Can Carrying a Gun Lead to Recklessness?

[Coyote Blue]

Ana Veciana-Suarez wrote a absorbing column several months ago in the Miami Herald with this title. The link seems have been vaporized or I would link it.

But to sum up Ana's ideas, she is basically pro gun, and like my own children, a first generation Cuban, whose parents fled Castro. As with all Dictators, Fidel's first move was to disarm the Cuban populace."Armas,for what",said Fidel.

Ana feels that guns are basically good, but that everyday carry can lead into decisions and situations where perhaps, without a weapon, we would not normally make or venture; at night driving through a dicey neighborhood, going to the 7-11 at the midnight hour.

Perhaps throwing the bird in traffic at an aggressive Miami driver. Which is almost every Miami driver! Perhaps a heated argument with a neighbor over their dog or overhanging fruit trees.

I see Ana's point to a degree. Some people do overreach carrying a legal firearm. Perhaps I do. Every night I run 4 miles up and down Miami Beach. At my mainland home, in my small village,the same. Anything can happen at 1 AM. Or at 1 PM.

Would I be as confident venturing without my handgun at odd hours? Would I be less inclined to engage in heated rhetoric with neighbors,friends or certainly strangers?

I am really divided in my thoughts. I do believe my common sense and the great responsible of carrying a lethal weapon will keep me under control. I just pray that the time never comes to test out that resolve.

Your thoughts,USA Carry? This is one of the crucial issues for all of the millions of us carrying guns in America every single day of our lives.. IMO,of course.

I'll do a poll as an adjunct .

 

[ezkl2230]

No. I take no more risks today than when I began to carry a few years ago. Carrying has always been about one thing for me - protecting my family and myself in the places we frequent or our home. If anything, carrying gives me yet another reason to steer clear of bad situations if at all possible. Just don't back me into a corner or enter my property with evil intent.

 

[r1derbike]

There is no room for reckless behavior. CHCL holders by a vast majority, are law-abiding citizens, and by virtue of the responsibility that comes with carrying, aren't reckless.

Our own sheriff in Northwest Arkansas teaches concealed carry courses, and he wants every law-abiding citizen to carry, if they feel the need.

There are bad apples in every crowd, but fortunately, a very small minority.

As ezkl2230 above mentioned, I also tend to shy away from personal confrontation. What's the point?

If one has to project an aggressive demeanor dealing with the public, he has no business with firearms.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Carrying a gun does not make you more reckless, if anything it forces you to be more aware of your situation and surroundings to avoid potential problems.

 

[dstryr]

Carrying any weapon should make you more aware of your surroundings and influence better choices on where to go or not go, but statistically, just like alcohol is liquid courage to some drinkers, I believe there will some who carry a weapon and become more brave.

 

[CoolClownFish]

This is kind of a loaded question here. This would depend on who is carrying and what their current mental state is. What I mean by that is are they having a bad day? are they normally a confrontational type of person? All that would fctor in but as for me (and most CCW holders I hope) we have learned that it is not something that we can afford to make a mistake on. Yes if a new carrier has a god complex I could see it but for the most part no.

 

[tcox4freedom]

Guns are inanimate objects. They can be neither good or bad. Being inanimate objects also makes them incapable of affecting behavior of the individual who carries one.

It all boils down to a persons attitude & personality. A gun will potentially make a reckless person more dangerous as they carry out their irresponsible behaviors. But, they can NOT in and of themselves make a person more reckless or irresponsible.


-

 

[GlassWolf]

Trick question. It entiely depends on the person. The overwhelming majority, and by that I mean nearly all people with a concealed carry license are, and are taught to be even more cautious than when unarmed for a number of reasons.
Now, if you are asking with people like gang members thrown into the mix, and violent felons who violate the law by carrying firearms, then sure, some people are more reckless when armed.

 

[theGreatClownPuncher]

I have been more of a lurker on this site as my post count will illustrate (I have always thought it better to be thought a fool then to open my mouth and remove all doubt) however, this is a subject that is not something I can let pass without comment. If carrying a gun gives you as the op put it a "god complex" please unload your firearm and lock it up.

As a gun carrying member of society the only thing that should be more terrifying than using your gun against another is what would happen if you didn't use it.

It has been said on here many times, and have used this line when asked why I carry every day, if I knew when I was going to need my gun I would stay in bed that day.
I can not fathom a situation I would go into only because I have a gun.

Maybe I have removed the doubt of my fooldom or maybe not, but I will slink back to background hoping I don't run into someone with a gun and a complex.

 

[GlassWolf]

Guns are inanimate objects. They can be neither good or bad. Being inanimate objects also makes them incapable of affecting behavior of the individual who carries one.

That is actually incorrect. I can't recall the name for it, but there is a lot of documentation that essentially validates things like wearing a seat-belt or a helmet leading to someone behaving more recklessly, driving or riding faster than they would without the safety gear, etc.. This is pretty much the same argument.

 

[GlassWolf]

Oh, here we go...

