What is Concealed Carry?

Let's take it back to the basics for just one moment. I'm not sure we've ever answered the question: What is concealed carry? In trying to remember that our audience spans generations and experience levels, this is actually an all important question to answer.

There are people who don't know and it's our job to help them discover truth instead of lies.

So, what is concealed carry? (and no I'm not talking about us, though we are stellar as a company) I'll put together my definition in just a moment, but here's the dictionary version–

to carry a concealed gun or other weapon in public.

Sadly, that doesn't really begin to answer the question if you don't know what “concealed” means, or the reason “why” you'd carry a gun to begin with. So, let's take a look at “concealed” next–

to hide; withdraw or remove from observation; cover or keep from sight:

So, a concealed carry gun is nothing more than a gun that you have hidden from sight. But, the next thing we need to figure out, is the reason why. Why would someone choose to carry a hidden gun on their body?

Self-defense.

There are a few different definitions of this depending on the context, but this is the version that applies to what we're talking about, here. Self-defense–

the act of defending one's person when physically attacked

So, if we were to combine these definitions pulled from dictionary.com, and make our own accurate definition, concealed carry can be described, thus:

The act of concealing a weapon (generally a firearm) on one's person that can be used to defend human life against threats of death or serious bodily injury.

Well, okay. But, you may be thinking, what about my big screen TV? Or, what about the hot rod in the garage?

Notice how I didn't say anything about the protection of property in that definition. The reason for this, is because defending property isn't usually okay in most of the United States.

There is some gray area in some states, but for understanding the definition of concealed carry, you should only use your firearm if you feel the imminence of death or serious bodily injury caused by another person.

Just so we have an understanding of the word “imminence,” another way of looking at it is that someone is about to attack you. This means that you see the knife, gun, or they're winding up their baseball bat to clobber you.

You see and know that it's about to happen and the only logical way for you to protect your life is by drawing your gun and stopping the threat.

Notice how I didn't say KILL your attacker. The reason for self-defense is never to kill someone, it is to stop the threat, or stop the attack from continuing.

We do understand, however, that by nature gun wounds can kill and if that is the case, then so be it. But, it is not our intention to kill. It is our intention to stop the attack.

As a side note, you may want to read this article about watching what you say on the internet and social media.

It is worth the read because if someone ever does die by result of you defending yourself and you've said on the internet some incriminating stuff, chances are good they'll use that against you in court.

This would be a great time to insert a book by attorney Andrew Branca called The Law Of Self Defense. It is totally worth the read to get a solid understand of the Law of Self Defense. Your very freedom could depend on it.

Also know that you aren't technically allowed to carry everywhere per federal law–violate these laws at your own risk. Certain places, like the post office and other federal buildings are no-go zones with your gun.

In addition, if you have your concealed carry permit or license, it may not be valid in all states. In fact, I can guarantee that it won't be valid in all states.

You can use our FREE reciprocity map builder, here, or, better yet, just download our FREE concealed carry app with the same information on it available for Android and iPhone.

That app is a game changer.

If there is anything you'd like to add about what concealed carry is, how to do it, or anything like that, please feel free to leave a comment below.

P.S. Nothing in this article can be construed to be legal advice. I am clearly not a lawyer.