Reasons Why Concealed Carry is Good: Should You Carry?
May 13th 2021
Concealed carrying is a widespread practice across the United States. As of 2021, more than 20 million people possess concealed carry permits, but because permitless concealed carrying (also called Constitutional carry) is legal in many states, the actual number of concealed carrying citizens might be even higher.
Millions of Americans have chosen to take the responsibility of carrying a firearm every day. If you’re on the fence regarding concealed carrying, find out the best reasons why you should carry.
Brief History of Concealed Carry Laws
Picture the most gun-friendly states you can think of and ask yourself which state has issued the most concealed carrying licenses. Most people’s first thought is to answer Texas, and with over 1.52 million permits issued as of 2020, it sounds like a reasonable answer. However, the Lone Star State is only the state with the second-highest number of carrying licenses.
The top spot goes to Florida, with over 2.19 million permits issued - and that’s just resident permits! If you know about the history of concealed carrying, you may already know why that’s not surprising.
Although concealed carrying in Florida has been a long-standing practice since the late 19th century, it wasn’t until 1987 that the state unified the patchwork of county licensing laws into a statewide licensing system.
Even though Florida was not the first shall-issue state then, it was still one of very few in the United States at the time. Florida’s transition into a shall-issue state is widely credited to have started a concealed carry law revolution, in turn giving it a nickname: the “Gunshine State.”
As of today, all 50 states have a concealed carry licensing scheme, and 41 states plus DC, Guam, and Puerto Rico have shall-issue laws on the books.
In addition, as of April 2021, carrying a concealed handgun without a license to carry (Constitutional carry) is legal in 18 states, and Iowa and Tennessee have passed permitless carry laws that will become effective in July, bringing the total number to 20.
Reasons for Carrying
Every concealed-carrying citizen has their own reasons for carrying a gun in public. Some carry occasionally; others carry every day. Some of them never leave home without a gun; others carry even at home.
However, most of them choose to carry for one of these reasons.
1. Personal protection
The #1 reason for carrying a firearm is to defend your life, limb, and property from aggression. Although violent crime in the United States today is nearly half as prevalent as it was in the 1990s, crime distribution across every major city and state is very uneven.
The chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime vary greatly depending on your locality and personal circumstances. Variables include your city and state of residence, the prevalence of crime in your area, or whether you belong to a demographic more likely to fall victim to certain types of crime (e.g., rape and aggravated assault), or by specific types of criminals.
Even if you live in a relatively safe area, a low crime rate does not mean zero crimes occur. There is no such thing as zero risks; it is reasonable to prepare for the possibility, however small it may be.
2. Protecting others
Self-protection is one thing, but many people also carry to protect others, such as their family, loved ones, or even their local community and neighborhood.
Most states possess laws (so-called “Good Samaritan” laws) protecting someone using lethal force to protect others in danger, provided the use of force in such a situation was reasonable and justified, and that the threat was imminent.
3. As proof of responsibility
According to research conducted by John R. Lott and the Crime Prevention Research Center founder, concealed weapons permit holders are among the most law-abiding groups of people in the United States, even more so than law enforcement officers.
Many states require concealed carry permit holders to be keenly aware of all local and state laws regarding self-defense, use of force, firearms-related signage, and areas where guns are prohibited.
Most permit holders willingly research these laws and regulations by themselves, creating websites and databases of local and state gun laws, and sharing gun safety information online.
In Lott’s own words, “It is difficult to think of other groups of adults anywhere in the U.S. nearly as law-abiding.”
In other words, many gun owners choose to carry a concealed weapon because it helps demonstrate that they are law-abiding, responsible, and upstanding citizens.
4. Exercising your rights
Concealed carriers are first and foremost gun owners and American citizens. In that optic, they may carry for the simple reason that they can. After all, the right to keep and bear arms is enshrined in the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
5. Empowering yourself
Although a more subjective reason than most others, it is undeniable that many citizens choose to carry a concealed firearm for the empowering factor.
Many concealed carriers consider that carrying makes them feel safer, bringing confidence and peace of mind. The presence of a firearm on their body at all times is reassuring, as it is available in case they were to be attacked by a violent criminal.
In that sense, a concealed gun is much like a fire extinguisher; it is a piece of safety equipment, always present when needed. As the adage goes: “Better to have it and not needed, than need it and not have it.”
Responsibilities and Considerations
Although there are many good reasons to carry a firearm, this choice also comes with critical responsibilities and duties.
The most significant aspect of carrying a firearm is that it allows you to project deadly force. Even if not all defensive gun uses end with shots fired, you must be prepared for the possibility of having to shoot someone else, potentially injuring or killing them, and you must be ready for the legal and moral consequences.
In other words, if you are not legally allowed to own guns, or if you do not feel prepared to deal with the aftermath of a defensive shooting, you probably shouldn’t carry.
Another critical aspect is that of training and mindset. While carrying a firearm may feel empowering, merely having a gun on your body does not guarantee that you’ll walk out of a dangerous situation.
Your first self-defense weapon should be your sense of awareness. Having a gun is not a license to get into danger without thinking, nor does it guarantee that you will walk out of a dangerous situation.
At the same time, you should not become so hyper-aware that you see danger everywhere you go. A firearm is a last-resort self-defense tool; it is there if you have no other choice, and it will only be as effective as you are proficient with it. Practice with your gun as often as you can, consider getting de-escalation training, stay informed of the laws, and do your best to keep out of trouble.
Be Safe, Be Responsible
Incognito Concealment offers a wide selection of 100% hand-crafted Kydex holsters. Whether you prefer to carry IWB, OWB, or paddle holsters, we have a holster for you. Our holsters are compatible with a vast selection of handguns and are fully customizable; right or left-handed, red dot sight cut, belt clips, colors, and patterns.
If you have any questions or need information regarding our products and services, please call us at (586) 999-5820.
