Concealed Handgun Permits (Hope: lease, house, employment)

[tafakot]

One of the things I would like to know...without upsetting anyone: What is the perception of people that LEGALLY carry concealed handguns? My wife and I are surveying destinations for our "final stand" and I would like to continue to "carry" in the City/State in which we relocate. I have yet [though plan to] check the state and local laws regarding CCW.
I realize that there are some that don't like the idea of someone carrying a "gun" around without their knowledge. I have had friends surprised when they discover [through a hug, coat opening etc.] that I "carry".
I'm not a "nut", weekend warrior or a "wannabe" of any type or style.
It's a personal choice.
I do get some rather awkward and/or funny questions/comments when the discovery is made though.
"Is it loaded"? Hmmm Yep...otherwise it would be a CLUB.
Some of the others:
"Would you really take a life"? If MY life or that of MY WIFE is threatened with death...You betcha.
"You must have a small Penis to have to carry a gun!!!" Welll, I can't touch you with my penis from 50 yards...but I can with this.
"What are you afraid of to have to carry a gun?" Nothing...anymore.
"You're NOT qualified to carry a gun...only the police are!!" Really? The Police are required to "qualify" once a month [if that], I "qualify" every week.
"Law abiding citizens shouldn't be allowed to carry guns" O.K...then who should?
"Aren't you afraid for the children around you if you have to shoot that thing"? IF I HAVE to use my gun in the presence of children, believe me I will be doing it to protect THEM. Hopefully that will never ever happen.
"Why a gun?" Because I can't through a rock any distance with accuracy.
"Can I see it?" [pull back my jacket/shirt etc.] See...
[Adult] "Can I hold it?" Hell NO...
[Teen] "Duuude...**** Yeah" yeah...
[Child] "Wow...cooooollll" Thanks...

My favorite was when I was at a friends house [he and his wife also carry] when his Grandmother was visiting from out of state. We were sitting in the living room and G-Ma says.."That's quite a bulge you have there...show me what ya got". Reading my shocked expression she added with a snicker "The gun boy...the GUN". I "safely upped" the gun [drop clip, extract chambered round, lock open the slide] and handed it to her.
"Hmmm...P-95...not bad" and handed it back.
She then reached into the purse that was sitting at her side, proceeded to safety up her handgun and handed me the nicest .40 I have seen.
"Always be prepared is my motto" she said
"Yes Mam..."


O.K. that's about it.
I'm NOT trying to stir up a weapons/gun/carry debate or the legalities/illegalities related to them. Just thought some of you would get a kick out of some of the things people have asked me.

So...anyone have a CCW permit that would like to comment? or answer my root question?

[Towanda]

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution is a RIGHT that we American citizens should all hold precious. I DO. (I do not have a gun but I WOULD if I felt the least bit worried about my safety. I am glad I live in a CCW state.)

So...I support your right to concealed carry.

And I LOVED the story of your friend's grandmother.

[rybert]

I think you'll find that ABQ is a pro-handgun place.

Are there any other reasons for your interest in ABQ?

[BrianH]

New Mexico in general is pretty good with handguns. We are an excellent OC state too. Myself and many people I know have OC'd with just a few glances and nothing more.

[tafakot]

Thanks All...I checked out a site that has detailed information. I already knew the NM is a reciprocal state, I was just trying to get a handle on the general contention.... thanks.
Rybert, Yes we have an interest in moving there.
The "employment" situation here in North Carolina and neighboring state of Virginia is dismal to say the least, but I suspect that every state/area has the same problem, though [hopefully] not as bad.
We are originally from <deep breath> the "C" state...you may know it as the land of Fruits & Nuts. Though I was born and raised there, I never fit the description of the "norm".
O.K., I'm going to whine here for a bit...I was "downsized" at the beginning of October and have made EVERY attempt to secure employment. I have literally written/rewritten 100's of resumes, hand delivered them to prospective employers, e-mailed them and faxed them. Out of the multitude of Applications filled out and resumes submitted in the last 2 months, only TWO were interested, and of those two ONE has given me 2 interviews....with the hint of POSSIBLE employment 60 to 90 days out.
So, what's the employment stage look like? Yeah, I can "look" at all the on-line newspapers, Craigs list, Monster, Hot-Jobs etc...until I'm blue in the face, but the real story comes from those LIVING in the area...and employed.
What do I do? My "root" career is Trucking. I hold a CDL-A and have been in the "game" for about 30 years, but after leaving Cali and living in NC for 6 years, any and all connections [including unions] have been lost to the wind.
While here I have owned a restaurant successfully for three years, leased it out for a couple of years and sold it in '07, drove a trash truck [never again], was a liasian for a Government Contractor [low voltage], Cabinet Installer, Remodel Specialist [old homes]. Yeah, since I've been here I've had to do whatever I can to make the proverbial buck.
The SAD part about this is I even applied at a fast food [burger place] and got turned down. Hmmm
So..now you know...the rest of the story.
Don't get me wrong...I like North Carolina and if it weren't for the Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Humidity, Snakes [only 1 species of 30 here are NOT poisonous] and World Class bugs [some that are still not classified], Rain [36" to 56" a year], Real Honest to Goodness Hillbilly's [no...really], Good Ole Boy network, "catching" allergies [which I never had before moving here], and the general ignorance [no... really ...again] of the rural population [in which I live], lack of employment opportunities [and a non-union state], and the Oh my God...LOW wages, I might stay.
But there is NO chance of things turning in my favor here....this millennium.

With that said, I hope to relocate to your fair state and start afresh.
Anyone wish to follow up with this?

[rybert]

Whew... that's a mouth-full.

Well, a buddy of mine worked for ABQ Express Cartage for a few years. They're a local logistics company that seems to be expanding everytime I am in town... you should check them out.

[tafakot]

Sorry Rybert, I'm comfortable at the keyboard as well as behind the wheel. I'm also have a gift of story telling...

[tafakot]

Towanda & BrianH, Thanks to you two too. Sorry, almost forgot my etiquette.

[Huckleberry3911948]

for a weapon to be useful --- 3 elements must be present
possession
training
volition
most dont have these 3 elements.
only possession

the worst part is most people think their problems are over when they use a gun
what they dont know is that they are just beginning
know the law

[rybert]

Thanks your input. edit: wow... I have a deep hatred for California don't I?