How do you answer this question?

[Landor]

I usually put a scenario on the subject.

Suppose you are in your house and all of a sudden a stranger just walks in with a huge knife. He has intentions of raping and possibly killing your wife and family. What are you going to do. I do not give them a chance to answer. I then tell them what I am going to do to the bad guy.

I then let them know that in that one instance I was able to protect my family. He or his family might be hurt or dead but mine will be safe. When the bad guy See's the gun he will more then likely take off. After the first shot the bad guy will either be bleeding or dead. Most CCW holders will never use their weapon for self defense but for those that do will be the difference of them or their family being harmed or a bad guy gets what he deserves.

At that point you can use the seat belt comparison..

If that does not get their attention then they are a lost cause.

[Big Bubba]

I tell people that ask me this question that I carry for the same reason that the police do. Then I add think about it.:D

[Ektarr]

This is part of a running dialogue that I prepare myself for.

I grok this, Ishi. My wife and Friends refer to me as "Scenario Boy" and I've been accused of being able to envision all sides of an argument or position. My Former Spouse once told me, "You think too much!" Imagine that.

Anyway, when I run the scenario of responding the the Nice Policeman's questions about why I shot this or that intruder (remember we're in Иєш Лєяжşєşŧăŋ!), I hear myself responding, "Where were you?" Not going to make any friends, I know, but it may be all I've got.

[Sgt. SIG]

I'm not likely to even try to win an anti... I'm too big of a smart *****! :p

If asked why I carry a gun, I'm likely to quote something I once read:

I'd lean in real close to them, look both ways and wisper "because of the them... (look both ways again) you know, the killer clowns!

[kwo51]

For the monsters! danny rollings did things to a relative only an animal would do. I will be able to defend if needed.

[Red Hat]

I've been asked this question a couple times and my only response is...Because It's my Constitutional right to carry a weapon.

[Hoplites1234]

Geez Ishi what a sage!

If it's a friend of mine that doesn't carry I'll jockingly tell them that it makes me feel like a man. If it's someone I don't know I'll remind them of the casino worker that got brutally beaten at a casino by a bunch of thugs on a robbery and beating rampage throughout the Vegas valley. Casinos are a pretty safe place to be. If you're not familiar with them--they have their own security force (retired military and LEO), cameras everywhere-and I mean everywhere! LVMPD gives high priority to casinos incidents as the casinos are the bread and butter of our entire city. And, there's tons of people all over the place. None of that mattered for this poor guy just doing his job. He will never recovery from his injuries and never be able to get back to the same type of work again. So, that's why I carry!

[Ektarr]

If asked why I carry a gun, I'm likely to quote something I once read:

I'd lean in real close to them, look both ways and wisper "because of the them... (look both ways again) you know, the killer clowns!

Here in NJ we cannot, of course, carry a firearm, but years ago I used to drive trucks, and I did carry a knife...Gerber Mk I. One of the other drivers once asked me why, and I said to him, "D'ja ever try to stab somebody with a spoon?" Along the same lines as the "killer clowns".

[tattedupboy]

I simply say, "Because more than likely, the police aren't going to be there to protect me from criminals. Therefore, I choose to put the responsibility for ensuring the safety of myself and my family in my hands."

[Magistrate PO]

The police usually arrive after the crime is committed and they then document what happened. It your responsability to take care of yourself and your family till they arrive. Remember responce time, after they recieved the call can be between 5 and 30 minuates. Most crimes are over well before the police can arrive at the scene.