Armed Women of America

Making the decision to purchase and own a firearm should never be taken lightly because owning a firearm comes with a lot of responsibility. Making the decision to obtain a concealed carry permit and actually carry your firearm with you requires even more thought and consideration because it is a much bigger responsibility.

First of all, what is concealed carry? Concealed carry is the practice of carrying a concealed firearm on one’s person in public. Most often this will involve a holster of some kind- in the waist band, on the waist band, shoulder, etc. For women, they may choose to carry their gun in their purse.

There are many benefits of having a concealed carry permit. The primary one is that you can have the most effective self-defense tool with you at all times without having to make it visible to other people (open-carry). It provides a sense of security and peace of mind. With the ever-increasing rate of crime across the country, many feel safer having this level of protection with them.

However, there are also many things you need to consider before seeking to obtain your concealed carry permit. Here are some important questions you need to ask yourself:

When and where would I carry?

Will I have enough time to practice with my carry weapon that I would feel comfortable and confident in using it?

Am I responsible enough to carry a firearm?

Will I keep up to date on my local laws and regulations pertaining to concealed carry?

Do I have the financial means to purchase the firearm, ammunition, equipment, and training needed?

Am I prepared to take the life of another human being if presented with a life-endangering threat, and be able to deal with the consequences (legal, emotional, moral) of this action?

If you answered no to any of the questions above, concealed carry is likely not for you, and that’s perfectly okay. It is a major responsibility and you need to be prepared in every way possible before committing to it.

If you feel like concealed carry is for you, look out for my next article, which will discuss the process of obtaining a concealed carry permit in Colorado. To find out more about concealed carry, self-defense, and firearms, please join us for the Armed Women of America (AWA) Sterling Chapter meeting on April 16th from 9 am to 11 am at the Logan County Shooting Sports complex, 12515 Highway 61/2nd Amendment Way off Highway 61 Sterling.

Prospective members are welcome to attend their first meeting before joining. If you would like to become a member, you can join online at www.twawshootingchapters.org. Women over 18 interested in learning more can contact Andrea Stump at [email protected] or visit TWAW Shooting Chapters, Inc. website at www.twawshootingchapters.org.  You can also like us on Facebook @twawsterlingcolorado or stop by Boondocks Army Surplus at 324 N 4th Street in Sterling and pick up a flyer.