By Pat Lawrence
A girl and her gun - Ellen Davidsoson and her Glock semiautomatic. |
Ellen Davidson carries a gun. It isn’t a toy and it isn’t
dainty. She favors the inelegant semi-automatic Glock pistol often
chosen by law enforcement and the military. She is one of a growing
number of women who believe their personal safety is best served by
being armed.
Ellen says there are several issues a woman faces in making the decision
to carry a gun. “The first issue is whether or not you think
you have a moral or social right to defend yourself against criminals.
Many people do not. But, I don’t think anyone has the right
to hurt me or steal from me and I would rather face twelve people
in a jury than give up my life to an attacker.”
Anyone wishing to carry a weapon must understand the legal issues
involved in the decision. Ellen says, “There is great responsibility
on the part of the carrier. Gun laws are strict and vary in each state.
If a woman is going to carry a gun, she should be very familiar with
the laws of each state that she travels. Some states have mandatory
jail sentences for pulling a gun without adequate justification.”
It is against the law to carry guns in bars, at sporting events, in
federal buildings or schools.
She says there is often misunderstanding about ‘castle doctrine’,
the principle that a person’s home is their castle. “Generally,
in your own home or your place of business, if someone is going to
harm you, you can shoot them. But, that doesn’t pertain to cars.
And, it doesn’t pertain to husbands and wives. If a woman’s
husband is beating her, she can’t shoot him. She must try to
get away. If she does shoot him, she’ll probably go to jail.”
A woman’s first defense, Ellen says, is avoiding situations
and places that have the potential to be dangerous. “And, then,
pay attention, notice what is going on around you and who is nearby.
Try to get away from a bad situation or any environment that seems
uncomfortable.”
Ellen stresses that anyone who carries a gun must learn to think.
She says, “You are not a free lance policeman. Don’t try
to be a Good Samaritan with a gun. Never try to scare anyone. Never
pull a gun to get leverage. Plan on using it.”
That brings up the personal issue, which Ellen says is critical.
“You must look inside yourself and see what kind of person you
are. You must know if you are willing to use deadly force. You must
know beforehand.” Ellen suggests running scenarios, like an
internal video, trying out different situations that might call for
an armed response.
“It’s too late to discover after you have pulled your
gun on an attacker that you cannot fire. A man can cross 21 feet in
less than 2 seconds. That doesn’t give a woman anytime to consider
options- or change her mind. Once you pull the gun, you must be prepared
to shoot.”
Since it isn’t a toy or an ornament, she says, “For heavens
sake, before you start carrying a gun, learn how to use it.”
Now 69, Ellen first began carrying a weapon when she was on the road
as a jewelry representative. “I stayed at home until my sons
needed braces. Then I worked in retail, which is what women did who
didn’t have an entry into the business world. On the road, I
always carried a gun. After they tightened the regulations, I got
my permit and wanted to learn to shoot well, so I took lessons.”
Ellen, twice widowed, met Charles, a firearms expert and ex-service
man who helped with her shooting skills. They were both surprised
when the lessons turned to love. They married last November.
Only state residents are eligible to obtain the permit to carry a
weapon. With their permit and completion of an NRA Basic Defense Course,
women may carry a gun in their briefcases, purses, “or even
fanny packs!”
Ellen maintains a private consulting business helping speakers improve
their presentation. She is also a master level Reiki practitioner
and a certified hypnotherapist. She enjoys the odd juxtaposition of
interests - healing touches and target practice.
Although she has other guns, a nice Colt .22 and a sleek, semiautomatic
Sig Sauer with plenty of firepower, her favorite is still the Glock.
“It’s sort of an ugly, square gun, but I love it. It just
fits my hand, somehow. People think they pick their gun, but really,
the gun picks you.”
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