# Why do people get offended when pack a pistol in their neighborhood? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 19, 2012, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299 "2012-04-19T18:02:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/21 "2012-04-19T19:05:13Z")
> [@JoelUpchurch](#): > > Since it isn’t legal to carry a firearm in Chicago, this is probably trolling. > > [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concealed\_carry\_in\_the\_United\_States#Permitting\_policies](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concealed_carry_in_the_United_States#Permitting_policies) This is just a reminder, Joel, that accusations of trolling are against the rules. And yes — so is trolling. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/22 "2012-04-19T19:12:00Z")
Also, it should be noted, since I just saw the thread title, it’s not the ‘packing in their neighborhood’ that bothers them, it’s the unpacking on the kitchen table. As I said before, I have a CCW and from time to time people will (jokingly) ask me if I’m ‘packing’ to which I usually reply ‘No, but if I was I wouldn’t tell you.’ ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/23 "2012-04-19T19:19:13Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Also, it should be noted, since I just saw the thread title, it’s not the ‘packing in their neighborhood’ that bothers them, it’s the unpacking on the kitchen table. The kitchen table is bad enough, but I was picturing the coffee table. Yikes! ---
**Author:** ![Diamonds02](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5a626/32.png) [@Diamonds02](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diamonds02)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/24 "2012-04-19T19:23:51Z")
When I’m on foot that’s when I need it the most. Something can happen from the time I get from my car to someones house. I.just don’t feel safe with that thing on me, so I take it out and place it on the table. The fact that I have a gun isn’t much of an issue, it seems they have an issue that I feel the need to protect myself in their neighborhood. ---
**Author:** ![Zeriel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/58956e/32.png) [@Zeriel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeriel)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/25 "2012-04-19T19:25:05Z")
As firearms are routinely compared by some people to penis substitutes, I’d like to point out the very few ways in which a firearm IS like a penis: 1. if it’s concealed, don’t whip it out unless everyone you’re with wants to see it 2. don’t put it where it’s not wanted 3. having one doesn’t make you special 4. knowing how to use it appropriately and safely is much more important than its specific attributes ---
**Author:** ![Zeriel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/58956e/32.png) [@Zeriel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeriel)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/26 "2012-04-19T19:27:19Z")
> [@Diamonds02](#): > > I.just don’t feel safe with that thing on me Then I don’t feel safe with you carrying it. ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/27 "2012-04-19T19:27:26Z")
> [@Diamonds02](#): > > . I.just don’t feel safe with that thing on me, . What makes you feel unsafe about having it on you? Why does putting it on a table make you feel safer? ---
**Author:** ![Diamonds02](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5a626/32.png) [@Diamonds02](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diamonds02)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/28 "2012-04-19T19:27:41Z")
It’s the kitchen table. ---
**Author:** ![Jaymosch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaymosch/32/2820_2.png) [@Jaymosch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaymosch)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/29 "2012-04-19T19:31:16Z")
> [@Diamonds02](#): > > The fact that I have a gun isn’t much of an issue, it seems they have an issue that I feel the need to protect myself in their neighborhood. No, the fact that while you are in their homes you take your gun out and put it on the table is what they have an issue with. Why is that so hard for you to understand? ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/30 "2012-04-19T19:35:07Z")
> [@Zeriel](#): > > As firearms are routinely compared by some people to penis substitutes, I’d like to point out the very few ways in which a firearm IS like a penis: > > 1. if it’s concealed, don’t whip it out unless everyone you’re with wants to see it > 2. don’t put it where it’s not wanted > 3. having one doesn’t make you special > 4. knowing how to use it appropriately and safely is much more important than its specific attributes 1. It’s at its most useful when stuff comes shooting out of the end. ---
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/31 "2012-04-19T19:37:06Z")
> [@Zeriel](#): > > As firearms are routinely compared by some people to penis substitutes, I’d like to point out the very few ways in which a firearm IS like a penis: > > 1. if it’s concealed, don’t whip it out unless everyone you’re with wants to see it > 2. don’t put it where it’s not wanted > 3. having one doesn’t make you special > 4. knowing how to use it appropriately and safely is much more important than its specific attributes > [@tdn](#): > > 1. It’s at its most useful when stuff comes shooting out of the end. Anybody else gonna make a strap-on joke? No? Ok, me neither. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/32 "2012-04-19T19:41:34Z")
> [@Diamonds02](#): > > When I’m on foot that’s when I need it the most. Something can happen from the time I get from my car to someones house. I.just don’t feel safe with that thing on me, so I take it out and place it on the table. The fact that I have a gun isn’t much of an issue, it seems they have an issue that I feel the need to protect myself in their neighborhood. If you don’t feel safe with it on you, I can’t imagine you could possibly draw it on someone attacking you. I would very strongly suggest you get some serious range time in and take a personal protection class. Also, if you don’t feel safe with it on you, then I _really_ don’t want you in my house with it. Not only that, I don’t want you unholstering it in my house. You need to practice at home with it unloaded or with some snapcaps and/or with a trainer that can work with you until you feel safe. As I said before, I have my CCW and I have a gun, but like you I don’t feel quite safe with it either and for that exact reason I don’t walk around with it (yet). It’s sitting at home and the only time it’s been out is when I’ve had it at a range. Again, if you don’t feel safe with it on your hip in a proper holster that covers the trigger and concealed under your clothes, I don’t want to be around when you’re pulling it out and putting it on the table. I can’t imagine you’re ready to have it out in the company of others. I would suggest, as I said above, you keep it in your purse, preferably with a purse holster, but at least this way it’s off your body. Or skip the gun altogether for now and be aware of your surroundings. See who’s out and about before you walk from the door to your car. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/33 "2012-04-19T19:42:46Z")
