The debate over whether you should conceal or open carry is one you’ll often run into when talking with other gun owners. In fact, this debate has become quite heated as more laws open up your options for carrying your weapon. The best choice for you will depend on multiple factors, such as your personal preference and your jurisdiction’s laws and regulations. You may even find your choice changes depending on where you go and what you’re doing. Examining these points will help you choose how to carry your firearm when you leave home. If you’re a new gun owner and you aren’t sure which option suits you best, you can learn about different ways to carry by enrolling in a firearms safety class.
Check the Local Laws
In Texas, you can now open carry in any place where you were once only allowed to concealed carry. However, gun laws vary from one state to another. You’ll want to find out the laws for any states you plan to visit, and this strategy should always be your go-to point for beginning to make a decision on how you want to carry your firearm. If you’re in a jurisdiction where you’re not legally allowed to open or concealed carry, don’t take the chance of doing so, since this could result in fines, jail time, or losing your license.
Respect the Authority of Private Businesses
You might be in a grocery store that’s open to the general public. However, this doesn’t mean you’re on public property. Privately owned businesses can set their own rules regarding whether or not they allow you to carry your weapon openly on their premises. If you’re asked to conceal your weapon or leave by someone who’s authorized to make the request, do so immediately. Trying to argue with a business owner isn’t taking a stand. It’s disrespecting the person’s property, and you could face legal action as a result.
Consider the General Public Atmosphere
As an educated firearm owner, you likely already know you can’t carry your firearm on certain properties, such as a school. Yet some gray areas can often pop up. For example, you can technically open carry your firearm while walking down a public street, but this might create fear among your neighbors if you’re doing so during a time when families are walking their kids to school or the bus stop. In this situation, you might choose to conceal carry your firearm while you take your morning stroll. On the other hand, you might not have any worries about carrying your weapon openly at an outdoors equipment store that allows firearms on their property.
Pick Your Preferred Method
While keeping state and local laws along with the general public’s reaction in mind, you still have many times when you get to make your own choice. You’ll want to practice carrying your firearm using various types of holsters and carrying positions. With time and training, you’ll eventually find your preferred choice for handling this important decision.
Typically, concealed carry is recommended much more often over open carry. Most people prefer to carry a firearm discretely, in order to avoid people knowing they are carrying. In almost all circumstances, this is recommended.
No matter which carry method you choose, knowing how to carry your gun safely is one of the most important aspects of gun ownership. If you own a firearm, it’s essential to get high-quality training so you know how to handle, store, and shoot your gun safely. Fortunately, Gun Safety Training Pros offers an exceptional online gun safety course. If you need to learn how to handle a gun and shoot it safely, we offer what you need. For more information, contact one of our knowledgeable team members today at [email protected].
