National Carry Academy
How to Avoid Concealed Carry Mistakes
September 15, 2018
- Leaving Your Concealed Carry Permit at Home
Never leave this at home if you’re carrying a concealed weapon. State law enforcement officers have every right to ask you to produce this. You could be charged if you are concealed carrying and don’t have it. Get into the habit of carrying your CC permit the same way you carry other ID.
- Hiding Your Handgun in the Car
Literally, your weapon isn’t much good to you under the seat, in the glove box or jammed between the seats. If you’re not carrying it on you why bring it at all. Leave it locked in the gun safe at home. Your gun is not safe in a locked car.
- Carrying where You are not Allowed to Carry
Check the local and state laws regarding where you are legally allowed to carry. These rules may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Also, note what the local laws say about carrying on private property. In many cases, this is the private property owner’s choice. On his/her property, the owner’s rule is law.
- Not having an Extra Magazine
An extra magazine may well be a life-and-death issue. If you’ve spent any time at shooting practice, you should have some idea how quickly ammunition can get used up. Don’t get caught empty-handed. An unloaded gun isn’t much use to you in a crisis.
- Drinking and Concealed Carry
The laws of this issue vary from state to state. In some states you cannot enter an establishment where they serve alcohol is you are carrying. In other states, you may be in a bar or restaurant where alcohol is served but you may not drink if you are carrying. In a few jurisdictions as long as your blood alcohol does not register as under the influence, you are okay to carry.
Even beyond what the local laws state, alcohol and concealed carry just do not mix. Alcohol alters perception, mental acuity, and eye-hand-co-ordination. The two are best not combined.
- Taking Medication and Concealed Carry
Read and obey warnings on your medication. Some medications affect perceptions, mood, alertness, social interaction, and/or co-ordination. Even if the label does not carry warnings, be aware of how your specific medications affect you and decide whether it is wiser not to conceal carry while taking these medications.
- Refusing to Back Down from a Fight
Yes. You made the decision to conceal carry to protect yourself and your family. But, this does not mean you are looking for a fight. Nor does it mean you should refuse to back down when someone else is looking for a fight. It is always better to avoid a confrontation—armed or not. If a gun situation can be avoided, do so. Don’t get yourself involved if common sense would prevent it.
- Failure to Keep Your Hands Visible during a Traffic Stop
Police have been trained to be vigilant about people’s hands. If you are halted while walking or stopped while driving, keep your hands visible and away from your concealed firearm at all times.
- Not Practicing
Practice makes perfect. Part of getting comfortable with your pistol and your holster is practicing. Learn how to draw smoothly and quickly from your holster and how to re-holster your weapon. Aim for a smooth draw and follow through.
The same holds true for your weapon. Assembling, breaking down, cleaning, reassembling your handgun, loading ammunition and unloading often and quickly is good practice. Frequent trips to the gun range always pays off. You should be so familiar with your pistol that you can draw, aim, and fire in the dark.
Like any tool, your weapon’s safe and accurate use requires practice and ongoing facility.
How to Avoid Concealed Carry Mistakes
September 15, 2018
- Leaving Your Concealed Carry Permit at Home
Never leave this at home if you’re carrying a concealed weapon. State law enforcement officers have every right to ask you to produce this. You could be charged if you are concealed carrying and don’t have it. Get into the habit of carrying your CC permit the same way you carry other ID.
- Hiding Your Handgun in the Car
Literally, your weapon isn’t much good to you under the seat, in the glove box or jammed between the seats. If you’re not carrying it on you why bring it at all. Leave it locked in the gun safe at home. Your gun is not safe in a locked car.
- Carrying where You are not Allowed to Carry
Check the local and state laws regarding where you are legally allowed to carry. These rules may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Also, note what the local laws say about carrying on private property. In many cases, this is the private property owner’s choice. On his/her property, the owner’s rule is law.
- Not having an Extra Magazine
An extra magazine may well be a life-and-death issue. If you’ve spent any time at shooting practice, you should have some idea how quickly ammunition can get used up. Don’t get caught empty-handed. An unloaded gun isn’t much use to you in a crisis.
- Drinking and Concealed Carry
The laws of this issue vary from state to state. In some states you cannot enter an establishment where they serve alcohol is you are carrying. In other states, you may be in a bar or restaurant where alcohol is served but you may not drink if you are carrying. In a few jurisdictions as long as your blood alcohol does not register as under the influence, you are okay to carry.
Even beyond what the local laws state, alcohol and concealed carry just do not mix. Alcohol alters perception, mental acuity, and eye-hand-co-ordination. The two are best not combined.
- Taking Medication and Concealed Carry
Read and obey warnings on your medication. Some medications affect perceptions, mood, alertness, social interaction, and/or co-ordination. Even if the label does not carry warnings, be aware of how your specific medications affect you and decide whether it is wiser not to conceal carry while taking these medications.
- Refusing to Back Down from a Fight
Yes. You made the decision to conceal carry to protect yourself and your family. But, this does not mean you are looking for a fight. Nor does it mean you should refuse to back down when someone else is looking for a fight. It is always better to avoid a confrontation—armed or not. If a gun situation can be avoided, do so. Don’t get yourself involved if common sense would prevent it.
- Failure to Keep Your Hands Visible during a Traffic Stop
Police have been trained to be vigilant about people’s hands. If you are halted while walking or stopped while driving, keep your hands visible and away from your concealed firearm at all times.
- Not Practicing
Practice makes perfect. Part of getting comfortable with your pistol and your holster is practicing. Learn how to draw smoothly and quickly from your holster and how to re-holster your weapon. Aim for a smooth draw and follow through.
The same holds true for your weapon. Assembling, breaking down, cleaning, reassembling your handgun, loading ammunition and unloading often and quickly is good practice. Frequent trips to the gun range always pays off. You should be so familiar with your pistol that you can draw, aim, and fire in the dark.
Like any tool, your weapon’s safe and accurate use requires practice and ongoing facility.