The Truth About Concealed Carry: Are You Really Ready?
Carrying a firearm for self-defense is a serious responsibility that requires proper training, mindset, and legal knowledge. Many new gun owners focus on marksmanship but overlook critical factors such as de-escalation, legal considerations, and tactical decision-making under stress.
Key Factors to Consider Before Carrying Concealed:
• Mindset & Training – Carrying a gun means committing to ongoing training, both mentally and physically.
• Legal Awareness – Understanding self-defense laws in your state can mean the difference between justified action and criminal charges.
• Tactical Readiness – Are you prepared to draw and use your firearm under extreme stress?
Concealed Carry Best Practices
• Choose a holster that provides good retention and quick access.
• Practice drawing your firearm from concealment regularly.
• Know the “force continuum” and understand when lethal force is justified.
If you want to ensure you’re fully prepared for the responsibility of concealed carry, check out our online courses at https://shopmtgsafety.com. We cover everything from firearm safety to legal considerations so you can carry with confidence.
For a deeper dive into concealed carry and self-defense, grab a copy of Defend Confidently on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DS2YL89W/
Mastering Situational Awareness to Stay Safe in Public
In an instant, everything can change. Are you ready to see the small signs that could save your life?
Situational awareness is your first line of defense in everyday life. It’s the ability to recognize potential threats before they escalate, giving you the time to act proactively. Criminals often seek out victims who appear distracted, unaware, or otherwise vulnerable. Whether you’re walking through a parking lot, entering an unfamiliar building, or simply enjoying a night out, maintaining vigilance is key to personal safety.
The Four Pillars of Situational Awareness
- Awareness – Stay engaged with your surroundings. Make eye contact with those around you and avoid being glued to your phone.
- Intuition – Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
- Mindset – Cultivate a confident demeanor that signals to potential attackers that you are not an easy target.
- Boundaries – Establish physical and emotional boundaries to avoid potentially dangerous encounters. Have a plan to react!
Practical Steps to Improve Awareness
- Conduct periodic environmental scans: Look around you at regular intervals to assess your surroundings.
- Identify exits: Whether in a restaurant, theater, or store, know how to get out quickly if needed.
- Practice the 360-degree rule: Always be aware of what’s happening behind you as well as in front.
Want to take your situational awareness skills to the next level? Enroll in one of our online courses at https://shopmtgsafety.com and learn how to recognize threats before they become a danger.
For more in-depth strategies, check out my book Defend Confidently on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DS2YL89W/
Gov. Murphy/AG Platkin Targeting Lawful Gun Owners Again
Governor Murphy and his AG are targeting lawful gun owners yet again. This time, Gov. Murphy has created a link for NJ business owners to download their free “Gun Free Zone” decal to place in their business. Since Gov. Murphy could not get parts of his new “anti-carry” law passed the courts (case challenging law is still pending), he is asking for NJ businesses to do this part for him. While statistics show many shootings occur in “Gun Free Zones,” in addition to the fact that criminals are not deterred by signs, the NJ leader feels these decals will make customers “feel more secure,” by keeping lawful gun owners from carrying concealed while visiting their businesses. The governor wants to prevent the lawful, responsible gun owners who go through an extensive process in order to exercise their second amendment right in NJ, from carrying concealed while visiting NJ businesses. See our video on this topic here.
Win for Retired LEOs in NJ
Retired law enforcement, who reside in NJ, got a huge win on February 14, 2024, when the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit District of NJ AFFIRMED a prior order entered by the District Court on June 21, 2022. That prior order held that retired law enforcement officers who live in NJ and qualify under LEOSA (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act), may carry under LEOSA and are not required to obtain the NJ RPO (Retired Police Officer Permit to Carry). In addition, qualified retired law enforcement officers can also carry hollow point ammunition. The State of NJ appealed this prior decision and on February 14, 2024, the initial ruling was AFFIRMED and will stand. See our video here.
NJ Governor Proposes Doubling Firearms Fees
Governor Phil Murphy is proposing to increase firearms fees yet again for law-abiding gun owners in NJ. He is proposing to double firearms purchaser ID fee, Permit to Purchase a Handgun fee, and Carry Permit fee. See our video here.