[lazarus66]

I've been working for 50+ years and never carried a gun on the job. So far, so good.

 

[SmarterArms]

Hey guys, I've always carried a gun at work even when it's not "allowed" until last year. I've been working in "Retail" my whole life, now 41 years old. Recently, well, last year, I've been diagnosed with Hypertension & Type 2 diabetes. I'm on Meds, and watch my diet now, 8 months ago I had to leave work to go to a Urgent Care because I was feeling light headed and had tunnel vision, turned out it was from being dehydrated and eating too much sodium that day with bad meal choices. Basically my Blood Pressure spiked, and my Blood Glucose levels spiked. Fast forward 6 months (2 months ago) I told my Manager to call me an Ambulance because I felt as if I was passing out, and I had some issues with balance, like just standing up. They arrived, put on all the leads and wires to check my heart (ECG) and it again turned out fine, but my Blood Pressure spiked again and I didn't eat much that day. The EMT's literally had my shirt off at work in front of customers LOL they got an eyeful at a hairy chest and some love handles. Not a pretty sight haha.

Today I'm fine, I've lost 30lbs since that happened 2 months ago and I strictly watch how I eat, stay hydrated, and exercise more. I even carry an arm sleeve/blood pressure monitor to work and my blood glucose testing kit also.

It just annoys me because I can't carry a firearm with me like I used to, I used to daily carry my G17 with a spare mag, gun at 2 o'clock mag at 10 o'clock. These days I carry my G17 & spare mag but they stay in my truck when I walk into work.

The point I'm getting at is this, I would have been FIRED on the spot if they saw a gun! Flat Out! I never cared about this because protecting myself and others was always paramount! But now I feel as if I'm more likely to experience a medical episode instead of a self-defense situation at work, I feel neutered in a way if you understand me.

I do have a G43X and a G43 and was kicking around the idea of maybe an ankle holster for the G43, the G43X is too big for that, just slightly. Sure it's super slow to draw from the ankle, but better than nothing right? My buddy recommended a Micro gun like a Ruger LCP in the pocket, but I don't know I've never had a gun THAT small.

Getting old sucks, and I'm only 41...

I understand your concerns in today's world. The best answer I have for you is to consider the statistics. How likely is crime in your area? Are you a high-end retail store? Do you have security? Though anything can happen anywhere, any time, sometimes we do well to make decisions based on probabilities. Though I support carry, it isn't very often that a civilian is faced with a public situation that would require a gun. But as many have said, any gun is better than no gun. Ruger has been improving their LCP line since the beginning. Though it's a "mere" .380, proper ammo selection will get you close to 9mm efficiency. I snagged a Keltec .32 a few years ago. Not a lot of firepower, but fully loaded it weighs almost nothing. Best wishes and continued good health!

 

[jim c]

AIWB with the 43 or 43x Especially since you lost weight, easy to do.

 

[HenryGRuger]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I really appreciate it! Yes I will keep on watching my numbers & eat right to make sure I don't have one of those medical episodes at work, it's been good the past 2 months especially losing weight. I do feel that anything can happen with someone like me, even if my numbers (especially blood pressure) are in good range. Say I feel super confidant, lost more weight, started carrying again at work, but then I have even a mild heart attack & have to have an Ambulance pick me up, it's dicey.

The few times I did carry at work since that stuff happened, I felt that "what if" in my head about something happening. Maybe I'm being anxious, but I mean it's a $65K a Year job I don't want to lose lol. Need to pay bills like you folks.

Frank,

I am glad you have learned/are learning to manage your disease.

I am also glad you appreciate the value of your employment. At $65,000 a year, you enjoy a higher than average salary.

If you choose to carry, the Glock 43 or 26 are small enough for your pocket. Ruger also has a number of excellent small pistols in 9mm & .380.

Carrying a weapon's primary purpose is to protect yourself and your loved ones. While I would prefer to carry 100% 24/7, 365, it in your case it is not recommended. The danger you face while on the job is considerable less than when you are off the job. By carrying, against the wishes of your employer (I am assuming that you retail is not conducted on Federal Property, where it would be law,) you are in danger of losing your livelihood.

Which do you feel is the greater danger?

Keep up your weight loss and healthy living.

 

[AustinTSI]

Check out the Sneaky Pete Concealed Holster. I have used this holster for many different pistols over the years and only one person has ever guessed what it was and asked me what I was carrying; fellow gun guy. I have been in many gun stores and when I would show them what it was for whatever reason they were always shocked. I have had many people ask me what it is and I tell them it is a medical device and they get embarrassed and change the topic quickly.

