Question: Do You Carry Your Gun In Your House?
I've been struggling with topics lately to talk about as I get ready to move to another, less expensive state. I'm preoccupied with my thoughts about packing, doing projects, and getting my house ready for sale. But then it occurred to me as I do all these things, even as I sit here and type this blog post, I carry a gun in my home. Some may call it paranoia, others call it extremism–but I call it being prepared for the occasion should it come.
I'm aware, and you should be too, that many break-ins happen when the homeowners or renters are at their home, relaxing, when they'd least likely expect it. Because I'm here at home, sometimes with my family, I take carrying my gun even more serious.
However, I do think it's important to note here that I have a different outlook on home carry than some other folks do. Some of my friends take carrying at home like this: Since I'm home and I don't have to worry about concealing my gun, I can carry the biggest, highest capacity gun I can and not worry about it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, if you will actually carry it.
I feel though, personally, that if I carried the biggest gun I could at home I may not be inclined to carry it at all because it'd be too big and bulky for the long haul. After all I'm usually at my home office desk 14-16 out of 24 hours, six days per week.
So, because I believe that comfort is key when being at home I'm going to pick something small that I'll forget about until it's needed. Right now, for example, I'm pocket carrying my Sig Sauer P938 in a Sticky Holster. If I pick something that's too big and bulky, I may decide to remove it because I sit a lot and it can get uncomfortable.
Another thing is that I know where my guns are in the house. If I'm carrying one of my pocket guns, I know where I have other, higher capacity and usually more devastating guns. Most of the time they're in reach in a gun safe, but for the times they're not, my pocket gun will help get me to them.
On the other hand, the way I look at home as being comfortable, is totally opposite of going out. When I go out, I'm already uncomfortable, so strapping a bigger gun to my hip isn't as big of a deal to me as long as I can conceal it properly.
Is it enough for me to just carry my gun at home, though? Is it safe to just carry without anything else? Of course I'm talking about training here. There are times when I walk around with my unloaded home gun and practice my draw, rounding corners, and opening doors–gun in hand.
I usually only do this when nobody else is home, and try to watch one of our corresponding Guardian Nation Skill Videos beforehand as a refresher. But the key here, is that I practice. I can assure you that if you home carry and have never practiced before, it's not as easy as you think it is.
So, the question remains … do you carry at home, and if not–why? And, if you don't, you really should start because some would argue that you stand a bigger chance of being victimized in your own home than you do while out in public. Let us know in the comments below.
If have pants on, I’ve got a gun on. If not, then there’s one close by.
Live in a nice neighborhood and always have a gun on me. It might just be a little .380 in my pocket at times, but one is there. If you have people in your house depending on you for protection then you are a fool not too.
Same.
Live alone in a marginal neighborhood in my home that has already been burglarized once. You bet I carry.
If I have my pants on, my S&W M&P M2.0 9mm 5inch (16+1) is in its Safariland ALS on my right hip and my Ruger LCR .38 is in its Remora holster in my front left pocket. Two spare mags, pepper gel, and folder on left hip. This is my every day carry. Otherwise, my holstered S&W is in my hand or beside me.
https://americanhandgunner.com/home-invader-the-john-daub-incident/
i carry at home all day long. i basically strap on my Brave response holster as soon as i get up and get dressed. this means even if i decide to stay in my pJ’s .Hell , for that Matter just my underwear. I have found that this Holster is so comfortable there really isn’t any reason not to be armed in the Home. Thus, if i go to the mailbox; I’m armed. If i take out the garbage ; I’m armed. if i do laundry I’m armed. about the only two places that i am not armed around my apartment is when I’m sleeping in bed or taking a shower . to which both times the firearm is in the room with me.
In live in NH (still a free state) but work in MA (Communist State). However when home on weekends I carry all the time. Depending on time of year and how lite I want to go.
Pocket knife, larger knife with clip, stream light. G43 IWB with extra mag, G30S same carry, G19 is quickly becoming my new favorite in a Comptac IWB. Last thing on when getting dressed, first thing off before bed. Then within easy reach. No issue with comfort as I use proper belts. They do make a difference. Only time I have had any issues with the above is when I used a fashion belt instead of a carry belt….all the difference.
