Self Defense

That's the rub. You're taking a chance somewhere, somehow. You need to decide on WHICH chance you're going to take.

 

Depending upon your state of issue permit and the various reciprocity agreements between your state of issue and the state you are currently in, yes and no. For example, I have a PA License to Carry Firearms, which would allow me to carry a concealed firearm in West Virginia but not in Ohio, New York, or New Jersey.

It would also depend upon the laws of the state you are in. PA allows "Open Carry" without any permits or paperwork for residents while on foot in a non-restricted public area, so I can strap my holster to my belt and walk down the street or go get coffee at the local coffee shop without my permit. However, Texas does not allow "Open Carry", and permit holders must conceal their firearm at all times. For myself, I practice what I like to call "Casual Carry". My gun rides on my belt, and I don't worry about whether or not my flannel shirt or over shirt covers it or not. If it's covered, or concealed, I have my LTCF in my wallet so I'm covered. There are no "brandishing" or "printing" laws in PA.

Always, always, always be aware of the laws for the state you are in. Firearms regulation are a patchwork across the entire US, with no two states agreeing on anything when it comes to a citizen's right to bear arms or protect themselves. Also be aware that if you are ever forced to use a firearm to protect yourself you had better have one heck of an attorney on retainer who can either practice directly or partner with an attorney who can practice in the state where it took place. Indeed, if you have to use deadly force to defend yourself, your first call should be to your lawyer, not the cops. Call them after you talk to your lawyer, and only on your lawyer's advice. And make sure your lawyer is up on gun laws!

For those who call it paranoia, google "Truck driver shot" and count the results. It does happen, and we as citizens do supposedly have the right to defend our lives from those who seek to harm us. Some people tell me I'm paranoid for carrying a gun here at home. I tell them to just watch the local news. That usually ends the whole "You don't need a gun around here" and leads to a discussion about the laws concerning carrying and recommendations for what kind of gun to carry. I'm partial to .357mag revolvers, and have won a few converts at the gun range. Others prefer the additional capacity of 9mm semi-automatics. The choice is purely personal, and a matter of comfort.

 

If you carry a gun, and point it at someone.. You had better be dang sure you are willing to pull the trigger and right in doing so.

If you're put in that situation, do what you have to do to survive or save someone's life..

When the cops come..shut up! You were in fear of your life or protecting someone else's. Remember, the cops are not your friends at this point.

That being said.. Be aware of your surroundings, don't flash alot of cash, DO NOT get out of your truck if approached randomly..and you will have no problems.

good luck

 

I don't carry self defense because I'm a paranoid trucker. I carry it because people are ####### nuts and I'd rather have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

One time I took my son to the park near our house. On our way home this homly looking dude came walking towards us. I crossed the street then he crossed the street. He had that crazy look in his eye. So I crossed back over and he did the same. When I raised my shirt to scratch my stomach I let him see the .22 I had on my hip. He turned around and went the other way.

 

Nicely done. Most times, simply demonstrating you have one prevents the need for actually using it. Also nice situational awareness. If more people would pay attention to their surroundings rather than wander down the sidewalk poking at their "smart" phones, there would be fewer targets of opportunity for savages to exploit.

 

It's really not that bad out there, 99% of the time you'll be parking in a decent truckstop or reststop. YMMV, thats just my take after a year as a carrier driver. Drivers are pretty decent to each other, or oblivious and busy. Sometimes they eat stupid food and assault your ears over the CB. I don't carry anything stronger than a hammer, but I support the 2nd amendment fully. If 10% of the drivers have a pistol in each hand and a horrifying CPAP mask on their face that makes breaking into trucks with the curtains drawn less attractive. 20% would be better though.

 

The thing is most criminals know trucks are usually full of expensive electronic gizmos. Nav units, laptops, iPads, tvs etc... Also some drivers carry tons of cash to get the cheaper price for fuel. The criminal element will always be around with the above conditions. Be smart. Walk with purpose and confidence. Make eye contact with strangers and give the nod. And for gods sake don't admit you don't have any panties on.

 

Only a fool would do that. Why not go a few miles down to Monee where it is safe?

A man's best defense is his brains. You don't take resets in the danger areas.

I guess we have another gun thread.

Though a person has all right to carry and protect himself it gives some a false sense of security. A gun doesn't open up parking spots nor should it be a consideration to why you chose a bad area. Those that do carry don't have their weapon readily available. You don't have them few seconds like you do at home. It's not he is going to kill me so I'll kill him first. You don't have time. You reach and he caps you right there. The only shooting a trucker can do is shooting someone in the back as they run away. Then you get involuntary manslaughter charges because the threat has already dissipated.

If a man is going to carry the weapon it needs to be holstered and loaded or at least within arms reach. We can't do that part without reprimand. Any other method of carrying is useless.

I've read more stories of drivers shooting drivers over a CB fight than I have of drivers being robbed at gunpoint. There are too many nutcases driving. As we all know rules are made for the bad apples and the rest have to follow.

 

I never really had problems except for panhandlers and a few whistlers. If I felt uncomfortable I didnt get out of the truck ( commen sence, gut feelings) only once I really felt like Id messed up but 2 male drivers seen what was going on and came up and walked me to my truck. but I did always have my knife in my hand or pepper spray. I was a woman in a mostly male world Im not dumb! lol

 

He was in a ''safe'' area.I stayed here many nights over the years..

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