I carry a firearm regularly. If I leave the house my firearm
is with me. It’s as normal as grabbing my keys, phone, and wallet. I also carry
a locking knife and two spare magazines. Why do I carry?
I carry based on the possibility, not
probability, that something can
happen. Let’s break that down quick. I carry because with every trip to the
store, gas station, bank, playground, whatever, there’s a possibility (even if
not probable) that someone could (whether intentional or not) attempt to harm
myself or family. Am I paranoid? No, but I am a realist and I am prepared.
Threats exist. Sometimes people do not act rationally. We can attribute that to
many different things but that’s another discussion entirely. As a leader I
choose to not be a victim and accept fate on someone else’s’ terms.
What type of firearm do I carry? Depends on the day, venue, and attire. If I’m
being active and running, hiking, working, playing it’s usually a subcompact
.380 caliber pistol such as a Ruger LCP or Smith & Wesson Bodyguard. They
aren’t ideal in my opinion for stopping power or capacity but it’s better than
nothing. Load up some hollow point ammunition to compensate for small caliber
and absolutely carry several extra magazines. The size and weight let you move
all day long without chaffing and being cumbersome.
If I’m out shopping with the family I usually carry a 9mm or .45 compact
pistol. I choose polymer (plastic) frames due to weight savings. Some common
brands are Smith & Wesson Shield, Springfield Armory XDS, Ruger LC9. These
are “single-stack” firearms meaning they hold only one single stack of
ammunition in the grip. This makes them thinner and lighter. Other options like
a Glock 19 are compact but double stacked in the grip meaning a wider, heavier
unit but twice the capacity and more cumbersome to conceal.
Capacity is important. Three magazines of six rounds are not equal to one
magazine of 18 rounds. Magazine changes can potentially come at the worst
possible time. There’s always a compromise in carrying a larger firearm versus
a smaller one. Compromise comes in terms of caliber, size, capacity, comfort,
and ability to conceal. You’ve got to find what you’re comfortable with. I like
9mm because I can hold a fair amount of rounds and .45 for stopping power. Some
may choose .40 because it’s a nice combination of both. I’ve shot 9mm, .40, and
.45 and decided that I like 9mm and .45 but not .40. One nice thing about 9mm
is that it allows for fast follow-up shots due to low recoil.
How do I carry? At this point in my life I generally carry with a belly band or
ankle holster. Ankle holster is not preferred due to inability to quickly
access. However it fits the bill when I’m wearing a tucked-in shirt. Most of
the time I wear a belly-band which sounds kind of silly but it’s extremely
functional and versatile. With a belly
band you can carry in front, back, or either side of waist, or up on your torso
on either side if you choose. Many belly bands come with multiple pouches for
extra magazines as well which is an extremely nice feature. I’ve run half
marathons wearing these and having a firearm on me was no bother at all.
Do I advocate for open carrying a firearm? No. Not unless you’re out working in
the yard or in the woods or other private setting. I think open carrying in
public makes you a target. If I’m a criminal in the store and I see someone
that can thwart my intentions they are my first target. It’s true that in such
a scenario the criminal may not even act if he sees someone open carrying but
I’m not willing to bet my life on it. Further, if you’re in close proximity to
the criminal when they act and they don’t know you’re carrying you’re in a much
better position to take unexpected action. I don’t necessarily have a problem
with open carrying. I would prefer that people that open carry dress well and
present themselves in a non-threatening manner but that’s not always the case
and I respect their right to choose.
Do I carry with a round chambered? Yes, whenever possible. The only times I may
elect not to chamber is if I’m on the playground with kids or am expecting kids
to be all over me. It should be stated that when I am playing with the kids
it’s not just casually playing and just kind of being present. I am all over
that playground or floor just as active if not more active than the kids.
That’s another nice feature of most belly bands is that they come with a Velcro
strap to secure the firearm in its pouch. Anyway, on carrying a round in the
chamber – should you ever have to use your firearm you may not have the one second
it takes to rack the slide and chamber a round.
How often do I train with my firearm? I train enough at the beginning to be
perfectly familiar with my firearm. Does it function consistently? Is there
certain ammo that feeds better or not at all? Can I retrieve it quickly from my
carry positions? Does it ever fail to function? Can I shoot it accurately and
relatively quickly? Can follow-up shots be made accurately? Can I change
magazines without a problem? Do the hollow points I’ll be carrying on a regular
basis feed and fire properly? These are some of the tests I run through when I
get a new firearm. Other than that every couple months I try to get some range
time even if just to run a couple magazines through my carry gun. Shooting is a
perishable skill and I like to stay sharp.
These are some of my thoughts on carrying a firearm. If you have any questions
I will do my best to answer. There are no stupid questions. I’m here to help.
In closing I feel it’s appropriate to state the four rules of gun safety. 1)
Treat every gun as if it is loaded 2) Always point in a safe direction 3) Be
sure of your target and beyond 4) Keep your finger off the trigger until you
are ready to fire.