I'm curious: The boss and I have never done any serious touring, but now that we have the RT, we plan to rectify that situation. Intuitively I'm thinking that carrying a handgun would be a good thing, but have no idea of the REAL risk involved in touring. Have any of you actually had to show it or actually use it as you travel around?
In a word.... NO. The risk at anything we do is there regardless. Drunk Driving is rightfully illegal but it still happens. Their cars are not lit up with lights to tell us they are a drunk driver, just like armed less than friendly folks are not either.
So the way my wife and I see it is quite simple. We train, practice and carry. We do this for the same reason we choose to wear our seat belts or wear helmets. Because we can and and have the right to make that choice.
We have been in two situations on road trips that got a bit scary. One time we had been in a state that we had to separate the weapon form the magazine, and it could not be concealed (Not licensed in that state). It was clear the folks on the other end of this situation had weapons and used them as a "Scare" tactic. Thankfully an undercover officer happened by and they left. Basically we had a flat at about 11pm on a quiet road, and they wanted what we had. You cannot exactly say... "One moment please, I need to get my pistol before we proceed"... We had been in a bad situation.
Another time we had our pistols, and we witnessed an assault in progress. I approached the situation (I know dumb) and nutrilized both parties. I never drew, nor did anyone there know I was armed. The situation was not life threatening allowing my to draw the weapon and still be protected by our rights. Only after the officers arrived and had them in custidy did I let the officers know I was armed (IN other words once they had them in handcuffs, I handed them my license). Of course they put me in temporary custidy until they checked me out (Placed in a cruiser to sit).
The surprise on their face was clear. They have seen quite a few folks pull their weapons and getting in trouble. It was refreshing to have this not be the case in this situation. Made their job easier. In fact when they asked these two about it, they both denied I had any type of weapon.
It is not about being the "Big stick", to us it is about best protecting ourselves. For years I refused to carry (Heavy policy background and military family) Only until I got older and not as.... fast as the younger less matured folks did I feel the need to bend to my own refusal.
I was always worried I would loose my grip and arm the assailant. Or something like that. Or allow myself to go to a place that I would not go unarmed. In other words, putting myself in a position that I would not normally do. You know what I mean
pps:
Look at it this way. If it is dark. And your in the wrong area of town or road.. then yes. By golly I want to be armed. In nearly any other situation. No ... Not needed... Except for those you never know times...
:thumbup: