Carrying a gun is essential for maximizing your safety when out in the world. However, it’s often frowned upon and inconvenient to take your rifle everywhere you go. Even if it’s in your truck, you won’t always be near it when a situation arises.
Whether you’re a responsible gun owner or looking to purchase your first, there are some factors to consider before you start carrying a gun.
1. Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
Depending on where you live, gun owners will have the option between open and concealed carry. Open carry means you can have your firearm visible to others. Concealed carry means that the weapon should be hidden from view.
2. Your State’s Laws
Every state has different laws regarding gun ownership, such as needing a permit, getting a background check, and what guns you can carry on your person and store in your vehicle. Make sure to read up on your state’s concealed carry laws before purchasing anything.
3. Training
Any responsible gun owner should undergo some kind of gun training. Indoor shooting ranges offer a great opportunity to test out a new purchase and get accustomed to it. A concealed carry course may also be required in order to get a gun permit.
4. Storing Your Gun
A major part of gun ownership is learning to properly store your gun so accidents don’t happen. The last thing you want is to find your child playing with a loaded weapon in your living room because of your negligence.
Gun cases are available at any sporting goods store, and you can slap a padlock on them. If you have more than one gun, a locking steel gun cabinet provides extra storage and safety.
5. No Gun Policies
Although concealed carry is legal in all states, it’s not always allowed in certain buildings or stores. You can’t bring a gun into most hospitals or schools, so be prepared to have some kind of storage option in your vehicle when you visit them.
6. Travel Cases
When traveling by plane, your firearm needs to be packed and unloaded in a locked case in your checked baggage. Always declare any firearms when checking baggage to avoid complications later on. You may need some kind of permit or written consent to bring your gun into another country.
7. What Happens if You Use It
Even if you have a permit for your gun, gun ownership can still get you into some legal trouble. Firing at anyone for any reason should always be an absolute last resort. It’s easy to find yourself on the wrong side of the law, especially if the other person was unarmed in the altercation.
Carrying a Gun Without Issue
Owning a gun is a big responsibility. As such, it’s important to do all the necessary research before carrying a gun.
What kind of firearms are you allowed to concealed carry? Does your specific firearm need a permit to own?
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