Samuraiz Loc: Central Florida

Yes.

Pine1 Loc: Midland & Lakeway

Your right, of course. You may never need it in your life time. I hope that's the case. However, if you only need it once that is enough.

dooragdragon Loc: Alma , Arkansas

Shoulda shot him between the eyes with a off camera flash, then got a photo and title it starry starry eyes .
Pete

Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Absolutely I do carry -- have permit that allows concealed or open carry. My preference is always concealed.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

If you are worried about protection from animal predators, Cougars, Bears, etc, you're going to need something significantly larger than a handgun. Unless you are a very good shot, a handgun, for example, will just terminally piss off a Bear.

If a Cougar was stalking you, you will not have any warning when it strikes.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I don't know if you are aware of this but every big game animal up to and including elephant has been killed with a handgun. A well known guide and writer was probably the first man to kill an African Cape buffalo with a heavy loaded .45 Colt, a cartridge first used by the U.S. military in 1873.

While you are correct in thinking a cougar is a pretty tough predator some have been driven off by being struck with a stick or an axe handle. They are a lightweight thin skinned predator and a well placed handgun cartridge will kill one. Sure the lion is a more ferocious animal than we are but if you were the one being attacked wouldn't you want to even your chances if even a little?

I suggest readers ask themselves this question. If someone attacked my wife or daughter right now; if someone broke into my house right now; would I want a firearm to protect me and mine OR would I be willing to call the police (if I am able) when it is over? Honestly that is your choice. I made my choice years ago.

Dennis

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I used to carry whenever it was legal until my hands became sufficiently plagued by arthritis (especially cramps) that I no longer consider myself qualified to carry. I've only had to pull my weapon once - in a public restaurant - on a teen-age boy (intent on killing or maiming several classmates with a tire iron). For any number of reasons, I thank God I did not have to drop the hammer. I would still carry if I was qualified to do so, but anyone suffering spontaneous hand cramps should not be carrying a firearm. Yes, I have been shot; I know how it feels (guess what, it hurts like H--l). That said, if it is legal, if you are QUALIFIED, and there is the possibility of a need, do it.

And, to the idiot who said you always shoot to kill, enjoy your murder trial; you have just announced that you have a propensity for violence and little regard for human life. Every LEGAL carrier of a concealed weapon should know that you take ONLY what steps are needed to resolve a potentially deadly situation. That doesn't mean you aim to kill; that doesn't mean you aim to wound. You aim to neutralize the situation. I am of a certain mindset about this, but it is controversial and I will only discuss it via PM. I will state, for the record, that I will do anything in my power, including running like mad, to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. If I am cornered or others are at risk, I will respond as I have been trained, no more, no less.

dooragdragon Loc: Alma , Arkansas

I guess that all depends on weather or not the predator is
A merely curious
B defending its terittory or young and just trying to scare you off
C actively aggressive and in attack mode

Bobbee

Well, if your in Yellowstone a gun may or may not be better than the pepper spray. depends on the size of the gun and the bear.

In the company I work for, because of my international travel, there are security warnings. They all say, don't resist. give up your belongings and they usually just walk away. then ask yourself another question. You are probably thinking this will be a one-on-one fight with a guy with a plastic knife from McDonalds that is high on drugs. Never happens that way. Are you prepared or trained for the OK Corral. Is the Camera worth your life. I am not preaching legs in the air, dog style submission. Shit I am from Brooklyn, old days tooo, it is just you need to think these things through. Don't want to go missing your posts on UH because of watching tooo many Bruce Willis or John Wayne pictures. Take care.

tommckibbin Loc: Liverpool, England.

Condom. You never know your luck. Sorry, couldn't resist.

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

I thought this was about camera insurance. I think this discussion belongs in general chit chat not in photography. When I hear about carrying, I think about 2 people who knocked on doors for help after minor traffic accident and were shot and killed.

walkin64 Loc: Safety Harbor, Florida

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Scoutman Loc: Orlando, FL

Search archives for numerous previous posts on this.

I guess as a concealed weapon. In Florida, you need a concealed weapon permit. If the gun is in your camera bag, probably not much help. One needs to determine whether you would shoot someone who wants to steal your camera. Of course, attacking your person, a different matter.

Stand your ground laws in Florida are being questioned as in other places. Big demonstration on it today - people fed up with Trevon Martin thing, and as heard at this gathering there have been similar shootings in the state.

I have a handgun and permit myself, but would probably use pepper spray as a defense. Tasers are an option.

Anything you do, subject to litigation.

timwarduk Loc: Kislingbury, Northants

Move to York England then you would not even have to ask the question!

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

If I find it necessary and legal...in most states, it's not.
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