How do you feel about people who carry guns legally?

Question

How would you feel if someone around you (a friend, colleague, or stranger) was carrying a legal firearm? Would that make you feel safer or uncomfortable?

WhiteSteve · Accepted Answer

Guns are a funny thing.

Overall, I feel they're a net negative for society. I don’t think it’s rational to walk around anticipating encountering lethal danger at any given moment, just as a baseline. Like you may be too fearful of a person to come out into society if that’s where you’re at, lmao. Fearful people are not folks I want carrying guns, to be honest. They’re most likely to shoot first and ask questions later, or resolve a situation more lethally than is called for.

The best gun owners are the gun owners who I have no idea that they’re a gun owner. The worst ones are the ones who can’t wait to let you know they’re holding, and you shouldn’t fuck with them…. because usually no one’s looking to, and they’re just hoping someone WILL BE, because they have some weird fantasy of legally murdering someone under the safety of “self-defense.”

I hear a lot of people try to say “a gun is like a fire extinguisher”, and I could maybe see the logic in some people’s cases. But I’m just saying I never see anyone posting videos of themselves practicing at the fire extinguisher range, and I never see an “Amerex Fire Extinguishers” decal next to the “Sig Sauer” one on the back window of anyone’s pickup truck.

I don’t think it’s a good thing for humanity to have some of us walking around emboldened to run off at the mouth and then just be like “come get some” to anyone who tries to check you, not because you can fight, but because you have a cheat code in a holster. I don’t know what else to call that BUT soft.

Crime isn’t non-existent of course, but the majority of us will probably go our whole lives without being mugged or carjacked or having our homes invaded or being present at a mass shooting. The odds of somebody getting mad in a fender bender, or over a woman, or anyone who just generally fears losing a physical altercation and getting their nose bloodied…. much higher than you just minding your own business and falling victim to a random street crime. Much, much higher. Where do we live, fuckin’ Gotham City?🤣

Basically, if your gun is making you feel tougher or more badass, then you’re doing it wrong. And add onto that all the momentary lapses in good judgement otherwise normal people suffer everyday, and throwing your life and maybe others’ away because you lost your cool but felt invincible because of your heater…That shit ain’t it, man. I don’t know that this is a positive risk/reward.

I live in a pretty gun-unfriendly state, and it’s very safe here. Obviously shit happens like anywhere else, and you can find a news story here and there about an innocent person being victimized, but relative to the amount of people, I feel very safe here. I hear guys I know talking about “I won’t even drive into (insert ‘sCaRy’ city/neighborhood) without my gun out and ready.” Seriously?😂 I drive through these same places, all hours of the day and night, take shortcuts through back blocks…. never had a whiff of a problem. They just heard a thing happened there on the news back in the day, and just responded with irrational fear.

Usually the violent crime happens to people who aren’t staying out of the way. Can a bystander get it? Sure, but I don’t feel like that’s the norm. Those stories are the ones that get the most sensationalized. If someone shoots an crackhead in the drug zone over an unpaid debt, you probably won’t hear about that on the news, only if some store clerk gets killed in an armed robbery.

But again…. this is real life, we’re not in a Batman comic book. I don’t think it’s healthy to have such a level of expectation of trouble befalling you to the point where you don’t want to leave the house without more than your two fists to hold you down. Having “some” caution is totally normal, I just think the gun stuff is going overboard a lot of the time.

I’d say the underlying theme to almost anything I believe societally is that I don’t just inherently trust Joe and Jane Q. Public to make sound decisions for themselves, particularly in areas that will have an effect on the world around them. I don’t mean that as dictatorial as it sounds, lmfao, but trust is an earned thing, and I’d say AT LEAST 2/3 of humanity aren’t even passing the entry level round of cuts. I’m hopeful that it’s maybe 1-in-4 people can be trusted, but it may be as low as 1-in-10 or less, if we’re strict about it.

Some areas of life, you can just roll with that and be generally ok. Other stuff, I feel like it’s societal suicide to just leave “the people” to their own devices. And I guess guns are one of the biggest areas that I’m concerned about in that regard. Whether the gun is legal or illegal doesn’t matter to me as much as someone’s attitude while carrying it. Is it for defense, or for offense? Does it quietly reassure you, or does it loudly embolden you?

I think your psychological profile is an extremely make-or-break factor to your fitness for gun ownership, but the problem is not all, maybe even MOST, of the negative psychological factors aren’t apparent, or aren’t seen as questionable or pre-criminal in a vacuum, and once you realize they have a problem, it’s too late.

