Posted on 02/21/2026 4:53:48 AM PST by MtnClimber
SShould I carry a concealed handgun?
Yes. Next question?
Generally, the answer is still yes, but it’s a bit more complicated.
We carry because we understand the eternal battle between good and evil rages around us every day, and because evil can confront us anywhere at any time. We also carry because we can’t predict when we’ll need a handgun. If we could, we could approach that confrontation with a rifle, which is the minimum one should be wielding in a gun fight. Sadly, rifles are heavy and hard to conceal, so handguns are the best compromise.
Even if one lives in a relatively low-crime area, there is no such thing as a no crime area. Crimes of all kinds, including murder, occur in prisons.
I’ll not go into the makes and models of contemporary concealed carry handguns. That’s a book-length dissertation. However, one should carry a handgun with which one is accurate, confident and which is easily concealable and which is comfortable enough to carry every day.
Graphic: G43X, Author
A handgun of that type is the Glock 43X. This particular handgun, my everyday carry gun is outfitted with high visibility TruGlo sights and a Crimson Trace laser/light unit. They’re not absolutely necessary but aid in short, and long range, accuracy.
It’s vital to be able to affirmatively answer this question: am I willing and able to shoot if I’m facing an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death? If you’re not convinced your life is of greater value to yourself, those you love and a just society than someone evil enough to take it, you’re better off accepting your chosen identity as prey.
Deciding to carry a concealed handgun carries substantial responsibility. It is not license to be a righteous avenger.
(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...
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It is also a responsibility to get safety training, preferably from a NRA certified instructor. Safety training with firing time at a gun range and then plenty of practice and the practice is not a one and done thing. Many shooting ranges have guns that can be rented so that shooters can find what they like best.
Florida is a "Constitutional Carry" state, but it is still a good idea to take a CCW course (like those required to get a CCW permit) so you get a thorough review of the laws in your state such as where it is illegal to carry a gun even if you have a permit.
Only yes if you are willing to own responsibly and learn how to properly use it.
Otherwise, I do believe a person should not own one if they will not take the acre to properly exercise their right.
That does not mean I would deny them ownership. only that I believe people need to take the right to own seriously.
This is salient advice. I can only add that the responsibility for knowing and abiding the laws of the state you carry in is the most important part of staying on the right side of the legal system. Ignorance of the law isn’t a viable defense in court. Be smart and carry always.
Agree. For a new owner that means safety instruction and lots of practice with an experienced shooter before ever carrying in public.
“Should my kindergartener carry a concealed handgun? The rifle he typically carries is scaring the other children.”
“Should I carry a concealed handgun?” Yes.
You just opened the door for every self proclaimed gun expert on FR.
I predict this thread is gonna be hilarious.
The other children are probably just angry that he doesn’t let them fire the rifle during recess.
That’s the hardest part for me. We need nationwide reciprocity. I travel a lot for my job. Many states have zero reciprocity so I’m relegated to being a victim. (I usually have a stun gun. Also illegal but I don’t care as much about that)
Tomorrow I’m heading to a work thing four states away. All are Constitutional carry except for my own state so I don’t need to worry much.
Step #1 for anyone concerned about personal safety should be to buy police-grade pepper spray (not the checkout line junk). Carry it in your hand when in sketchy areas. And have it easy to reach otherwise.
Fox and Sabre are good brands. Both are available on Amazon, and to my knowledge are legal in every state. But some states have canister size restrictions.
I mention all this for two reasons. One, some people just aren’t gun people.
And two, some wise person once said “Have something between fists and firearm.” That’s where police-grade pepper spray comes in.
My sister asked me why I carried a gun. I told her I tried carrying a police officer, but he got too heavy.
CC
Open carry is legal here in Florida,
~~~
I haven’t seen anyone open carrying in FL yet. Have you?
MAYBE people are reluctant to initiate this while waiting to see how it goes (Karens and LEOs unaware of the change) with others?
Bkmk
I have not seen anyone open carrying yet. Establishments can ban open carry from their property, but Publix Supermarkets stated that open carry would be permitted in their Florida stores.
Thanks for the info on pepper spray.
The problem with open carry is you tend to attract nut cases who are loud and threatening. Liberals view anything that isn’t in exact alignment with whatever they’re thinking today as a physical assault requiring a physical answer. These crazy people are a percentage of the population and can be anywhere. Fortunately, they generally present identifying coloration, face tattoos and other easily identifying markings like COEXIST bumper stickers allowing you to leave them plenty of personal space.
“I haven’t seen anyone open carrying in FL yet.”
Me either other than of course uniformed LEOs and plain clothed LEOs displaying a badge.
Personally speaking, I prefer concealed.......thought being concealed is an element of surprise and I don’t want anyone knowing what I have.....but that’s just me.
So far, I’ve only seen one sign posted “no open or concealed carry” since new ruling.
I thought about that before I posted.
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