Whether you work in a dangerous environment or simply want to protect your family, a Concealed Carry Permit allows you to carry a firearm as long as it’s not blatantly obvious.
Although the laws vary by state, the general requirements are that applicants be 21 years or older with a clear record to apply.
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Here are six things to consider before you apply for a concealed carry permit:
1. Are you prepared to take a life? — This question comes up on many articles on the subject, but in the end it boils down to: Are you prepared to use your firearm?
Colorado Gun Class says you should ask yourself this question before you purchase a firearm, let alone a concealed carry permit.
As the site explains, carrying a weapon automatically puts you at risk of using it. In the event of a situation where you may need to use your weapon, you won’t have time to consider this moral dilemma.
Concealed Nation reiterates this sentiment, adding: “You are giving yourself a major responsibility and need to be prepared in every way possible before committing.”
2. How will you wear your firearm? — A concealed carry permit is just that and, as Trevor Dobrygoski points out in a Pew Pew Tactical article, different holsters leave different prints.
A print refers to the outline of a firearm that can be seen through your clothes. To remedy the situation, you’ll either have to find a different holster, reposition it, or be more mindful of your movements.
Two popular holster options, according to Ricochet, are Waistband (IWB) or Outside the Waistband (OWB) holsters, but each comes with its own pros and cons.
The best thing to do would be to try a couple out before you make your decision.
Concealed Nation adds that, since a holster can easily mean the difference between proper and improper gun safety, it’s important to take your time with your choice and make sure you don’t shortchange yourself.
3. Are you prepared to practice often? — As Alien Gear Holsters says, it’s a myth that a person can just pull out a gun and hit their target.
Carriers of concealed carry permits need to commit to regularly practicing their posture, sight alignment, and trigger control, amongst other things, to ensure they can handle the responsibility should they need to use their weapon outside of a controlled environment.
Concealed Nation adds that it’s probably a good idea to get some defensive handgun training to boost your confidence and highlight possible limitations.
While you’re at it, it’s also important to put in the time to clean and maintain your firearm. Alien Gear Holsters says without maintenance, you can’t count on your gun in a critical situation.
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4. Are you generally responsible? — Carrying a weapon with the power to end a life requires a pretty levelheaded mindset.
In an article for Forbes, Larry Bell says one of the questions he asked himself before applying for his permit was: “Would I be likely to have both the psychological composure and shooting skill to handle a potentially deadly encounter?”
If you have a temper or are quick to react, carrying a firearm on your person may not be the wisest choice.
5. Are you aware of where you can’t go with your concealed firearm? — Dobrygoski says “no gun” signs became his kryptonite after he started carrying his firearm.
Despite permits, places like federal buildings, churches, and anything to do with children remain “no gun” areas, which can make life a little tricky to navigate with a gun on your side.
Dobrygoski says travelling can also sometimes be a pain. First, you need to check permit reciprocity maps, like the one offered by USA Carry, to know which states will honor your permit, and then you’ll need to check the regulations for specific states you may need to drive through.
If you’re flying, make sure you’re up-to-date with TSA regulations.
6. Do you know your local gun laws? — As Alien Gear Holsters puts it, there are a myriad of federal, state, county, and municipal laws that govern firearms. As a concealed carrier, you’ll need to understand these laws, how they overlap, and which ones replace older ones.
Colorado Gun Class adds: “If you don't know or understand those laws, you could get into serious trouble if you're found carrying, or if you're in a situation where you have to use the weapon.”
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