There’d need to be a complete overhaul of the standards for evaluation and strict determination of psychological fitness, with frequent renewal reviews, etc, for licensing, plus regulation of the amount and type of munitions a person could have for me to start feeling good about it. I don’t think “gun nuts” should really be a thing, that’s weird. I have 50/50 trust at BEST in our trained law enforcement officers to properly identify threats and handle them judiciously. Rando civilians? FORGET IT, lmfao.

There’s some way this could exist to some degree where it would maybe be ok, but it’s wildly out of whack in its current state.

MisterWack · Accepted Answer

I’ve always been under the umbrella of ‘just because something is legal doesn’t make it right’ or ‘just because something is illegal doesn’t make it wrong’.

I believe the “Good guys with guns” is lacking. A Texas school police guard was able to prevent a potentially deadly school shooting by killing the assailant on site however the next day in Texas a school shooter took the lives of many….

A lot of people will take an armed ‘hero’ and bank off of it as proof that guns prevent guns though will miraculously ignore the unsuccessful standoffs when police confront a shooter with their many many guns like Uvalde, Texas… You can see on security cameras them barricaded far away from the shooter though will walk happily past the barricade just for ‘Purell’ Hand Sanitizer to guard against possibly Covid19 infected hallways.

By making practically everywhere a ‘stand your ground’, we have those holstering a gun just waiting to sh—t someone. How do we know the person with the holster is a good guy or a bad guy? We don’t. There was once a woman in a McDonalds who was peeved a young man didn’t hold the door open…. She complained to a fellow customer, he took out his holstered weapon and took away the man’s life and he was a father with a wife also children….

There are flaws to this, if people want to wipe away the flaws then why can’t we do gun control with govt licenses, renewals, harsher tests, and forms in order to get a gun the responsible way. This won’t deter responsible gun owners, it will deter mentally impaired individuals, unstable individuals, and those wishing to do mass harm onto fellow human beings. People want to make it “you are taking our freedom” when in reality, we are promoting life. Human life isn’t meant to be a battlefield at a supermarket, or a mass casualty event at an elementary school. Human life is meant to be life, would you wish that onto your neighbor or your child or your wife?

I care about life more than a literal killing machine, I’ve seen people say “you blame the gun” then why do I want to restrict crazy madmen and their capability of getting their hand on a weapon?

Xoxocutekitty · Accepted Answer

Here's the thing, if it's my current partner, a trusted friend or relative, or a respectful dude who lives around the block, I probably wouldn't bat an eye. I might think, "cool they have hobbies" and I'd have to goodwill to think they'd step in the unlikely chance of a robbery.

However, then I think about my exes, or every incompetent coworker, or every asshole who has cut me off in traffic and had the audacity to flip me the bird after to name a few, and I think " my god, I would hate to live in a world where EVERYONE was carrying lol."

FreyaRed · Accepted Answer

I have a firearm license since I'm longer member of a hunting club than I can walk. A firearm is just a tool like kitchen knife. You can use a kitchen knife or a hammer the way you go life long in jail.
When you're accustomed with firearms, there is nothing magic, mysterious or demonic about those tools.

OneViewpoint · Answer

Generally carrying a gun is a pain in the ass that the average person will never use in anger. Guns in a holster are heavy and bulky whether it's a clip on for your belt, a separate side holster, or a shoulder rig. You have to worry about gun safety and security constantly. It's just annoying. And it can freak other people out.

Guns can also be expensive. And to get good with a gun, the average person will need to put a lot of rounds through that barrel. That means a lot of time at some sort of firing range and a lot of expensive ammo just to be a competent shot and responsible gun owner. If you have kids at home, you've got a whole nuther level of security concerns.

But it makes angry insecure assholes who live in fear of everything feel like men and gives them the illusion they have some control in their lives. It's a man-baby pacifier that will probably only ever get someone in trouble.

I've always wondered why these idiots who sleep with a gun on their nightstand don't just move if they live somewhere so shitty that they need to sleep with a gun.

Orion84 · Answer

I carry, so it'd be pretty hypocritical of me to have an issue with it.

That being said, there's a difference between responsible concealed carry, and the militia wannabes that walk around with ARs slung over their shoulders everywhere.

I don't have an issue with responsible gun owners carrying concealed for protection, hopefully with the understanding that they may never have to use it. With most people that carry, you'd never even know they have one, and that's kind of the point.

I hope I never find myself in a situation where I ever need to draw my weapon, and I don't carry with the expectation of ever using it. However, on the very slim possibility that I ever do need it, I'd rather have it with me, than not.

