Getting Comfortable with Carrying

Getting Comfortable with Carrying

As a new concealed carrier, you may want to carry your firearm every day. Getting comfortable with carrying daily requires you to ask yourself some questions and know how you will react. Will people know I am carrying? What if someone sees it? How should I handle questions or concerns from the public?  This post will help guide you through these questions as you get comfortable carrying your firearm. With any carry method, it is important that you know the laws where you are carrying.*

 Will people know I am carrying?

My biggest fears when I started carrying my pistol were whether people would know that I was carrying and how they would react. I am carrying for my own safety and the safety of others, but I know that not everyone is comfortable around guns or gun owners. I also know that how I behave and interact with people as a concealed carrier is a reflection on all concealed carriers.

Most people never even realize I am carrying. I have found that when I carry a firearm, and go to lengths to conceal it, the average person is not ever going to realize I am carrying. I choose my carry position and clothing as much for concealment as I do for accessibility. If someone does notice my firearm, it's probably going to be someone who knows what they are looking for, such as another concealed carrier.  If you go out of your way to look for someone who is carrying, you will notice that even when you can see someone "printing," or having the outline of a gun visible under clothing, you have to really look for it. 

What if someone sees it?

Another concern I had was how I would answer questions if they were asked. You may find yourself in a situation in public where your shirt rides up, and your grip is exposed, and someone notices. Depending on the person's reaction, there are a few ways to handle it. I'm aware that how I interact with the public reflects on all concealed carriers. If the person is calm but concerned about it, you can reassure them that you are a lawful concealed carry permit holder. Most people will accept that explanation, and if they are not comfortable, they will simply avoid you. If the person who confronts you is a crazy "Karen," try your best to explain the situation without escalating it. If that fails, the best course of action is often just to excuse yourself from wherever you are. If that's the grocery store, just leave your shopping cart behind and exit the building. You certainly have the right to stay, but the last thing you need is for Karen to call the police and tell them there is someone with your description at the store with a gun. 

What are my next steps?

Once you have your plan, the next step is to take a short outing or two to get used to the feel of carrying. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you will be. As your confidence increases, you may find yourself being more comfortable carrying than you were without. 

*The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational and entertainment purposes only.  Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information and it may not be applicable to you where you live.  Readers of this newsletter should always ensure that they are following the laws and regulations in the state or municipality where they reside.  This website may contain links to other third-party websites.  Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser; Northern Pine Concealed and its principals do not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this site are hereby expressly disclaimed.  The content on this website is provided "as is;" no representations are made that the content is current or error-free.