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Is Concealed Carry a Patriotic Commitment?
In the last two days of a three-day gun workshop, I haven’t killed anyone yet. Of course, the instructor made sure we took special precautions. But as some of you know, I posted about my dilemma of trying to decide if I should conceal carry. I have discovered through this entire experience that my own thinking was unclear about what concealed carry would mean to and for me, and this workshop has expanded my understanding of concealed carry, its benefits and limitations, and what it would mean for me as a citizen of the United States to carry a gun on my person.
I realized early on that this was a very personal and individual decision. I am a small, senior woman. For a person looking for a victim in a situation where he or she may have a few choices, I could be a primary target. Since there is nothing I can do to change any of those factors (unless someone invents the Fountain of Youth), it was sensible for me to consider those conditions.
We also learned many techniques that we had a chance to practice. Our instructor, Steve, made clear that we would learn and also gain some muscle memory, but the techniques would only serve us well if we practiced. We discussed with Steve the techniques that he thought would be most valuable to practice regularly—draw and re-holstering, point shooting and getting off the “x”, subconscious site, half hip and retention, and walking and shooting. There are other techniques included in those categories. In particular, I have had longstanding concerns about keeping my finger off the trigger and now have a “checklist” to remind me quickly to move my finger.
We also discovered early that in spite of my enjoying the Glock, a Glock 19 is too large for me—too large a grip, heavy, and a recoil that may be too much for me. I plan to try out a gun tomorrow that feels great, a Glock 42, and if they have 380 ammunition, I’ll try to shoot it. I learned the 380 recoil might affect me less due to its smaller size.
All of those opportunities have gradually lessened my resistance to conceal carry a gun. But aside from my personal vulnerability, three. other things have contributed to my decision.
The first is that I feel more competent already, and more knowledgeable. That includes taking steps to prevent a bystander from being shot and possibly killed. I realized that killing an attacker was not a concern—I believe I will be able to do that, although a person can never be certain. But I feel much better prepared to take on this serious responsibility.
Second, and as a result of my first point, I am more confident in many ways. I am more confident about my physical, mental, and emotional ability to make what could be a life and death decision.
Third, and finally, I’ve felt for a long time that I should be contributing more to dealing with the turbulence in our country. I am frustrated that I must depend on so many others to defend this country. I feel responsible for at least being able to take care of myself if events go awry (and am well aware that one strategy is to leave the situation). There are small things I do to contribute—my writing, my support of others who love this country and verbally defending the foundations of America. But by carrying concealed, I feel as if I’m doing more: I am making a patriotic decision to not only defend myself but to stand up for the Constitution.
So I will join the ranks of those who conceal carry.
It is one small patriotic commitment I can make.
(Thanks to everyone who participated in the original discussion for your suggestions, perceptions, and encouragement. You were a significant help in my decision.)
Published in Guns
Thank you for forwarding this.
It is Saturday night, more than 24 hours since our gun workshop ended. Some of you might like to know where I’m at, what I’ve done, how I see the future and other miscellaneous thoughts.
First, I can honestly say that the workshop was an incredible experience on so many levels. Our instructor was a 32-year old man with military experience and a generous and kind heart. I felt I was getting excellent critiques coupled with kindness and a great sense of humor. My husband and he kept commiserating about Jerry getting an AR15 at Jerry’s suggestion. Since Steve’s wife repeatedly tells him, “We’ll see,” that will be my go-to phrase. In spite of our advanced years, he treated us respectfully, while at the same time dealing directly with the implications of age now, and in the future.
I’ve bought a Glock 42. We didn’t know if we would find the gun or the ammo (380) but we found both in Okeechobee. The gun perfectly fits my small hand, and the recoil is manageable. We still need to get a holster and check out the extended cartridge, but it was very clear that the Glock 19 was far too large for me. Jerry will take over my Gen 4 (which he likes more than his Gen 5).
At the end of the workshop, the last exercise was discouraging for me. Since I was exhausted and probably dehydrated, I struggled with shooting at multiple targets. But I still knew that I had made great progress through the three days, building confidence and skills. The paradox is that I didn’t want to have to practice regularly, but Steve made a number of suggestions about how to hone our skills, both at home at the range, while working the time into our daily routine. I will try to approach practice as I would anything at which I want to grow and improve, and I’m actually looking forward to seeing if I can grow into the practice as an art form.
I cannot thank everyone enough for their kind words and suggestions. I will be reading the articles and links you suggested and am about to join the Rico gun group. Again, thanks.
And for those still wondering, I will purse carry. It is my duty and obligation to myself, my husband and my country.
You can always retreat. Until you can’t. Now you will have options. Options are good.
Trust me. Knowing where the nearest exist is located is a top priority for me!
And if the retreat needs to become a fighting retreat, that will be provided for.
Stevan Blanda, aka Steve, from Florida Firearms Training–
Well done. I think .380 will be just fine for you.
The next thing you might consider would be getting a laser cartridge, a sort of snap cap that fires a momentary laser pointer, and a target or two. They’re just the thing when you want to play with your new best friend but not take the time for a trip to the range. The Glock trigger will typically smooth out with some dry firing, but more important, you will get used to it. The biggest factor in accuracy is learning not to move the gun when you pull the trigger, and dry firing helps a lot with that.
This is the view from my easy chair. The little square things on the bookshelf are laser targets. They can be set so that they beep when I hit them, or they beep randomly giving you a few seconds to locate and fire at them. Many pleasant winter hours have been spent persuading myself I was doing something useful while playing with them.
Not now, Cato …
What a neat idea! I’m going to show Jerry!
Any day is improved by a Peter Sellers reference.