I don’t like being unarmed. I feel more comfortable knowing that I could defend myself with the most effective form of self-defense, anytime, anywhere. So I carry all the time. All day, every day. The only time I don’t have my concealed firearm on my body: when I sleep. Then it’s under my bed in the safe, or next to me in the nightstand, depending on the circumstances. I recommend home carry for anyone who’s decided to carry a gun; violent crime can happen anywhere, anytime. But I know the threat of attack at home is more “real” for some people than others. Personally speaking . . .
Our house is for sale. For the time being, my husband is living in Wyoming. Until our house in California sells, I am living alone with two young children.
I live in the middle of nowhere in California. Plus, there are several personal possessions we’re selling, like a crib and a snow plow, to lighten the load for our big move. People show up randomly to look at the items for sale. I have no idea who these people are. I don’t know if I can trust them. But I do know that I’m armed and situationally aware. And that this combination protects my family and me.
Some people think carrying a gun at home is asking for trouble. A child might grab it and shoot someone. I say a gun on your person is even safer than a gun in a safe (which clever kids can eventually crack). It’s under your direct control. Openly carried, a firearm on your body at home reassures your kids that they are protected, and teaches them to be wary. Not scared. Wary.
Some people say the odds of a home invasion are tiny, and they have a gun handy anyway. I say people buy lottery tickets. The odds of winning are low but the impact it would have would be huge. Now switch that around. The odds of a home invasion are small but it would be the nightmare to end all nightmares. As far as handiness is concerned, there’s nothing handier than a gun to hand. A gun that’s on your body.
Should something happen, I trust my gun and my training. Of course, a gun is no guarantee of safety. But it’s a chance for survival in a situation where even the smallest advantage can be the difference between life and death. For you and your loved ones. Why deny yourself that chance when, with a little effort and experimentation, you can home carry a gun comfortably?