Mention concealed carry and you can find yourself in an interesting conversation. One I enjoy is the challenges of carrying in the workplace because so many internet experts don’t have a clue.
Real world problems
I’ve said this many times in the past, but there’s a difference between concealing and covering your firearm. Many believe simply posing for a selfie to show how “well” they could conceal a wonder pistol means it’s the best option for everything. There is no single solution to solve all the carry problems. Honestly, what I see in our classes is a substandard attempt at concealing. This is a class designed around concealment, yet the gear choices beg the question what are they doing in the real world. As soon as you put people in more of a real-world setting it alters not only their perception but shows their deficiencies.
No kidding, real conceal
It’s important everybody who ops to carry conceal recognize the importance behind truly concealing. There is the idea you don’t want to tip your hand to a would be criminal, but there’s also the legal and career aspect. You need to be familiar with the laws in your area regarding concealed carry. It’s one thing to have an argument on the Internet, it’s an entirely different thing justifying your actions in a court of law. Then there’s the work environment restrictions, where company policy forbids employees from carrying firearms on company grounds. To do so could jeopardize your employment as well as your income to support your family. Whether you agree with a company’s firearm restrictions or not, they are within in their right. It’s easy when the outcome doesn’t affect you to say find another job or move, there’s no risk. It’s a totally different story when your ass is on the line.
What signature
Recently I received several messages and phone calls about a new method for carrying concealed. While novel in its approach the main issue has to do with can you get away with carrying concealed without somebody knowing. The problem is for this company to be successful they have to market to the largest audience possible. That means not only are people going to become more aware of the system, but of the signature. The more people who are aware of the signature means you no longer are concealing the firearm, now you’re just covering it.
Guilt by association
At some point, like the tactical vest, people are going to associate the carry method with a firearm and the utility of it will diminish faster the more attention it generates. The more people who recognize the signature the more it will move from concealing to covering. If you are attempting to violate either company policy or the law you run the risk of printing the firearm because of the signature it creates. I’m not saying for anybody to violate company policy or break the law, but if you are going to do so you have to do so in a manner that ensures the highest probability of success.
High stakes
I’ve had to carry concealed in nonpermissive environments on more than one occasion and it is serious business, not to be taken lightly. The difference between carrying concealed in those environments versus carrying concealed here in the states is huge. Losing your job or worse your civil rights are high stakes. You have to work hard ALL the time, you cannot afford to be lazy or make a mistake. This isn’t the first product to try and solve the restrictive concealment puzzle and it won’t be the last. While it seems like a good idea, at some point and you won’t know when it will become a signature for carrying concealed; which leaves you vulnerable.
The one trick pony
I get a lot of questions seeking advice on how best to carry in the workplace or business attire. It’s difficult to provide the best advice, because everybody’s situation is slightly different. This is where having options and depth to your carry capacity is important. There is no single solution, there are several options you select based on how well it can fulfill the mission requirement. The one piece of advice I give no matter what option of carry you select is have no residual signature or presence. This doesn’t simply apply to your gear choices, but clothing as well. Otherwise, what’s the real point of concealing?
Be careful of the advice you follow. If the provider of said advice has no skin in the game, you might want to think twice about following their suggestions.
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