DogBoy

I carry a gun everywhere I go. However I do not carry a pistol or a rifle

On a serious note, I'm not versed in gun safety and the area that I commute is pretty safe. I think the hassle of learning gun safety, keeping the fact that I have a gun with me at work under wraps, worrying about people at my gym finding out I'm carrying etc. are sufficiently large that the small increase in perceived safety is not worthwhile.

I think this is a personal decision, and after you weigh the benfits/risks of gun ownership or actually carrying the thing with you, you are probably in a better position to decide what to do than anyone else. Just don't shoot me

slvoid

That assumption's kind of amusing too. Since things are very subjective and we have every right to voice our opinions on gun ownership. Just because we're packing doesn't mean we're staying quiet about it.
And you can see too that a lot of people own guns and have no problem defending their right to here.
Owning one and carrying one while you're commuting on your bike's very different.

billh

No, I'm generally against conceal & carry although Missouri just passed a law to allow it, but in St Louis County, it is still hung up in the courts, don't believe they are issuing permits. I was attacked once by an irate motorist at a light while on my bike so I've thought about it. After that, I bought some pepper spray and am taking martial arts. I might consider a gun in the future.

powers2b

I have a pistol in my seat bag, I keep it loaded.
I have a flask of Crown on my downtube, it keeps me loaded....

slone130

I wasn't. I was using my experience as a police officer in dealing with individuals who have used guns as a deterrant and as a defensive weapon in different situations. It has been my experience that more people have been saved through their individual use or threatened use of force than have been harmed by the same. BTW the main difference in "gang members" getting shot and police use of weapons is restraint. After that you get into a discussion of intent and offensive mindset versus defensive mindset.

slone130

Long gone....like the use of common sense and honor.

bostontrevor

I believe you were:

Since we're talking about civilians, let's change "officer presence" to "civilian presence". See how already the expectations have changed. Verbal commands are now substantially less effective. And so on down the line to the point when a gun is produced, surprising the other person. Nobody is surprised that a cop has a gun and that is a large part of their deterrent effect.

People understand that police officers are armed, trained in an escalating chain of physicality, and ultimately only one of a large, well-oraganized force that has the time, resources, and nothing better to do than track down someone who commits assault against one of their own. I can't say the same.

slone130

I think its just knowing what might happen having seen it happen to others in the past. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

slone130

Hey man...I'm here for ya.

slone130

What about slingshots and arrows man...

slone130

But as usual...in trying to prove your point you left out my entire second paragraph. Even without that, in comparing "civilian presence" and the others as you call them, to the police continum you still have a certain expectation that these "forces" will protect you. There have been many times when in regular clothing that my mere presence at an intersection has made other motorists alter their behavor. There have been many times while in regular clothing where my verbal actions have caused an alteration of behavor. Is it as much as when I'm in uniform...NO. It is however present. Just as it would be present to someone who would mean me harm if they had a thought that I was armed and prepared to defend myself should they take the confrontation to the level of threatening my life.

We can keep going on and on as you have suggested but it all goes back to my main point. If a would-be attacker even thinks that there is a possibility that you are armed in some way he is going to have second thoughts about attacking you. (truthfully, it will most-likely just push him to a lesser-prepared individual) Is this a guarantee that you won't be attacked? Of course not. Its no better than an alarm system on a house. Sooner or later, there's going to be someone who is brave or stupid or whatever enough to try cracking the system.

I once worked a shooting at a house where an elderly woman shot and wounded a burglar as he was trying to attack her. When the media showed up at her house we tried to sheild her from the cameras and she got mad at us. She said that she wanted everyone to know where she lived so the little ***tards would think twice about coming after her again. Its all about a deterrant. That's why I'm glad we passed a concealed carry law here. Violent crime is down, gun crime is down. Why? I think its because idiots think twice about trying people because they have that little question in the back of their minds...does this person have a gun?

KrisPistofferson

It can't be that hard to shoot from atop a bike. I know I'm related to at least one wild-ass who shot from horseback.

rivertrail

A Sig Sauer P228 in a custom chest mount riding holster, a Walther PPK (gunsmithed to feed Federal Hydra-Shok ammunition) in an undisclosed location, and a short barrel Remington 12 gauge in a sling holster I attached to my backpack. You can't be too careful when encountering trolls under the bridges!

KrisPistofferson

I swear by the Hydra-Shok.

alanbikehouston

I was reading today about the tragic death of Marvin Gaye. Marvin bought his parents a large home in what soon became a less-than-safe part of Los Angeles. So, Marvin gave his Dad a handgun "for home protection".

One night, Marvin tried to stop his father from beating on his mother. His father shot Marvin to death. Claimed "self-defense". Got five years probation.

So, Marvin "home protected" himself to death. Happens to thousands of families in America, every single year.

I do not know of a ONE instance in Houston of a burglar breaking into a home and then killing a child. Yet, every few weeks in Houston, a child is shot with a gun that was kept for "home protection". Other than auto collisions, firearms are the "leading' cause of violent death for young people in America, ages eight to eighteen. We are "protecting" our children to death.

KrisPistofferson

I've never shot Marvin Gaye or anyone else, but if he broke in my home I would. The news media reports on kids of stupid parents who shoot themselves with Daddy's gun, not the kids who don't and grow up to a ripe old age. I think if we were to pass a new law it should be you can't have kids if you're going to shoot them or let them shoot themselves with the gun you left lying on the coffeetable. But, alas, in America we don't take away EVERYONE'S rights for the bad behavior of a few. What if someone broke into your house trying to "home protect" you? I guess you'd call the police and wait 30 minutes until THEY could "home protect" the guy.

zoogirl

No guns for me. Since I'm up here, it wouldn't really be an option anyway. I have shot one - a .22 at a range. It was kind of fun and I'm actually not a bad shot. I've also shot a pellet gun.

I do carry a knife though. I use it frequently at work. It's just a little 3" lockblade and I keep in in a belt sheath. I suppose if it came down to it, I'd use it. I think the assailant would be long gone though by the time I pulled up my jacket, fished out the knife and got it open.

I have to travel through one of the worst parts of town - heck, one of the worst parts of Canada - to get to work. I've never had a problem. Guess I blend into the neighbourhood. There's something to be said for riding a ratty looking bike!

nycm'er

Listening to the news these days, no matter what the bias: not much, depressingly, not much at all.

INP

You've left me no option......
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What do Surrey kids get for Christmas?

A Whiterock kids bike!
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Sorry for all you folks scratching your heads, a little Lower Mainland humour.......just apply as "your local nasty neighbourhood = Surrey" and "your local wealthy and nose-in-the-air district = Whiterock"

CMcMahon

I always make sure to carry my Glock 19 with me when I'm riding around town. You never know when a cop might try to stop you for running a red.

FOG

Are they really warning shots or are you a lousy shot?

FOG

It was all downhill after he filmed "The Shootist."

FOG

It sure is a good thing there is no liberal bias in Hollywood.

FOG

The weapon in question would be regulated by the National Firearms Act in the US. It would be classified as a destructive device, and subject to very complex restrictions and an excise tax.

andygates

You Americans and your guns... it's so weird that it's actually funny