There are tons of designs to choose from for just about ANY gun. I use one for a HK VP9 to carry my Glock 27 with an extended ported 357sig conversion barrel with an extended G23 mag. If you don't find one for whatever gun you want just take the dimensions of your gun and find a gun with similar dimensions.

One other thing, is there someone you work with that you would trust to take the Sneaky Pete off your hip before medical arrived? It would never be exposed that way since it would stay covered by the flap even while being removed if you get the belt clip instead of the belt loop. I only get the belt clips and I have never had one come loose.

 

[JackRyan]

Hey guys, I've always carried a gun at work even when it's not "allowed" until last year. I've been working in "Retail" my whole life, now 41 years old. Recently, well, last year, I've been diagnosed with Hypertension & Type 2 diabetes. I'm on Meds, and watch my diet now, 8 months ago I had to leave work to go to a Urgent Care because I was feeling light headed and had tunnel vision, turned out it was from being dehydrated and eating too much sodium that day with bad meal choices. Basically my Blood Pressure spiked, and my Blood Glucose levels spiked. Fast forward 6 months (2 months ago) I told my Manager to call me an Ambulance because I felt as if I was passing out, and I had some issues with balance, like just standing up. They arrived, put on all the leads and wires to check my heart (ECG) and it again turned out fine, but my Blood Pressure spiked again and I didn't eat much that day. The EMT's literally had my shirt off at work in front of customers LOL they got an eyeful at a hairy chest and some love handles. Not a pretty sight haha.

Today I'm fine, I've lost 30lbs since that happened 2 months ago and I strictly watch how I eat, stay hydrated, and exercise more. I even carry an arm sleeve/blood pressure monitor to work and my blood glucose testing kit also.

It just annoys me because I can't carry a firearm with me like I used to, I used to daily carry my G17 with a spare mag, gun at 2 o'clock mag at 10 o'clock. These days I carry my G17 & spare mag but they stay in my truck when I walk into work.

The point I'm getting at is this, I would have been FIRED on the spot if they saw a gun! Flat Out! I never cared about this because protecting myself and others was always paramount! But now I feel as if I'm more likely to experience a medical episode instead of a self-defense situation at work, I feel neutered in a way if you understand me.

I do have a G43X and a G43 and was kicking around the idea of maybe an ankle holster for the G43, the G43X is too big for that, just slightly. Sure it's super slow to draw from the ankle, but better than nothing right? My buddy recommended a Micro gun like a Ruger LCP in the pocket, but I don't know I've never had a gun THAT small.

Getting old sucks, and I'm only 41...

You always were more likely to experience a medical episode at work than a self defense situation.

You work for someone else. You work on someone else's property and inside their building. You are getting paid to do what they ask you to do. One of those things is not to carry a gun on their property or in their building.

Why is this so hard for people to understand.

 

[RYT 2BER]

Had the same concerns at one time. Not related to a condition but the fear that if anything happened it could be discovered and was not
Allowed.
I went to an appendix deep concealment style which is UNDER the belt line. It really only worked for me with an lcp and anything bigger bothered me.
it’s like so completely undetectable it’s ridiculous. I swear they could almost be looking at it and they wouldn’t know what it is.
if you want the holster type let me know.
personally…. I’d carry. If you get caught and it’s an issue, always other jobs. And more often than not, they’re better.

 

[shoresroad]

NEVER let Marxist societal "norms" modify your behavior.

Go with either of these options...

I do have a G43X and a G43 and was kicking around the idea of maybe an ankle holster for the G43, the G43X is too big for that, just slightly. Sure it's super slow to draw from the ankle, but better than nothing right? My buddy recommended a Micro gun like a Ruger LCP in the pocket, but I don't know I've never had a gun THAT small.

In fact, go with both! If you get fired, find another job, and take the view that that was not a company you wanted to work for.

 

[larry_minn]

If you get fired, how easily can you find another job with healthcare with pre-existing condition?

Your priorities of fear are in the wrong place-- given your narrative, your short and long term risk from your medical condition are MUCH MUCH higher than you ever needing your conceal weapon.

decent points. But as you see.. much like anti gun folks. There is zero middle ground for most people. Until he gets his medical issues under control. The “risk vs reward” is WAY out of balance.
It sounds like he? Is well on the way to getting stuff under control. IMO EXTREMELY important. Not just because you might get fired. But your driving privileges MIGHT get revoked if you have multiple medical issues at short notice.
If you get insulin pump, other medical. It’s easy to carry gun. “It’s my medical device”
a 17 is great shooter. A 43 hides inside belt (almost). It’s not your job to protect the store, or the customers. In actual fact it’s strongly discouraged by the store…
I don‘t carry a lot. It’s easier. But I am big, lot slower then I used to be.
Keep getting healthy, look at smaller gun, for future.