Generally, the people that carry responsibly also train themselves, and practice the necessary safety measures to ensure they, and those around them, are safe. Those people, myself included, aren't a danger to anyone, and help to keep society safer.

It's the guys walking around in camo gear, with rifles slung over their shoulders everywhere they go that concern me. Those are the kind if people that just like cosplaying militiamen, and acting tough through a show of force.

I feel that kind of person is just itching for a fight, and wants to intimidate others, which increases everyone's anxiety, and leads to less safety, overall.

Lliam · Answer

Doesn't bother me one bit. If the gun is concealed, which is the smart way to carry it, nobody would ever know. I actually feel safer knowing that there are armed citizens around in case of emergency.

Quite a few of my friends have CCW permits and carry all the time. I have one, just in case, but rarely bother to bring my gun with me.
I won a little Sig P380 a couple of years ago and gave it to my wife. She has taken lessons with it and I'd like her to get a CCW permit.

Carrying isn't paranoid. It isn't looking for trouble. It's just pragmatic. It gives you an opportunity to defend yourself or others in the unlikely chance that someone is a physical threat to life.

Estimates of DGU (defensive gun use) instances range between 150,000 and over 3 million per year. Of course, many of them are in the home. The reason it's so hard to estimate the number is because few get reported to the police.
But how many instances of rape, robbery, brutality and murder are prevented by armed citizens? And most of those cases of DGU don't even involve firing a shot.

Jersey2 · Answer

I have carried and don’t think much about it as I go about my day. I have lived in states where it is legal and never thought much about it. I have even seen people open carry which is usually a pistol on their waist while getting coffee or something but I have seen rifles and shotguns, usually stored on the back window of a pickup truck but I have also seen AR-15s on guys which seems a bit much to me, more silly than anything. Mainly they are just people minding their business getting a coffee something so no worries. If sh! t happens I will be glad they have a weapon.

Effably · Answer

Unless they are trusted by me and have a specific protective reason for carrying a weapon, I will simply feel concerned about it. If good reason, police or alike, I am fine with it. The uniform is more safety than the gun, but still a net positive.

No mentally healthy individual feels a need to walk around with a visible violence force multiplier on them without cause. If there is cause for them to do so , they are putting the people around them in increased danger.

Basically, I do not trust the average person I meet with my safety. There is no reason I would trust them with it just because they became more dangerous.

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

That’s an overly simple approach to an extremely nuanced discussion. I’m not comfortable with complete strangers carrying because i have no idea their intentions, training, skill and discipline. I know hundreds of gun owners that i would trust with my life and that of the people i love. That’s because we’ve talked about our principles, values and philosophies. We’ve gone shooting together. We maybe even hunted together.
Every reasonable person should feel exactly the same. I’ll point to the public’s general trust in law enforcement officers and agents carrying firearms in public. Two thirds of my family and friends will outshoot armed occupations all day every day, by miles. Of the remaining third, some are in the military, law enforcement or corrections, the majority would be competitive and a few are knuckleheads. I never go shooting with the knuckleheads and i don’t hang out with them if i know or suspect that they’re carrying.

DonaldDarko · Answer

I know people like that, I don't care. Also you don't know how many people are carrying a gun right next to you. I remember a dumb thug taking out his gun and pointing it at his friend so his friend could get a picture. He was sketchy and him having the gun concealed was probably "illegal". But, since the constitution is explicit in what it says, the gun can not actually be illegal regardless of what any court or legislative body says as they are then in violation of the law themselves.

genericname85 · Answer

unless they are military or police, they are part of the problem. that's what i think about armed normal people. like if you live in a warzone, fair enough. but there's no reason slinging your weapon around otherwise. like if it's a hobby, take it to the range, not into public space. and "self defense" is bullshit cause a gun doesn't "defend" you against someone shooting you. you'll still be shot and die even if you have your gun with you.

MrOracle · Answer

I carry anytime I can. Most of my friends do the same. It's just not an issue. Chances are you could hang around us for a year and you would never even know. It's like car insurance - unless you get into a crash, it probably doesn't come up much in your regular life. And like a car crash, it can come out of nowhere at any time with no warning, so you need to be prepared, at the same time you hope and pray that it never comes for you.

MannMitAntworten · Answer

I feel neither safe nor unsafe. I am surrounded by people and friends who carry legally. I just appreciate that in spite of government over reach on our Amendments and ‘Unalienable Rights’ that at least to some degree that my fellow Citizens are able to exercise their “Rights”. If only more would.

