During the holidays, concealed carry requires increased situational awareness, additional preparation, and heightened safety measures, especially when traveling or hosting guests. If you’re planning to conceal carry this holiday season, here are 7 important CCW safety tips.
Tip #1: Sharpen Your Situational Awareness
Holiday events often involve large crowds, increased distractions, and new environments, requiring increased situational awareness. Be present, scan your surroundings, and trust your instincts.
Tip #2: Avoid Alcohol While Armed
Not only is it almost always a crime to carry a firearm while under the influence of alcohol, or any controlled substance, but intoxication also clouds your judgement and slows your reflexes.
Tip #3: Store Firearms Safely
When hosting guests, make sure firearms are unloaded and secured in a locked safe or quick-access lockbox. If traveling and staying in a hotel or private home, store your gun in a travel lockbox, and avoid leaving an unsecured firearm in an unattended vehicle.
Tip #4: Research Out-of-State Gun Laws
Traveling during the holidays means navigating different state and local laws, which can vary significantly. Use a reliable resource, like the USCCA Reciprocity Map, to confirm where you can legally carry your firearm.
Tip #5: Follow TSA Regulations
If flying, firearms must be unloaded, in a locked hard-sided case, and declared at check-in as checked baggage. Ammunition must be stored in secure boxes, and the keys or combination should stay with you, not in the checked bag.
Tip #6: Choose the Right Holster & Attire
Winter clothing offers better concealment, but it’s important to practice your draw while wearing bulky layers. It’s also critical to use a holster with good retention, especially in crowded places where your firearm could be bumped or grabbed.
Tip #7: Prepare for Difficult Conversations
Be prepared for potential anti-gun discussions with family and friends by focusing on positive topics, listening respectfully, and knowing when to politely disengage and step away if the conversation becomes heated.
Wishing You a Safe & Happy Holiday Season
All of us at Piece Be With You wish you a joyful and safe holiday season. As you shop and gather, stay aware, carry responsibly, and remember your training – your best defense is to avoid confrontations.
If you’re looking to become a better marksman and more well-rounded handgun owner, our Defensive Shooting Fundamentals Training Series is the next logical step for CCW permit holders. Give yourself the gift of confidence and skill this holiday, and sign up for our Defensive Shooting Fundamentals Training in Williamsburg, Richmond, Newport News, Hampton, Toano, Lanexa and Sandford, VA, or contact us for additional information.