Hi, i really don't belong in this thread but a few questions from an EU member: Do a lot of you in US carry concealed weapons? What happens if you go to a bar, drink a few beers and starts to argue over something, isn't there a great risk of bullets starting to fly around?
It's a perfectly valid question, and I appreciate that you've asked it rather than jump to a conclusion!
In most states, the carrying of a firearm where alcohol is served is either illegal or heavily regulated. The consumption of alcohol while carrying is even more so.
In my state of Kentucky, a firearm cannot be carried into an establishment where 50% of it's sales are derived from alcohol. Simply put, you can't carry into a bar, even with a permit. A restaurant with a bar is OK, as long as you stay out of the bar area.
Most of my research backs up my personal position in that when carrying I am LESS likely to escalate a situation unless it's warranted.
I know the dangers of escalation while carrying, so I find myself being more "accommodating" of others and work to de-escalate. The use of a firearm is a last resort, not a first choice.
It's a responsibility like any other and you must respect the tool and what it's capable of, both good and bad. When you operate a motor vehicle are you more cautious and aware, and do you make every effort to avoid trouble (accidents)? Or, do you just drive where and how you want, secure in the knowledge that you have a car, and other people will just get out of your way?
Carrying a firearm works on the same principles. There is a great burden of responsibility when doing so, and the vast majority of permit holders recognize that. This is why instances of gun crime do not typically involve persons who carry legally.
