Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 1, 1995 TAG: 9507030014
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SUSAN V. TRAXEL
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
I am one of the two women who was granted a concealed permit in 1994 in my area, according to your June 18 article (``Concealed weapons''). I own and carry a .38 revolver. I support legislation regarding statewide consistency in the application and issuance of concealed-weapon permits for law-abiding citizens, in accordance to the new law, and I appreciate the thoughtful restrictions included. However, I have concerns about those - male and female - who will make application unprepared for the responsibility they are about to claim. But I want to speak to women especially. News articles cannot adequately address important concerns. They've told us the facts, the whys and hows, but not given person-to-person (woman-to-woman) advice.
There are many reasons women may choose to obtain a concealed-weapon permit: occupational hazards, traveling alone, personal self-defense, security, rural or high-crime dwelling areas, insistence by friends or family, ego and fear. The last three worry me.
Sometimes, loved ones will try to persuade you to receive a gun before you are ready. For women who have little or no experience with a firearm, now isn't the time to apply. You must be willing to examine your beliefs and reasons. But if owning and carrying a gun is your desire, may I suggest some helpful hints.
Obviously, know your weapon. Be sure the weapon you choose is one that you feel comfortable with. Have an expert help you with your decision. Don't accept a firearm simply because it's the one given to you. Women have smaller hands then men, and there are many sizes and styles available. Learn the difference between a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol, and choose the one you feel most comfortable carrying, holding, shooting and understanding the operation of.
This means you should try several different types of firearms. Know the calibers and ammunition specifications for your weapon - how they perform. Trajectories, firepower and penetrability are matters you should know. If this is new to you, seek professional assistance. (By the way, all husbands and boyfriends aren't experts. In fact, if you mention you're interested in carrying a gun, you'll find ``experts'' popping up everywhere trying to tell you what your right choice should be.)
If your reason for carrying a concealed weapon is based on ego and a sense of power, call me. We need to talk. Possessing a gun isn't a game of control. It's a mature, serious responsibility - one you're not ready to accept.
Perhaps fear is the motivating factor. This in itself isn't necessarily bad. However, carrying a loaded weapon will not eliminate fear, and may even intensify those feelings. You probably have been victimized in some way - or have reason to believe you will be. But gun ownership isn't going to provide defense if you're scared. Instead, you may find yourself behind bars for accidental or illegal use of a firearm.
You must be willing to deal with your fears before you consider obtaining a concealed-weapons permit. There are many alternative self-defense options available. Know and consider them. Search your conscience.
To both the experienced and inexperienced gun-owning woman, July 1 represents an opportunity for you to take an active part in providing for your personal safety. But before you jump in line at the courthouse, schedule an appointment with your attorney. Have him explain the current legalities of carrying a firearm - when it can be used and when it cannot. I think you'll be surprised.
Essentially, unless your life is in eminent danger, you cannot shoot your firearm. Even brandishing a firearm in hopes of scaring someone could land you in jail. In talking with women locally, I find time after time that many people believe they have the right to shoot someone who is on their property or is in their home uninvited. They also believe if someone is following them or about to take their car or money, they have the right to protect their belongings. These are all grave mistakes (pun intended).
Become familiar with the law, not only locally but statewide. What is legal for you to carry in your local area may be a criminal offense in another locality. Many public areas are also zoned and prohibited areas, such as federal buildings, airports, courthouses, schools and churches. And now, any establishment that serves alcohol, not just night clubs and bars, but also fancy restaurants! Have your attorney explain codes and regulations to you.
Before you accept the responsibility of carrying a firearm, be sure you are adequately trained to handle your weapon. Again, not all husbands, fathers or friends are experts. Receive the highest quality of training available. And once you have received initial training, don't stop there. I have been known to take two or three refresher courses a year, in addition to shooting a minimum of 50 rounds a month. Not only will this help increase your familiarity and proficiency, but you will understand the seriousness of the step you are about to take. Jim Stephens, senior editor of Women's Self Defense, reminds us: "A gun is only as dangerous (or as safe) as the person behind it." The expense of training and ammunition is small compared to a person's life taken in error.
If it's your choice to carry a concealed weapon, be sure you do so in a responsible fashion. Don't just toss it in your purse to later find it discharging accidently while you're standing in a store's checkout line or, worse, falling into young hands. There are many products available for women to safely carry a firearm.
If you heed my advice and seek intelligent counsel (from legal and firearm experts), become familiar through repeated practice and make responsible decisions, then I welcome you as another woman carrying a concealed weapon. But if you do only the minimum required by law, I will continue to be greatly concerned about the potential consequences of this new law.
Susan V. Traxel, of Christiansburg, is a paralegal investigator.
by CNB