10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Concealed Carry

September 1, 2020 by Online Carry Training

Arriving at a decision to purchase a firearm should not be made lightly. Much thought should go into this action. Not everyone is prepared physically, emotionally, or morally to own and carry a weapon. If you’re considering concealed carry, here’s 10 important questions to ask yourself.

1. Am I Comfortable Around Weapons?

Unfortunately, some of the people who decide to concealed carry have never shot a gun. They may not comfortable around them.

Responsible concealed carriers must be able to shoot, clean, disassemble, and reassemble their firearm. They need to have a healthy respect for guns. They are lethal weapons. They also need to see guns as valuable tools, not toys.

2. Why have I Chosen to Concealed Carry?

Seventy percent of people who choose to concealed carry do so for self-protection. Others want to get involved in recreational shooting or marksmanship competition. These are all legitimate reasons to buy and carry a weapon.

If you have visions of becoming the next “Dirty Harry”, think again. This video explores valid reasons to buy a gun: “Three reasons to concealed carry”

3. Do I Have A Concealed Carry Mindset?

Besides having a good reason for carrying a firearm, you need to have the right mindset. A lot of responsibility comes with carrying a gun.

If you are armed, you need to go out of your way to avoid confrontations. With that gun in your possession, you must be self-disciplined and low-key. Those with a weapon and the skills to use it are often motivated to protect themselves, their families, and their property if trouble arises.

However, rather than trying to show how good your gun skills are, you need to be calm and in control. Instead of reacting to trouble, walk away if you can. The best way to “win” a gunfight is to avoid one.

Make every effort to not get into fights. A gun is a tool. Use it when you need to. Check out these five secrets of concealed carry mindset.

4. Do I See Concealed Carry as an Insurance Policy Against the Worst Possibilities?

Concealed carry is an insurance policy against a possible threat. Granted, the odds of encountering such a threat are very low. But, then again, the odds you’ll be in a car crash are low, which hardly stops anyone from purchasing car insurance. The odds of your house burning down are even lower. Yet, even risk takers have fire insurance. The idea is to have a solution for the worst-case scenario. If having and carrying a weapon brings you peace of mind, then it’s right for you.

5. Am I Prepared to do the Work? Buying a concealed carry weapon is just the first step.

Next, you need to get comfortable wearing your firearm, holster, and gun belt. After you have practiced concealed carry at home, move to short trips like doing errands. Work up to everyday concealed carry.

Your next step should be getting a concealed carry permit. Most states require a pistol course or concealed carry class of some kind before they’ll issue a concealed weapons permit. Fortunately, many states accept online concealed carry training from state-approved providers like National Carry Academy.

Even if you live in a constitutional carry state, it’s wise to get weapons training.

6. Am I Ready for Ongoing Practice?

Responsible concealed carriers know that learning to use their weapon accurately never ends. Good shooting skills begin with a competent instructor.

To keep up smooth, fast draw and quick, accurate shooting it is necessary to practice dry firing for a few minutes a day and live firing at least twice a week

7. Can I Concealed Carry Discretely?

Discretion is the better part of valor. Concealed carry should mean that no one knows you are carrying. If you are comfortable carrying and wear good concealment clothing, no one should even suspect you are armed.

If no one knows you are carrying, they won’t be concerned about it. Also, criminals look for people to victimize that they believe will be easy prey. Carrying gives you a hidden advantage. The element of surprise is a very powerful one.

8. Am I Prepared to be More Careful?

Along with being attentive to others’ behavior and activities around you, carrying a weapon should make you a better citizen. Concealed carriers adhere more carefully to speed limits and local laws and conform more diligently to rules and regulations in daily life. Aaron Bandler of Dailywire notes that licensed concealed carriers are more law abiding than their unarmed peers. They are more knowledgeable, responsible, and diligent about knowledge and following state and local laws.

9. Will I Practice Restraint?

Carrying causes people to think and act deliberately. They do not make rushed or carelessly decisions. With a more deliberate pace and action, individuals are more likely to avoid conflict and better able to observe their surroundings.

10. Am I Prepared for Empowerment?

Knowing you can defend yourself, your family, and your property is empowering. Carrying a weapon and knowing how to use it safely gives you the confidence to face every day without fear of being a victim.

Best of all, you do not have to rely on others for your own protection. However, there is a fine line between feeling empowered and feeling omnipotent. If concealed carry makes you power-crazed, then concealed carry is not right for you.

Conclusion

The last thing the world needs is someone armed with a gun seeking to mete out vigilante justice. We don’t need reckless gun owners. On the other hand, responsible, law-abiding concealed carry is a way to be a better citizen and protect yourself and your loved ones.

Even if you never have to draw your weapon, carrying every day improves the way you feel about yourself. It makes you better equipped to engage with the world. Concealed carry causes you to be a more responsible, deliberate, and careful as a parent, neighbor, and citizen.

Not everyone is cut out for concealed carry. If you have made an informed decision to concealed carry, you will benefit in several ways.