What Does Every Day Carry Mean to You?

Ask yourself this simple question. Why or why don’t you carry
your concealed handgun every day? Do you have a meaningful and fact-based
answer? You should.

Many folks who only occasionally carry their concealed handgun
have similar reasons. Here are the most common justifications. You may be able
to relate to a few of these common justifications.

You have a workplace that does not legally allow you to be armed.
Unfortunately, many people find themselves working for employers or in
locations where carrying a handgun is illegal. If you are one of these gun
owners, you have a few options. One option would be to ignore the laws and
conceal carry. For many obvious reasons, this is not always the best option. A
potential option would be to purchase a car gun-safe. This way, with a good
concealment holster, you can carry your firearm during day-to-day activities
and your commute to work.

A barrier for some people that carrying a handgun is
uncomfortable or that it is difficult to conceal the gun. Nearly every new
concealed carrier experiences these issues. Unfortunately for some, the only
thing keeping them from carrying every day is a better holster, appropriate gun, or slight wardrobe modifications. Innovation over the last several years
has made concealed carry more comfortable and safer. The new small and light,
9mm Springfield Hellcat, for example, has an 11+1 capacity. Pairing a quality
holster with a purpose-built gun belt can make a world of difference in comfort
and concealment.

Do you only carry when you ‘go to more dangerous places”?
What criteria do you use in determining what is dangerous enough to require a
concealed handgun? Places like schools, churches, and homes in gated
communities have all be frequent places of violence. Looking at one location as
safe can dull one’s situational awareness. An inability to recognize potential
threats can produce unfortunate outcomes.

Do you think you will be more proficient and confident with
manipulating and using your firearm if you carry it once or twice a month, or
if you have it with you every day? The answer should be quite evident. By not
having your concealed handgun with you daily, you are undoubtedly hindering
your ability to use your firearm even when you have it with you.

The ‘some locations are more dangerous than others’ ideology is
the impetus behind those who sometimes carry with a round in the chamber and
sometimes not. For the same reasons as above, this mentality is wrong. I would
go further and say it is dangerous. If you only chamber a round when you go to
dangerous places, do you clear the chamber when you leave? How do you keep
track, and how do you know for sure without performing chamber checks
throughout the day?

This system of carrying your firearm is exceedingly complex and
confusing. It is also ripe for an accidental/negligent discharge, or not having
the gun ready to go when it counts.

Lastly, maybe you do not carry every day because you took a basic
class and stopped there. You may have some gun safety and fundamentals down,
and then realize, there is a lot more to learn. Seek some follow-up classes to
your state concealed carry requirements, if there are any in the first place.

Think about the reasons you may not be carrying your everyday
carry gun (EDC) all the time. If you can, do what you can so you can have it
with you every day. That may mean taking some classes or reaching out to
trusted folks in the self-defense gun world to get advice on gear and guns.

In the end, do what you think is appropriate, but
remember the stakes if you are unprepared.