Your rules of thumb when CC/OC

[YuDanJa]

When I first conceal carried, I infinitely wondered if I’m allowed to carry where I am or not. I understand we can find the rules and regs on line, but they are sometimes lengthy, never clear enough and can be rather confusing if thought from different perspectives and under various circumstances. The more I read about them, the more I felt hesitant to take a step in the wrong direction anywhere I go. It’s also the reason I hesitate to open carry. I hate to have infinite variables running through my mind as I carry. It drives me nuts, so I try to think simple:

Stay away from places that serve alcohol, schools grounds, churches, federal/gov’t buildings, and any place that (clearly) posts a sign with a crossed out gun. Other than that, free to carry. If anything goes wrong, the court decides.

I know it’s not perfect and there’s much more to it…I mean anything’s possible under any circumstance. But, would you say “You’re pretty much covered”.

What are some of your personal guidelines when you CC (or OC)? I’m not looking for a long, detailed lists...they’ll never end. I guess more of a thought process.

[ProShooter]

You are needlessly limiting yourself in some of the locations you mentioned above.

This class may be beneficial to you: http://proactiveshooters.com/general-co ... rry-in-va/

[Dreamerx4]

When the gun goes on, the attitude goes off.

As of July 1st you can now go into places that serve alcohol unless posted, you just can't consume. Unless.. you are a virginia commonwealth attorney, then you can drink and do not need a ccw anyway. Way to go Kaine!!!

Also "you can't carry when a religious meeting is occuring without sufficient reason", has not been decided in court what a sufficient reason is. I believe churches are soft targets, and therefore have decided to protect my family. A personal descision, yours may vary.

[KaosDad]

Rule 1: Keep your CHP & Photo ID on your person at all times.
Rule 2: See rule 1.

[YuDanJa]

When the gun goes on, the attitude goes off.

As of July 1st you can now go into places that serve alcohol unless posted, you just can't consume. Unless.. you are a virginia commonwealth attorney, then you can drink and do not need a ccw anyway. Way to go Kaine!!!

Also "you can't carry when a religious meeting is occuring without sufficient reason", has not been decided in court what a sufficient reason is. I believe churches are soft targets, and therefore have decided to protect my family. A personal descision, yours may vary.

I forgot to mention that part of "don't drink while carrying" in my simple carry rule. But, it's good to know I can at least enter places that serve alcohol (unless I see the crossed out gun sign). Thanks for the info.
Not worried about church. I don't go.

[YuDanJa]

Rule 1: Keep your CHP & Photo ID on your person at all times.
Rule 2: See rule 1.

It doesn't get any simpler than that! I like it!

[ShortMan]

My main rule is dont carry when I plan on going to school, even if its just to stop by real quick and talk to the councilors or one of my professors outside of class time.
Aside from that my rules are more like general guidelines. Overall I try to avoid going to places where I think I'd actually need a gun. That keeps the angry little vigilante in me from breaking out. I got the guns for personal protection, not correcting societies issues. And I also got them with the understanding I would never actually have to use them. Its in my pocket just because.
If I thought I would ever need a gun I wouldnt carry anything less than a Glock with 16 or 17 rounds, and a couple of backup magazines. And a Springfield M1A in the truck.

Also, if I am in a bar or club or dark alley and things get weird, I immediately leave. The gun in only in case someone physically threatens me and I couldnt have avoided them earlier.

I always check on conceal carry policy whenever I visit a new place. I dont carry on the metro or in DC, even though the supreme court just said that a city cannot ban gun ownership and struck down the DC ban. To that end, I limit my visits to DC to absolutely essential times, like when my Bio professor made a field trip to the National Zoo mandatory. For reference, half that place is closed for renovation.

I never tell anyone I am carrying, ever. Even if the person I tell is cool, chances are they will mention it to a friend sooner or later, and eventually everybody knows and thats not a good thing. Many middle class suburban dwellers dont like guns and especially dont like people carrying them. Not to mention sooner or later it gets to some guy who had a bad life and feels the need to test himself against a "hero".
Along those lines I almost never tell anyone what kind of valuables I have or recently purchased. Same deal. Eventually that info will get around to people I dont want having it. My uncle kept a nice gun collection on the farm and his daughters (my cousins) were always bragging to people about it. In a small town that kind of info circulates quickly. Sure enough their house got robbed one day and the only things stolen were the guns. The guys didnt even have to ransack the house to find them.

