What should you do if someone out you as a concealed carry permit holder?

If the person who “outed you” has already approached employees or management of the business, you’ll want to proactively address whoever is in charge. It’s important to be calm and professional as you tell them you’re a concealed carry permit holder. This is another area where knowledge of your state laws matters.

Do you live in a place where it’s hard to concealed carry?

Yes, this is extreme and not at all fair, but if you live in a place decidedly unfriendly to concealed carry, it may be your reality. So, step one is to know your laws and act accordingly. If it’s strict where you live in terms of penalties for your gun being visible, be careful.

What should I know about concealed carry laws when driving?

This step should actually be first, as you should always know the concealed carry laws of the jurisdiction in which you’re driving. Some states require citizens to inform officers that they are carrying concealed. If you are in a “duty to inform” state, you must tell the officer that you are carrying a concealed weapon.

What happens if police are involved in a concealed carry case?

In this case, you may have already lost the ability to quietly explain that you’re a licensed concealed carry permit holder. When police are involved, they arrive on the scene not (yet) knowing the facts. Everyone is suspect, guilty and innocent all at the same time until the details are sorted out.

How do you diffuse a situation with a firearm?

In a low-key encounter, you might be able to diffuse the situation by calmly stating something to the effect of “It’s OK, I have a concealed carry permit” as you re-conceal your firearm. What you don’t want to do is run, sneak away or cop an attitude.

How many states allow concealed carry of firearms?

All 50 states and DC allow the concealed carry of firearms. 30 states and DC require permits and have may-issue or shall-issue permit laws, 19 states have constitutional carry laws but will also issue permits upon request, and Vermont has constitutional carry but does not issue permits.