| Why do they call it a GUN SHOW? | | | | more likely going to end up being taken by the |
| This is my rant after "people watching" at a Gun | | | | bad guy. A gun that ends up in the bottom of a |
| & Knife Show. We had rented a table to | | | | purse, covered up by tons of stuff most women |
| display and sell our self defense products. We | | | | carry, just will not be available and ready in a high |
| were the only vender selling Non Lethal self | | | | stress situation. |
| defense products. Now, don't get me wrong, I am | | | | Yes, there are specially designed women's purses |
| a firm believer in the Right to Bear Arms and I | | | | which are designed to allow quick and easy |
| hold a CCF license. But, as I have stated in past | | | | access of a gun, but none of the women I talked |
| articles, sometimes it is just not always practical | | | | to had one. One lady patted her purse with her |
| to wear a handgun. Well, the show was very | | | | hand and said, "I keep my 9mm right here." I |
| crowded. There were personnel at the door | | | | noted that the purse was very large. It had a |
| checking all guns to make positive that NO guns | | | | large flap over the top and was secured with two |
| were loaded and all boxes of ammo were sealed. | | | | straps that looked like buckles, but were probably |
| Each and every gun entering the building or | | | | snaps. I cautiously mentioned to her, |
| displayed by a vender had to be secured with a | | | | "If someone was to grab you from behind, as |
| bright orange security strap that prevented the | | | | most attackers do, how would you ever get to |
| action from working or the gun from being loaded. | | | | your gun in time?" |
| The venders were under strict zero tolerance | | | | She defended herself by saying, "Oh, I would |
| policy. If a gun was accidentally discharged, that | | | | get it in time and use it if needed." |
| vender would be removed and banned from any | | | | It is my own opinion and experience that a |
| future gun shows. As for people watching, it | | | | concealed weapon is not a quick draw weapon. |
| amazed me how many men wore their guns as if | | | | The more it is concealed, the harder it is going to |
| they were ready for a fight, yet the guns were | | | | be to get to it in a hurry. This is where the non |
| unloaded and secured with the orange strap. | | | | lethal weapons such as a pepper spray or stun |
| Some guys wore western style holsters with | | | | gun can be so valuable. Today's non lethal self |
| their six shooters in low ride ready for quick draw. | | | | defense weapons are small, and easy to carry |
| I saw one guy with two colt 45 1911's in the back | | | | right in your hand. They are easy to learn how to |
| of his belt, and another one carried in the cross | | | | use and are quickly brought to bear on an |
| draw position in front. | | | | attacker. They can solve the "problem" and |
| Now if I was going to bring a gun or gun to a | | | | provide you time to escape or even "buy" time, |
| show like this, to sell, I would carry them in some | | | | disabling the attacker and allowing you to then |
| kind of bag or gun case. But then maybe that's | | | | access your firearm if it is still needed. |
| why the call it a Gun Show! The number one joke | | | | A non lethal weapon such as a stun gun which is |
| of the day was as follows. A man would be | | | | disguised as a flash light or cell phone is so easy |
| looking at my non lethal Stun Guns. I would | | | | to carry right in your hand as you walk to your |
| recommend they get one for their wife. Nine out | | | | car after work or leaving the mall. This is when |
| of ten guys would say, " No way would I buy | | | | you will be most vulnerable, at night, walking alone |
| something like that for my wife, she would use it | | | | in a parking lot. |
| on me!" | | | | Every single mugging, I investigated as a deputy |
| Seriously, most men would either say, they | | | | sheriff in Southwest Florida, was in a parking lot. |
| were there to get a gun for their wife or they | | | | Parking garages also provide a target rich |
| would say their wife already had a gun. At that | | | | environment for the bad guys. Most purse |
| point I would comment, where are they going to | | | | snatchings, I worked, occurred in the daytime. |
| keep the gun? How is she going to carry it? This | | | | Carrying a handgun open and ready at times like |
| is when I usually got a puzzled look from the man. | | | | this is a great way to defend yourself, BUT NOT |
| The most common remark would then be, "in her | | | | very practicable. It may even get you in trouble, |
| purse". | | | | if not with the police, it will definitely draw |
| When I showed the women the stun guns, most | | | | attention from bystanders. |
| would be amazed how small and easy to carry | | | | A stun gun flash light or cell phone, will go totally |
| the non lethal weapons actually were! A few | | | | unnoticed, unless and until you really need it. Don't |
| women told me they carried a gun in their purse. | | | | be like the guys at the gun show. You can't really |
| Carrying a gun in your purse is dangerous! A gun | | | | show off your self defense weapon in public, |
| in a women's purse is most likely going to be | | | | whether its a firearm or a non lethal defense |
| very hard to get to if they are attacked. It is | | | | weapon. |