Shiloh wrote:"Carrying concealed is useless. Since most engagements occur at such close range, I can guaruntee you won't be able to draw before the bad guy is on top of you. Better to just run or give him what he wants."
Good one! I hear this ^ a lot.
Guarantee is a strong word, but certainly drawing from concealment when an aggressor has the drop on you presents a tough challenge. And of course, running or complying are strategies that are
still open to you whether you carry concealed or not. There are plenty of documented incidents where concealed carriers
have successfully defended themselves, but some people choose to ignore evidence.
I don't know why anti-gun types always assume that 1) the defender will have no other training, nor any other option, except for a static quick draw vs. an armed opponent, and 2) the defender will never avail themselves of any other self defense technique, like moving off the x, deflecting an attackers weapon, striking the attacker, or breaking and running if there's a chance to get away.
To be fair, many gun owners pretend that just having a gun is all they need to do to feel protected - thus living up to the clueless image anti ccw types try to paint.
I've heard this conversation between two people, in a car, at a gas station where we pulled over for gas and road food:
First person: "I don't like the looks of these guys milling around outside the convenience store. Maybe we should go a block or two down and use a different gas station."
Second person: "Why? You've got your gun on you don't you?"
Me: "OW!" (injured myself facepalming.)
Lot's of anti gun types think concealed carriers believe in the "gun as magic wand/lucky charm," and are so incompetent with their weapons as to be a danger to themselves and others. It behooves gun owners to be smarter and better trained than the antis give us credit for being.