PATRIOT INSIDER
Understanding Open and Concealed Carry: Laws, Rights, and Responsibilities
When Florida’s open carry ban was struck down as unconstitutional yesterday, along with the Charlie Kirk assassination, it reignited a national debate about the right to bear arms and the responsibilities that come with it.
The Second Amendment is not about deer hunting or skeet shooting. It was written to ensure that government would never disarm its people—because an armed citizenry is a free citizenry. And beyond that, it codifies what’s always been common sense: the right to defend yourself, your family, and your community.
But with those rights come rules. Understanding both the law and the etiquette of carrying—whether open or concealed—is critical if you want to defend yourself effectively without landing in legal trouble.
1. Open Carry: What You Need to Know
What it is: Open carry means your firearm is visible to the public.
Deterrent effect: Criminals prefer soft targets. In state after state, surveys of convicted felons show they actively avoid armed citizens. Research published by criminologists like Gary Kleck has shown that defensive gun uses (DGUs) happen hundreds of thousands to millions of times per year in the U.S.—often without a shot being fired. In many cases, the simple sight of a firearm is enough to end a confrontation.
Your responsibility:
Use a quality retention holster. If you’re carrying openly, you must assume someone could try to grab your weapon.
Maintain composure. Open carry is not a billboard or a debate prop. If someone asks about your gun, keep the conversation calm and polite.
Respect private property. If a business owner asks you not to open carry on their property and you refuse to leave, you could face trespassing charges.
2. Concealed Carry: The Tactical Advantage
What it is: Concealed carry means your firearm is hidden from public view.
The advantage: Concealed carry provides tactical anonymity. You blend in, maintaining the element of surprise should you need to defend yourself.
Why it matters: Concealed carry is the most common method of lawful carry across the U.S., and for good reason. It protects you without alarming the unarmed public or giving away your position in a crisis.
Your responsibility:
Train your draw. Concealed carry is slower to access than open carry—make sure you practice drawing from concealment.
Avoid negligent exposure. Learn how your clothing moves when you bend, sit, or reach. Printing (outlining the firearm) or accidental exposure may not be illegal everywhere, but it can invite unnecessary problems.
Keep it discreet. Concealed means concealed. Don’t brag, don’t show, don’t hint. Check out our recommended Concealed Carry resources and gear.
3. Legal Ground Rules
Private property rights: Even in pro-carry states, private property owners can prohibit firearms. Respect the sign, respect the request, and leave if asked.
Sensitive places: Federal law restricts carry in certain areas (like K–12 schools and federal buildings). Always know your local restrictions before carrying.
Duty to inform: Some states require you to immediately inform law enforcement that you are carrying if stopped. Others don’t. Know the rules where you live and where you travel.
Brandishing laws: Carrying legally is not the same as flashing a weapon to intimidate. Most states classify improper exhibition or menacing as a crime. Your firearm is for defense, not posturing.
4. Stand Your Ground: Power and Limits
Florida’s Stand Your Ground law is one of the most well-known in the country, and other states have similar versions.
What it means: If you are in a place where you have a legal right to be, you have no duty to retreat if threatened with deadly force. You may meet force with force—including deadly force—if you reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm.
What it doesn’t mean:
You cannot escalate a fight and then claim Stand Your Ground.
You cannot shoot someone for insulting you or trespassing without posing a deadly threat.
If you intervene to defend someone else, you “step into their shoes.” If you misread the situation, you could face legal jeopardy.
Bottom line: Stand Your Ground is a shield, not a sword. It protects law-abiding citizens who defend themselves. It doesn’t excuse recklessness.
5. Facts on Defensive Gun Use
Gun control activists like to say firearms don’t prevent crime—but the facts tell a different story:
CDC Report (2013): Defensive gun uses may occur anywhere between 500,000 to 3 million times per year. Even the lowest estimate is massive compared to the ~400,000 violent crimes involving firearms annually.
National Survey of Criminals: Over 30% of felons reported avoiding crimes when they thought victims might be armed.
Police perspective: In most areas, average 911 response times are 8–12 minutes. In rural areas, they can stretch to 20 minutes or more. In a life-or-death scenario, your firearm is your first responder.
6. Best Practices for Responsible Carry
Avoidance is victory. The best gunfight is the one you never have. De-escalate when possible.
Train regularly. Shooting at the range is not enough. Train dryfire, draw, reloads, malfunctions, low-light, and stress shooting.
Holster discipline. Every carry gun deserves a rigid and comfortable holster that fully covers the trigger guard.
Medical gear. Carry a tourniquet and trauma kit. If you’re prepared to make holes, you should also be prepared to plug them.
Know the law. Laws vary wildly by state. If you carry across state lines, you must know reciprocity agreements and restrictions.
The Florida ruling is a victory for the Second Amendment, but with freedom comes responsibility. Whether you choose open carry, concealed carry, or both, understand that the right to bear arms is rooted in both self-defense and resistance to tyranny.
It’s not just about “being allowed.” It’s about being trained, disciplined, and respectful—so the right is preserved for generations.
Stay armed. Stay trained. Stay responsible.
—George Shepherd
Until next time… STAY PREPARED
Remember: The best time to prepare was yesterday. The second best time is now.
Forward this newsletter to fellow patriots who value self-reliance and preparation.
Stay vigilant, stay prepared, stay alive.
