Gun Talk
FROM OUR PRINTED FEBRUARY 2019 EDITION
There’s a lot of chatter back and forth about what is right and what is wrong.
How to carry, how not to carry. What type of firearm, what type of bullet,
what type of training?
This month, in our new feature ‘Gun Talk,’ we’re touching upon a few topics,
and asking our readers to share their views.
Enjoy, and let us know of a topic you would like covered in detail.
Empty Chamber?
A lot of times, folks will say they don’t trust the design, don’t trust the gun, feel there might be a potential for an accident if they have a round in the chamber. So what happens? A violent encounter breaks out and you have to come out of the holster, rack the slide, and then defend yourself.
Well, what does that take? Time. And two strong arms. No damage to either arm. Plenty of time to rack that slide, plenty of time to respond, and plenty of concealment while you do this, as those few seconds could be all you have.
There’s a lot to be said for safety, and some will carry a pistol without a round in the chamber for years. But just as car accidents happen rapidly without warning, so do violent encounters. How much time do you have to respond? What have you trained for? Are you capable of responding?
We would like to hear your views and advice, for the experienced as well as for those gaining experience. Gun safety is paramount. Self-protection more so.
Please send your e-mails or notes to lonnie@bostonbroadside.com. (We would love to print your views. If you wish to stay anonymous, we understand. Just let us know.)
Getting Stopped by the Police
A lot of folks talk about how to handle the unfortunate situation of being pulled over by the police when you are carrying a gun.
We would like to hear your thoughts, as it seems opinions vary a lot about what you should do and have to do, and it’s always good to share some advice.
In the meantime, if you have your pistol with you, there’s one thing you don’t want to do: You never want to use the words “I have a gun,” and you never want to go moving around trying to move things, trying to get things. Stay calm, stay put.
You’ve been pulled over. You rolled through a red light, or you cruised down that hill just a little too fast. Use your brains.
First, you need to keep your hands visible at all times. All times. Don’t go thrashing around for your registration and such. Wait to go to the glove compartment. (If that’s where you foolishly keep information so that anyone who breaks into your car can know where you live, especially if your car is in New Jersey and you live in Maine; let’s face it, bad guys have friends and bastards have brothers, and a little phone call from one to another could get your home robbed…)
Wait for the officer to approach. In most states, you don’t have to say you have a gun on you. Don’t be pulling it out. Don’t be waving it around. Just listen to the officer and keep your hands in plain sight at all times.
If you’re asked, of course you disclose it: Yes, I have a licensed firearm in a holster on my right side. (Notice, you didn’t say, “I have a gun,” which will just get some rookie looking through your passenger’s window who is anxious and can misinterpret your words to end up drawing a bead on you. Just don’t use the word gun. You have a licensed firearm.
Do what the officer says. If you’re licensed and carrying appropriately (in Massachusetts, that means your gun is either in a locked container in your car – not your glove box, or it’s on your body and under your direct control at all times), things should be fine. Remember, you’ve been stopped for the first time in your life for being a speeder, going 42 in a 35 mph zone, not for brandishing an unlicensed firearm.
Do what the officer says. Relax. You lost your attention while driving and listening to Brittany Spears (fool) and crap happens. Don’t compound the situation. Do what the officer says.
We want to hear from you about your encounters and your advice. Please send your e-mails or notes to lonnie@bostonbroadside.com. (If we print, we’ll keep your name confidential or however you desire it.)