Completely agree about the belt. I finally bought a good gun belt a year ago. Makes all the difference in the world. Worth the investment.
It’s on or next to me.
I don’t necessarily make it a point to carry at home, it just happens. When I go to work I have a tucked in shirt and I work in an office in a more rural area around Metro Detroit, so not very dangerous of an area. When I wake up and get dressed for the day I throw my LCP in a pocket holster in my pocket. I’m so used to it being there I hardly notice it that when I get home it just stays there with me, similar to a cell phone or wallet. On my days off I am constantly in and out of the house. So when I get dressed for the day I throw on my Shield in appendix and leave it there. My guns are just like my other EDC items, always just there whether I’m at home, driving, or going to the store.
I live in (unfortunately) Maryland, where it is almost impossible to get a cc license, so I can’t legally carry outside my home. [Notice I said legally.] However,I have started carrying in my home. Still trying to find the perfect combo for myself. I have a nice little Sig, but would like to try a M&P 2.0. I am trying for a license, but it’s not easy here, I envy those of you who live where you can easily get a license, and just shake my head at those who do but don’t bother because they are too lazy to protect their families.
My good friend thinks there’s something wrong with anyone who ALWAYS carries. I suggested he call the police and inform where the next criminal activity will occur since he clearly knows there are times and places where a weapon is not needed.
My wife looks at me sideways every once in a while, but hell, I’m used to it.
The real value of carrying at home is being able to practice drawing from concealment whenever you can. For example, run out to the garage to get something and imagine you stumble onto an intruder. Or the basement. Or taking out the trash.
You’ll more likely need your gun under these conditions than you will at the range.
Have some of the same issues. Everyone’s situation is different and it takes time for solutions to evolve. Currently we have several quick access safes located strategically, so that if/when I am not carrying (usually when pjs are involved) the dogs only need to delay a bad guy a few seconds. This keeps my wife happy and loaded guns safe (Because if it is not in the holster or pointed at a target it is not safe). Glad you are practicing; my firm rule is to dry fire practice when not at a range with a safe target because drawing a loaded firearm at home might lead to the catastrophic.
I’ve gotten those “look at me sideways” kind of things before when I explain why I carry all the time, including at home.
It seems some think it’s a little extreme, but you’re absolutely right about there being more of a risk being attacked at home than in public.
Just last month someone tested my front door with their shoulder, they didn’t get far, they broke and ran when our pit bull started trying to tear through the door, but I was ready.
I’ve gotten those “look at me sideways” kind of things before when I explain why I carry all the time, including at home.
It seems some think it’s a little extreme, but you’re absolutely right about there being more of a risk being attacked at home than in public.
Just last month someone tested my front door with their shoulder, they didn’t get far, they broke and ran when our pit bull started trying to tear through the door, but I was ready.
I live in Oregon, I have been carrying for ten years, I always carry at home. After shower,gun is right next to me.
Most of the time but not always. The reason is that I have cameras all around the home, a German Shepard that will bark if a car gets within a 0.2miles of the home (can go days without seeing or hearing a car), sensors that tell me if someone is within 30yards of my home. If outside (the German Shepard is with me) I can hear a car coming 5mins before it gets to my home. Also far enough out that Google maps has not even found the road. If I don’t have it on, my gun is within seconds.
Always near me my 40 Shield!!
I’m still new to carrying, (less than a year), but I do carry in house. I carry a side arm (Ruger American compact 9) for work, and conceal carry in the small of my back. I’m worried about someone doing the one arm hug thing and finding it. I have been wanting to get one for an ankle holster, any thoughts…
If my mossberg 930 spx w 8 shot tube, red dot, light, and laser is always beside me, am i still carrying? Sorry im still waiting for my ccw permit to come back. Lol
I do carry when I’m inside and outside on my property. Especially cutting the yard. I live out in the country and my neighbors are family members but have seen a lot of suspicious slow passing vehicles. Rather be on the side of caution than be caught without it.
Yes, I carry at home around the clock unless I’m in bed or in shower, then it’s very close within arms reach. I own different sizes & calibers of handguns, but I stick with the same carry at home or out in public, a .40 cal 15 + 1 SR 40 Ruger. Other choices are hidden & placed lstrategically around the premises in case of back ups needed. I’m a senior citizen so small children safety isn’t a factor. To me, it’s not paranoia, but plain smart!!
