...Expecting to receive your CCP, that is :). Yes, folks. On 12/10 I took my Conceal Carry class with DES Training (www.safeshooting.com). BTW, awesome experience and looking forward to attend more of their classes.

I passed the qualification with a 98, which means that two of my shots were outside the body rings of the target. In my defense, those happened at 10 feet; but I truly felt I was going to do much better, so I was a little disappointed with myself for not being able to show off more. :P

Any how, with the craziness of the holidays, work, personal life mischief, I didn't call the sheriff's department right away. Yes, in North Carolina you have to call to make an appointment for your CCP application, otherwise they can't warranty that they'll be able to give you the time of the day when you decide to show up. When I finally called, with certificate and DL in hand, the lady never thought of asking if there were any particulars to my situation. Well, for those who don't know, I am a Naturalized Citizen. And since I already had to present proof of citizenship when I acquire my purchase permits, it never occurred to me that they would need to see it again (I got them 4 months ago). That was MY mistake. I ASSUMED. 

As a fairly new gun owner, that wants to be responsible in all aspects of ownership, it is my intention to educate myself as much as I can, and to make sure that I feel comfortable with the many aspects of handling a fire arm. The first one, on my list of many, is to be comfortable with act of carrying, and I am not only referring to the physical comfort, but the physiological peace of mind. If I am in fact a 2A supporter I should feel comfortable (and proud) about having a loaded gun on my hip and being seen with it.

A few months ago I moved into a new apartment. Without going into too much detail, this was one of the factors that compelled me to become proactive about my own safety and the safety of my daughter. Since I purchased my gun, I’ve been doing much dry practice at home, plus open carry inside my home to, among other things, get accustomed to the feel of the gun and the drawing action. I am yet to go through my CC class due to time constriction.

I am at my office, walking down the hallway to get some coffee, when I cross paths with a fellow coworker, looking very tired and frustrated. Knowing that neither of us has time to stop and chat, some one has to come up with a short phrase to make a point, acknowledge each other, and go on. That’s when she half-looked at me and said “Shoot me! Just shoot me.”

6 months ago this would have not been an issue with me, and I would have raised my right hand up in the air, pretending my index finger is the barrel of the gun; I would have aimed at her and pulled the imaginary trigger, making the sound of a shot and mimicking the recoil effect after the blast.