Overcoming Obstacles to Effective EDC

[KLB]

With the growth of lawful concealed carry in America, it would seem more citizens are carrying daily. Unfortunately, a large majority choose not to carry, or carry infrequently. While there are many reasons, the most-common one seems to be comfort level. I have the privilege of conducting the state-required training, which puts me in close contact with the everyday citizen. It also gives me the opportunity to talk to them both after the class as well as when I see them visiting our range. Comfort level is centered around three subjects: Knowing the law, knowing what they are doing and the idea of having to change out their wardrobe.

https://www.shootingillustrated.com/art ... ctive-edc/

[WildRose]

Good subject matter and a topic worthy of discussion.

I see the same in my students.

Honestly though with so many of those taking LTC classes being so inexperienced with firearms I don't consider it a bad thing that many of them do not carry daily.

They really do need a lot more instruction and training than they get in an LTC class before they should feel comfortable and most need a great deal more practice before they should feel confident that they could handle a critical incident appropriately without both.

Let's face it, the requirements are not that difficult to meet while a true understanding of the law and development of the skills necessary takes considerable dedication and effort.

The most important thing we can do as instructors is to encourage all of our students to seek more advanced self defense related training and to put in as much practice with their firearms and to prepare themselves well in case the need ever arises.

No one is ever over prepared, many are woefully under prepared.

[C-dub]

The first two of those are fairly obvious. It's the third that seems to surprise a lot of folks. It's surprising to me how many people don't realize before they start carrying that they will have to make some wardrobe changes and it's still surprising after someone that has been carrying for a little while that they are resisting making those changes so they could be more comfortable.

[chasfm11]

If you are in doubt—or you recognize the premises prohibits guns—then secure your gun in your vehicle. Great care must be taken when doing so to avoid both negligent discharges as well as theft

This was the biggest off-putting part for me at first. It seemed that a good part of my day was spent disarming and I still worry about someone accidentally seeing me with my gun in transition and calling the poo-poo. I draw "uber" duty to pick up our granddaughter at school to take her to appointments during the day among other things. There are just enough posted places like the Post Office that I end up having to visit to make sure that a week doesn't pass where I must disarm in public during the day. I know that others who don't carry as regularly as I do have expressed that same concern. It is one thing to be able to stand in your own home and look your gun back into its holster and another to try to keep a cover garment out of the way and prying eyes from seeing what is going on in a public place. Trying to re-holster while sitting in the driver's seat of a vehicle is my least favorite action of all.

[Ed4032]

Makes sense... I only wear a seat belt when I know that I am going to have a wreck.

[WildRose]

Comfort comes with familiarity and confidence. That requires good and frequent training.

No one is ever over trained and other than marksmanship you don't need to be at a range to practice your skills.

We should all encourage everyone that can legally carry to continue their training far beyond the bare minimum needed to get their license. The more, and more frequent training and practice you get the more you'll enjoy the entire experience and should things ever go bad you'll make better decisions and be better prepared when dealing with it.

There are near endless resources available today, just be wise and choose reputable, reliable sources and trainers.