Maybe_Maybe_not · Answer

I feel like they are cops because, in my daily life, this is the only way to carry, ready to use, guns, legally.

So how do I feel about cops, well... In most circumstances I feel okay, in some circumstances like unautorized protests I'd feel... Less okay!

Anonymous · Answer

I have no problem with people who carry guns legally, I lived in the US for 10 years and I carried daily for nine of those years, and no one around me knew that I was carrying ( I had a a concealed Carry Permit CCW), unless they had been to the range with me.

I have found that where constitutional/open carry is legal that the old saw 'an armed society is a polite society' is true by enlarge, also street crime, muggings, car-jacking etc is lower than in other areas where CCW are needed or it is Illegal to carry.

You may point out the massive numbers of firearm deaths in the US but if you take a serious look at the stats a largest number of those are Criminal-on-Criminal, followed by suicides (mostly men, we do not make 'attempts'), self defence, and accidental shootings.

PeachyPie93 · Answer

I just like living in Canada where really no one has guns besides for hunting. I find guns to be scary and uncomfortable to be around especially after seeing all the "accidents" that happen because people are retarded when handling them.

Finchie40 · Answer

I carry a gun legally, plus I use to carry for my previous jobs as well , so I am trained and safe with fire arms , I always keep one in my car loaded with the safety on , I don’t mind if someone is carrying legally and they have common sense to not pull it out unless of an emergency situation , I like knowing I have protection cuz you never know what could happen , it’s better to be safe than sorry

DeeDeeDeVour · Answer

I just hope to God that whoever carries a gun around are good, responsible & composed individuals.

Just like my father & brothers before me and just like his father before him, my husband & I each have CCW licenses but we don't go around carrying our firearms in public.

ohsheeT · Answer

I can carry a gun legally. But for me I wouldn't ever do it just because There are.
A lot of guys out there with Carrie permits and they're just waiting for something to happen. That's the reason why they have it on them. I feel five out of ten or maybe three out of then are you scared boys

WintersDaughter · Answer

I don't really care one way or another. It doesn't bother me if someone is carrying. I've seen people carrying at the grocery store, at a gas station, just out and about, etc. It never bothers me, in some places I feel more secure but overall it's just an observation I make. I feel the same way if I see someone's keys clipped to their belt.

Benjiman19 · Answer

I was at work a couple weeks back and some motorcycle guy came in with a side piece. It was holstered but not very well. Hanging sideways off his beltline. Total stranger. I, myself didn't care. However, my manager didn't feel safe.

I don't care if someone has a gun or not. But if you do, at least holster it so it's not going to accidently slip out and go off.

Joshydavid25 · Answer

Probably safer since the average person not in a gang is not looking to shoot anybody.. And the many times guns are a good preventative measure.. I'm fully in agreement of the saying, "an armed society is a polite society"..

MrChinaski · Answer

That is flat out illegal in Australia. You can use a gun at a farm, or at a firing range, with strict permits and lockering requirements that can be audited. And that's about it. Nobody in Australia carries a gun in public places and our gun-related homicide rate is about 40 times lower than in the USA

andreasderjuengere · Answer

It would make me feel amused.

But also a little caution will be required: is that person one other Kyle Rittenhouse?

Personally, I prefer people around me who settle disputes with intelligence.

Violence only causes more violence.

goaded · Answer

Much less safe. Cosplayers with deadly weapons.

When you point out the massive numbers of firearm murders in the US, half the time a pro-gun nut will say "most of them are gang and inner-city (meaning black, of course) related". I'd like to know why they think they need to carry a gun if they don't live in an inner city or aren't part of a gang. They should be safe, right?

RingOfFire · Answer

It's great! We need more armed law abiding citizens. Everyplace they have this there is LESS crime. The places with the most crime are the ones where they have the strictest gun laws.

When was the last time you heard of an armed robbery at a gun show?

DryGermanGuy · Answer

If it's a mature and responsible person that I can trust, then... okay? But I find the US-American gun culture in general ridiculous and dangerous and the statistics confirm it.

Shiprex · Answer

If they're that scared around me they want to be able to kill me then they're no friend or colleague but a paranoid psycho who thinks they have the right to execute someone for "fear" of life.

Genie23 · Answer

I feel worried and scared. They could get harmed/killed by their own guns in an accident. I mean, what if there's an fight and someone tried to snatch it from them and then... You know. So, I'd feel nervous.

D_Bone_Steak · Answer

I just look at myself in the mirror... gawd I look so cool with my gun. It makes me feel safe. Only N-words with a hard R should feel unsafe around me and that word is Nutcracker because if anyone is going to be busting nuts, it's going to be me.

