I like the cow prodder idea. Where can you get one of those? They would be kept for animal attacks of course and if needed, swung like a heavy nightstick for self defense? I agree you should have the right to own a gun and have a gun but hypothetically(sp?) how would you feel if you knew everyone had a gun? on them? or in the mall like the old west hanging on your hip??

[quote=379 Peterbilt;368240]

It'd take EXTREME circumstances for me to purposly aim for the vitals of a would be robber. Knee caps and limbs are another story, while extreme, such as ones self getting physicaly assulted by criminals.


I used to think that too, untill I found out its illegal and considered intent to do great bodily harm / mameing. Sounds wierd but I've done alot of research in this area when michigan was trying to get better ccw laws.

Not considered lawfull self defense.

IMO: better to just give a well deserved doubletap in the chest, and a few leo's that i've conversed on this subject have agreed.

There are two reasons LEOs (and anybody with any sense) shoot for center mass:

1) In the heat of the moment, taking careful aim at a kneecap or whatever just ain't feasible. You are adrenalin pumped and your perception gets all wonky.

2) peripheral shots are far less likely to put an end to the threat. What's the first thing LE does when they approach a body with a gun in (or near) its hand? They remove the gun. (Hollywood actually gets this right!). Leave the target conscious and you are begging for MORE trouble.

If I had my druthers, I'd head-shoot anybody I deemed of imminent danger to myself. I'm a darn good shot, too. Instead, though, center mass. Biggest part of the body. Least likely to miss. Most likely to put an end to the threat. ALSO most likely to end up with both of you living. (assuming somebody calls the paramedics, of course).

It is quite true that no one CCW is honored in all states. However, most states (and I think Colorado is the only exception) will issue a CCW to a non-resident. Unlike a CDL, you CAN carry a CCW from each of multiple states. A little research should give you a very short list of states you'd need a CCW from in order to cover your normal area of operations.

As for having my weapon taken from me? It doesn't clear the holster unless I'm about to pull the trigger. Waving a gun around as a threat is as stupid as putting your hand in the garbage disposal and hitting the switch.

How does one ensure that you won't screw up and draw the (say) the safety on? Practice. It's the ONLY way to do something right. Practice practice and practice some more. Do you consciously think about shifting gears all the time?

Now, am I gonna shoot some slob for stealing my tractor or trailer (or the contents thereof)? Or flipping me the friendly finger... or whatever? Heck no. But if he becomes an immediate threat to my life, I intend to outlive him. I'd prefer to run away, actually. I may be a chicken, but I'd be a live chicken. Back me into a corner, though, and I intend to collect a toll.

It is likely this will ever happen? Nope. I really hope it doesn't. But I carry for the same reason I wear a seat belt. Just in case.

heres how i feel...i doubt ill carry any of my guns on a truck with me once i get a job, but i may if i think i feel a reason to.

but, if i did, and i am a CCW holder, so ive been trained, and gone thru the class, and im a good, responsible, shooter. but, if i felt my life may be in danger in a part of a town that i may go to, then im not going to really care about company policy.

no one would even know i had a gun on the truck unless i HAD to use it...and if i HAD to use it, then it was worth saving my life, instead of keeping the job.

but, ive got 40 or so years ahead of me as a truck driver. and in that time, there are plenty of chances i could have my life threatened..and job be damed, if it means i lose my job, for that ONE time i may need to use deadly force with a firearm to save my own life, then ill be happy to give up my job in order to keep my life

this reminds me also, of something that happened close to my home. just a week or so ago, a pizza delivery fellow was out making some deliveries, and out of no where, an armed robber holds him up...

well, even tho it was against company policy to carry a gun, since he had his CCW he was lawfully carrying one...he shot to save his own life, and he did...but he got fired...but i really feel he couldnt have cared less about getting fired if it was bc he defended himself...same kinda thing goes for a truck driver

and you sir would be wrong!

Darn Straight!

AMEN!

I am a lil leary about going OTR without my carry but thats why they make flare guns j/k. I do have a expandable baton that is the perfect knee cap buster (lol ask Nancy Carigan)

I have CHL in the state of TX. If you were to carry a gun in your truck, who would know? Let's say that I decide to keep it deep in a suitcase or storage area, who would find out it's there unless they search your vehicle?? Shippers and receivers don't get into your personal space, right?? Now I can see a law enforcement officer searching if having probable cause, but that's about it. How hard would it be to keep concealed from your company or others?

well said. shoot, if i need to pull out my gun to save my life then so be it. it's not like i'm going to think to myself......gee, i will get fired if i pull out my gun to save my life because it's against company policy.

just keep it out of sight and if it ever has to come out then an educated gun owner/concealed carrier will know their life is at stake. at least that's how i see it