Carrying a Firearm

I carry a firearm regularly. If I leave the house, my firearm is with me. It’s as normal as grabbing my keys, phone, and wallet. I also carry a locking knife and two spare magazines. Why do I carry?

Possibility, Not Probability

I carry based on the possibility — not probability — that something can happen. Every trip to the store, gas station, bank, or playground carries a possibility that someone could attempt to harm me or my family (intentionally or not). Am I paranoid? No. I’m a realist, and I’m prepared. Threats exist. People don’t always act rationally. As a leader, I choose not to be a victim or accept fate on someone else’s terms.

What I Carry (It Depends)

What I carry depends on the day, venue, and attire.

Active days: light and minimal

If I’m running, hiking, working, or playing, it’s usually a sub‑compact .380 caliber pistol such as a Ruger LCP or Smith & Wesson Bodyguard. They aren’t ideal for stopping power or capacity, but they’re better than nothing. Load quality hollow points to compensate for small caliber and carry several extra magazines. The small size and weight let you move all day without chafing or bulk.

Family outings: compact with capacity

If I’m out shopping with the family, I usually carry a 9mm or .45 compact pistol. I prefer polymer frames for weight savings. Common models include Smith & Wesson Shield, Springfield Armory XDS, Ruger LC9. These are “single‑stack” firearms: one column of ammunition in the grip, making them thinner and lighter. A Glock 19 is compact but double‑stacked: wider and heavier, yet higher capacity and a bit more cumbersome to conceal.

Capacity Matters

Three magazines of six rounds are not equal to one magazine of 18 rounds — a reload can come at the worst time. Carrying larger guns trades comfort and concealment for capacity and shootability. I like 9mm for capacity and controllability, and .45 for stopping power. Some prefer .40 as a balance. I’ve shot 9mm, .40, and .45 and settled on 9mm and .45. 9mm especially enables fast follow‑up shots due to lower recoil.

How I Carry

These days I typically use a belly band or, less often, an ankle holster. An ankle holster is slower to access but fits when I’m wearing a tucked‑in shirt. Belly bands sound silly but they’re functional and versatile: appendix, strong‑side, back, or even higher on the torso. Many have pouches for spare mags. I’ve run half‑marathons with a belly band; carrying was no bother at all.

Open Carry?

I don’t advocate open carry in public. On private property, yard work, or in the woods — fine. In public, open carry can make you a target. If I’m a criminal and see someone who can thwart my plan, that’s my first target. Sure, a criminal might choose not to act if they see open carry, but I won’t bet my life on it. If you’re close when things start and they don’t know you’re armed, you’re better positioned to act. I respect the right to open carry; if you do it, present yourself well.

Chambered Round

Do I carry with a round chambered? Yes, whenever possible. The only times I might not are when I’m physically roughhousing with kids and expect constant contact. Many belly bands include a Velcro strap to secure the firearm. If you ever need your gun, you may not have the one second it takes to rack the slide.

Training Cadence

Up front, I train enough to be perfectly familiar with the firearm: does it function consistently? Which ammo feeds best? Can I retrieve it quickly from my carry positions? Can I shoot accurately and make fast follow‑ups? Can I change magazines cleanly? Do my chosen hollow points feed and fire reliably? After that, I try to get range time every couple of months to run a few magazines. Shooting is a perishable skill.

Four Rules of Gun Safety

1. Treat every gun as if it is loaded.
2. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
3. Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.
4. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.

If you have questions, I’ll do my best to answer. There are no stupid questions — I’m here to help.