A Guide to Overcoming 27 Reasons You Don’t Carry Your Gun Every Day
Are you one of the many gun owners who don't carry their firearm regularly?
According to our surveys, most people who have concealed carry permits still don't carry concealed regularly. We've compiled a list of the reasons most often cited for not carrying regularly.
But we didn't stop there.
Under each “reason” section, we've included links to articles that provide information and help in overcoming the specific issue.
List of Reasons People Don't Carry Their Gun Every Day —
I Can't Find a Comfortable Holster
Even though there are thousands of holster companies, finding the right holster can be challenging. First there are different methods of carrying, and then different holsters and made of different materials and configurations. Below are links to content that can assist you in finding the right holster for your needs:
- 10 Criteria for Choosing a Holster
- 1 or 2 Clips on Your Holster?
- Sweatguard on Your Holster?
- Troubles with Sidecar Holster?
- Should You use a Cheap Holster?
- Gap Around the Trigger Guard?
- Choosing the Best Type of Holster Clip
- 4 Things every Appendix Holster Should Have
Anyone who has been carrying for some time has a drawer of holsters. Some of them winners and some flops. But after collecting so many, is it is possible to have more than one favorite?
I Can't Find a Comfortable Gun
Guns are expensive, and your choices abound. I don't think there is such a thing as a “comfortable gun” per se. However, some are certainly more comfortable than others. Some think the smaller the gun, the more comfortable. While this is somewhat true, size isn't the only consideration when selecting a gun for everyday carry (EDC).
- Selecting a Concealed Carry Gun
- Determining What is a Reliable Gun for everyday Carry
- How Many Rounds for a Concealed Carry gun?
- Tips to make carrying more comfortable
My Employer Doesn't Allow It
Most of us spend about 36% of our waking hours at our job. If your employer doesn't allow firearms that can be a very legitimate concern.
Too Many Private Businesses I Frequent Prohibit Guns
Does it feel like everywhere you go is another anti-gun business? It can take a lot of work to find the businesses that support your rights and often can create an inconvenience to frequent them. We get it.
Dealing with Gun Free Businesses
It Doesn't Support My Style Or The Way I Dress
Guns are big and bulky and unlikely to ever conceal well in tight fitting clothing but if you think there is no way to look good and have a gun I think you are mistaken. The key here is being willing to make some changes.
I Don't Know If I Could Kill Someone
Honestly, this is going to sound like a cop out but I promise you could. If the situation were dire enough… if it was about you or someone you love living or dying you could take the life. Consider also that just because you shoot to stop a threat doesn't mean you will kill people. Modern medicine is fairly impressive and people survive gun shots all the time.
I Have Difficulty Concealing the Gun
Guns are generally not that easy to conceal and most gun owners feel strongly about ensuring others don't see or discern the weapon. Overcoming this issue could be the most critical factor in your personal defense.
I Have Fear of Legal and Civil Consequences
The world is full of sue-happy people and some politicians respect your rights about as much as they love taking a cold shower.
- Overcoming the fear of Civil and Criminal Legal Consequences
- Do I Need Concealed Carry Insurance?
- Concealed Carry Insurance Comparison Chart
- CCW Safe vs USCCA
It Conflicts with My Social Life
It may be time to decide what is more important to you. Being prepared to safe lives or having a few drinks with friends.
I Couldn't Make it a Habit
We are all creatures of habit and learning to make your carry gun part of your life is tough.
My Risk is Too Low to Justify It
History has proven repeatedly that evil people commit their deeds anywhere, and upon anyone. Consider listening to the bi-weekly Concealed Carry Podcast. Once time a month, we dedicate an entire episode titled “Justified Saves.” to stories of people defending themselves with firearms.
I Never Leave the House
Really? Well, even if you stay home, depending on your risk assessment, you may consider carrying your firearm, or at the very least, having it close by.
- Home Defense Fundamentals
- Choosing the AR for Home Defence
- Should I Carry a gun at Home?
- Your Armed Response to the Late Night Knock at the Door Could Get You Killed
I'm Afraid it Could Be Used Against Me
This is a legitimate concern, as sometimes bad guys disarm firearm owners and use their gun against them. However, it is typically an issue for those who have limited training.
I'm Afraid of Dealing With Law Enforcement
Generally, if you obey the law, then you shouldn't have a lot of law enforcement encounters. Even when they happen, a prepared concealed carrier should know what to expect and how to proceed.
