gun licenses?

[SixSquared]

Ok... I know this is a touchy subject, but I'm just looking for opinions. They can be from people who don't have licenses, have them, whatever. Just looking for your thoughts. Reps will be given for thoughtful input...

So basically, long story short is that I HATE Savannah. It's a big ****ing ghetto, and the crime rate is through the damn roof. I don't feel safe, at all, after having two cars broken into, being held at knifepoint last year, witnessing a murder... you name it.. I had started keeping my grandfather's hunting knife under the seat of my truck, just in case, after a woman in my apartment complex was almost carjacked. A friend of mine is a cop down here, and I mentioned that and the fact that I have never felt this unsafe in a city, and he informed me that even though it's a knife, it's considered almost under the same jurisdiction as firearms because the blade is 14" long. He was using layman's terms, but basically he said that for a knife that size, to carry it around/keep it in my truck, I needed a concealed weapons permit.

I've been letting that marinate for a while, and fast forward to tonight, another friend of mine calls me panicked asking me to meet her on Abercorn. I ask her where she is, and she says that she's driving and will be passing my house in about 5 minutes. I tell her to stop by, and she says "I'm not stopping.. there are people behind me and Eric and they've been shooting at us. We don't want them to pass us because we're scared they'll shoot us so we need you to get their tag number... we're passing by you in 5 minutes" So I scramble out to my truck and literally am turning onto Abercorn as she flies by, followed pretty closely by a beat up big car (lincoln/big chevy type). I put on my flashers and chase behind, trying to see their tag, which is in their back window. Next thing I know, they're shooting at ME. I call 911 and luckily there's a cop patrolling a nearby neighborhood and he sees us and gives chase. I pull into a parking lot feeling like throwing up. A few minutes later my friend calls to say that they pulled the guys over and arrested them and are getting her and Eric's information.

Just a pleasant reminder of how much this city ****ing SUCKS.

So anyway, now I'm even more scared, since according to Eric, the cop told them that because there's no video evidence or anything, he probably won't be able to hold them more than a few hours before they are either released or post bail if they end up being charged, which hopefully they will be.

Fast forward to now... My truck (and Eric's scion) are both pretty easily recognizable around town. I've seen one other white scion around town, and have never seen another ranger 4x4 that looks like mine (it has racing stripes on the hood... I dunno if the people saw them or not, but between that and the cracked windshield and some other trademark things, it's not hard to spot). I work graveyard shift, and to be honest, I'm not looking forward to spending this weekend working alone in that store. So that "marinating" thought about a firearm license is now at the front of my mind.

I'm comfortable around guns, hell I grew up around them, but the thought of actually carrying never really went through my head til now. My dad owns guns, and he has two that we all say are "mine" and I shoot them on our private property and a local range from time to time, but I don't actually have a license, and I've never carried one with me... my two stay in the safe. My friend Lindsey swears by carrying and has a pair of 9mm's with her at all times. I keep having the recurring thought of "If you're gonna carry a gun, you need to be prepared to use it", and though I have a level head under crisis situations, I just don't know...

... help me sort out my damn thoughts, please. I get nervous just walking down the steps of my apartment and getting in my truck... I ****ing hate this city.

[quickdodge®]

Ok enough of all that rambling crap. The fucc is your question?

And the officer is right. You get caught with that knife under your seat and you're in cuffs. Later, QD.

[SixSquared]

^^The knife has since been removed.

I guess my question is pros/cons/alternatives? I dunno.. just looking for some feedback, possibly even someone to say that I'm not, in fact, clinically insane for thinking about this.

[amberghini]

Get one. Then carry a gun. I have one, and I would highly recommend it.

[quickdodge®]

I'm not sure why you think you'd be insane for wanting/getting a firearms license. Thousands (I guess millions) of people have them. I don't see any cons to have one. There are plenty of pros. You don't have to let the whole world know you have one (keep it hidden at all times, anywhere-in places you can carry) to name one pro. Later, QD.

[quickdodge®]

Get one. Then carry a gun. I have one, and I would highly recommend it.

But don't brag about it. Later, QD.

[amberghini]

But don't brag about it. Later, QD.

That wasn't bragging. I could, if you would prefer. lolol.

