[tempest455]

Some random thoughts in response to some of the comments on here. In no particular order:

· For those thinking of a HCP but don’t own a gun or have never shot before, I feel if you desire to take the class and become a HCP holder, you should at least know how some firearm basics, practice shooting first before you take the course. The thought of people getting a permit that don’t know how to properly use and safety a firearm is scary. My buddy and I took the class together and there was a woman taking the HCP class that did not know how to load her weapon. The instructor also cited and example of a person once to took the class that missed the silhouette entirely from 9ft!

· The HCP class will explain laws that apply to your state regarding the HCP. If you ever needed to discharge the weapon, you are responsible for the bullet wherever it goes.

· I’m sure every state is different. In TN, if someone enters your home and you consider them a threat, you shoot and kill that person; the family or any other 3rd party cannot sue you for civil damages. It does not matter if they are armed or not and you are clearly in the wrong, a civil case has in this state has no legs.

· I think some HCP holders carry one wherever they go that is not posted because they have a “permit”. Here is my criteria:

· There is always one in my glove box of my car.

· Work? – Obviously No.

· Do I carry one into store/out to dinner? – No.

· Movie theater? – No

· Kids games/practices? - No

· Do I carry one at social gathering with friends/family? – No

· If I’m looking or buying something from an ad in the paper or internet? – Yes

· If I’m hiking in the woods w/ my kids or any other rural area w/ family? – Yes

· When your wife’s car gets a flat off the interstate near downtown – Yes

I posted all that just to point out, just because I have a HCP, I don’t have one with me all the time.

I have read statistics that it takes anywhere from 6-10 min on average in the US for a response to a 911 call. Worse if you are in a rural area. It took 30 min for a response to a breaking and entering 911 call when my buddy was robbed in Milwaukee. He was standing in the front yard talking to 911 dispatcher when they walked out the door w/ his stuff and guns, still took the cops over 30 min to get there!

I think it comes down to some common sense when/how to protect yourself and family. The police rarely prevent situations; they report and investigate what happened after the fact.