Wikipedia: Concealed Carrying or Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW) is the practice of carrying a weapon (such as a gun) in public in a concealed manner, either on one’s own person or in close proximity. Not all weapons that fall under the laws of the CCW are lethal. For example, in Florida, carrying pepper spray in more than a specified volume (2 oz.) Of chemical requires a CCW permit, while anyone can legally carry a smaller “self-defense chemical spray” device hidden in their person without a CCW. permitted. As of 2017, 16.3 million concealed weapons permits have been issued in the United States.

There is no federal statutory law on the issuance of concealed carry permits. All fifty states have passed laws that allow qualified individuals to carry certain concealed firearms in public, either without a permit or after obtaining a permit from a designated state and / or local government authority; however, there are still many states that, although they have passed concealment permit laws, either do not issue permits or make it extremely difficult to obtain one.

A comprehensive review of the literature in 2004 by the National Academy of Sciences concluded that there was no evidence that concealed carriers increased or decreased violent crime; some individual studies suggest that CCW reduces violent crime; others suggest that it increases violent crime.

Okay, now we have the definition of CCW, but how do we FEEL? Is It Right For You?

Statistics show that more men own and carry guns compared to their female counterparts, but that could easily start to change considering that women have much more to worry about when it comes to their safety. Women are more likely to be attacked on the streets because we are seen as less threatening. We also carry a bag that is much easier to grab than accessing a wallet that is tucked in a man’s pocket. So if you decide to carry, consider purchasing a hide-and-carry crossbody bag. It is much more difficult to remove what gives you access to your weapon.

When you hear a news story from a citizen who protected a person or a group of people because he was a “good guy” with a gun, when a “bad guy” was trying to hurt, how does that make you feel? For my part, I am proud that we as a country allow ourselves to adjust the odds. We don’t always need to feel like we’re at the mercy of a bully with a gun or left waiting for the police to respond … which can feel like a lifetime under those circumstances.

Another thing to consider is where you live and work. Is it a high crime area? If so, you may need to consider protecting yourself more than a stay at home mom living in a low crime area. Do you work late at night? Again, you may need more protection than someone who works in an office during the day.

Do you need to carry a gun or is pepper spray or a stun gun all you really need to feel more confident? Regardless of the device you choose, you should feel comfortable using it and have easy access to it. Be aware of your surroundings so you don’t get caught off guard!

Once you decide if transportation is right for you, find out what your local laws are. Do you need to take a required class (some states don’t require it), are you comfortable with your gun, do you have a temper that could make you more likely to get into a confrontation knowing you’re armed?

These are just a few things to consider before making the jump. Even if your state does not require you to take lessons, if you are not an avid weapon user, I suggest you take lessons. The last thing you want is to be in a situation where you need to defend yourself and you don’t have the skills to do it.

# concealed carry # guns # women # protection