One of the things that I have a tough time understanding are the people who go to the trouble to get a concealed carry license and then only carry when they think they might need it. It’s as if they think they can figure out ahead of time when they are going to need to protect themselves. Frankly, I wish that life were that simple.

Some folks associate violent crime with certain parts of town. And, it could be that they think that if they just stay out of certain bars and pool halls that the chance of a violent encounter doesn’t exist. Clearly, they are not watching and reading the same news reports that I am.

Yes, there are certain locations and events that we just simply avoid if we have any sense at all. But it is also important to realize that violent attacks can occur anywhere at any time. That includes our nice neighborhoods, the little convenience store down on the corner or even our own homes. And we have found that our churches, movie theaters and sporting events are not completely immune, either.

It is not the obvious situations and locations that are the real danger, because we can simply avoid those. What will get you are the surprise events. Those of us who have had to deal with dangerous encounters know that they can occur at any time or place and with relatively little warning. Those are the real problems, and those are the reason that we carry a defensive firearm.

I have a friend who was given a double-action revolver for personal defense. I’m not sure he ever shot it. But, wanting to be with the in-crowd, he sold that and bought a polymer-frame, double-stack semi-automatic. He has probably never shot it, either, and he certainly hasn’t ever gotten any defensive training. The gun stays under the seat of his car or in the bottom of his bag while traveling. You can imagine how much help he will be to himself, or anyone else, should he one day be confronted with a violent attack.

Not being able to predict when violence will visit us is the reason for the defensive handgun. If we absolutely knew that we were going to have to face trouble, we’d either go the other way or arm ourselves with a rifle or shotgun. But the handgun is not a magic wand. If you don’t have it on you and know how to use it, it is absolutely useless.

Years ago, Col. Jeff Cooper said, “If you are reading this and can’t put your hand on your defensive firearm, all of your training is wasted.” I think that about covers it.

Article by Sheriff Jim Wilson