[quickdodge®]

That wasn't bragging. I could, if you would prefer. lolol.

Bragging, telling everyone...either way.....You never know who's watching you, listening to you or anything. Someone wants something you have and they find out you have a license and they put two and two together and they will come at you harder than normal; if you see what I mean. Later, QD.

[81911SC]

I will be applying for mine as soon as I can. It's not crazy talk at all. There are a lot of people who cc. You probably see a few a day but you won't know it. Just apply, if you want you can if you don't then you just have it. I also recommend taking a CC course. Take as many as you can, it's never a bad thing to learn.

[amberghini]

Bragging, telling everyone...either way.....You never know who's watching you, listening to you or anything. Someone wants something you have and they find out you have a license and they put two and two together and they will come at you harder than normal; if you see what I mean. Later, QD.

I do understand. All I said was I have a permit. I don't tell the interwebz what I own. I do agree with you on that.

[SixSquared]

How long does it take all the paperwork and whatnot to go through? I'm moving back to ATL/Athens in like 3.5-4 months...

[BobbyFresco]

How long does it take all the paperwork and whatnot to go through? I'm moving back to ATL/Athens in like 3.5-4 months...

It all depends, really...It took a few months for me to get mine.
You def need to either get a permit and carry or maybe think about transfering to a different school in a different area.....At this point you need to do whatever to protect yourself....I'd rather be in jail for an unregistered gun and alive than be dead bec I had no protection. Think about it.




I've always heard Savannah was bad but I didn't know it was THAT bad....

[Sammich]

get the license then carry as you feel the need to. i never knew savannah was this bad. my sister lives 15mins from savannah (rincon) and now this worries me cuz her husband occasionally has to go out of town for work...so not only does savannah worry me now just with the both of them in there..it worries me cuz she's there by herself occasionally...i hate idiots

[allmotoronly]

As soon as I turned 21 I applied for my GA firearms permit (what GA calls their concealed weapon's license). It took about 2-3 weeks to get and cost me $36. Now I don't leave home without at least 1 gun. I drive through Macon a lot, and as many of you may know, some parts of macon are pretty damn ghetto. Just because you have a gun on you doesn't mean that you will ever have to use it. Its just added assurance that if someone tries to **** with you, you are equally armed and have something to protect yourself with.

But.... carrying a gun may also get you into more trouble. If someone pulls a gun on you, and you pull your gun, theres pretty much a 99.454325% chance that someone is getting shot. Its all a matter of who pulls the trigger first. In some cases, it may just be better to give the person what they want and not let on that you have a gun on you or in your car. You will just have to use your head wisely and don't do anything stupid.

[Jaimecbr900]

The only thing cool about Savannah is the tree moss and St. Patricks. JP.


I'm with QD. There is no con to having a CCW license. It doesn't mean that you are packing 24/7, eventhough many of us do. It just means that you've taken the time to be checked out and deserve to be able to use your own discretion as to when to carry and concealed.

I'll put it to you this way: Literally my entire family has CCW permits. No lie. My mom, dad, both brothers, my sister, my sister-in-law, my wife....everybody. Matter of fact I gave both my mom and my sister the gun's they carry with them everyday. We all feel that strongly about it. I'm also with QD in that noone knows unless we want them to. We don't walk around with bandoliers and shooting up in the air. Nobody needs to know until WE want them to know. I've had a bunch of people come up and give me a hug only to go...."ohhhh, nice" when they bump into something.....

My suggestion is to FIRST, take a defensive firearms license or at the very least get some real training and range time from someone that knows about firearms. When you're in fight or flight mode is not the time to start learning how to clear a jam or just how loud a gun shot inside is. You have to react instinctively. It's that simple. You have to know how to shoot with and without the benefit of sights. You have to be able to tell if a gun is loaded or not. You have to know when you can and can't pull your gun.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's great decision, but not as simple as going to the gun shop and buying a gun like it automatically will make you feel safer. There's some homework to do on your part. Many gun stores offer classes and some even specifically designed for beginners/women.

Once you're comfortable with that, THEN buy a gun that YOU feel comfortable with. Far too often people worry about caliber/size when what they should worry about is IF they can shoot the gun straight or not. You don't have to shoot an elephant gun to stop a threat. A well placed shot will go farther than anything else. If you're flinching from the expected kick or scared to shoot, it doesn't matter WHAT you carry....right? That's the point.

