How many here carries a concealed weapon?

[Ducimus]

Something Neal said awhile ago in passing ( can't remember exactly when) made me think of this topic awhile ago, I just never got around to asking it until now.

The question being, How many here carry a concealed weapon? (or CCW for short). In American vernacular this typically implies carrying a handgun. However, i would extend that to ANY weapon. (See poll options).

As for myself, I have to state, that publicly in real life and not the internet, I would never state if i was carrying or not, or even if I ever had carried at all. (caveat: Unless stopped by a cop) Concealed means concealed, and it's nobody's business but my own, and there's no need to "show off" or alarm anyone. In fact, for all intents and purposes, the handgun I'm carrying doesn't exist at all unless:
A.) im considering entering an area where it is illegal to, or
B.) My back is against the wall, my life or the life of my wife or baby girl is in danger, and all other options have failed.

So having said that, obviously I carry. Originally, it was just so that I would have the option to if I knew for whatever reason i was going to be in a shady area or situation that I didn't want to be in. (There's a story behind that) However as time went on, I found I spent so much time, money, and energy in training classes, time on the firing range, time spent reading up on laws and getting informed; not to mention monetary costs in ammo, proper handgun, parts for said handgun, proper belt, holster, and Iphone apps for varying reasons, that I may as well carry on a regular basis.

My wife has the option to carry, however she does not because she's not willing to take on the responsibility as much as i have. I can respect that, all i ever wanted was for her to have the option to, if she so choose to. (We both went to the same classes)

Anywho, do you carry something? Doesn't have to be a firearm.

[Tango589]

Yes, IN MY PANTS!!

Seriously, no. In the UK these things are rather frowned upon by Her Majesties Constabulary.

[Betonov]

Victorinox knife counts ?? (swiss army knife)

More of a tool than a weapon

[Ducimus]

Originally Posted by Tango589

Yes, IN MY PANTS!!

Seriously, no. In the UK these things are rather frowned upon by Her Majesties Constabulary.

Ok, I asked for that when i used the word "gun" at the end of my post.
I have since edited that discrepancy in vocabulary. A fellow's "gun" in something very different indeed.

EDIT:

Originally Posted by Betonov

Victorinox knife counts ?? (swiss army knife)

More of a tool than a weapon

Probably does, depending on your local laws. But i do agree, more of a tool then a weapon. I used to carry a swiss army knife all the time. Damn sharp those things, and you could use it to defend yourself if you had to. Not an ideal weapon of choice, but hit someone in the neck with it, and you'll do some damage.

[vienna]

Who are you and why do you want to know? Just keep your hands where I can see 'em, NSA-boy...


<O>

[Betonov]

Local laws are not clear.
I'm allowed to carry a tool, any tool, but not a weapon.
Knives are both

I'll pick the one about yes, but not a gun.

[Oberon]

The only problem I have with bringing tools into any fight is that anything you have can be taken off you and used against you in a fight. Of course, if the other guy is armed first then that negates the point, but even a set of keys can make for a pretty good slashing weapon in the right hands. Used to be a popular tactic for the 'Firms' back in the day. This site shows a few good examples, although their 'phone' is somewhat more of a brick than most phones of today: http://www.urbancombatives.com/weapons.htm

[Jimbuna]

I used to carry a Glock 26 when called upon to do so and a Heckler & Koch MP5 on the rarest of occasions (only the former being concealed) and never felt totally comfortable but firearms are strictly controlled here in the UK.

[STEED]

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

I used to carry a Glock 26 when called upon to do so and a Heckler & Koch MP5 on the rarest of occasions (only the former being concealed) and never felt totally comfortable but firearms are strictly controlled here in the UK.

Woo.

Sco19 or was it So19 or was it Co19?

Never carry guns when you got a copy of Best of Mayfair on you, there is no room for both.

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by STEED

Woo.

Sco19 or was it So19 or was it Co19?

Never carry guns when you got a copy of Best of Mayfair on you, there is no room for both.

Generally when a firearms issue was called in your patrol area or a 'shout' at Newcastle Airport.

[Ducimus]

Originally Posted by Oberon

The only problem I have with bringing tools into any fight is that anything you have can be taken off you and used against you in a fight. Of course, if the other guy is armed first then that negates the point,

That is a good point, and certainly one well documented on video with a few instances of robbery victims catching the robber by surprise and wrestling a gun away from the robber; but herein lays a counter point at least where crime in the United States is concerned. I would say it is a reasonable assumption that most criminals in the US are armed with something. I think it would be rare occurrence to find a perpetrator of a violent crime who is not armed in one way or another.

[STEED]

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

Generally when a firearms issue was called in your patrol area or a 'shout' at Newcastle Airport.

Better off throwing Newcastle Brown Ale at them.

[antikristuseke]

I usually have a pocket knife with me, but that is more of a tool than a weapon, though it can be used as on if need be. Whenever I go outdoors on a hike or some such I have a hunting knife with me on my belt, but that isn't really concealed, occasionally have a handaxre on the belt as well.
As for firearms, I have had a long term plan to get myelf a CZ 75B just for some range time and I find maintaining firearms relaxing, sort of like meditation. I doub't I would carry it on a regular basis even thouhg I would be within my rights to do so.

The poll doesn't contain the answer, "no, never felt the need to".
Neither does it contain , "no, never felt the need to even when staying in very dodgy notorious crapholes"

[AVGWarhawk]

I really have not felt the need(as Tribesman has worded it). Unless of course I go to the "seedy" parts of town of which I do not go. But, I would say I feel less safe today than the 80's-90's. Malls and schools have become hunting grounds for the "unstable."