Don’t Carry a Concealed Handgun Unless You are Prepared to Use It
Posted on August 15, 2013
Everyone has their own comfort level as to when they are willing to use their firearm in a self-defense situation or to save the life of another. No good person wants to shoot another human being. It is crucial to your safety and the safety of others to develop your personal defense strategy. You need to know when you are willing to use your firearm and when you are not.
My strategy does not have to be yours, but it is very important that you have one. I run through a lot of, “What if?” scenarios in my head. For example: When I walk into a bank, I check my surroundings and think, “What if someone came in with a gun and tried to rob the bank?” My answer depends on several factors: Is he attacking anybody? Is there somebody behind him? Is anyone in danger? What you NEVER want to do is pull your firearm out if you are unwilling to use it. This does not mean if you draw your gun that you must shoot somebody. What it does mean is if you have not decided what to do with your firearm prior to drawing it, you could potentially draw a loaded firearm and hand it to a criminal. It only takes a second or two for someone to cross a room and take your gun away.
Here are some things to consider when developing your own defense strategy:
● Are you willing to use your gun to protect strangers even if you aren’t in danger yourself?
● Are you willing to put yourself at risk by confronting an attacker?
● Are you willing to pull out your gun to defend against an attacker who is unarmed but dangerous?
Keep it Concealed
One of the reasons we get our concealed permit is to keep us out of trouble. Carrying a firearm out in the open, though it may be your right and legal, can cause unnecessary problems. It might make people uncomfortable but even more serious than that, it ruins one of your most crucial defenses, the element of surprise. Carrying in the open can also make you a target, not only of people’s stares, but if there is a criminal around he may be looking for the first chance he gets to swipe your weapon away from you. This is why carrying concealed is so important.
When you are out in public, no matter where you are, be conscious of your firearm at ALL times. Do a gun check: Can I see it? Can someone else see it? If you are wearing an in-waistband holster that you cannot see, have a trusted friend check for you. If you are wearing an ankle holster, are you paying attention to how much your pant leg rises when you sit? Are you wearing the right shoulder holster for your gun and body type? Watch for that bulge.
Practice, Practice, Practice
It is irresponsible to carry a firearm that you do not know how to safely handle. I have met too many people that are carrying a handgun that they have never even fired before. Go to the range or out of town and find a safe area to shoot. If you are going to go shoot in the wilderness, be responsible. Have a range officer responsible for opening and closing the range and make sure you know what is behind your targets. I make it a point to go once a month at the minimum. Hone your shooting skills and know your ability. If your are going to use your firearm in a self-defense situation, be able to hit your target and not an innocent bystander. Watch for sales and deals on ammo and get FMJs (full metal jacket) for practicing (it will save you money). Practice with the firearm that you carry concealed. If you carry two practice with both.
If you have not already done so, get certified now in gun safety and carrying concealed.
If you already have a permit, be sure to share this page with your friends and family, so they can begin protecting themselves as well.
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