Anyway, hope this helps.

[81911SC]

The only thing cool about Savannah is the tree moss and St. Patricks. JP.


I'm with QD. There is no con to having a CCW license. It doesn't mean that you are packing 24/7, eventhough many of us do. It just means that you've taken the time to be checked out and deserve to be able to use your own discretion as to when to carry and concealed.

I'll put it to you this way: Literally my entire family has CCW permits. No lie. My mom, dad, both brothers, my sister, my sister-in-law, my wife....everybody. Matter of fact I gave both my mom and my sister the gun's they carry with them everyday. We all feel that strongly about it. I'm also with QD in that noone knows unless we want them to. We don't walk around with bandoliers and shooting up in the air. Nobody needs to know until WE want them to know. I've had a bunch of people come up and give me a hug only to go...."ohhhh, nice" when they bump into something.....

My suggestion is to FIRST, take a defensive firearms license or at the very least get some real training and range time from someone that knows about firearms. When you're in fight or flight mode is not the time to start learning how to clear a jam or just how loud a gun shot inside is. You have to react instinctively. It's that simple. You have to know how to shoot with and without the benefit of sights. You have to be able to tell if a gun is loaded or not. You have to know when you can and can't pull your gun.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's great decision, but not as simple as going to the gun shop and buying a gun like it automatically will make you feel safer. There's some homework to do on your part. Many gun stores offer classes and some even specifically designed for beginners/women.

Once you're comfortable with that, THEN buy a gun that YOU feel comfortable with. Far too often people worry about caliber/size when what they should worry about is IF they can shoot the gun straight or not. You don't have to shoot an elephant gun to stop a threat. A well placed shot will go farther than anything else. If you're flinching from the expected kick or scared to shoot, it doesn't matter WHAT you carry....right? That's the point.

Anyway, hope this helps.

Great info here. I totally agree. You will here some poeple say 9mm is to weak and things like that but if you get a larger calliber and are not used to shooting it, you will have more problems. You need to go try the guns out before you buy and make sure you are well aquainted with your gun. Classes are a def. need. Take as many as you can.

[DieselNuts]

I cant believe you are even debating it. You should get one for sure. The thing about it is, if something goes down and you do end up having to use it, you better be sure that its a life or death situation or they could flip the script on you and make you out to be the bad guy.

[Mr.Big]

That wasn't bragging. I could, if you would prefer. lolol.

Man let me tell u. Folks will rob u for ur gun.
Dont talk bout it. I bet u play with it too

[quickdodge®]

I've had a bunch of people come up and give me a hug only to go...."ohhhh, nice" when they bump into something.....

I lolol-ed. Later, QD.

[amberghini]

Man let me tell u. Folks will rob u for ur gun.
Dont talk bout it. I bet u play with it too

Just because I'm a girl, doesn't mean I don't know sh!t about guns, life, or what other people will do for things.

But, thank you for your concern.

[SixSquared]

Yeah Savannah pretty much sucks. That's why I'm moving back to Athens/ATL. Even when I was in bad areas of ATL, I never felt as unsafe as I do here... I jump when I hear car doors close outside. Everyone tries to sugarcoat Sav as this romantic old southern town, but it's totally not. You're either rich or poor here, there is no in between. SCAD students have money to burn, and SCAD buildings are scattered around downtown, which makes them interspersed throughout the ghetto.

Thanks for all the good input guys (esp. you guys who usually mess with me.. you know who you are). repped everyone I can.

[Mr.Big]

Just because I'm a girl, doesn't mean I don't know sh!t about guns, life, or what other people will do for things.

But, thank you for your concern.

dang, i didt know you was a girl but no problem

[quickdodge®]

Even when I was in bad areas of ATL, I never felt as unsafe as I do here..

What do you consider a bad area in Atlanta? Later, QD.

[MistaCee]

What do you consider a bad area in Atlanta? Later, QD.

x2 I havent really seen a bad area in ATL besides near Club peacock area and Magic city near the bus terminal. But it really isnt bad just full of crackheads lol

[quickdodge®]

I know of some rough spots, but I lolol when people mention bad areas that aren't even bad. Later, QD.

