Concealed carry has been a controversial topic for many years, with some people believing it to be a necessary step for self-defense, while others view it as a potential danger to public safety. The truth of the matter is somewhere in the middle. In this blog post, we'll be debunking some of the most common myths about concealed carry, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it's right for you.
To clear the air, here are some of the most prevalent myths and misconceptions about concealed carry.
Myth 1: "You have the right to carry concealed wherever you may go."
Let's start off with the most harmful myth!
State concealed carry regulations differ. Still, some areas remain definitely off-limits to even permit holders. This includes government buildings in the United States, where guns are outlawed by federal law. Some states additionally make it illegal to carry concealed firearms n the following places:
- School grounds
- Courthouses
- Establishments that serve alcohol
- Places of worship, and
- On private land, if the owner has outlawed firearms.
Myth 2: "It's safer to empty the chamber of your concealed carry weapon."
Some folks conceal carry with an empty chamber. However, criminal attacks usually happen swiftly and from a short distance. Furthermore, the perpetrator almost always makes the initial move.
You have to:
- Identify the perpetrator,
- Recognize that an attack is underway,
- And then take care of the threat
The cherry on top is that you usually need to do all this in a matter of seconds. Imagine how much longer you'd have to take if you had to rack the slide and chamber a round!
Defensive shooters should carry a pistol that is ready to fire as soon as it is removed from the holster. In the heat of a shootout, taking the time to rack a pistol slide is time you can't afford to waste in the first place.
If you're worried about accidental discharge, make sure you conceal carry usinga holster that comes with a trigger guard.
Myth 3: "Handgun training is not necessary."
There are some concealed carry gun owners who have never fired a shot and have never even seen one fired. Most of what they know about guns comes from sensationalized shows. Adding to that, untrained actors are seen carrying guns in ridiculous ways.
Training matters. With the help of firearms instructors, you can learn to shoot efficiently. But more than that, you should also learn how to fight and live with a concealed carry weapon. If you're going to invest your hard-earned money in training, make sure it's with an instructor who understands gun fighting.
Myth 4: "Switching your concealed carry options is a smart idea."
Familiarity plays a huge role in operating your defensive handgun smoothly. Many hours of training and practice go into developing habits. During the heat of a conflict is not the time to try to recall how many rounds the pistol you're carrying holds, or what the sights are.
Thus, you should not swap concealed carry gun types frequently. Before switching to a different model, build familiarity by practicing with it on the range.
Myth 5: "You have the right to refuse being questioned about your concealed firearm, even by authorities, if you have a CCW permit."
The constitutional right to bear arms is a privilege. To safeguard the integrity of this privilege, the majority of states allow gun owners to get a permit that allows them to conceal and carry their firearms. Still, you or your handgun are not exempt from the law. If a law enforcement officer requests that you reveal the location of your weapon, you have a legal obligation to comply. You should be open and honest about your weapons and documentation:
- What you have (both firearms and permits associated with each of them), and
- Where you have it or them.
BravoBelt Bottomline
As gun owners, it is our responsibility to learn more about the dos and don'ts of carrying a loaded firearm. We should also double our precautions when we choose to carry concealed. In a way, debunking myths and learning the truth is a great start to responsible gun ownership.
By reading this blog post, not only are you doing yourself a favor, but you're also doing the whole gun community a favor! Props to you! If you'd like to learn more about concealed carry, make sure you follow us on our Instagram@BravoBelt.
What concealed carry myths have you encountered? Let us know in the comments!
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