Carrying a concealed firearm is not just about personal safety—it’s a lifestyle. For many, concealed carry is about empowerment, responsibility, and commitment. It’s a decision that requires more than just getting a permit—it’s about adopting a mindset of preparedness, ongoing training, and understanding the laws and ethics that come with carrying a weapon. If you’re considering concealed carry, it’s important to recognize the dedication and lifestyle that comes with this responsibility.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to obtain your concealed carry permit, explain the mindset behind concealed carry, and offer tips on how to live responsibly with your firearm every day.

Lifestyle Mindset

Adopting concealed carry as a lifestyle involves much more than just carrying a firearm. It requires a mindset of responsibility, awareness, and preparedness every day. First, carrying a gun means understanding the weight of that responsibility—it’s about keeping yourself and others safe. Situational awareness becomes a key part of your daily life, ensuring you’re always alert to your surroundings and potential risks. It’s also important to remember that ongoing training is essential. Regular practice with your firearm and staying updated on laws and self-defense strategies will help you carry with confidence and readiness in any situation.

1. What Does Concealed Carry Mean as a Lifestyle?

Carrying a concealed weapon isn’t just about having it with you when you leave the house. It’s about making a commitment to safety and being prepared to defend yourself and others if the need arises.

Concealed carry as a lifestyle means:

• Being responsible: You are trusted with a tool that can save lives, but it also requires discipline to use it correctly.
• Staying aware: It’s about staying alert to your surroundings and understanding the risks and implications of carrying a firearm.
• Committing to training: Concealed carry isn’t just about owning a firearm; it’s about constantly improving your skills, whether through firearm handling, self-defense techniques, or situational awareness.

This lifestyle isn’t just for those in dangerous areas—it’s a mindset shift. It’s about being a responsible gun owner who recognizes the weight of carrying a concealed weapon and is dedicated to practicing safe handling, training regularly, and staying up-to-date with laws and regulations.

2. Why You Should Consider Concealed Carry

There are many reasons people choose to carry a concealed weapon. Some carry for personal protection, while others may feel empowered knowing they can protect themselves and their loved ones in a dangerous situation. Regardless of your personal reasons, it’s important to understand both the benefits and responsibilities that come with concealed carry.

Benefits of concealed carry include:

• Personal security: You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re equipped to protect yourself if the need arises.
• Self-defense: Concealed carry allows you to defend yourself and others in dangerous situations where other options may not be available.
• Preparedness: Carrying a firearm can make you feel more secure, knowing you’re ready to act in an emergency.

However, with these benefits come responsibilities:

• Training: You must invest time and effort into training to handle a firearm safely and effectively.
• Legal knowledge: You need to understand the laws surrounding concealed carry in your jurisdiction, as they vary by state.
• Ongoing commitment: Concealed carry is not a one-time decision. It requires continuous education, practice, and mental preparation.

3. Steps to Getting Your Concealed Carry Permit

If you’ve decided that concealed carry is right for you, the next step is obtaining your permit. While the exact process can vary by state, here’s a general overview of how to get your concealed carry permit:

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

Each state has its own requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit. In general, you must meet the following basic criteria:

• Be of a certain age (typically 21 or older).
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
• Pass a background check to ensure you have no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
• Meet any additional state-specific criteria (for example, some states may require a clean mental health history).

Step 2: Complete a Firearm Training Course

Most states require that you complete a concealed carry training course. This course typically includes:

• Basic firearm safety: Understanding how to handle your firearm safely.
• Self-defense laws: Learning the legal aspects of using a firearm for self-defense, including the laws of justifiable use of force.
• Practical shooting skills: Gaining proficiency with your firearm and learning proper techniques for carrying and drawing.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once you’ve completed your training, you can submit your application to the appropriate authority (usually your state’s Department of Public Safety or similar agency). The application will typically require:

• A background check.
• Proof of your training completion.
• A set of fingerprints.
• A photograph.

Step 4: Await Approval

After submitting your application, there will usually be a waiting period. Depending on your state, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to process your application and approve your permit. Once approved, you will receive your concealed carry permit, which allows you to carry a concealed firearm legally within the state.

4. The Mindset of Concealed Carry

Being a responsible concealed carrier isn’t just about owning a firearm—it’s about developing a certain mindset. A concealed carry permit is a tool, but your most important asset is your mental preparedness.

Here are some key mental shifts to make:

• Stay calm: In a dangerous situation, remaining calm and level-headed is critical. Concealed carriers must be prepared to make quick decisions under pressure.
• Be aware: Awareness of your surroundings is crucial. The ability to spot potential threats and avoid dangerous situations can make the difference in an emergency.
• Train regularly: Concealed carry is a lifelong commitment to continuous training. You should practice your shooting skills, learn new self-defense techniques, and stay informed about the latest laws regarding firearm use and self-defense.

5. Maintaining Your Concealed Carry Lifestyle

Once you’ve obtained your permit and started carrying, remember that the journey doesn’t end there. The concealed carry lifestyle requires ongoing commitment and responsibility. Here are a few ways to maintain that lifestyle:

• Regular training: Consider attending annual firearm training courses to keep your skills sharp.
• Legal updates: Stay updated on any changes to local, state, or federal laws that may affect your right to carry a firearm.
• Fitness: Concealed carry requires being physically fit. Practicing physical fitness ensures that you can carry your firearm safely and that you’ll be able to react quickly in an emergency.
• Mental preparedness: Continue to hone your decision-making skills. Concealed carriers must always be prepared to make life-altering choices if a dangerous situation arises.

6. Final Thoughts: Is Concealed Carry Right for You?

Choosing to carry a concealed weapon is a personal decision that should not be taken lightly. It requires careful thought, dedication, and a commitment to safety, responsibility, and ongoing education.

If you’re ready to commit to the concealed carry lifestyle, start by researching your local requirements and enrolling in a reputable training course. With the right mindset, training, and preparation, you can carry confidently and responsibly.