[SixSquared]

just like southside decatur, forest park, etc... probably not necessarily "bad" areas, but definitely rough(er) areas.

[quickdodge®]

just like southside decatur, forest park, etc... probably not necessarily "bad" areas, but definitely rough(er) areas.

Heheh. Then Savannah isn't shiit. Later, QD.

[ep9716]

I ****ing hate this city.

Move...

[mad3nch1na]

I my self have considered CC. And I came to the conclusion that I'm going to buy a hand gun as soon as a turn 21 and get a CC permit as quickly as possible. I live in downtown Atlanta and I know for a fact its not safe. I support your decision on getting a CC permit. Its a crazy crazy world out there, with all these school shootings and senseless killings I feel that it is imperative for sane law abiding citizens to carry some sort of self defense tool, whether it be spray or a gun.

After you reach your decision of getting a permit, a hard question will arise.
What type of gun to get, and at what caliber.
I dwelled upon this question for quite a while. I really like the classic look and reliability of revolvers, but the ones most feasible for carry are small snubbies with short barrels and small magazine sizes, which I don't like.

So I have chosen to get an automatic pistol. I have yet to come to come to a single pistol which is "ideal" for carry, but I have narrowed it down. I did some reading on the internet and it appears that Glocks and HK USP are the highest on reliability and durability and pretty much NEVER jam.

As far as caliber, from what I read 9mm is slightly weak for stopping force. .357, .40, .45, .380, are more potent calibers for power. Though in the end it comes down to your frame, and what caliber you can shoot accurately.

And keep practicing after you get your CC permit, practice drawing, cocking, and putting lead accurately on target at around 7 yards until it becomes instinctive and second nature. You have probably heard this a million times already but I'm gona say it once more Run if you can, the gun is the LAST resort. Only use it when the attacker gives you reason to believe he will inflict fatal harm to you and you genuinely believe your life is in danger.

I'm gonna end with a proverb:
"it should be comforting to carry a gun, but never comfortable."

[mad3nch1na]

x2 I havent really seen a bad area in ATL besides near Club peacock area and Magic city near the bus terminal. But it really isnt bad just full of crackheads lol

My neighbor is a club promoter for Club Peacock, and I don't live too far from it..

[ShooterMcGavin]

first of all, how safe you feel in savannah has a lot to do w/where you are in the city, if you know where to go and where to avoid you're fine. maybe you working the graveyard has something to do w/it as well.

as far as the ccw, why not get one? it costs like 50 something bucks these days and the only downside that it could take up to 3 months.

and w/regards to your story about your friend, next time how bout trying to call 911 FIRST before you go rushing out and getting shot at yourself? just looking out.

[ShooterMcGavin]

I do understand. All I said was I have a permit. I don't tell the interwebz what I own. I do agree with you on that.

why even give them that bit of info? it doesn't make you any safer having others, no matter who they are, knowing that.

[quickdodge®]

I live in downtown Atlanta and I know for a fact its not safe.

Downtown Atlanta is not that bad. It's the immediate surrounding metro areas that are. Just like another said, downtown is mainly just homeless people and crackheads. The "activity" that takes place is concentrated mainly in the outlying neighborhoods. Later, QD.

[Mr.Big]

U got adamsville, old 4 ward , pittsburg and parts of Cascade Rd

[quickdodge®]

U got adamsville, old 4 ward , pittsburg and parts of Cascade Rd

Only thing of that that is downtown is Pittsburgh. And it doesn't exist anymore. Later, QD.

[01CDMLUDER]

i'd rather be caught with it than without it!

there are some pretty bad places in atlanta. my sister lived in east point and had to move b/c of too many shootings around her apartment. and pretty much any roads with the words martin luther king are doomed. pryor street is one of the worst places in atlanta

[mad3nch1na]

its ironic how MLK is the dangerous street, wonder what Malcolm X street would be like
lol

[quickdodge®]

pryor street is one of the worst places in atlanta

That was a joke, right? Later, QD.

[SixSquared]

and w/regards to your story about your friend, next time how bout trying to call 911 FIRST before you go rushing out and getting shot at yourself? just looking out.

Trust me... my dad already read me my rights on this one.

[Night Ridaz]

would be nice to carry a mossberg 500 around.