Risk compensation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Peggy Reist]

The question is "CAN it lead to recklessness?" Depending on the person, it's possible. It shouldn't and in most cases it doesn't.
If anything, I'm less reckless than I was before I started carrying. Even though I wouldn't hesitate to use it if necessary, I worry that any recklessness would cause me to lose my carry license and I don't want that.

 

[farsidefan1]

I voted sometimes - for others. For me, no way. Sticks and stones.... Weapon is last resort, although that said I'm not letting the BG within striking distance without the weapon ready. I know the laws in my state regarding showing of the weapon, but if it comes out I'm ready to use it. But in response to insults or road rage? Oh heck no. Shooting for such a trivial matter, stupid squared!

Keep your SA radar going but I'm LESS likely to act rashly while armed. MUCH LESS.

 

[jeff martin]

I don't go places or take any risks I wouldn't before!! Safety first!! I carry almost always now and I have to admit that I'm on my best behavior because of carrying!!

The Second Amendment protects All Rights!!

 

[wolf_fire]

As for me, carrying has made me more civil. Let me explain.

I didn't do it often, but when I was faced with a person who wanted to debate a topic I was interested in, I would engage in it and often times it would get rather emotionally charged. Sometimes, the arguments would get personally attacking. This is not a personality trait I was proud of. But no harm, no foul is what I thought back when I was younger.

Since I started carrying, as some have mentioned I have become extra vigilant in knowing my surroundings and being cognizant of possible confrontations. I avoid them now. It is easier on me, it is less stressful, and it has made me a more polite person. I also am able to remain focused on my surroundings.

So if the question only pertains to me, then I would say, absolutely not; carrying a firearm has made me a less reckless and more polite person.

However, if the question is for any person, then I could easily see someone who does not have a strong confidence and someone who is unstable carrying a firearm for extra courage. This could lead to this person reaching for his/her firearm when he/she should not do so. However, statistics are not on this type of person's side. We hear of many many more reports of the stable, law-abiding citizen who uses their firearm appropriately than we do of someone who doesn't.

So in summation, firearms create a polite society not a reckless one.

 

[wpb1310]

nice try

That is actually incorrect. I can't recall the name for it, but there is a lot of documentation that essentially validates things like wearing a seat-belt or a helmet leading to someone behaving more recklessly, driving or riding faster than they would without the safety gear, etc.. This is pretty much the same argument.

I understand what you were trying to say however its position wrong. Kids do try harder stunts with safety gear because it will protect them when they do stupid a dangerous things. Safety gear is made to be used. The goal of the gun? ... not to be used during a stupid stunt.

 

[GlassWolf]

I understand what you were trying to say however its position wrong. Kids do try harder stunts with safety gear because it will protect them when they do stupid a dangerous things. Safety gear is made to be used. The goal of the gun? ... not to be used during a stupid stunt.

Fair enough, but unfortunately that's open to the interpretation of the carrier of the firearm, and much like drinking booze, having a gun does embolden some people. I'm not saying it's right, it just happens. Granted, people like you and I aren't the sort that would act thus. Sometimes it takes a bit of effort to put yourself in the shoes of stupid people. hehe

 

[telpinaro]

Carrying hasn't changed my behavior at all; I still avoid the same places, and have never been confrontational. For most, I've seen the responsibility involved with carrying is taken very seriously, and people make better, safer choices, just the way wolf_fire described.

Last night, however, I was in a class where someone said now that he carried, he was much braver and would feel confident going places he otherwise wouldn't. This was a Self Protection and Criminal Avoidance class and not dealing with guns, but the instructor did immediately say (in a very humorous manner), "No no no! Avoid the paperwork! Avoid the paperwork!" basically stating that getting in to a dangerous situation where you'd have to defend yourself involved not getting home safely any time soon that night. Hopefully that guy's mind was changed. Awesome class, btw... taught by Marc MacYoung.

So carrying can go both ways... most people become even more responsible than they were, I think, but there are a few who get overconfident.

 

[tacorunnerxds]

Just about any good concealed carry instructor will tell you, an educated gun carrier usually makes more of a point to steer clear of trouble and doesn't whip it out at the first sign of trouble. I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me feel a little more comfortable in situations (like dark parking lots or secluded areas, that's probably cause I'm a girl) but it also makes me more cautious of my surroundings. I'm sure there's some idiots that think they're invincible cause they carry concealed.

 

[wpb1310]

I always find it curious that the "some people" comments are generally always worried about other peoples possible bad actions and never or rarely responsibility to them selves. Just because somebody "May" do something stupid doesn't mean that the difference between an responsible carrier and a bad carrier boils down to that persons bad hair day. I also find it wrong when people say they are even more saintly while carrying. "Would I be less inclined to engage in heated rhetoric with neighbors,friends or certainly strangers?" Respectful and kindness toward others. This should be how you live your life.
If a CCW holder goes to a part of town where they would normally not venture may look bad to a prosecutor. They are going to investigate your time line and the places you frequent. If you have a incident in the "bad" part of town at 2 am in a dark ally with drug uses and heavy prostitution, it's going to be hard to explain why you are there. If you are doing something illegal even in a Stand Your Ground State you are going to be behind the power curve to justify defense shooting.