I'm a Student, or I Work at a School
If you go to a school every day that doesn't allow firearms, that is a tough issue to overcome. While not the ideal situation, find out if you may store your firearm in your car and consider that it would be better than leaving it at home. Determine if you can legally carry a less-lethal force option.
I Only Have a Gun for Home Defence
You will use a firearm to defend yourself and loved ones while at home, why would you decide not to defend those same people when you leave the home?
My Spouse or Friends are Armed, So I Don't Need to Be
Each of us needs to take responsibility for our own survival.
You can't honestly say that you are ALWAYS with someone else who is armed. Furthermore, if that someone else is injured, out of ammunition, killed or has a firearm malfunction you are now both in serious trouble.
I Don't Go Anywhere Dangerous
You are at risk everywhere you are and everywhere you go. There are no safe havens. The terrorists, attackers, criminals, and idiots are everywhere, and they love nothing more than finding people who are unsuspecting and feel safe. You need to be pro-active if you want to avoid being a victim.
I Travel on Airplanes A Lot
Even if you could make the argument that you spend more time away from home (via airplane) than you do at home, that still wouldn't be an excuse to not carry when you are not traveling. Further, you can check guns on airplanes, you know? Almost all airports make it relatively easy.
I Have a Physical Disability
Are you tired of your disability getting in the way of doing what needs to be done? While everyday carry may not be a possibility for you, you may need to approach it with the attitude of “how can I” and not “can I.”
My Work Uniform Makes it Too Hard to Conceal
Hard or impossible? With many ankle and tuckable holsters on the market, it's likely that you just haven't tried enough options. Also consider that a smaller gun is generally easier to conceal.
I Don't Always Take my Purse / Bag with Me
Off body carry systems come with that very issue. Where possible, you need to find and use a holster system that is attached to your body. Otherwise you need to change your habits since being without that gun is the worst idea you could have.
- Off-Body Carry Considerations
- Doing Off-Body Carry Right, with Beth Alcazar
- Guide to Conceal Carry with a Purse
Keeping Track of the Laws is Too Hard
Here is a perfect time to remind you about the best legal resource that you can use to determine any state's firearm laws, and much, much more. Our App called Concealed Carry Gun Tools provides legal information for every state and DC.
- The Concealed Carry Gun Tools App
The App is available for Google and iPhone and is FREE.
My Family Members Don't Support Me
If you don't think you can or should “conceal” it from them, it's time to have one of those hard conversations about why this is important to you. Education, both yours and theirs, are the keys to removing the emotional and mental barriers.
Getting a Permit Will Put Me On the Grid
A concealed carry permit doesn't mean you own a gun or guns (in most states). But I understand the reasons someone may not want to tell the government they are “pro-gun.” However, ask yourself if it's worth being on “the grid” so you can legally defend yourself in a life-threatening situation? I would say it is.
I Don't Know How to Respond to a Threat
It takes a lot of forethought and training to be prepared to take action. One thing that is certain is that if you don't have the firearm, you have fewer options. Start with that first step and seek the training to prepare you for the next step.
I Don't Have An Attorney To Represent Me
Get one. Ask your instructor and gun club for recommendations and make that happen as soon as you can.
- Here is a great guide
- Concealed Carry Insurance
- [Review] CCW Safe Self Defense Insurance, Read Before Joining
Closing —
There you have it. We hope we provided some help in overcoming the primary reasons people don't carry a firearm with them. Let us know what reasons you had to overcome when you first started carrying your firearm.
If you enjoy this content, please consider sharing it with those you care about. We want to help folks become responsible in their self-defense strategy.
Love your resolutions for the obvious. I have a license and have carried almost daily for many,many years. I only pulled it once and that was because of an agressive cow elk. I fired into the ground and they fled.
Most people who don’t like or carry, are afraid of guns. They need free training for all aspects of being armed. Every cop i ever talked to was grateful for my abilities in maybe one day rendering him assistance. Go serious, go armed.
Great article Mr. Paulsen:
I have my CCW in Illinois, yet have only carried a few times. If my business takes me into a “high crime” area, I’ll carry. Most often, though, my travels are through stable neighborhoods. Well, your reasons #12 and #21 hit home. I looked more deliberately and found a holster that I am very comfortable with, I have two separate handguns (.380 and 9mm) that I train with regularly and now carry one or the other every place that local laws allow me to carry. Thanks for giving me a bump in the right direction to get off the fence on this much debated issue.
I, totally, agree! I carry everywhere I go. If I have to go to the hospital campus here, I have a good place for it beside my seat. Ready to draw it, if necessary. Heck. I even carry while at home. Never know who might come to your door….
