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#1, get a Kentucky CCDW permit. That will require taking a 1-day training course and passing a shooting test. If you pay attention in the class, a good instructor like I had will cover a lot of different scenarios and answer a lot of questions. Nobody should carry without knowledge of the law, your rights, and some forethought about how you would react in situations where you perceive that your life is in danger, a by-stander's life is in danger, etc. Even if you don't want a CCDW permit, take a class, read some good books on the subject of defensive handgun carry. Walkeraviator's post is spot on too.

#2, there is some concern about carrying, even with a permit, on COE and US Forestry Service property. I'm not certain that it's okay...I'd like some solid answers on that one myself. My position on it, quite honestly, has been that I'm still putting my gun in my pocket. If I need it to protect my life, I'll take the rap for carrying in an unauthorized place...at least I'll be alive.

Carrying a gun is a privilege, but it comes with a lot of responsibilities. I'm very touchy about it. It's a subject that can be debated a lot! Geo, I'm sure based on what I've read here from you that you are a responsible law-abiding citizen who can think quick on your feet, without a doubt. There are others that aren't so responsible and think that simply having a gun in their possession is enough - It's not. You have to have the restraint to only use it as a last resort...and the quick, logical thinking, to know when to use and it when not to use it. Even though "Standing your Ground" is a fundamental ideology in Kentucky law, I believe that things like avoiding conflict, taking reasonable steps to retreat from a threat, and demonstrating an intention not to fight before using lethal force are just as important as selecting the right weapon and being proficient with it. I often think about certain situations that I hear about in the news and try to come up with how I would react, as a CCDW holder, to protect my life, a by-stander's life, or property. That might involve using my gun, or using my brain. I want to avoid having to pull my firearm at all costs, but if I decide to show it, it's because I'm going to use it...quickly...to neutralize a threat.

A lot of debate about what are the best concealed carry guns...I do not buy into the "carrying capacity" argument against 5-6 shot revolvers. The majority of situations involving civilians and self-defense are handled in a couple of shots, at very close range. Do not over-look a snub nosed .38 Special that will handle +P ammunition. Small, light, relatively accurate for what they are, and the ability to deliver a punch center-mass at close range.

I want a weapon that is reliable, always "goes bang", and is convenient to totally conceal. A small revolver fits that bill. If it's bulky or a bit of a chore to carry it, you are more apt to leave it at home....it can't protect your life if it's in the nightstand. I carry a Ruger LCP .380 in many cases, simply because of convenience. Extremely light, concealable, and with the right loads can stop a threat, even wearing bulky clothing. (Google Ruger LCP Hornady Critical Defense Loads - You want a round that will expand at impact, not get clogged with material, and stay inside the victim - Not pass through.) It will easily slip into a jeans pocket, coat pocket, even the pocket of gym shorts when you're on a run. I use an inside-the-pocket holster (Desantis "Nemesis"). It's no more bulky than your wallet or cell phone. With an extremely long trigger pull, it can be carried safely inside the pocket with one in the chamber. Many LEO's use them as backup guns, worn on the ankle.

I have 9mm, 45, etc...all great guns...but I find that I carry the .380 or .38 Special more times than not out of convenience. Yes, you'll get the arguments about not being able to stop some guy jacked up on drugs...and that may be true...but there are times when larger calibers won't stop them either. It's a balancing act, really.

For home defense, it gets much easier for me....with a .45, cocked and locked, and little regard for why you broke into my house. I will not try to find out whether you intend to steal my TV or rape my wife. I will shoot first, then ask those questions later. Sorry to be so inconsiderate of the criminal's feelings, but I am what I am. A 12-ga pump, short barrel, with good loads is also a fine home defense weapon...wouldn't be bad to keep in a rod locker, but I'd much prefer a handgun in my pocket...always accessible to me quickly, in one slick movement, whether I'm in the boat, in the parking lot at the ramp, or walking up from the ramp to the bathroom to take a leak.