Do you carry a gun for self-defense? One of the major decisions that most American gun owners make is whether to opt for concealed carry for self-defense or not. This is a huge responsibility. If you choose to be armed, you must get the requisite license in order to carry it legally.
That means you have to learn, understand, and follow a wide range of local, state, and federal laws that govern concealed carry in your area. You must also understand where and when you're legally authorized to carry your firearm. Once you've done that, you need to get training.
Why is proper training essential for self-defense gun use?
Learn the Skills You Need for Concealed Carry
If your only self-taught firearms education is what your state requires before you get a carry permit, then you don't have enough training. According to Bellevue Gun Club, you'll need to take advantage of specialized gun training classes where you can learn to carry a self-defense firearm responsibly.
The education and training opportunities offered at a local gun range will help you learn the skills and mindset you need for concealed carry. From marksmanship classes, home defense classes with a mock house setup to family firearm training classes, there's a lot to learn. Interacting with others will also help you embrace the sense of civic responsibility that you have.
Be More Comfortable With Real-World Scenarios
Concealed carry training for self-defense is crucial as it makes you more comfortable with your firearm. But training doesn't stop there. You should move on to more advanced, real-world scenario-based training. By training in a controlled class setting under stress, you'll slowly build your firearm control confidence.
Such training ensures you're using real-life scenarios based on working in home-protection settings, in and around your car, and even your work environment. Advanced training helps you understand concepts like the “21-foot rule” and how to protect yourself and others in dangerous situations. Scenario training helps you become more effective in your abilities.
Mental Rehearsal
One of the most critical factors in understanding how to deal with armed encounters is mental rehearsal. Imagine this, you're in a dangerous situation – now close eyes, think it through and ask yourself how you'd handle the situation. What can you do to avoid that scenario? If you can't avoid the situation, what options do you have to gain a tactical advantage?
Mental rehearsal training helps you think through every possible scenario that you might face in your daily routine. Once you've trained and perfected the technique, you'll be able to walk into your house, a hotel, or any place, and quickly decide where and how you should position yourself and react to a potential threat. Situational awareness is a critical part of this training.
Increased Responsibility
There are many things to keep in mind when you carry a concealed firearm. How do you conceal your firearm, so no one knows you're carrying? What are the exits in the building I'm in? How do I notify law enforcement officers that I have a legal concealed carry during a real-life situation? Are you aware of your surroundings?
Carrying a concealed weapon is a huge responsibility, so never take it lightly. Along with that comes the responsibility of ensuring the safety of everyone else around you. Knowing first aid techniques and the ability to identify potentially threatening situations is also crucial.
Conclusion
If you’ve decided to carry a gun for self-defense, then you should be proud of yourself for having the guts to do so. But how do you stay vigilant as a citizen who is just out and about? Invest in training and more training, then practice, practice, practice. That will help you become a responsible concealed carry citizen and equip you with the self-defense skills you need.
