S.M.A.R.T. Carry for those who carry
S.M.A.R.T. Gun Owners
Ok, folks, now you have your weapon and you have chosen your holster. You have even worked on “breaking in” your holster and practiced drawing (WITH AN UNLOADED GUN). Now, what?
Well, you don’t just strap your gun on, go to the town saloon, find someone, go out to the street and have a gunfight! In fact, one of the first things you learn about Responsible, S.M.A.R.T. gun owners is that you will do everything possible to avoid any type of confrontation.
Responsible conceal carry citizens will run from a fight rather than get in one. Anytime you get into a fight or even a heated discussion with a gun there is potential for tragedy. So, if you carry and you have been one who engages in ‘Road Rage,’ then, dial it back and hold it in. NO ONE who carries a weapon should EVER engage in road rage.
Also, we did not raise our hands and pledge to be “want a be cops.” Leave that up to the men and women who have trained and have the kind of back up that will stand up to the bad guys. Only use your weapon when it is absolutely necessary to protect yourself, your loved ones and in some situation others.
Even cops who have been trained will not insert them into situations without proper back up. Cops have been known to be off duty when a bank robbery goes down did what you and I should do. Be a good witness. They know that most bank robberies go down without people being shot, so unless the situation goes bad, they keep from drawing their weapon and endangering everybody else by friendly fire.
The following acrostic will help you to always remember what a S.M.A.R.T. conceal carry person is and does. The following is a blog I put together for Charlie Crime-buster.
In Charlie Crime-buster seminars, often the question comes up if someone should buy a gun to protect themselves. My answer is always, “it depends.” It depends if you are a S.M.A.R.T. gun owner.
S—Safety First and Foremost. Never point a gun at anyone unless you intend to use it in a justified shooting. Situations abound where loved ones are “accidentally” shot. Treat every gun as if it is loaded.
M–Meet Legal State Standards. Rest assured that the first thing that authorities will check if you are in an active shooting is if you are legal in possession or carry of a firearm. Remember state carry laws vary from state to state.
A—Awareness of what follows an active shooting. The aftermath of an active shooting, even if you are justified is enormous. Know your legal rights and be ready for a legal challenge both financially and emotionally.
R—Responsible for your weapon. You are always responsible for your weapon whether it is on your side or in a gun safe. (you do have a gun safe, don’t you)? Your weapon should be secure at all times.
T—Train, train, train and more training. Be willing to train more that the 4 or 5 hours necessary for you to get your concealed carry permit.
Until you are ready to be a S.M.A.R.T. gun owner, you are not ready to carry a weapon. The best way we can keep and protect our rights to bear arms (carry) is to be responsible. Set an example and encourage all others to be responsible and professional.