Concealed Weapons
Carrying concealed weapons (CCW, also referred to as concealed carry) in the United States is legal authorization to carry a weapon in a concealed manner in public.
While some states only require residency, under the Second Amendment it is constitutional for states to require licensing, not require licensing or even have laws prohibiting carrying concealed weapons. Hence, CCW laws vary from state to state. Concealed carry applicants may be obliged to participate in a training course with classroom time at a minimum. Some states include a practical component, also in which the attendee may need to shoot the weapon to demonstrate safety and proficiency. These courses are usually completed in one or two days. Many of these courses devote a good percentage of time to liability issues. Even justifiable self defense can have serious civil liabilities. Click here to tell us your concealed weapons story. Things to consider when carrying concealed weapons. It should be worn in such a fashion as not to be detected by anyone else. It should be comfortable to wear. It should always be worn and easy to get at quickly. For concealment purposes, the smaller the better. If we’re considering a gun here, we have the added complexity of smaller can be less effective. Obviously a larger gun will cause more visual fear to your assailant, but I would think that in most situations just seeing you pull out a gun will make him rethink his plan. But if you had to actually use it- and ladies, if you have carry a gun, please be mentally, emotional and physically ready to use it- the smaller gun won’t possess the stopping power a larger caliper would. For more information about guns please read Self Defense Guns. The element of surprise is something to consider as well. If your attacker knew you carried a gun he may have a plan to handle that situation. You need to be able to have it out and ready in two seconds from its hiding place. Now, go stand in front of the mirror and practice your quick draw until you can do it in two seconds. Another possibility would be a knife. They are less expensive and do not require a license. A folding knife is easy to carry in a pocket. You must be able to open the knife quickly (2 second rule) and single handedly. Don’t get a cheap one as it may collapse at an inopportune moment or one your fingers. A full tang blade is stronger and can be housed in a quick draw holster. Pepper spray or Mace can easily be carried and concealed as a keychain, lipstick case or pager. Keep in mind that after twelve months its effectiveness wears down and needs to be replaced. Stun Guns can produce very high voltage using normal household batteries. They can incapacitate your attacker long enough for you to get away. A nine volt battery can produce several charges before replacement. They tend to a little large for wearing as concealed weapons and are usually carried in a woman’s purse- so much for the 2 second rule. I would worry that it would be taken from me before I could use it and be used against me.
Do you carry a concealed weapon?
Do you carry a concealed weapon? What deciding factors lead you to make your decision? Have you ever had to use it? Did it require special training? Would you recommend it?
Click here to return to Weapons from Concealed Weapons.
Click here to return the home page.
|
