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To Need It and Have It is the Purpose of Concealed Carry

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That’s why so many of us carry right? To need a gun for protection or defense, and to have it. We heard of a great example of this recently in an article about an incident that happened near Albany, Oregon. “It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it,” said a bartender and US Army veteran in the town of Lebanon who pulled out his concealed Glock 42 .380 in order to have it ready to use against a knife attacker.

Mica Smith was dining with his wife and some friends at the bar where he is a bartender when an altercation broke out among two patrons, Michael Ryan VanGelder, 30, and Elizah Bullock, 39.

Smith has had his concealed carry permit for five years and over that time he said he’s never resorted to pulling out his weapon before this incident. Smith reported that he heard VanGelder shout, “What the (expletive) did you say to me?” while rushing toward Bullock. Next, he saw VanGelder pulling out a knife and holding it in an attack-ready position.

Smith showed VanGelder the weapon and ordered him to drop the knife. VanGelder tried to run but was tackled by Bullock and Smith. After the knife was taken away, Smith holstered the weapon and subdued VanGelder until police arrived.

The incident amplifies the value of trained and responsible citizens carrying concealed weapons, said Linn County Sheriff Bruce Riley.

“That’s a good example of what concealed carry permits are intended to do,” said Riley, who added that the county has just around 11,000 people licensed to carry concealed weapons.

Riley added that, unlike an untrained citizen who may have the right to carry a gun, the permit brings training and awareness that adds discipline to a threat situation. “I did not put my finger on the trigger,” said Smith. “I do not put my finger on the trigger unless I’m going to fire.”

Smith went on to say how important it  is for a concealed carrier to take an gun safety training, and then go to the range to practice, practice, practice.

This article we read was perfect on many accounts. Smith emphasized the importance of training, responsibility, and knowing your gun well. He said he personally never carries a weapon he hasn’t fired 50 to 100 rounds through. He spoke about the importance of mental health care, which is apparently an issue with VanGelder. He never put his finger on the trigger, despite having the weapon out of its holster. By doing that, he did not accidentally endanger the other patrons in the bar and there was no accidental firing potential.

He also said that there were people in the establishment who were against concealed carry, but that after what they say, they changed their minds. That’s the poer of responsible carry at work.

If you do have to fire your weapon in self defense, read this article on 3 steps you must take after a self-defense incident.

Image of Mica Smith from democratherald.com

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