Why are You Carrying a Gun?

Many of us who regularly carry a firearm in public (either concealed or in the open) have been asked why we would choose to do that. A recent survey found that 32% (81 million) of adults in this country own at least one firearm. More than half of them (56%) choose to carry one for personal defense. That begs the question, why would so many people, many of whom we know and trust, feel the need to live their lives armed?

Those who carry hear from some politicians and many in the media that having a firearm is irresponsible and may put others at risk. Some folks who see someone with a firearm feel alarmed and question the motivation.

Since 2010, anyone who can legally own a firearm in Arizona is also legally allowed to carry it either in the open or concealed. No additional permit is required. As a result, we don’t really know just how many folks we see every day are carrying a firearm, but some suggest it could be as many as one in 10.

So, what motivates all of these people to carry a firearm? Is there any benefit to being armed in public? What about the risks?

While motivations are likely wide ranging, some of the more common reasons for carrying a firearm are these:

• People that are less able to defend themselves find that having a firearm can neutralize the advantage that a stronger/larger aggressor has over them.
• Some people believe the results of a prior negative experience would have been different if they had a firearm, so now they carry one.
• Some individuals simply live and/or work in an area prone to higher rates of violence and feel safer carrying a firearm.

What about the benefits? Does having a firearm actually provide you with any additional personal security? That answer is a resounding yes. A Georgetown University study found that nearly a third of firearm owners have used a firearm in personal defense (including defensive display). The study further shows that a firearm is used 1.7 million times a year in personal defense. In almost all of these cases, no shots are fired and no one is injured. Simply displaying a firearm thwarts the attack. We also know that most mass shooting events end when someone with a firearm challenges the shooter. That is usually a law enforcement officer but the result is the same with an armed civilian.

OK, so we understand why folks would carry and we know that carrying a firearm stops millions of crimes. What about risks to having an estimated 20.7 million concealed carriers out there?  Are they dangerous to others around them? Actually, no. Concealed carriers are some of the most law-abiding members of our society. It could even be argued that they are helping to protect others while assuming great responsibility at the same time. It’s a safe bet that none of them ever want to have to use their firearm. If they do, there will be life-changing emotional, financial and legal consequences.

In conclusion, the next time you see someone carrying a firearm, realize that they are reasonably motivated, effective in being able to stop a crime from continuing and accepting huge responsibility that may just help to protect you, too. The next time you’re standing in line at the grocery store and see someone carrying, instead of wondering why, just say thanks! FBN

By Rob Wilson

Rob Wilson is the owner (with his wife, Elise) of Timberline Firearms & Training in Flagstaff. They offer a full line of firearms, accessories, safes and ammunition along with Liberty Safes. For more information, visit timberlinefirearms.us.