When are you ready to carry your firearm?

This question goes beyond simply owning a firearm—it is about responsibility, training, and preparedness. Carrying a firearm means accepting the gravity of the decisions and actions that come with it. It is not enough to purchase and holster a weapon; you need to cultivate the mindset and acquire the skills that ensure you are ready for any situation that may arise.

When stress, fear, and adrenaline kick in, your body undergoes significant changes. Your decisions must be quick and accurate. In minutes, you could save a life or face legal consequences, rapidly going from hero to zero.

I emphasize this point to my students while ensuring it does not discourage them from taking necessary actions for self-defense. There are many factors to consider when evaluating the aftermath of a self-defense incident that could affect whether it is deemed justified or unjustified.

Some of my students have become skilled in shooting, marksmanship, and firearm handling, as well as decision-making in complex self-defense scenarios. However, some still feel unprepared to carry regularly.

Is there a required level of training or expertise that one should attain before carrying a firearm for self-defense? This question is complex. There have been instances where individuals who possessed firearms were not adequately trained, resulting in their weapons being used against them. Conversely, there have been other incidents where individuals faced danger and wished they had their firearm for protection.

The initial question becomes complex. I would regret if any student who has completed Level 2 Handgun and performed well in the classes did not have their firearm when needed. On the other hand, some individuals, due to their handling of firearms, may pose a risk to themselves or others.

As a firearms instructor and advocate of the 2nd Amendment, I want every responsible gun owner carrying for protection of themselves and possibly for the protection of others. But, at what point do you become a force multiplier?

The ability to think critically and strategically is just as important, if not more so, than the physical carrying of a firearm. My classes aim not only to instruct individuals on the efficient operation of their firearms but also to educate them on tactical thinking and legal compliance.

Ultimately, the decision to carry a firearm comes down to individual readiness—both emotional and practical. This readiness is cultivated through continuous training, honest self-assessment, and a deep respect for the responsibility involved. While laws and regulations dictate the technical requirements, the personal obligation to ensure safety and competence transcends these boundaries.

What truly defines readiness is not just the ability to hit a target but the mental fortitude to act decisively under pressure. It is the responsibility to constantly evaluate one’s own limitations and to seek improvement. Every gun owner must ask themselves: Am I prepared to make life-altering decisions in moments of crisis? Am I committed to the discipline required to carry and use a firearm responsibly?

This is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Everyone must navigate their own path, balancing the desire for protection with an unwavering commitment to safety. When the mindset aligns with the skillset, carrying a firearm becomes not just a measure of security but a testament to one’s dedication to personal accountability.

Your protection involves both your firearm and your tactical mindset. Developing a tactical mindset can be crucial in many situations. It is important to find the right time to start carrying, as starting too early or waiting too long can have implications. You cannot predict what situations you might encounter.

If you have not yet begun carrying it, consider the reasons for this decision. Reflect on how you might feel if you required it but did not have it at hand. Once you identify the rationale behind your current choice, evaluate whether you are prepared to address and eliminate that reason.

Feel free to email me with your thoughts on this subject. I am happy to help you feel confident carrying your firearm, even if it is just a conversation.
Never stop training!!! Be safe, things are getting a bit crazy again.

Oz Johnson/Lead Instructor, NRA Certified
Karin Johnson/Operations Manager
JohnsonGroupTAC@gmail.com
JohnsonGroupTAC.com
602-410-7355