Concealed Carry Responsibility

My wife just received her concealed carry permit. There is much to know and understand before making the choice to carry a concealed handgun. Here are some of the basics that she and I discussed to assist you in making this important decision and to help keep you responsible and safe.
What does it mean to be a concealed carry permit holder? Well, it’s exactly how it sounds: the practice of carrying a handgun or other weapon in public, yet concealed. This can be done on a person’s body or close in proximity to them. (Bag, purse, briefcase, etc.) I don’t like off body carry but that’s just my preference. Having a gun close at hand is better than no gun at all. This practice comes with a responsibility. To carry a weapon says that you are willing to defend your life, or other’s lives, with lethal force. You are willing to take another human beings life. This is something that should be thought out (prayed about, if you feel), and considered. Also, you must abide by the laws of the state that you carry in. It’s up to you to search them and learn them.
Everything that you do with that weapon will be looked at with a microscope. If you use it or draw it, the reasons and motivation for this action will be looked at very closely. You may be arrested and put in jail. You may have to face a court battle. There may be civil charges to deal with as well as criminal. Go into this endeavor with your eyes open. You need to understand these things and consider them carefully. Noting I have said, or could say, would ever match the gravity of killing another human being. As an LDS member, and a Christian, you must come to terms with the reality of this and weigh what you can deal with. (see blog 3/4/14 Should you Carry? and 5/13/14 Mormon Self Defense). Learn the laws and follow them in great detail. Don’t be casual about this decision. Take it serious so that you will be serious about your training. If you are not serious you will be a menace with a gun.
Being Honest
Being honest about your capabilities is extremely important. You know yourself but you must be honest. You know what you could do as far as taking the responsibility for concealed carry. Will you be serious about training? Or will you fool yourself and tell yourself you can handle whatever comes your way. The truth is, you or I don’t really know how we will respond in a “kill or be killed” situation. But looking at yourself honestly, with a critical eye, may help you to prepare and train better should you have to live this horrible event.
Commitment
Your commitment to safety should be as critical as your decision to take a life.
When I was in the military I took a weapons instructor course. This was taught by orange Gunsite owner Jeff Cooper, and military training instructors. We had the 4 safety rules drilled into our heads until we could quote them word perfect. A instructor would say “3!” and we would spout off the appropriate rule. (1.All guns are always loaded. 2. Never cover anything you are not willing to destroy. 3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you acquire your target. 4. Know your target and beyond.) The 3rd week of this 6 week course a student got caught with his finger in a trigger guard. He was given a warning. The second time he was washed out of the course. We were given one chance and one chance only. We could not violate the 4 safety rules. This is how serious you should be with safety. My family is tired of my constant badgering of them to follow these rules. It’s for their own good of course. I need to be less blunt about my reminders.
The 4 rules are the very basics of gun safety. Other things should be considered. Buy quality equipment and gear. Ensure your holster covers the trigger guard completely. Ensure the holster doesn’t get so pliable that as you holster the gun a corner or side of the holster gets caught in the trigger guard. This could discharge the weapon. When your gun is on you it is almost as safe as sitting in your gun vault. Do not un-holster your weapon except for storage, maintenance, or you’re about to use the gun. It’s not something you would want to show anyone unless you were in maybe your own home. Remember operations security. This is the importance of keeping what you do confidential, like carrying a weapon.
You must commit to practice. You can’t compromise on this. I know it may be an expense, and time consuming, but without it, you may as well not carry. You’ll be a danger to yourself and others. Don’t think you can just pick up a weapon and know how it works and how to shoot. It is not so. If I didn’t shoot at least weekly, I know I would lose what I’ve worked many years to maintain. I’ve shot guns consistently for close to 46 years but it would only take a month to lose a good deal of it. There are many drills that can help you with this. There is also dry firing which is free and can make a real difference once you get to the range. There are also courses you can take to improve in what you have already learned. These things mean a commitment of time and money. Courses and ammunition cost money. Being a member of a range or club may have a cost. If you have turned shooting into a recreational experience then this will be less difficult to give your time and money to. It can be a great family activity. You don’t need to be a gun nut like me, to enjoy shooting. There is also competing, which can be very enjoyable and challenging. Be careful, you may become a gun nut!
Challenges
We are all different. We have different likes and dislikes. We each have different bodies and physical limitations. You will need to consider all of these things when deciding where and in what way you will carry your weapon. Each of us has different demands that will also determine our carrying style. For instance I work on a federal installation that is basically a “gun free” zone. I have to consider this every day in the way I carry, or don’t carry, a weapon. You will have your own set of circumstances that will affect your concealed carrying capabilities.
What gear you purchase will need to be right for you as an individual, and your own set of circumstances. Find what will be comfortable and legal for you. If carrying a gun is uncomfortable, you will less likely carry. Consider all these issues carefully. You may have to experiment a little. Holsters and other gear can be pricey. Don’t settle for inferior gear because of price. Plan, save, and get quality gear that will serve you well and long.
Represent gun owners and concealed carry permit holders well. There are many anti-second amendment proponents out there just waiting for you and I to accidently discharge our weapons or leave them out for a child, or whatever else you can think of, to prove that citizens should not own guns. They lie in wait to jump on the bandwagon and defend that dirt bag that you had to shoot because he was threatening your family with a gun or knife. Know that what you do as a sheep dog is an asset to your family, your neighbors, and your community. It is important to demonstrate the integrity of an American gun owner.
Be safe
Semper Paratus
Burn