once I was in my car with the doors locked, I had my Xd9sc concealed in my hand and was prepared to use it had the BGs shown a weapon.

To get back to the OP's original question, probably more CHL holders do not carry than do. I think that is unfortunate because it leaves them more vulnerable but that is their decision. It also would not surprise me that people who have had a bad experience with BGS, like I have, are probably much more likely to carry as much as possible.

Thanks for helping me to clarify my post.

[Abraham]

Some go so far as to carry as an every moment awake practice - inside their own homes.

[ldavidson]

Do you know people with whom you do not discuss or promote getting a CHL?

[Topbuilder]

I took the class with a friend who has never carried since arrival of plastic. He's waiting for his 5.11 special undershirt with armpit compartment...
which I consider a back-up option, not a carry option. Kind of like a ankle holster. Good back-up, bad primary carry location.
EDC is not for everyone. Even of those who are legally qualified.
My friend has a few problems:
He does not have a lifelong history around guns.
He would not be comfortable with "condition 1" carry.
He has an anti-gun wife.
He lacks confidence due to lack of knowledge/continuing education. Laws, signs, where can I not carry...
Possibly has an inner feeling he would never be able to pull the trigger in a defensive situation.

I don't push. A piece of plastic will not give you everything you need to carry.

[hpcatx]

EDC is not for everyone. Even of those who are legally qualified.
My friend has a few problems:
He does not have a lifelong history around guns.
He would not be comfortable with "condition 1" carry.
He has an anti-gun wife.

Time changes these issues. All three were apt descriptions for me. I insisted both my first home defense and then carry handguns (DAOs) had thumb safeties; ones in my current rotation do not and are always kept with one in the pipe. Now, I take great pride when my wife asks if I have my "thing" on me (she's expecting and wanting the answer to be yes) and she'll be getting a CHL soon, too!

[68blackbird]

I think when some people decide to get thier CHL, they think they are ready and capable to carry, then when the plastic shows up, the reality of the responsibilty hits them, can I use it if needed, am I ready to deal with the consequences, good or bad if I do. I know that making the decision to obtain mine as made me look at everyday matters differently....I guess I'll really know when my plastic arrives.

[Topbuilder]

In my CHL class there was a man who scored a 177 on the shooting. His Hi-Power jammed 4 times...
In a completely unrelated statement
I respect the people who choose to not carry. For what ever reason.

[WildBill]

with WildBill... I would bet less than 50% of CHL's carry regularly.

I would also bet that more than 50% of people with CHLs got it so they could carry in their car.

[texanjoker]

There are always times you don't carry. Tonight I am going to a rockin' new years party. I will not be carrying as I will be drinking some beer and whatever else I see fit.

[Rikk101]

I hae a BIL and stepson who have CHLs but seldom carry. I have found that most of the bad stuff in life happens when you least expect it, so I carry pretty much all the time - including at home.

[Gameover]

In my CHL class there was a man who scored a 177 on the shooting. His Hi-Power jammed 4 times...
In a completely unrelated statement
I respect the people who choose to not carry. For what ever reason.

[MeMelYup]

Could be like some of the people at the capital who got there's to go through the CHL line because it is shorter and faster.

[oldtexan]

with WildBill... I would bet less than 50% of CHL's carry regularly.

That is my opinion as well. As far as I can tell, most of my family members and friends with a CHL carry only when traveling. I believe that I am way outside the norm; anytime i leave home I am armed, and at home I'm armed most of the time. If people decide not to carry, IMO that's their business, not mine.