There are many specific reasons someone decides to carry a firearm. After sifting through all the specifics, it comes down to protection of your self and those you care about.
Do not be fooled by its simplicity. The physical act of strapping on a handgun is simple and takes a few seconds. However, there are two major, life altering, components to carrying a gun that you need to be aware of: Liability, and Mindset.
If you, God forbid, ever have to discharge your firearm in self defense you are liable for every pull of the trigger. This amount of liability is no small thing, you may be taking another human’s life. We will talk more in depth about liability in another post. Suffice it to say, even if every thing was to the letter of the law on your part, and it was a “good shoot” you may be sued civilly. If you are prepared to place your safety, and the safety of those around you, above yourself then you’re good to go; otherwise, leave the gun at home.
As for Mindset, you have to have a sincere conversation with yourself, and maybe with someone else regarding your mental preparedness to potentially defend yourself, or loved ones, with lethal force. This is not a time for ego, or dishonesty. You, and only you, can determine weather or not you are willing and prepared to do this. Should you find yourself unsure of you capability to defend yourself with lethal force, should the situation arise, leave the gun at home. If you hesitate you are more likely to have your own gun used against you than you are to defend yourself effectively.
Along with this, is the long lasting psychological effects. You will relive an event, dream about it, people will react and act different around you, and so on. Your life will forever be different; the benefit is, you will be here with your family to cope with it…
What can we learn?
If you can avoid conflict, then do so, do everything you can to avoid it, however, this is not always possible. Sometimes you have to react violently to save yourself or others.
Am I ready to face the potential liability that comes with defending myself?
Am I mentally prepared to defend myself and those I love with lethal force?
A catastrophic event is not the time to answer these questions; ask these questions now, so you don’t have to when every second counts. You need to train mentally and thoughtfully just as much if not more than at the range
Stay Sharp, Don’t get cut;
Adam