Am I Ready to Carry?

So, with everything that has been going on lately with terrorist shootings and possible political restrictions on firearms, have you been thinking about obtaining a carry permit and carrying a pistol for the first time? If so,  that's great! Having guns in the hands of knowledgeable law-abiding citizens is always a good thing. Here's a short check list of things you should know before you carry:

• Obtain a gun specifically for concealed carry. Lots of manufacturers advertise that their gun is is the "best of both worlds," or "two guns in one."  This means they can be used for accurate distance shooting at the range AND small enough for concealed carry. I don't like that. It's a "jack of all trades, master of none" scenario. You are better off purchasing a handgun that excels and is fantastic at being a concealed gun rather than getting one that is only okay at being both. Choose the weapon for the job at hand. Plus, buying a gun for a specific purpose only opens up the door for you to purchase another gun for ANOTHER purpose later ;)

• Take a class on situational defense. This will not only teach you the best ways to carry your gun, but how and when you should use it if it ever came to that. This will also help you know what kind of accessories (laser, light etc.) you should equip your pistol with. There's no point in carrying if you don't have the confidence or skills to defend yourself if the time comes.

• Don't be persuaded to buy something you don't love. I can't stress this enough. Go and hold everything you can and do as much research on a pistol as you can. If it meets all of your criteria, get that gun. Don't be persuaded at the last minute to purchase something you didn't have your mind set on. For example, you have your mind set on a S&W Bodyguard .380 semi auto pistol and you walk in to your local gun shop. You ask to see the gun that you've held numerous times and spent hours researching. You've seen reviews and videos and so far, every feature you want on a CC gun is on the S&W. But when you ask to see it one last time before purchasing, the sales associate says "Take a look at this Glock 43 instead, it's much better." and hands you that one. It doesn't feel near as comfortable and lacks a couple of the things you love about the Bodyguard. But now you're doubting your original decision and take the side of the store clerk because "He knows best." Now you have a gun that you're not excited about. It's not as comfortable, you don't like the sights as much, and you hate the trigger. But the man said 'it was the best'... DON'T DO THIS. Don't ever doubt yourself if you've done the research. If there's a gun that you want and you've taken the steps to research it, buy that gun! You'll be happy you did.

• *Note: The Glock 43 is a fine pistol that has had nothing but great reviews. This is a fictional example made to emphasize a point.

• There are places that don't want you to carry a firearm on their property. I will ask that you obey their request if the sign is posted for everyone to see. However, if a sign is not out in the open, don't ever ask a person inside that store if it's okay to carry your firearm there. The default answer will most likely be 'no.' Most of the time your concealed gun will be concealed, but in the off-chance that an employee does see your pistol and they ask you to leave or remove it, be cooperative. While it's unfortunate that you won't be able to defend yourself in this location, you can at least show that person that law-abiding gun owners and friendly and cooperative.

• Know the carry laws of your state and all the states that you may travel to. People are getting arrested left and right because they have a permit from one state the the neighboring state will not acknowledge. Take precautions.

• Practice with that weapon.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. But more than anything, I want everyone to have a safe holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!