Tom Tomorrow: What We REALLY Need Is...

[spin]

46. I definitely agree that training is a prime factor ...

I am pointing out that many of those who carry on a daily basis often have such training.

There are currently no statistics on how many people who have carry permits carry regularly. I would guess that it is far less than 50%. Those who do probably have a background in the military, police or have attended martial arts classes. They often shoot on a regular basis and read articles on self defense and the use of legitimate self defense.

The larger majority of those who legally carry probably only do so when they feel they are traveling into a dangerous neighborhood or live in one. Those who do carry are often people who have been in harm's way and realize that you can't predict when and if you might have to defend your life or health. Such people often practice "situational awareness" and consequently avoid many potentially dangerous encounters.

To be fair we live in a society where the violent crime rate has decreased to levels last seen in the late 60s. Most of those who have obtained a concealed carry license plan to carry a large and heavy weapon such as a .45 auto. That, at the minimum, is a pain in the ass. Consequently they often leave their weapon behind when they journey to the store or to areas that they consider safe.

Unfortunately a very few of those who have a carry permit view themselves as vigilantes or heroes. The Trayvon Martin shooting might be one such example. If you are foolish enough to go looking for trouble it will find you.

While I can't find statistics to support my personal experience I feel that many of those who carry regularly have some form of training or a background that would enable them to react rationally or responsibly when they find themselves in a true life or death situation. Perhaps they explains why so few innocent bystanders have been shot by those who have carry permits.