I generally avoid gun related discussions with pretty much everyone. I've noticed guns are like abortion and religion. People rarely want an intelligent discussion and usually just want to vent their feelings on the matter. They are not interested in your opinion so much as a fight. I know what my views are and its unlikely anyone is going to change them soon. Much better to avoid the topic entirely. Especially when I am carrying.
Thats why I joined a forum. People get angry, nothing bad can come from it. Except maybe a vacation or permaban.

Am thinking of getting a shoulder holster or one of those t-shirts with the built in holsters, but the problem is if I ever take my jacket off then I've either got a gun or holster sticking out for every one to see. And that violates the rule above. But a pocket holster always keeps your weapon hidden. Think I will stick with the pocket for now.

[ProShooter]

As of July 1st you can now go into places that serve alcohol unless posted, you just can't consume.

I forgot to mention that part of "don't drink while carrying" in my simple carry rule. But, it's good to know I can at least enter places that serve alcohol (unless I see the crossed out gun sign). Thanks for the info.
Not worried about church. I don't go.

You always could have entered those places while carrying openly, and you could have carried concealed in every place except a restaurant or club before July 1. The new law only changed the restaurant & club/concealed thing.

[cigarmanva]

Rule 1: Keep your CHP & Photo ID on your person at all times.
Rule 2: See rule 1.

considering you don't have to provide ID unless you're doing something that specifically requires it, like driving...why do you suggest keeping photo id on you at all times

[Jim]

Rule 1: Keep your CHP & Photo ID on your person at all times.
Rule 2: See rule 1.

considering you don't have to provide ID unless you're doing something that specifically requires it, like driving...why do you suggest keeping photo id on you at all times

Your carry permit does not prove who you are. If things go south and you're challenged, you're in deep water without your permit and proof of ID.

[YuDanJa]

Rule 1: Keep your CHP & Photo ID on your person at all times.
Rule 2: See rule 1.

considering you don't have to provide ID unless you're doing something that specifically requires it, like driving...why do you suggest keeping photo id on you at all times

Your carry permit does not prove who you are. If things go south and you're challenged, you're in deep water without your permit and proof of ID.

I thought you were required by law to have a photo ID accompany your permit when carrying. Or is it one of those "strongly recommended" deals?

[SELFDEFENSE]

. .....I dont carry on the metro or in DC, even though the supreme court just said that a city cannot ban gun ownership and struck down the DC ban. To that end, I limit my visits to DC to absolutely essential times, like when my Bio professor made a field trip to the National Zoo mandatory. .......

My understanding is that you can carry on the Virginia part of the Metro and that
the DC case did not address concealed carry, only the full prohibition of gun ownership, including one's legal residence.

[gunderwood]

When the gun goes on, the attitude goes off.

As of July 1st you can now go into places that serve alcohol unless posted, you just can't consume. Unless.. you are a virginia commonwealth attorney, then you can drink and do not need a ccw anyway. Way to go Kaine!!!

Also "you can't carry when a religious meeting is occuring without sufficient reason", has not been decided in court what a sufficient reason is. I believe churches are soft targets, and therefore have decided to protect my family. A personal descision, yours may vary.

I forgot to mention that part of "don't drink while carrying" in my simple carry rule. But, it's good to know I can at least enter places that serve alcohol (unless I see the crossed out gun sign). Thanks for the info.
Not worried about church. I don't go.

The whole guns and alcohol thing is way overblown and primarily because of psychological projection. The Swiss drink wine before qualifying with their government issued machine guns. Millions of homes have guns in them and alcohol. What do you think happens to the guns when a gun owner decides to drink at home?

Anyways, the law is the law.

[gunderwood]

My understanding is that you can carry on the Virginia part of the Metro and that the DC case did not address concealed carry, only the full prohibition of gun ownership, including one's legal residence.

Correct.

I thought you were required by law to have a photo ID accompany your permit when carrying. Or is it one of those "strongly recommended" deals?

Correct. Your CC permit is not "valid" without a photo ID. Mine says right on it that it must be carried with a proper ID.

[ProShooter]

and the ID must be one of the accepted forms from the list. Can't use your college id or library card.