OK, let’s break down the messages you are sending, intentionally or not: - “You live in such a shithole ghetto / hillbilly-infested boonies that I don’t feel safe traveling through there or to even walk from my car to your door”: outright stated by you in your OP, essentially, so it’s intentional. - “I am going to pull out my gun and lay it on your table to hammer home the above message.” Apparently this is not why you do put the gun on the table, but it makes the message obvious to the host. - “I look like I am going to commit a crime and potentially attract attention to your house if someone sees that I’m carrying.” The host may worry that you will appear to neighbors and/or police that you are (illegally) carrying or that you intend to commit a crime and are armed. - “I have little to no experience in how to deal with a firearm, as I am too afraid to even have the gun concealed somewhere on me when seated.” This alone would get you thrown out of my house. I would not appreciate someone telling me that I live in such a dangerous hellhole that they can’t travel to my house without a gun, but showing such problems with gun handling and safety would show that you are probably the most dangerous person around at that point. ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/34 "2012-04-19T19:46:07Z")
> [@Mr.Excellent](#): > > A loaded gun is an amazing dangerous device. You may swear to me up, down and sideways that you have the safety on - but what if you haven’t? What if you had too much to drink, and started playing with the damned thing? What if another friend in my home did? What if you forgot the gun when you left? (Remember, I _don’t_ have a handgun license). Also, while some people have good judgment and safe weapon-handling habits, _most_ gun owners are going to handle their weapons with no more skill, conscientiousness and judgment than they bring to any other daily activity. Which, judging from what I see around me every day, is terrifying. One time, someone giving a firearms-safety demonstration accidentally pointed the gun directly at me while talking, and didn’t notice until I pointed it out. Fortunately, it wasn’t loaded at the time – or so this person said, while demonstrating by opening the chamber and discovering a chambered round. The person was too embarrassed to continue the demo. ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/35 "2012-04-19T19:46:53Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > I would suggest, as I said above, you keep it in your purse, preferably with a purse holster, but at least this way it’s off your body. Or skip the gun altogether for now and be aware of your surroundings. See who’s out and about before you walk from the door to your car. As you say, if you’re so uncomfortablr with guns that you can’t stand to have it on you, don’t carry a gun. It could easily turn an assault into a murder. I’ll admit that I don’t know much about the practical aspects of concealed carry or purses, but isn’t carrying it in one’s purse a pretty bad place? Purses get stealthily stolen/snatched. It also seems like reaching into your purse takes longer than reaching into your clothing. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/36 "2012-04-19T19:57:46Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#): > > As you say, if you’re so uncomfortablr with guns that you can’t stand to have it on you, don’t carry a gun. It could easily turn an assault into a murder. > > I’ll admit that I don’t know much about the practical aspects of concealed carry or purses, but isn’t carrying it in one’s purse a pretty bad place? Purses get stealthily stolen/snatched. > > It also seems like reaching into your purse takes longer than reaching into your clothing. If she’s so uncomfortable with a gun on her hip that she has to take it off because she doesn’t feel safe then I’d wager that she’s hasn’t had enough handling experience with it to reliably grab it from the concealed holster, turn off the safety, (possibly chamber a round) and shoot with any kind of speed or accuracy. Until she’s ready to do that, rather then scaring the piss out of people by taking it off her hip and putting on the table, she’s probably better off putting in her purse, even if she keeps a hand on it when walking in ‘bad neighborhoods’\* and then zipping up her purse when she gets to the house and not even mentioning it. Unless your friends/family are gun people or your talking about guns, they really shouldn’t even know that you have it (IMO). ---
**Author:** ![An\_Arky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/37 "2012-04-19T20:01:44Z")
I firmly support the right to carry legally, but also I firmly believe that people who carry should know what they’re doing. Before actually carrying anywhere that you could hurt someone, preferably. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/38 "2012-04-19T20:01:46Z")
There are entire countries that don’t allow guns in their borders. Why is it so weird to you that someone might not want a gun within their home? ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/39 "2012-04-19T20:03:42Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > OK, let’s break down the messages you are sending, intentionally or not: > > - “You live in such a shithole ghetto / hillbilly-infested boonies that I don’t feel safe traveling through there or to even walk from my car to your door”: outright stated by you in your OP, essentially, so it’s intentional. For a while before I got my CCW I was reading some gun message boards. Those people seem absolutely convinced that the first time they walk into a store without their gun the store will be held up AND they’ll be shot. They write letters and boycott stores that don’t allow weapons. They were a good place to get factual information from, but I stopped reading them because I got tired of watching everyone froth at the mouth about having their rights and safety stripped away every time some private business would post a ‘no guns’ sign. FFS people, you’re not gonna get shot _because_ you don’t have your gun, but your sure acting like it. (FTR, this isn’t directed at anyone here, I just always wanted to say it) ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299/40 "2012-04-19T20:08:33Z")
**Diamonds** , if there are children in the house, then the homeowner _definitely_ has the right to get pissed off. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-get-offended-when-pack-a-pistol-in-their-neighborhood/619299.md?page=3)