Archives for November 2014

What caliber is best? Revolver or Semi-Automatic? Full sized gun or subcompact?  How do you decide what carry gun is best for you?

In my opinion there are two primary concerns when choosing a carry gun.  That’s not to say that there are only two choices or considerations, but I believe that there are two facets that should drive your decision.

First of all, the gun must be easily concealable and comfortable.  Most people who are licensed to carry and who no longer carry daily stopped carrying because it was inconvenient. They had made the decision to carry a gun based on the caliber and perceived stopping power and, as a result, chose a gun that was too heavy and / or jabbed them in the side.  It was uncomfortable and by the end of the day it felt like they were carrying around a brick, so they started to neglect carrying.  Before they knew it, they were rarely even carrying.  The moral of the story is that the “undersized” gun that you really do carry every day is infinitely superior to the large, impressive gun that you end up not carrying.

Second, the gun must be one that you are absolutely proficient with, with the emphasis on absolutely.  If you have a gun that you are really good with, have been shooting for years and love, but then you go out and buy a smaller carry pistol, you are at a great disadvantage. The day that you may have to draw your carry weapon and use it, it will be absolutely necessary that you can accurately point-shoot, clear jams and even do a magazine change without thinking or looking.  That takes practice.  Don’t have time for practice?  Then just realize that if the gun jams and you can’t instantly and instinctively deal with it in an instant, you just have a concealed-paperweight that you can perhaps throw at the person threatening your life.

Practice. Then pactice some more.  Then practice more after that.

Know someone who needs to get their Illinois License to Carry? Click here for class information.

The Illinois License to Carry is now recognized by 22 other states*. But the most important thing to know is what the laws are in each state where you may travel, as you have to comply with that state’s laws, and not Illinois’ law. The last thing you want to do is get into trouble and try pleading ignorance to a law enforcement officer or a judge.

Let’s start with what NOT to do.  Before traveling through another state, do NOT call the state police there and trust whatever you are told over the phone!  That is a recipe for disaster, because you have no idea who you are talking to and their level of knowledge and professionalism.

The best two resources to know the laws in all fifty states are http://Handgunlaw.us and http://USACarry.com.  While USACarry.com has a great map to quickly show where your Illinois license (and any other non-resident permits) are honored, Handgunlaw.us provides you with a printable pdf of all the laws of each state.

Watchouts:

First, look for “preemption” — meaning that the state law preempts local laws.  Preemption is what you want! Otherwise, you will need to know the laws of the various counties and municipalities where you travel.

Second, watch for laws regarding the necessity to inform law enforcement officials you have contact with that you are carrying.  (I always suggest the habit of volunteering that information right away, so you never have to worry what the state law is about disclosure.)

Want to know when classes are offered to get your Illinois License to Carry (or tell a friend)?  Click HERE.

States recognizing the Illinois License to Carry: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin