If buying a gun is a big decision, then carrying one daily is an even bigger one. It’s probably safe to say that most people who read USA Carry already own a gun, and many carry one daily. But if you are considering carrying a gun, or if you have a friend or relative who is, there are some questions to ask yourself first. For that matter, even people who currently carry might want to consider some of them.
Why Do I Want to Carry a Gun?
This might seem like a no-brainer of a question, but it is a serious one nevertheless. Around 70% of people who buy a gun name self-defense as the reason for doing so, and that number probably goes up to 100% when it comes to why people decide to carry one. But it is still a good idea to sit down and actively contemplate what it means to carry a gun every day. Simply having a gun with you does not mean you will be able to defend yourself in a life-or-death situation. If you are truly determined to be able to do so, knowing when and how to use that gun is an absolute necessity.
Do I Have the Right Mindset?
This question has more than one level and meaning. First, are you comfortable around guns? Seriously, I have met people who own and carry a gun who were uncomfortable even thinking about shooting one. One woman I met had one in her car with her when her ex ran her off the road and yanked her door open to confront her, but never even considered trying to get it out of the center console. When I asked her why, she said she was not comfortable and confident with it. These are the people who fit the stereotype of someone who has their gun taken away and used against them.
Part two of this question is to ask yourself if you can avoid confrontations, because if you are armed, you must go out of your way to do so. There are far too many videos of people pulling guns during a road rage incident because someone cut them off, and even in fast food restaurants, because their fries were soggy. If you cannot stay calm and swallow your pride enough to walk away from a confrontation, you should reconsider carrying a gun.
Do I Understand the Responsibility That Comes with Carrying a Gun?
There are multiple emotional and intellectual aspects to carrying a gun that make mental preparation critical. These exist in your everyday conduct, as well as during and after you use it in a defensive situation.
Safeguarding Your Gun
Like any other tool with the potential to cause harm if not used correctly, you are responsible for your gun at all times, whether it is on your person or not. Carrying, handling, and storing it safely all fall to you.
Self-Defense Scenario
Carrying a gun for self-defense means you may have to make critical decisions rapidly while under high stress. This requires good judgment and the readiness and ability to act decisively. There will usually be very little time for careful consideration.
The Aftermath of a Defensive Use
Even if you do everything right and are completely and legally justified in using your gun to defend yourself, there will be emotional and potentially legal consequences to doing so. Accepting this reality before you ever take your gun out of the box is critical.
Editors Note: That’s also why many responsible carriers choose to have some kind of concealed carry coverage, like CCW Safe, in place. Having legal and financial support ready for the aftermath means you won’t be facing those battles alone, and it gives you peace of mind that you can focus on your defense and recovery.
Do I Understand the Nuances of Concealed Carry?
Concealed carry means just that…concealed. Knowing how to dress and move to keep your concealed firearm concealed is part science and part art. Proper gear, like a good concealed carry holster, and wearing clothes that cover your gun are only part of the formula. You must also be conscious of how you move when in public, such as reaching for an item on a supermarket shelf or getting up out of a seat in a restaurant. Carrying a concealed firearm requires you to be mindful of what you are doing at all times.
Do I understand the Laws for Owning and Carrying a Gun?
If you do not understand the laws in your area concerning carrying a concealed firearm, then you are not ready to carry one. This is true no matter how well-trained you are to use it. Even in states with permitless carry, there are laws affecting where you can be armed and where you cannot. These might include schools, hospitals, and even restaurants that serve alcohol. There are also varying laws regarding when the use of deadly force is justified. In some states, you have a duty to retreat, while in others, you can stand your ground. Ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it, and it can land you in a lot of trouble even if you were doing nothing else wrong.
Am I Prepared to Be More Careful and Restrained?
Somebody carrying a concealed firearm should be more careful to adhere to speed limits and traffic laws, and to follow rules and regulations to reduce the chance of having an interaction with law enforcement. That’s not to say you should be afraid of the police, but dealing with a LEO when you are armed can be a stressful situation that is better avoided. Also, as I mentioned earlier, think about your actions before doing something that could lead to confrontation. So, if someone cuts you off in traffic, just let it pass and go about your business.
Am I Prepared for Ongoing Training and Practice?
Buying a gun is not the end of the process. You must also obtain the proper belt and holster, then get comfortable wearing them. After that, learn to draw from concealment, how to shoot on the move, and how to use cover. Get training on how to shoot well, and continue practicing to maintain your skills. In states that require a carry permit, you will have to attend and complete an approved course. Even in permitless carry states, most states will still issue carry permits, and it can be beneficial to get one. In many permitless carry states, it increases the number of places you can legally carry and is also useful if you travel to another state that requires a permit.
Am I Prepared for the Sense of Empowerment I Will Feel?
Being armed so you can defend yourself and your loved ones from criminals and crazies is empowering and provides a sense of security and confidence that you are not a helpless victim. However, it does not make you invulnerable, and it also should not give you a sense of power over others. If it does, you should rethink your decision to carry a concealed firearm. A concealed firearm is essentially an insurance policy against becoming a victim. Like being in an auto accident or having your house catch on fire, the odds are small that you will be assaulted, but everyone buys auto and fire insurance. It offers you peace of mind, but does not make you invincible.
Summary
A gun is a tool, and like any other tool, on its own, it is nothing but a piece of inert metal and plastic. It is the person wielding it who makes it more. When you are that person, it is best that you are honest with yourself and have made a carefully considered decision to carry a concealed firearm.
