... and as long as we're on the subject!

09 Feb 10

These comments from the owner/operator of an indoor range:

"An acquaintance came to our Range yesterday evening. He wanted to ask me some questions about his carry-pistol and then take it to the range and run several dozen rounds through it. He explained that he had been carrying it concealed, '... off and on,' for several months, ever since a gruesome homicide made our local news early last fall. I've encouraged him to get involved in some professional training, but he has put it off.

Once in a stall, he faced down-range, drew his pistol (SA XD/M, 9mm), and then pulled back and released the slide, chambering a round. I stopped him and asked if he had been carrying this pistol, in this condition, on his way to the Range.

He said, '... Of course!'

I responded, '... and you didn't have a round chambered?'

'Well, I don't carry with a round in the chamber, because I want to be... safe' ... ad nauseam

I then went through the usual lecture, the one about 'Who promised you your support-side hand will be available to you at the start of your next gunfight?'

Like so many, he readily acknowledged the unassailable logic of my argument, but he was '... still not sure'

I then advised him to remove his holster. I took the pistol from him, unloaded it, replaced it in the box it came in, and strongly advised him to leave it there until he 'finds the time' to attend professional instruction!

I can only wonder how many other frightened, confused, wilfully-ignorant people there are, running around like this person, concerned about there personal safety, yet unwilling to do much more than take timid, abortive half-steps."

Comment: I'm sure their number is legion, and growing with every edition of the Evening News!

What follows is opinion:

You're either in the Navy, or you're not!

When a person indicates that he chooses to not carry a gun, because he is sick, or he just enjoyed a cocktail, or he is on medication, or he has made the personal choice not to go armed, for reasons that apparently suffice for him, you'll hear not a peep of argument from my corner. Far be it from me to dispense unsolicited advice!

However, when an otherwise normal, rational, and able-bodied person knowingly holsters a modern, autoloading pistol whose chamber is empty, and then expects to share a car, or dinner-table, with me, he will have to find someone else with whom to socialize. I want nothing to do with him!

I consider that person unstable and worse than useless. He is intentionally living in fantasy-land, and being in his presence is therefore contrary to my best interests. This world has never been sympathetic with the delusional!

I can't count on his skills, nor obviously, his judgment.

/John