Psst, the pre existing condition hasn’t mattered for over a decade…

and don’t give anyone advice…not your strong suit

keep believing that. I assume you never hire anyone? Of course such things are never considered in hiring.. want to buy a bridge?
So you don’t like his? Advice? Ignore it. It was not bad points to consider.

 

[solomansousana]

I'm a Nurse Practitioner with a local hospital system, our system requires all weapons on campus be checked with security, however I had a heart to heart with the CEO and got written permission to keep my weapon in a welded safe in my vehicle. In addition to my ER duties, I also do rounds of local nursing homes and doctors offices. In Virginia, while "firearms not permitted on premises" carries no weight legally other than getting a notice your no longer welcome at this store. I do a lot of my work in scrubs so it's hard to conceal even if I was willing to try, plus, a patient could see the weapon and panic, or make a grab for it as we see all types enter the ER.

Mr Peanuts was referencing the Dexcom60 continuous glucose meter which I advocate to my patients, one application lasts 3 weeks you do this for a total of 3 times before you get a new transmitter. You not only get a data pad with the system but you can also download an app from the Appstore for your phone, and should your significant other want to keep track, he or she can download an app that will also get notices of your blood sugar just in case it raises or falls too much that it keeps you from dialing 911.

 

[Glock Commander]

Getting old sucks, and I'm only 41...

I have been CCW for 41+ years. I got leather holsters older than you.

Anyways, it is what it is. If I was in Retail I will be at the Gun Shop because you can never have enough "know-it-alls" there. Plus you get first shot at the consignment counter, no pun intended.

 

[IAhunter]

I’m not carrying at work anymore due to retirement.😁

 

[Glock Commander]

I've been working for 50+ years and never carried a gun on the job. So far, so good.

Great answer. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Glock Commander]

I’m not carrying at work anymore due to retirement.😁

Like me, I miss it so I carry at home. Right now its a Glock 26 OWB and I am wearing board shorts and watching Netflix and checking in with the GTers.

 

[IAhunter]

We both like the subcompact Glocks. I carry a G27 most of the time but I like my G23, G26, and G43 as well.

 

[G29guy06]

decent points. But as you see.. much like anti gun folks. There is zero middle ground for most people. Until he gets his medical issues under control. The “risk vs reward” is WAY out of balance.
It sounds like he? Is well on the way to getting stuff under control. IMO EXTREMELY important. Not just because you might get fired. But your driving privileges MIGHT get revoked if you have multiple medical issues at short notice.
If you get insulin pump, other medical. It’s easy to carry gun. “It’s my medical device”
a 17 is great shooter. A 43 hides inside belt (almost). It’s not your job to protect the store, or the customers. In actual fact it’s strongly discouraged by the store…
I don‘t carry a lot. It’s easier. But I am big, lot slower then I used to be.
Keep getting healthy, look at smaller gun, for future.





keep believing that. I assume you never hire anyone? Of course such things are never considered in hiring.. want to buy a bridge?
So you don’t like his? Advice? Ignore it. It was not bad points to consider.

Preexisting conditions don’t matter today in insurance- that was the Obama care thing and it’s illegal to ask about those in hiring people. Those are facts.

 

[larry_minn]

Preexisting conditions don’t matter today in insurance- that was the Obama care thing and it’s illegal to ask about those in hiring people. Those are facts.

yes. It’s illegal to ask, or tell. I am sure if you have 20 qualified candidates. You would NEVER let such things as who is rude, arrogant, drama queen, known missing work with no notice because they want vision day. “I can’t see myself going to work”. Or known family, medical issues? I am glad you would never let that cloud your hiring even a little. Folks should emulate that.
In the real world side comments change a hire to “we will keep your application if any opening”. And circular file, after shredding. (But keep name in mind)

 

[walkinguf61]

Preexisting conditions don’t matter today in insurance- that was the Obama care thing and it’s illegal to ask about those in hiring people. Those are facts.

That depends on the job.Some jobs are allowed to ask about such medical conditions. If you attempt to get a gun permit here, they ask questions about diabetes on the application

 

[G29guy06]

That depends on the job.Some jobs are allowed to ask about such medical conditions. If you attempt to get a gun permit here, they ask questions about diabetes on the application

Yeah….about that….you in WA?

 

[walkinguf61]

Yeah….about that….you in WA?

Yeah….about that….you in WA?

Some are required by the feds in certain fields. You don’t want a truck driver carrying hazardous materials passing out behind the wheel for example. Federal law trumps state law in many cases.