How To Overcome The Fear Of Concealed Carrying

How to Overcome The Fear and Hesitations of Carrying a Concealed Firearm

Let's start this article by saying there are plenty of people that have legitimate concerns about concealed carrying - and no, it's not the political ones. In this article, we're going to address head-on some of the leading cases of "chornic concealaritis" aka the "fear of concealed carry". See if you have any of the symptoms that stop you from carrying a concealed firearm and find out more about treatment options.

Symptom:

"I have children and I'm afraid one of them will get access to the gun."

Valid point. Those of us who raise children are understandably nervous about them being around our firearms. Guns are best when handled by mature, capable adults. The good thing, someone exhibiting this symptom seems less likely to fall into the trap of "oh, my kids'll never get into those." Good news, this is a great symptom to treat.

Treatment: Carry concealed in a that stays flush with your hip and has high retention. A high retention holster means your firearm is less susceptible to being pulled out by stray fingers or toes. The best part about high-retention holsters that use very durable holster shells is that you can choose your level of retention. Do you want that gun to be so tightly placed into the holster that all but Hulk strength couldn't wrench it free? That's your call.

In addition to - keep maintaining that situational awareness. When multiple kids are running around everywhere, it's hard to keep focus. No matter how many things are moving at once, keep observing around you.

Symptom:

"I'm afraid I'll be spotted and asked to leave a place of business."

In most states, businesses are allowed to designate their premises as "gun free zones". While disobeying that policy may result in you being asked to leave, it rarely turns into a criminal infraction. That said, it can be nerve-wracking getting put into the center of a "scene" if you are spotted. To allay that fear, that almost never happens. At most, a manager or employee will walk up and politely ask you to leave.

Treatment: Start off with reading up on some of our articles on how to reduce and . Printing is when the outline of your pistol shows from beneath your clothing. Spotting is when someone spots your concealed carry handgun. Both are not ideal but they're cured with a little planning on the wardrobe and getting a well in the waistline.

Symptom:

"My significant other is a convicted felon and lives in the same house. According to state law, he can't live in a house with firearms."

This one is a toughie. I'd recommend consulting with an attorney to find out if that's something explicitly stated in your state's laws or if it's something that's just been suggested. If you are forbidden from keeping a gun in the house because of your significant other, this can be a more tricky symptom to treat.

Treatment: If state law explicitly forbids firearms being in the same house as a convicted felon, then it's probably not something curable through the traditional means. You may need to seek professional advice from an attorney on how best to proceed.

And lastly...

Symptom:

"The concealed carry handgun permitting process is too expensive."

That is absolutely no lie. Between application fees, fingerprinting, training, permitting, purchasing a gun, holster, and ammunition - the costs can certainly add up fast. The good news is that once you've completed this process, you can lawfully carry where-ever without looking over your shoulder or being worried you're in violation of the law.

Treatment: This symptom may require a treatment that takes a bit of time. Consider purchasing your handgun and holster first - because those pieces are good for both home defense and when you get your permit. Then, budget, save, and get whatever money you need to go through the application process. Knock out one piece at a time if you have to. No matter your budget, there's a way to become safely and legally armed - it just may not be an overnight process.

About The Author James England (@sir_jim_england) is the contributing editor for Alien Gear Holsters. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and private defense contracting in Afghanistan.