By Brandon via concealednation.org
When my friends find out that I carry, we start to talk. Most are interested in the topic and have never really … talked it through. I’ve had dozens of conversations that happen just like this and in the end, that friend is usually seriously considering a firearm for self-defense and concealed carry. If you’re providing the correct information, you are the best advocate for concealed carry . . .
On a regular basis, I’ll post a little note on my Facebook page that lets people know that I’m available for questions regarding concealed carry. Every single time, I get some bites from people who are genuinely interested. Why they didn’t approach me sooner is anyone’s guess, but it’s likely because of the simple hustle and bustle of day-t0-day life.
It’s time for us to actively participate in the conversation. No … it’s time to initiate the conversation.
If there’s one thing that I’ve learned with Concealed Nation, it’s that there are thousands of people in this country who are in fact interested, but just don’t know where to start. What better starting point than a conversation with their friend. Heck, it’s a topic that you’re probably already pretty passionate about. If you weren’t, I bet you wouldn’t’ be reading this article right now.
The father of a good friend pulled me aside one day when I stopped in his work and said “Brandon, you carry. I’ve had my permit for 20 years but I don’t know what’s out there or what to carry. Got any tips?”
I smiled and asked when he was free for a trip to the range. Within a week, we made plans and met at an eight-lane range that we were both members of. I had one concealed carry pistol waiting at each lane so that he could go down the line and try out a nice variety.
His favorite? The GLOCK 43. His line of work has him moving around a lot in front of customers, and the 43 works for him in a pocket carry situation. I placed an order for a G43 and he picked it up when it came in.
But now he needed a holster and didn’t know where to turn.
“I got you covered, bud.”
While I do have an advantage here over most people (in respect to a ridiculous number of holsters that have been reviewed over the years), I had about four for him to try out … specifically for the 43. The end result was a really nice, molded pocket holster we wound up buying on eBay. Once it arrived, he gave it a shot and immediately loved it.
“Now for ammo? Of course you’ll want some JHP’s to feed that bad boy, and you might as well get some that you can train with as well.” He agreed and I happened to have some ‘in stock’ at the house. Freedom Munitions does a great job with this, as they’re affordable to train with and carry. For example, here’s a box of 50 9mm 115 gr. with XTP Hornady bullets for $19. (That’s not a sponsored link or anything, I swear. It’s just a damn good deal for what you’re getting.) If you want to see how it performs, check out this video.
After a few solid weeks and some trial and error, I got my friend’s father set up with a rig that he’s happy with and one that he’s comfortable with. He’s been training like hell ever since and getting used to the new firearm. He’s also carrying every day, and that’s something he hasn’t been doing for the last 20 years.
Not to fault him, but the talk was there for some time. The difference this time was the help he received, which kept the motivation and drive moving forward.
Don’t forget; most folks out there are working 9-5 jobs and have all sorts of things coming at them from all different directions. They get sidetracked. It’s human nature. Things that they may want to do get shelved and forgotten, or simply seem too intimidating to accomplish in a timely manner.
This is where you can step in and offer assistance. As their friend, you can be the guiding light to get them on the path to concealed carry … if that’s a path they want to go down.
Without any pressure and armed with the proper knowledge, think about being this type of advocate for concealed carry. I guarantee that each one of you as at least one friend who is just waiting for the right, knowledgeable person to cross their path to begin the concealed carry discussion.
Sounds good, just as soon as you take the “concealed” out of it. The same conversations happen even more often for those of us who carry openly – even if we do conceal sometimes when it seems best. The conversation needs to be about self defense and carrying, not “concealed” carry.
Exactly what I thought, as well, MamaLiberty.
“You are the best [] carry advocate.”
Fullstop.
Yes, but as Brandon repeatedly reminds us, he doesn’t agree with Open Carry, so he wouldn’t say that.
