Concealed Carry - The Debate

Concealed carry holster

To kick off the New Year, we’re going to take a look at an old debate – concealed carry. Now, most of you reading our blog are pro guns and in your mind there may be little to add to the subject. That’s fine. We encourage you to be part of the discussion anyway. There are lots of opinions out there. Some may feel differently or even be apathetic about it.

We’re not going to get to all the pros/cons in just one blog. The biggest pro/con in the debate, our Second Amendment right, deserves a blog of its own. So stay tuned. For the purpose of this blog, let’s all agree the Second Amendment tops the list.

Definition

In the simplest of terms, concealed carry is defined as an individual carrying a weapon that is undetectable to the general public. However, the term “concealed carry” has come to characterize the statute around whether concealed carry should be legally authorized. As of 2013, all 50 states permit concealed carry. Illinois was the last state to ratify legislation guaranteed under the Second Amendment.

The Pros and Cons

Effect on crime
Aside from the Second Amendment, one of the most contested points of concealed carry is its impact on reducing crime. A 2015 study by the Crime Prevention Research Center found concealed carry permits were at an all-time high, linking it to a decline in murder and overall violent crime. On the other side, naysayers point to an October 2015 study by Texas A&M University, which established no direct link between concealed carry and lower crime rates.
Criminals and guns
Concealed carriers are mostly law abiding citizens, according to the CPRC study cited above. Less than 1/6 of permit holders are convicted of misdemeanors and felonies. But the opposing side believes concealed carry laws inspire criminals to carry weapons and commit violent crimes. These folks may miss those reports where criminals use a weapon illegally obtained.
Capability of gun owner
Most concealed carriers practice responsible ownership, including training and proper use of their firearm. Opposition spin this pro by citing unplanned use of a firearm in home invasions as well as recent gun-related deaths among children who have found loaded guns in the home.
Personal security
Another pro for concealed carry supporters is the feeling of safety and security that comes from legally obtaining a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Historically, the con, according to opponents, is that concealed carry leaves the general public susceptible to violence by leading to the intensification of a public confrontation.

Guns don’t kill people; people kill people. Whether by accident or intention, the victim is still a victim. The fact remains there is an individual handling the firearm. We’re gun lovers here; that’s not a surprise to anyone who regularly reads our blog. But we know there are individuals who aren’t as comfortable with firearms. So, our goal with a series of concealed carry blogs is to quietly air some thoughts on this complex issue where emotions tend to overshadow facts.

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