Even if we have the right to carry guns, it does not mean that it stops there. There are a lot of things to keep in mind if you’re planning to carry a gun. Here are some important things to consider when carrying a gun.
7 Important Things to Consider When Carrying A Gun
Carrying a gun comes with the responsibility to the safety of your surroundings. Hence, you should know what to do before you plan on carrying one. You don’t want to face problems with the law without any knowledge.
#1 - Make Sure It’s in Good Condition
You can’t carry a gun that might become faulty. You should always carry a well-maintained gun. Make sure you have your gun maintained regularly. You can have the shop do it or by yourself.
If you’re going to do it by yourself, make sure you have a gun cleaning kit with everything you need. Some of the most important accessories are gun bluing kits that protect your guns from rust.
Accidental gun-related deaths have increased by 6% in 2019. You don’t want to be part of that statistic, so you better make sure that your guns are in good working conditions before carrying them.
#2 - Go Over the Legalities
Once you’ve made sure that your gun is in good working conditions, you now have to make sure that you are legally allowed to own and carry a gun. Each state has its own law when it comes to gun ownership.
You can go visit your state’s website to know more about getting a permit to carry and gun ownership license. You can check Handgunlaw.us to get information for each state regarding their gun permits and other gun-related information.
Getting a license to carry depends on various factors such as the safety risk of your job. You also have to know that there will be different permits you have to apply for. Some states will have different permits for gun ownership and permits to carry concealed weapons.
#3 - Undergo Training First
You can find a lot of sources for gun safety and firearms training. Some local gun ranges offer such training courses. Local law enforcement agencies also offer gun safety training. Make sure that your instructor is certified by the National Rifle Association.
Depending on your instructor and what you choose, your training may include:
- How to safely handle a gun
- How to safely carry a firearm
- How to use firearms for self-defense purpose
- When to use firearms for self-defense
- Defensive training simulations
- Training is sometimes a one-time thing.
If you will be carrying your gun a lot, you should go over and practice from time to time. Practice shooting your gun at the local gun range so you feel comfortable when you actually need to use it.
Training will teach you to avoid dangerous situations as much as possible. People tend to have the mentality of false safety when they carry a gun. You should always keep away from situations where you have to use your gun at all times.
#4 - Know When to Shoot in Self-Defense
First and foremost, the only way you can win in a violent confrontation is to avoid the confrontation as soon as you can. Your gun should only be used as a last resort.
Your gun should only be used to protect the life that is in imminent danger. So when you have to go through court, you will have a strong defense. Gun safety training usually covers defensive scenarios and how you should react. These are the things you have to keep in mind:
- Ability - the attacker must have the capacity to inflict serious injury to you or to someone else.
- Opportunity - having a weapon doesn’t mean you can readily shoot, your attacker must have the opportunity to inflict serious harm. For example, if the attacker is holding a knife and yet is a good distance away from you, you can’t shoot in self-defense.
- Manifest intent - This pertains to your attacker’s verbal threats to inflict serious harm to you. Sometimes verbal isn’t used. The action of the attacker and how you interpret it can also be used as a case for self-defense.
- Preclusion - you have all other options considered and you are left with the last option to shoot in self-defense.
#5 - Make Sure You Have a Liability Insurance
When you have to shoot your gun in self-defense while carrying your gun, you have to have liability insurance. Oftentimes, you will be subject to criminal and civil charges when you fire your gun and the cost can be expensive.
Liability insurance doesn’t usually cover criminal charges. So you will have to find a qualified lawyer for it.
#6 - Use the Right Type of Firearm
Most people who carry guns for self-defense use compact handguns. If you’re not knowledgeable about firearms, you can ask someone who is an expert on it and ask what’s best for your situation.
Most people use handguns for self-defense. The compact ones are better for concealed carry. Concealed carry handguns are mostly preferred as not to alert others you are carrying a gun.
#7 - Provide Safe Storage
If you are carrying a handgun with you, then you definitely need a holster. A well-made holster can last you for a lifetime. So pick one that is really durable and excellent in quality.
If you’re carrying other firearms like rifles, then there are other storage options to choose from like a portable gun case. Some can house two or more rifles or a mix of rifles and pistols.
Conclusion
Carrying a gun will make you feel secure, however, there are also some responsibilities and legal issues you have to know. We hope this article helped you prepare everything you need to legally and responsibly carry your gun.
This article was brought to you by James Forrester from Keep Gun Safe. For more on gun safety and responsible gun carry, check out James' website, available here.
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