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 ...
Agree.
After no CCW permit required for concealed carry was passed, I have noticed more guys carrying “purses”.
Rookies!
😂
Remember when Fannie packs were THE thing?
IBT...
“IT’S A SATCHEL! INDIANA JONES HAD ONE!”
I’ve also considered a less than lethal option like a Byrna product but the cost is a bit much and it looks a little cumbersome to conceal.
Hmmm. Actually Florida is a Constitutional carry state, not an open carry state. I wish that it was....
Please correct us as we go astray.
In SoFlo its hard to carry when it’s hot. I’ve not seen any open carry. I own a G43X and am pretty good with it, but I usually rely on herd immunity, because “everyone” carries down here and I figure some complete stranger will take the perp put.
I’m not sure I agree with the comment about a rifle being ideal - especially for all circumstances. There are a TON of variables.
I believe it is open carry now. If you are fishing hunting or camping you’ve always been able to-open carry.
Police grade pepper spray is trash. We had to carry overseas and to do so we had to be sprayed first. Police come to the base and hit us with it. In my platoon over 3/4 could still function well enough, the rest were weak trash. If you need spray you need a firearm. I was still able to close with and destroy said cop very easily. Rights are rights, use them.
There’s a running joke among the staff at my church.
They say there’s probably so many firearms in the worship center during services, if something was to happen the biggest worry is we would shoot each other! Lol!
I don’t agree with using laser “return fire here” dots.
Range time.
Green or red laser?
That dumbass Pretti, someone who is the Left's prototypical gun owner, did not even know that most fundamental of maxims.
And it got him dead. Good thing he didn't take anyone with him.
As long as you have been properly trained on how to safely use and maintain a firearm the absolutely conceal carry. I also strongly suggest you join USCCA which included access to a local attorney and covers up to 2 million dollars of legal expenses.
I used to shoot my brother in laws Glock at the range.
Really a joy shoot. If I’m ever back in the market (aren’t we always? 😏) a Glock would probably be the choice.
Check Your State Laws Here
Massas Ayoob approved;
.
HANDGUNLAW.US
100 percent support for anyone doing concealed carry, it is your constitutional and natural right imho. if this is your choice, great!
open carry makes for a polite society and provides a visible reminder to criminals to Just Forget About Trying It.
both in same city is optimal, imho
> Police grade pepper spray is trash. <
I guess it depends on where the spray hits you, and your adrenaline/drug situation.
I was pepper-sprayed in the face once (long story). It didn’t take me down. But I was certainly disoriented for a while.
Some people want nothing to do with firearms. Others know - deep down - they would hesitate to use one. They might be wrong. But it is what it is.
Quality pepper spray is the answer for those folks. It might not end the threat. But it would probably reduce it, and increase the chances for escape.
So I stand by my comments.
I see what you’re saying, but as an infantry vet I know hesitation kills. I also know that you might only get once chance to act. It best be a good act. I also know that when it’s between a two legged critter or a four legged critter, and it’s them or me, it’s me every time.
This is a bit off-subject. Has anyone had experience with ‘non-lethal’ pistols like the Byrna? The ads give the impression that these weapons are highly effective deterrents. I come away thinking, ‘Don’t bring a knife to a gun fight’.
> I know hesitation kills <
I agree with everything you said there. A trained person probably has that hesitation worked out of him. My concern is for the untrained person, or for the person who has strict moral constraints. Then pepper spray is an option.
I wish I could find the story now. But a while back I read an article about some guy who was (legally) carrying a 45. He was jumped by a mugger. The guy pulled his 45, then froze. The mugger disarmed him, then killed him with his own gun.
It might have been in one of Massad Ayoob’s books. I very much recommend his books. Lots of common sense there.
Regards,
LR
Florida is a Constitutional carry state and open carry is now legal, effective September 25, 2025.
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