reply to post by WWJFKD
Back in August 2012 I applied for my Mississippi CCW. I asked the Mississippi Highway Patrol Supervisor once I had my permit and took the enhanced
class, ( Meaning I have to shoot a basic qualification course and pass demonstrating proper safety control as well as accuracy all while drawing from
various types of concealed and open holsters.) could I carry my gun in a paddle holster openly? He said no.
Keep in mind this is before HB2 passed.
He went on to explain that if I had no permit my gun would be concealed by the holster. However once I had my permit my gun had to be completely
concealed. I said that didn't make any sense. He said that my gun could not imprint (be identified as a gun under my shirt or pants), I quickly
informed him of the Mississippi attorney general's opinion on that very issue and it was to the contrary what he just said. He then told me that I
could be arrested if someone complained or felt threatened. At this point I agreed to disagree and finished up the interview and finger printing.
About 2 weeks later the FBI background check cleared me to receive my CCW and I took the enhanced class. For those of you that may not be aware the
enhanced sticker allows me to carry in schools, and court houses (excluding court rooms), and any other state government buildings. It also allows me
not to be charged with a crime for carrying in private business that have no gun signs.
The way that the Mississippi constitution has been interpreted on the concealed weapons issue has finally been fixed by HB2.
I would recommend that you do the extra step and get your ECCW it will save you a lot of BS if your shirt accidentally covers part of your gun during
open carry.
As soon as I heard HB2 was passed and signed by the Governor I began open carrying immediately well before the July 1 date it was set to go into
effect. I did get harassed while shopping at Walmart in Gulfport by an off duty Gulfport Police Detective, which I schooled on the 2nd Amendment and
the Mississippi constitution. It was done so well that some of the people within earshot applauded and 2 of them were fellow CCW holders and proved
it. The Detective didn't say another word.
Since moving to northern Nevada I have enjoyed openly carrying here and plan on getting my CCW here as well. I just don't like having to give them my
SN's for every gun I wish to carry. I also have to qualify on each gun I wish to carry. ( which I don't have an issue with. )
What we see is a further division between those that support our right to keep and bear and those that think we shouldn't be allowed to.
When your life is in immediate danger by another person armed or not I choose to be responsible for my own safety and security, if you choose not to,
remember this; when seconds count the cops will always be only a phone call and minutes away.
ETA:
Late one night at a gas station I was approached by an armed man. He tried to rob me and when I told him that I had no cash, he wanted me to go into
the gas station and use my debit card to get him some cash. He made the mistake of being too close and having a weak grip on his 9mm hot point. I
could tell he was scared so I laughed and he got even closer with his gun nearly touching me. Had I not had training on how to disarm him I likely
would have been shot. I took his gun from him kicked him in the nuts then racked it ejecting a live round on the ground making sure the safety was
off, I issued an ultimatum "make any move and I will kill you."I held him at gun point for nearly 7 minutes until the police arrived.
Had I not had the skill set to be successful I could have been killed. Shortly after that I had a discussion with my wife and I got my ccw. Since
that day I carried my .45 with me, even to work where I was not allowed to have even a spent shotgun shell in my vehicle.
My conclusion is more gun in the hands of more people over time will make us a safer and more polite society. We will always have evil, crazy people
in this world and I can assure you taking the guns out of the hands of people that use them properly and responsibly will only lead to more violent
crimes and a requiring more powerful government that will place the final nail in the coffin on our rights.
I suggest that people that disagree and choose to go unarmed to wear a shirt with the words " Un-Armed Victim" on it to show your support for your
opinion.
Gun Free zones are victim disarmament zones no amount of police can protect everyone, it not their job in the first place.
edit on 24-9-2013 by SWCCFAN because: added text