Concealed Carry Training-From a Mama's Perspective

So let's talk concealed carry.

It's a subject that's been touched on in my circle of blogs a couple times, but not recently and probably not from a woman-and-mama's point of view. (And let's face it, motherhood changes ones outlook on *everything*.) I'm not going to talk about the laws or the conditions, restrictions, requirements etc. It's not my job to decipher law. I'm not a lawyer. I'm not a politico or a judge. I'm simply a woman and a mama, and this is my experience with concealed carry training.

I had wavered back and forth for months about taking a concealed carry class, literally months, before I broke down and took the class. I'll admit it: I was scared. It was intimidating. It was completely and totally outside of my comfort zone. I couldn't justify a need for it. It felt unlady-like. (I know. Don't roll your eyes.)

But I finally did it.

And I loved it.


It was a long, 12-hour day, but I walked away with so much valuable information. My instructor was a no-BS type of guy, a little rough around the edges but he laid things out very clearly. He was especially passionate about Ohio's Castle doctrine-which in truth was one of the main reasons I attended the class. I wanted to know *exactly* what my rights are in my home or in my car and the possible repercussions of using lethal force.


I'd wondered about what I was legally required to do if someone broke into my house while the kids and I were home alone. Some states require that you retreat. Some states suggest less-than-lethal force. Some states require that you vocalize to the intruder what your intentions are before you act. So many states, so many laws.


And again, with concealed carry, so many states, so many laws. Some states recognize Ohio's concealed carry licenses. Others don't. Most require that you try to retreat. Some may not. Some states require classes, range practice, background checks, fingerprinting. A few don't. Concealed carry and Castle Doctrine laws can be confusing, especially when you have to translate the "legalese" which is why this class was such a wonderful experience. My instructor gave legal explanations of lethal force, concealed carry, self-defense, retreat, and then translated them into real English that everyone could clearly understand. It was invaluable, in my humble opinion.


Laws and classroom-time aside, we spent 2 hours at the firing range, practicing various stances and grips and displaying 'competency in handling a firearm.' Again, it was scary, intimidating, outside of my comfort zone, especially being one of only 3 women in the class. I felt like the class was watching and waiting for me to mess up. Drop the gun. Accidentally shoot the instructor. Cry.

I volunteered for the first group.

And again, I loved it!

The instructor had us practice in small groups in a number of different stances and grips, 25 rounds at a time. He was completely in control of the situation, reassured his students when there was a problem and challenged us in ways many had not been challenged before.

"Anyone can hit a target shooting with both hands," he pointed out. "What can you do with you one hand? What about your non-dominant hand?"

It was an awesome experience! Am I going to win an award in marksmanship? Probably not. But I'm walking away knowing that I can unload and reload quickly. I know that I can shoot as well left-handed as I can right-handed. I know that I consistently fire a bit high and to the right. And I'm much more familiar with the workings of my firearm. Well worth $75 and 12 hours of my time.

The question of whether to carry is so exquisitely personal that no 2 people may come to the same conclusion by the same reasoning. There's so much to consider, such as personality and mindset, past experiences, religious background, even medical history! I haven't made the decision to carry yet. I may never make that decision. But thank God that we have that right, to carry or not and the right to make that decision for ourselves.