Don’t forget where you gun is. If you do, things can go very badly. I learned this lesson the hard way. I had started graduate studies at Arizona State University. Since I was often on campus at night and walked to my car in the dark alone, I carried my handgun in my backpack. I was new to concealed carry and I rarely took my handgun out of my backpack. It made me feel safer while walking alone, especially in the poorly-lit campus parking lots.
One weekend I was headed to El Paso, Texas, to visit family. I was traveling by plane. Just as my luggage was about to go through the x-ray baggage scanner, I recalled that my gun was still encased in its pouch in my backpack. As soon as I had that realization my next thought was about get me in a heap of trouble. I snatched it from the belt and backed out of line. I panicked for a few reasons: I had a gun at the airport; I had almost gotten myself into an incredible jam; I was about to miss my flight; and I had no idea how to proceed.
I called my dad to see if he could pick up my handgun. Maybe I could take the next flight. By the time I called my dad back to confirm a meeting place, he had already arranged for airport security to take possession of my gun. I could proceed to my flight and my dad would pick up my gun later. This, of course, would never happen in a post-9/11 world, and I was extremely lucky that I did remember my gun before it hit the machine. But my utter negligence almost cost me dearly.
For women out there who carry in their purses . . . How many of you set your purses down at a party or when visiting someone’s home? Are there children around? Ultimately, if we are carrying, we should always have possession of our handgun. Just setting it down in a bag somewhere doesn’t count.
Forgetting that your gun is in your car while parked puts it in danger of being stolen. Forgetting it is in your car at home potentially puts your family at risk if they unknowingly drive with a gun in the car. If your car gets broken into, your gun could end up in the hands of a criminal.
The nightstand is another popular place to keep a handgun. And I’ve got news for you, it’s the first place kids go sticking their noses. Have you ever tucked your gun away somewhere and forgotten about it? This is a terrible and dangerous idea. Find proper storage.
If you are carrying, it’s your duty to know where your handgun is at all times, and to be sure it is safely secured. Don’t forget where your gun is.
