So, When Should You Carry A Gun?
by James Glaser
November 16, 2010

Actually, the question might have been better if I had asked, "When shouldn't you carry a gun?"

I just finished up my Florida Concealed Carry Firearm training course, and during the course the instructor used several home invasions as teaching guides. One of those home invasions involved an elderly retired minister and his wife. Yes, they did live through it, but the woman was so traumatized by the experience that they had to leave the area. However, before leaving, they took the Concealed Carry class and got their license.

Let's say right now as you are reading this, you hear somebody kick in your front door. How far are you from the gun that is supposed to protect you? Is that gun loaded? Are you confident you know how to shoot it?

Just because you get a license to carry doesn't mean you are safe now. You should have some sort of plan if something happens. Surprises are always hard to plan for, but somebody kicking in your door will always be a surprise.

The instructor I had for my class carries a gun on him all the time he is dressed. That means at home, at work, on the weekends, when he is in his garden or watching football on TV. When he goes to bed, he has that gun within reach .

Now I know many will think that is a bit of overkill, but if you want to be prepared, why would you only want to be prepared some of the time?

I have never met anyone who carries a firearm who wants something to happen. Everyone hopes and prays that will never happen, but they also hope and pray that if something does happen, they will be able to protect the ones they love and themselves.

Most people who carry a firearm never tell you. It just becomes part of their wardrobe, and after all, it is called "concealed" carry. Some people don't actually carry the gun with them as they walk around their house, but they have a weapon in almost every room and they can access it at a moment's notice. I believe that would be people without children in the home.

Although, I have to tell you that my dad could have had ten guns lying around the house loaded, and my sisters and I would never have touched them. He taught us not to, and we respected and obeyed him.

Yes, it is a shame that Americans have to think about protecting themselves, their loved ones, and their property, but that is the way it is today. No matter how hard you wish it wasn't that way, it remains a fact that we are not as safe as we were 30 years ago. People can blame it on whatever they want—drugs, the economy, Hollywood, and the list can go on, but it still remains the truth that there are times that a firearm and the understanding of how to use it could save your life or your loved ones' lives.

So, if you decide to carry a firearm for protection, you had better think about carrying it all the time. Get familiar with it. Practice, practice, and practice some more. Make sure you know what you are doing and what rights you have in their safe use. After that, they are not that big a deal and don't really change your life... except you might just feel a bit more secure in your person and property.

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