I carry a Kimber K6s revolver and extra 6 round speed strip in my pocket for house carry. More than enough fire power in and around the house. I like revolvers for house carry because it lessons the chance of accidental discharge and are comfortable to carry all day. Should I need more rounds I can easily make my way to the Glock19 with three fully loaded 15 round magazines. I can also step up to my AR or Tac Remington 870 if needed.
I have shotguns and ARs placed in various locations in my house. I carry my G20 10mm OWB when I’m in and around the house. When I’m out I have my G33 .357 SIG in an IWB. When I go to bed the holsters come off and my Beretta PX4 .45 and Hi-Standard 18” 12 gauge is by my bed. My wife has her Ruger LC9s and 20 gauge Stevens on her side. She carries a Taurus TCP .380 all day at work and home as well.
Love that you and your wife are a team!
If it’s not on me, its within reach
Recently got my carry license and have been carrying all day, everyday since. M&P 340 air light revolver in a don humme clip on holster. Been working out very well, clips on both athletic shorts and jeans. I recommend it to anyone that is comfortable doing so.
The only thing I debat with myself, is carrying it loaded around the house, as opposed to the rounds in a speed strip or loader in my pocket. Then loading it when I leave the front door. The only reason I consider this, is because of accidental discharges. My gun has no real safety’s, the safety is a 15 pound trigger pull. Lol. I worry somehow a loose piece of clothing could possibly get in there, and possibly pull the trigger..but 15 pounds of pull??? Idk, let me know what you think!
Thanks,
– Alec
Alec,
If there is one thing I’m absolutely certain of it’s that 100% of home break-ins happen in the home. Therefore, whenever I’m home and awake I’m carrying. Your comfort level with your firearm will go up as you carry it more often. And, just as long as you’re not taking it out to play with it all the time, the chances of an ND are lower. The key here is to not grow complacent in your firearms handling, because that’s when NDs happen. Ultimately, it all depends on your comfort level and I would never tell you to do something that you’re not 100% comfortable with.
Thanks for the question,
Josh
I live in a fairly affluent city my home has been broken into twice and my work truck once. I religiously carry everywhere whether it’s comfortable or uncomfortable (if it is uncomfortable I am assessing what I can do
To make it better). As for people that look at you sideways they just haven’t had the need they are blind to what can happen. Saying that makes me a nut job in my wife’s friends minds right up till her GF got violated in a parking lot and was scared off by some monster of a guy that stepped up to the plate and helped her defend herself, but if it wasn’t for him she’d be in therapy and a victim instead of being in martial arts class working to more in tune with her self and her surroundings. The best part of the martial arts class was day one the instructor had a whole talk about “Force Multipliers” boy when I heard her telling my wife that part I just sat back and smiled.
Yes I do ARS357
Yes its like my American Express card i never leave without it
My h&k is always in my sticky holster with me at all times home or away and if I’m not home my wife and kids have been trained to go for my gun safe as you cant be there 24/7
Glad to hear you don’t leave home without it, and use a Sticky Holster to carry even in your home. The looks I get when I say I carry a gun in my home are kind of funny. Then I tell them the truth: 100% of home break ins happen in the home. It may not be my home, but if it is I’ll at least be ready for it.
Thanks for commenting.
I recently purchased my first handgun (a Glock 19) and a nice IWB holster to go with it. My immediate neighbors are good people but I live in a rough neighborhood so I do have my gun on me or near me at all times. I am relieved to hear that so many other do as well, I thought I was being paranoid but I’m the type of person who’d rather be safe than sorry. I keep the clip loaded but nothing in the chamber, I figured if I do hear someone breaking in I can quickly rack one in rather than risking an accidental discharge around my home.
I carry at home all the time and the reason I do is because I want to make it a habit and so second nature that I feel naked without it. I’m of the opinion if you are going to do something like carry, do it all the time so you it becomes second nature. I like the idea of consistency. In a crazy situation, I think the brain will kick into habit and conditioned responses. I don’t like changing things up if it’s something that is related to a high stress situation that requires a “gut” reaction.
I treat my gun like an umbrella, you never need it until you forget it…