Concealed Carry Pros and Cons List

In recent years, the number of citizens becoming gun owners and who are being issued concealed carry permits had increased, mostly with the purpose of added protection for individuals. However, despite the popularity it has earned from proponents, there are also controversial issues presented by individuals and groups against it.

What Is Concealed Carry?

Also known as carrying a concealed weapon (CCW), concealed carry is the act of gun possession on a person’s body in public but not in a manner that is not obvious or not out in the open. There are four categories of concealed carry permits citizens can apply for, namely: No-issue, May-issue, Shall-issue and Unrestricted carry. Here are some arguments between proponents and opponents on this contentious issue.

List of Pros of Concealed Carry

1. It is the best alternative for self-defense.
One of the reasons advocates are backing up this practice is their argument on the importance of self-defense. With private citizens being able to carry concealed weapons, they can easily protect themselves from potential criminals.

2. It keeps people more secure.
Proponents say that individuals who are granted concealed carry permits are more likely to feel more secure at home and in public. This is useful in situations where police officers may not be present or help from the authorities is not readily available, especially in emergency situations like robberies and home intrusions.

3. It is a crime deterrent.
Supporters of concealed carry point out reports that since many people have acquired permits to carry guns in a concealed manner, there are lesser crimes committed. With civilians being able to have a way to defend themselves against bad elements, criminals will be reluctant to break into other people’s houses or commit crimes knowing their potential victims are not helpless.

List of Cons of Concealed Carry

1. It can cause accidental firing.
One of the concerns of opponents is the possibility of the gun going off unintentionally especially if the person carrying it is a beginner. Although they acknowledge that there are people who are already familiar with handling guns, they are worried about individuals who are untrained to handle weapons. While gun owners can train to use guns, critics contend that the time for training might not be sufficient.

2. It can trigger altercations that can lead to gun-related incidents.
People who oppose carrying guns in public say that some individuals have the temper especially on the road. If this type of person is given a concealed carry permit and gets into a heated argument with another hot-tempered individual in the middle of a traffic jam, having a gun can make him more confident to fight and worse, use the weapon, instead of handling the situation calmly.

3. It can result to guns landing on the hands of criminals.
One of the setbacks of concealed carry is that any individual can be given the permission to own and carry a gun so long as the requirements are met. This is what bothers critics since any person with intent and the means can qualify. Potential criminals or people who plan to commit wrong doings are not exempted from this.

Conclusion

For concealed carry to be effective and safe, people who have permits or plan to get one should be responsible gun owners. Indeed, it can be beneficial for some. However, opponents have valid views as well. It’s important to note that a gun can either protect or take a life. Getting one for the right reasons is crucial.