This very thing just happened to me. A woman I work with has bee talking the talk for a few years now & finally got her Florida Carry Licence along with her husband. Neither had fired a handgun except for the CCL class they had attended & asked me for advice. I brought a few pistols & revolvers to their house last month & showed how they worked, how the 4 rules applied, etc. I answered any and all questions including how to conceal with a couple of holsters I had. We set up a time to meet at the local range the next weekend & I brought all the guns they were (now) familiar with and had them shoot each one. They had a great time & learned lots.She is now looking for a 38 spl & he’s looking for either a 9mm Glock or a CZ 75B.
It’s a good feeling to help someone along on their journey of self reliance & self defense. It may even save their lives someday.
My work as a covert armed security officer puts me close to people on a daily basis. As they see the need for my presence at their job, they ask questions about my gear, training, and whether I’ve seen the need for a firearm off the job. This is where the pro 2a me finds bliss. I share positive gun news stories with them. I separate fact from fiction on what they get from the MSM concerning weapons and laws. This does wonders for some, as it opens their eyes, whereas others see me as a necessary evil to ward off threats, but want no part of that thing on my belt, hell some say all guns should be banned like they do over the pond, except of course for troops and badges. I currently have two non gun folk asking for time with me on my next range trip. Another is asking me how to begin a conversation with his gun fearing fiancee, as he wishes to explore the possibilities of shooting and gun ownership . I like what I do, yes the work has it’s dangers , hence the gun, but I have an opportunity to show others firearms are tools, subject to the owner and not evil self operators.
Carry on.
You hit upon it. It’s what the folks in marketing call “felt need.” A subject must first feel a need before they can begin to consider your message. The need may be simply to understand your message or position, not even to agree with or adopt it, at first, but it must be there providing their motivation.
Converting others must start with instilling, identifying, or otherwise prompting in them a felt need.
“…it’s that there are thousands of people in this country who are in fact interested, but just don’t know where to start.”
Then THEY should not carry!
One might think that the more who do, the better!
IMHO the more that WANT TO DEFEND THEMSELVES should carry……the others are, and will continue to be, mere sheep!
If one is dedicated involving learning, and in this case firearms, then I’m all for it!
BUT! BUT! If it simply becomes another ‘RIGHT!’……Kinda like driving? OMG!
We are DOOMED! God help us!
Waaaaaay too broad with those brushstrokes, Tominator. While I would agree that those who are not willing to go all in when it comes to self defense should not carry, some of us out here have evolved on our positions over time.
I’m an example of that type of person and let me assure you I’m willing to go all in. In the early nineties I was a Fudd hunter and trap shooter that lauded the Clinton AWB. Fast forward fifteen years and I’m buying those very same evil black rifles and stacks of mags to give to my kids when they’re of age (and hopefully living in a state that acknowledges the constitution).
Once the chips are down, pretty much everyone carrying will be willing to go all in. And until then, carrying isn’t all that useful regardless of dedication.
The more people have guns, carry guns, shoot guns, step over piles of guns just lying in the streets……. the more common guns become. And the more common guns are, the less hoplophobia friendly the environment is. A gun is just another metal thingy or tool. In the hands of everyone, it’s no different than a kitchen knife or screw driver. It’s only when the distribution of guns are heavily skewed towards one subgroup, that problems may arise.
Then they should not carry *YET*. There, fixed it for ya. Everybody has to start somewhere.
“BUT! BUT! If it simply becomes another ‘RIGHT!’”
Huh?
It already is a right. It’s a natural, civil and Constitutionally protected right, and last time I checked (I do it regularly, even though I have memorized those 27 words AND the punctuation) there is NOTHING in the Second Amendment that gives ANYONE the right to infringe upon or set any standards for people to keep and bear arms, even you.
It’s really not hard.
Be polite. Be knowledgeable. Be competent and confident in your ability. If someone is curious, take the time (if you have it) to explain. The more people see that people who carry guns are polite and friendly, the less of a stigma will surround them. Every polite gun owner does his part to dissolve the stereotype placed upon us by the media of a crazed, wild-eyed lunatic who shouts at everyone and uses his gun as an extension of his manhood.
Yeah
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