So, even those of us who are instructors are vulnerable to the trap of, “I don’t need to carry, it’s just a quick trip to [fill in the blank] and back.” In my case, it was the local trash collection point to drop off an old recliner. Anyway, I almost (almost) chose not to carry. Well, unbeknownst to me, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for those not in South Carolina, was in the process of setting up a perimeter looking for an armed and dangerous escaped murderer on the loose in Chapin. Chapin is one of those small communities that sees maybe 3 real crimes per year. Well, I found myself right in the middle of it all. Moral of the story, carrying is like wearing a seatbelt. No one puts on a seatbelt because they think they will use it, it’s in case you need it. Same with carrying a firearm, avoid if possible, escape if possible, but be ready to defend if needed as a last resort.
@James665 Welcome to our community, we are glad to have you with us. 
P.S. What took you so long? POGO…
Welcome to the community, James665, and what a great first post with sound advice. We hope that you find an online home here.
Take care & be well
Welcome!!
Great First Post.
You are Exactly Right. The few times I was glad to have an EDC were actually weird, out of the blue, I sure didn’t expect that situations.
Welcome aboard, James665! (Do you live next door to the Beast?)
Good advice. I myself am guilty of “just running to the dollar store” and not gunning up. I do live in a “low crime” area, but it isn’t a “no crime” area by any means. Thanks for the reminder.
Hey there, welcome. I try to live by that advice, I live in OKC, not far from downtown, and it’s not the safest area.
@James665, welcome great advice. if I’m out of my house Ihave one on me.
I spent most of my day yesterday with an anti-concealed carry guy. He loves his Ruger 10-22 and his 30-30 lever-action rifle. He has even gone to the range with me and friends, but doesn’t think anybody “needs” to carry. Ironically he didn’t know what an AR looks like, so when we offered for him to try shooting an AR-10, he asked what kind of gun is that? When we told him, he said “No thanks, I would NEVER shoot one of those”. Go figure.
Our plan yesterday was to pick up some rope, crab buoys, and a stainless steel snap/clasp to rope off the entrance to our community property. We thought we could get all three items at one supplier right down the street and come right back to put it all together. I “thought” about not carrying, but my instincts told me to just do what I always do. We ended up driving all over the place to 5 different stores before we had what we needed. One of the stores had a prominent “No Loaded Firearms” posted at the front door. These do not carry any legal weight in Florida, other than I would need to leave if anybody complained. Nobody noticed, so I did not get called out.
At the end of the day neither my buddy nor his 20 year old son were ever aware I was carrying. There were no threats so technically in hindsight we did not need for me to carry. But, I am more comfortable to have and not need, than need and not have, so would not do anything different.
Beware the man with one… or two guns… He may know how to use them. 
He does know how to use them, but that doesn’t do him much good if they aren’t with him
Welcome!
If I’m awake I’m carrying. I do a mental check-off list before walking out the door EVERY time.
Phone, fob for the car, EDC Knife, EDC Gun, wallet and then whatever else I need for my outing.
At first I thought you were going to say that you were caught up in it and was looking down the business end of multiple weapons. Glad it worked out for you.
Evil travels something we can never forget.
@James665 Welcome to the community! Glad you strapped on your iron, cause you never know what’s lurking around the corner. Situational awareness, head on a swivel, and be safe!
Welcome James to the Fold
You are right where you’re suppose to be.
WWG1WGA
Like Enzo said: If I’m awake I’m strapped
Don’t wish to get clapped
Please don’t fall into their Trap
Things can go South in a snap. 
Welcome James. Good seeing individuals such as yourself and so many others who appreciate exercising their 2A rights. Your seatbelt analogy is right on. And one other thing, the people I know who carry are the most responsible people on the planet, and I don’t hesitate to add most of the people I’ve meet on this community. Not my quote, but a very valid one: .”remember your ABC’s, always be carrying “
+1!!!
Except when I’m in the shower,… or wearing my PJs…
But if my pants are on, I’m wearing a gun!
Even if asleep on the couch! So probably not the best to try and jump scare me awake…. Just saying.
Welcome @James665 ! Great post, and thanks.
Like others have said, POGO (pants on gun on). My two EDC’s are right in my nightstand and when I get dressed in the morning before leaving the bedroom, one or both are on me until I go to bed that night. I can’t think of a single reason not to carry all the time. Anything can happen any place. A home invader could show up. The neighbor’s awful aggressive pit bull could get lose and come after me (he charged me once already and tried to kill my cat once- a bad dog), I might need to run to the store, whatever. There’s just no good reason not to be ready at all times.
Next time you go by have a can of bear spray and use the whole can on it.
carry 24/7 you never know when or where your going to need it.
Your a poet and didn’t know it