This is all very well said….
But remember one thing…..
If you must use your gun, and shoot someone…
When the police come. Stand still. Do not move. Have your hands out in front of you….
And when they ask what happened. Just give your name. And say. I was in fear for my life. I want a lawyer. Say no more. Not one word until you have a lawyer with you. Nothing.
Know your rights and use them. The police are NOT on your side when you shoot someone.
They come after the fact. 98% of the time.. And one more thing.. Never fire a warning shot.
You can go to jail for it… ……. In English the thugs have more rights then you do..
Be armed. Be ready. Know your rights. And use them. And have a great safe day..
Very good article, well written! I, agree we should carry every day. However I, have a compact 1911 , .45 cal. Double stack single action. I, think it is too heavy. Need a good holster ISB.and am considering dropping down to a .9mm. American made. Also my wife has been through law suits with me and she thinks that I, feel like a big man, carrying. Nothing could be farther from the truth!!
James, I’m a little bias but did you check out the Brave Response Holster? You can find it in our online store.
Yeah, lot’s of typical BS excuses. And the material of regrets when the person making the excuses isn’t ready and something catastrophic happens.
Natural selection, I guess.
yes the man with the 1911 45 i carry my 45 in a shoulder holster and it make,s it easy too carry
yes I carry a 45 double stack that I lock in my desk five days a week but carry a 380 on my ankle all day don’t go any where with out the one or two always even beside me when watching tv at night I live in a very scattered area
I relate well with #20. With work and family time constraints, it took me six years from buying my first handgun until I was adequately confident to pursue my carry permit. I now carry daily and still use the range/training time to maintain my confidence.
I’m trying to figure out how to conveniently carry while wearing Suspenders. No luck yet. Help please!
Kynn, sounds like you tuck your shirt in yes? If you are looking to carry concealed then I would recommend a belly band or the Brave Response Holster as they are all fully tuckable. Try the appendix position.
Thank you very much Jacob for the suggestions!
Check into Alien Gear
Amen brother . I have been carring since the 60’s . Some friends say they hide guns around their home . I laugh and just say wear one . Say you are in the middle of your room and you have a gun hidden in your couch . Someone kicks your door open and points his pistol at you . You are out of luck .
I don’t know what to do when I go to the gym?So I end up leaving it in my vehicle or sometimes my gymbag?any other options?
Carry a small duffle gag with your towel, water bottle and handgun in it. Gyms are places you feel very exposed
I carry everywhere I go except on a Military reservation. I am retired military and carrying on base is illegal under feral law. Other than that, I would not leave home without it.
If you are LEO or licensed CCW and don’t carry, you are one of the “sheep”. Become the “sheepdog” wherever you go.
( Thanks Col. Grossman)
I went through too much training and qualifying in Sacramento County NOT to carry everyday. I am 5’3″ and weigh 105 lbs. I’m a retired LE chaplain with 13 grandGrandbabies and 65 years old. Although I have several firearms on my ccw, I carry my S&W M&P Shield 9mm in my carry purse. I will protect myself and my family. I may be in the grocery store behind you, but you’d never know I’m armed unless I was certain someone was threating my life or someone elses.
I attained a CCW permit in my state of WI in 2012, since then I carry 24/7. I own my own trucking business, of the 3 states I currently travel in/through 2 of those states recognize my states CCW permit, the only exception is IL, in IL my CCW permit is recognized to “Transport Through The State Of IL” but I may not set foot on IL soil with my firearm, if I have to get out of my truck/vehicle, my firearm must remain in the vehicle inside a locked gun vault. I am a “Life Member” of USCCA, if you have a CCW permit, I strongly advise you to become a USCCA member, the training they offer is “Priceless”, and if you are ever forced to use “Deadly Force” 1 phone call to them and they will be there for you with an attorney to represent you. There is always a way to correctly address the issues listed in this article.
I carry when I’m in my home state. But, being a truck driver , do travel thru IL, and the northeast. I do own my truck. How can work around this?
I carry every day everywhere it is legal or won’t get me fired. At work I take it off in the parking lot and keep it in a truck vault until I leave work and strap on again.
I agree with ALL of your logic sans one. If you live in an anti-gun state and can’t move for whatever reason a nonresident license will NOT help you. Anti-gun states like NY, NJ or CA don’t have good reciprocity laws and almost certainly don’t accept nonresident licenses. I have a non resident FL CCW and simply don’t travel to those states. Those include any state that touches the Pacicic and most in the NE north of Virginia.