As a firearms instructor I get a lot of questions from new Michigan Concealed Pistol License holders about carrying a gun. There is so much to cover that today I’m going to stick to advice on the mental and moral aspects of concealed carry. This applies to anyone, from any state, who has a shiny new CPL/CCW permit and wants to start carrying a gun for self-protection.
Obey the law – Learn your state laws regarding gun ownership, concealed carry, and the use of deadly force. The best source is an attorney familiar with firearms and self-defense laws in your state. If you can’t find an appropriate attorney look for a “Firearms FAQ” at the websites for your state Attorney General’s office, State Police, or the agency that issued your concealed carry permit for answers to common questions. Be careful before taking advice from web forums. In general, you are less likely to get in trouble if you follow the more conservative advice as to what is legal in your area than if you listen to the more “permissive” advice as to where you can, and can’t, carry, etc. Again, the BEST source is an attorney familiar with the laws in your state.
Be responsible – You now have the ability to take a human life and you need to treat that responsibility seriously. A mistake can cost the life an innocent person, your own freedom, everything you’ve ever worked for, or possibly your own life. The use of deadly force is the last resort to save your own life or the life of an innocent person.
Be non-confrontational - By carrying a gun you give up your right to take offense at other people’s actions, as you cannot control where it might lead. This means you can’t offer to “take it outside” if someone picks a fight in a bar, that you have to grin and bear it if someone insults you or your family in public, and that you have to avoid any potential “road rage” encounters in traffic. Just making a rude gesture to someone who cut you off on the road can cause a confrontation. Understand that any physical confrontation can escalate until you wind up using that firearm. Your gun is only for defending your life, not defending your honor.
The law takes a very dim view of any "self defense" claim if you did anything to start, prolong, or escalate the confrontation. This is true even in areas with so-called "stand your ground" laws. If you started it, escalated it, or had a chance to (safely) disengage and leave, and didn't, don't expect those laws to shield you nearly as much as you think they will. The concept of “mutual combat” often applies.
Don’t drink and carry - Alcohol and firearms don’t mix. If you have your gun, don’t drink. If you want to drink, don’t carry. Alcohol impairs your judgment and bad decisions made while carrying a gun can have tragic consequences. If you have any alcohol in your blood, and you use your firearm in self-defense, the prosecutor will take that into consideration when deciding whether or not to press changes. And, if it gets that far, the jury in any criminal or civil case will also consider the fact you were drinking when deciding whether to convict you or award damages against you.
Get trained – Most state-mandated training classes to obtain a carry license are very basic. Don’t believe that just because you passed your state’s required class you are ready to carry a gun. Seek out additional practical defensive pistol training to ensure you can effectively use your firearm to defend yourself without putting others at risk.
Stay alert – The concept behind Jeff Cooper’s “Color Codes” and the NRA “Levels of Awareness” is that you always need to be alert for potential threats and be ready to escalate your defensive response. Be aware of your surroundings and look for potential sources of danger. The best way to win a fight is to avoid it in the first place. And, if you can’t avoid it, recognizing the danger before it happens gives you a better chance to fight back.
Never give up – Understand that if you need your firearm, you are fighting for your life. Keep fighting no matter what until you prevail. If you run out of ammo, reload. If your gun jams, fix it. If that won’t work, do something else. Do whatever you need to do to protect your life from the attacker. Remember, if you give up, he wins.
EDIT: Be sure to read my follow up articles:
"Advice to new CCW holders: Part 2 - Carry like a pro," For tips the practical aspects of concealed carry
and
"Winter concealed carry tips for CCW permit holders" for tips on cold weather carry
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