If you are thinking about getting your concealed carry permit, but are on the fence, here are a few things you may want to consider.
Guns in general always tend to be a political hot button, but let’s take the politics out of it. This is about safety, not your political affiliation.
Why concealed carry?
A concealed carry permit allows you to protect yourself by carrying a firearm concealed from those around you. It can help ensure you experience a better outcome in the event of an attack. (Notice that I said “allowed” and not “equips”. Once you have your concealed carry permit, it is a good idea to continue to get additional training to ensure your safety and that of those around you while improving your firearm handling and shooting skills, but that is for another blog post.) There are limitations to that permission, such as schools, government buildings and other posted areas, which will be covered in your concealed carry permit class.
What are the benefits of carrying concealed?
Responsibly carrying a concealed firearm allows you to protect yourself from potential victimization. It enables faster response in an emergency situation. Police response may not be immediate enough to address a situation in which you or someone else is being assaulted. If your life is threatened, you want to make sure you have the best tools at your disposal to prevent an assault and remove yourself from imminent danger. A firearm is one of those tools, along with a clear head, good decision-making skills, quick reflexes and awareness of your surroundings.
Carrying concealed also allows you to carry a firearm without needlessly alarming or scaring others. Think about it…if you were to see someone with a pistol openly holstered on their hip in a public setting (in an open carry state), such as a grocery store, how would that make you feel? Uneasy? Scared? Worried? Of course! These are natural feelings brought about by our survival instinct. It is unnecessary to make those around you feel uncomfortable when your intention for carrying a firearm is self-protection.
Carrying concealed allows you to protect yourself without advertising to criminals or individuals with questionable intentions that you have a gun. We are not in the movies. It is not wise to reveal that you have a firearm in unknown company. By doing so, you could be putting yourself in an even more dangerous situation. In addition, it is unlawful to reveal your weapon in many jurisdictions.
With your concealed carry permit comes great responsibility, but it has its advantages too. When you carry, you tend to be more alert and cognizant of your surroundings. You are more likely to be reluctant to indulge in distracting behaviors such as checking your phone and notice elements in your environment which prompt you to exercise caution.
Taking a concealed carry permit class also provides you with valuable knowledge about your state’s gun laws. This is a key focus of any concealed carry permit class. It is your responsibility to know the laws of your state and any states you are traveling to and carry in a lawful manner.
It also provides an opportunity to familiarize yourself with your firearm. You should know how to disassemble, reassemble, clean, store, handle and control your firearm. Knowledge is power and makes you a responsible gun owner.
As you may have already gathered from this blog post, your responsibility doesn’t end with simply getting your concealed carry permit. You have duty to yourself and others to be informed about gun laws, safely handle and control your firearm, improve your shooting skills and think clearly in stressful situations.
If you are interested in taking a concealed carry permit class or if you have your permit and would like additional training, click on the Training tab at www.ncpeacemaker.com or contact us to schedule a course.