The ability to carry a concealed weapon is a critical skill in today’s world. According to the National Safety Council, over 16 million Americans can carry concealed weapons. That’s a lot of guns. By implementing rules and regulations, it has become possible to manage to ensure safety despite a large population owning guns. Here are the top 6 things you need to know about concealed carry.
1. Everyone Has a Right To Carry a Concealed Weapon
Concealed Carry is not a right; it is a legal option. You can carry a concealed weapon in most states if you are at least 18 years of age and can purchase a firearm. There are some states where you must be 21 to buy a gun. Regardless of being of the right age, you must meet other requirements. For example, you mustn’t have any criminal history, be mentally stable, and have a license.
2. Concealed Carry Is Not a Right
While it is a constitutional right to carry a concealed weapon, millions of Americans take advantage of that right. Many owners of concealed carry permits are law-abiding individuals who use their permits responsibly. However, a small minority of “gun rights” activists believe that concealed carry is a “right,” which means they don’t need to produce permits and are vocal about their beliefs. In clarification, concealed carry is not a “right” to carry a concealed weapon in public. It is a legal option.
3. Know Your State’s Requirements
Your state’s statutes regulate the legality of concealed carry in your state. The standards and requirements vary from state to state, but most require:
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- You must be willing to accept any consequences resulting from violating your concealed carry permit.
- You must pass a training course to become familiar with the laws in your state.
You can check out the country-by-country concealed carry guide to learn more about gun laws. If you reside in Florida, you might want to join a Florida concealed carry class for better guidance and preparation.
4. Know Where You Can and Cannot Carry
Most experts recommend never carrying a weapon in public places such as malls, stores, restaurants, and theaters. The reason is to reduce the temptations of engaging in criminal activities. Also, public areas are constantly congested, and many people are under stress. A simple confrontation could lead to a shootout. In this case, innocent bystanders could get hurt or killed.
Also, most experts recommend that you avoid storing a weapon where others can quickly get to it, such as in your car or home. If you keep a gun in your house, ensure you keep it in a locked safe to avoid accidents and keep it in the glove compartment if you must carry it in your vehicle. It is best not to keep guns in cars if you drive with your children, as they are likely to access the weapon. Also, remember to keep the gun on safety.
5. Know How to Carry a Concealed Weapon
Carrying a concealed firearm does not guarantee you competent or safe skills with a gun. A gun is not a tool and can be used in harmful or even life-threatening ways. Therefore, it is crucial that you carefully read and understand the instructions for every type of weapon you intend to carry.
Furthermore, safety is something that gun experts and concealed carry instructors always stress. It would help if you kept it on safety mode and around your waistline in a public place. Also, cover it with your shirt or jacket to not be exposed. Covering the gun is to avoid chances that an individual may see it and snatch it and possibly use it against you or other people.
6. Think About the Worst-case Scenario
The best way to avoid using a weapon is not to own one in the first place. While it may seem easy, getting a gun is a highly complex decision. You would have to determine whether the weapon is right for you and your lifestyle. Furthermore, there are risks involved with almost every type of purchase, and the decision to buy a gun or any other item should be made carefully.
With more than 16 million Americans authorized to carry concealed weapons, it makes sense that states would want to keep people well-informed about the law. It is your constitutional right to own a gun but walking with it in public is a different affair that involves following the set rules and regulations.
