YOUR RESPONSABILITIES AS A CONCEALED PERMIT HOLDER
A sad reality, a fact not a theory, is that crime will never be eliminated. No society in the recorded history of mankind has ever eliminated crime. For those whose head experiences sunshine, it is painfully clear that crime here in the US has been on the rise in the last several years. And, this fact has not been overlooked by the American public, as reflected in the massive increase in firearms purchases. Background check requests, as reported by the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System, have nearly tripled in the past 20 years. The Stats for Background checks:
2020 - 7.5 million
2020 - 21.6 million
2021 - 18.8 million
The new face of American gun buyers:
- 2020 Gun Stats (Medium).jpg (35.3 KiB) Viewed 1387 times
Studies indicate that Americans use their guns in self defense between 65,000 and 2.5 million times yearly. Only a politician could ignore the reality that Americans want and need to defend themselves. By no means is this a cheap shot at our law enforcement departments, but the truth is that they cannot be everywhere at all times. Americans are also smart enough to see the end results of a broken criminal justice system and the defunding of many law enforcement departments.
Along with a significant increase in gun sales has been a similar increase in the number of Americans who have obtained concealed permits (where required.) One of the results of the New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. case has been a significant increase in the number of permit applications (and a lot more Americans carrying concealed firearms.) This raises a huge issue that must be addressed before people ever take even one step towards getting a permit.
Carrying a firearm for self defense is NOT for everyone.
There is an excellent sobering article, entitled, "Using a Gun in Self Defense, After the Smoke Clears" and it is highly recommended reading for all who are thinking of applying for a permit, have applied for a permit, or who already have one. Find it here:
https://gunandsurvival.com/2022/12/24/d ... ke-clears/. '
Once you have decided to get the permit, then the next big step is realizing that obtaining it is a decision with ramifications that go far beyond the application and process of obtaining the permit. FAR BEYOND!!! The moment that you exercise your right to carry a firearm, you have a continuing obligation to yourself, your family, your neighborhood, and the public, and to do so responsibly. And, don't be misled, this obligation continues as long as you exercise your permit rights.
Responsible concealed carry does not end with issuance of your permit. Responsible concealed carry merely begins with the issuance of your permit, and MUST include the need to learn safety, the need to learn how to legally engage in self defense, the need to practice, the need to legally protect yourself against legal entanglements, and a whole bunch more.
INSURANCE
Sad as it is to say, we live in a society that that is lawsuit happy, and as a permit holder, you could easily become a defendant. It is no secret that there are jurisdictions in these great United States which are run by prosecutors who harbor a not-so-secret dislike of citizens who legally carry concealed firearms.
Whether you face a civil action or criminal prosecution for the use of your legally concealed firearm, the results of defending yourself can be financially devastating. Times change and you need to adapt if you expect to survive. Protecting yourself with adequate insurance is a financially wise decision, just as it is with your car, your home, your motorcycle, or your health.
The significant increase in the number of concealed permit holders has created a growing market for insurance coverage. This is indeed an area where you need to do your homework, especially because the coverage and policy costs offered by these companies differ in some important ways, and which is best will not be the same for everyone. And, by the way, most of these companies will cover the use of firearms in your home as well as when you carry concealed.
For those who are willing to do their homework, there is an excellent article by Pew Pew Tactical that reviews the top 5 concealed carry companies. As it turns out, one of the "top 5" is the NRA, who has withdrawn from the market, so, it's really a review of the top 4, see:
https://www.pewpewtactical.com/conceale ... son-chart/) Putting that aside, the review is well done, and offers some excellent information, all of which which should get you on your way to selecting the best insurance for you.
Here are the the biggest players in the market:
See individual review here: https://www.pewpewtactical.com/uscca-review
See individual review of CCW Safe here: https://www.pewpewtactical.com/ccw-safe-review/
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
A good way to begin this discussion is to acknowledge that there is a great deal of information available to concealed permit holders which will keep you well informed, educated, and trained. Neither time nor space allow a full discussion of the sources of this information, so we will only mention one - the USCCA. This is not intended as an endorsement or a recommendation, but rather an introduction to a good source of information. Keep in mind that there are others, and they likewise offer good information.
In addition to insurance, the USCCA offers its members a wealth of useful information, regardless of where you live. Part of your membership includes a subscription to their Concealed Carry magazine. Here is what they say (from their website:)
Your subscription gives you access to the latest techniques and concepts for both live-fire and dry-fire shooting practice. From laser-training units to the “drill of the month,” Concealed Carry Magazine delivers the finest in defensive and counter-offensive handgunning, home defense and empty-hand techniques for all kinds of firearms.
- USCCA Magazine 3.png (368.16 KiB) Viewed 1408 times
In addition to their video presentations, they also offer information on ranges and programs where actual practice is available, in your area. While the link below is not complete, it gives a good view of what the USCCA makes available to their members.
