An often asked question is “Why do you carry a gun?” The reason(s) I carry a gun are many, but the one I’m most comfortable giving is as follows. I carry a gun because I have a responsibility to my family to ensure their safety. I do not carry a gun to protect you or your family. I believe we each must take care of ourselves or no one else will. During the Arkansas CHL Course I teach, we cover the different ways to carry a firearm, selecting a handgun and various other topics as required. The most interesting discussions we have is why you need carry a gun in the first place.
If you choose to carry a handgun for self defense you accept the moral, and legal obligations associated with it. Morally you must realize that in order to stop a threat from killing or gravely injuring you deadly force might be required. Can you accept the fact you may have to take the life of another person and can you tolerate the judgement and consequences that go along with it? As you make the decision to carry a handgun you have an enormous legal responsibility. The mere fact you are carrying a weapon opens you up to any number of potential criminal penalties if you do not play by the rules. In fact the first rule for concealed carry is literally the first rule listed by the State of Arkansas Concealed Handgun License documentation; Arkansas statue 5-73-301 clearly states: “Concealed means to cover from observation so as to prevent public view.” If the handgun is not concealed you could be charged with brandishing a weapon. From the minor to the extreme case of being charged with a felony if you are found to have displayed or used your weapon the legal responsibilities can be intimidating.
I have had a few clients come to me after a class and tell me they do not want to apply for their license because of all of the responsibility that goes along with it. Interestingly one of the questions on the license application is “Do you desire a legal means to carry a concealed handgun to defend yourself?” I attempt to explain that the license is just that, a legal means to carry a concealed handgun to defend yourself. One of the first concepts taught in the course is the best way to not get in trouble is to Avoid Trouble! I believe Col. Jeff Cooper said “carrying a handguns is not a necessity, but there is a great deal of comfort having one available…” I believe that carrying handgun is not unlike having a fire extinguisher in your home. You pray you never have to use it, but when you need it you are very glad to had access to it.
Several years ago when I received my license I did it because I was scared. I took the course only after being a victim of a crime. Obtaining a license is not a difficult process it’s going to cost you some time, money and a little effort like anything else. Too many clients come to me after something has happened and like me are scared. They are reacting to a circumstance which caused them to take action after the fact. Should everyone carry a handgun for self defense? It is a personal decision. The latest statistics I have seen report that over 92,000 Arkansas residents have concealed handgun licenses. So there are a lot of people with a license and most likely about 20% of them carry at some point and probably 20% of that number carry on a daily basis.
So, why do I carry a gun? To protect me and my family. I agree with Col. Cooper there is a degree of comfort I get from having access to a tool that could protect my family. I carry it because now it is part of my life, I don’t leave home without it. I carry on my body like a responsible person should and I know how to use it. So what does it take for you to get a concealed handgun license? That is the topic of the next post so please come back.
Until next time, Finish the Fight!
Tags: Arkansas Concealed Handgun License, carry a gun, Hot Springs Concealed Carry, Self Defense Training