LunarEclipse433 · Answer

Legal gun carrying citizens will very seldom be the problem. Seeing a gun on someone doesn't bother me, but I do keep a mental note of where that person is. I live in Texas so guns are common. A GUN or FIREARM by itself has never ever harmed anyone. It takes a person and their intent ( good or bad ) to cause that firearm to do something. Now adults are totally 100% responsible for guns left accessible to children.

Valdemort · Answer

Uncomfortable to say the least.  Can't wrap my head around the need for guns or the possibility for someone to carry it around like a phone or keys.

ProbablyClueless · Answer

As long as I get the vibe that they’re level-headed and not abusive; I strongly endorse people legally exercising their rights to bear arms

Anonymous · Answer

My husband does. One time someone was trying to car jack us and my husband was behind us at the lights. He got out with his gun and they ran. Another time he shot a home invader that had a knife. So glad we moved out of the city.

TheorionMage · Answer

Depends upon the maturity & judgement of the person carrying.  WHEN I had been a cop in Vermont I had to pass the Minnesota Multiphase Personality Inventory (MMPI) psych exam to confirm to the community MY sanity (Y)

Staximus · Answer

That all depends on who's carrying it. If they are a sensible and level-headed person who doesn't easily get angry then that's fine. If they're a crazy wingnut then I didn't want to be around them.

BonzoInBitburg · Answer

If I lived in a place where people needed to carry a gun, I'd move. There are many places in this world where you can live without needed a gun for safety.

wynning · Answer

I think it should be either everyone carries or nobody carries. But the lovely exceptions... muck up the waters!

spartan55 · Answer

Just a statistic for consumption: in Texas.01% of firearm related crimes were committed by concealed carry license holders @

purplepoppy · Answer

Why would I feel safe around someone who could kill me any second just because they felt like it?

Summeroflove · Answer

The more good people I know are carrying the better I feel when someone bad with a firearm comes around

MemeSupreme · Answer

just depends on what they're like  in general tho idc bc most gun nuts i've met are careful about them

molonski2 · Answer

Extremely uncomfortable and thank God that is not a thing in most of the world , USA has far too many guys , it's asking for a disaster.

Lucy68 · Answer

I live in Alabama, I see so many people carry guns everywhere and I mean EVERYWHERE, and honestly it doesn't even faze me for some reason

conanbdetective · Answer

It depends on their temperament. I would be opposed to a hothead carrying a weapon, whether or not they have a license.

AviatorTom · Answer

In the US, it's a legal right to own and carry a gun. Personally, it doesn't make me feel less safe, or more safe.

lilBigPotato · Answer

Yes it would make me feel very uncomfortable and I'm happy it's not a thing here except for police officers

MangakaJ96 · Answer

By default, I’d be fine with it. Law abiding citizens wouldn’t be most likely to use a firearm on other people.

LazerBean · Answer

I think it's great, and I see people do it all the time.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

As long as they're not won't to use them to harm anybody (except someone else that IS using one to harm others).

Surely · Answer

I would hope that they would be of stable and sound mind. Not have a hot temper. Of course know how to properly handle and use one if the need should arise.

Bklynbadboy12 · Answer

I wouldn't feel a way cause I carry legally it's my right and theirs too

Sal_Monella · Answer

The guy I most trust in the world has this in his change pocket.

DJB72 · Answer

They're usually less dangerous than the ones who carry  illegally

exitseven · Answer

I have a concealed carry permit and sometimes I bring my handgun with me.

Dongie · Answer

I don't like to see it in the open. It's kind of like a threat against even an argument. That's not good.

Twalli · Answer

Considering how conservative my neighborhood is, I wouldn't be surprised if mist do have carry permits and guns. They don't telegraph the fact, which is all I care about.

SmokinAces2000 · Answer

Concealed or open carry? If it’s open carry personally that tells me that they are looking for an excuse to shoot someone but I wouldn’t be uncomfortable.

Zoe91 · Answer

Nervous people are killed by their own guns. Or by the people who they trust.

lorenzomichael · Answer

It doesn’t bother me besides I do a lot of shit illegally so people that do legal shit like I said, doesn’t affect me

TwoToTooTutu2 · Answer

I don't understand the people who feel uncomfortable seeing one around. It is a normal mindless object

SamWinchester058 · Answer

I think it's their right and as long as they aren't brandishing, my opinion doesn't matter. However, I think it's much smarter to conceal carry.

Anonymous · Answer

They are usually deranged. Unless actual legitimate law enforcement I see no just reason for it.

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