I think we all know how dangerous it can be just taking a walk or a drive these days. People are constantly getting mugged, carjacked, or just hurt for no apparent reason. On top of that, we are faced with mass shootings, terrorist attacks, and riots. Things seem to be getting worse every year.
Many people feel that carrying a weapon is the only way to keep their families safe. With proper training, carrying a handgun can be an effective way to deter and stop criminals from harming you and your family. So, let’s take this scenario to the extreme.
Related: Concealed Carry – Why Do You Need One
How does carrying a handgun change when SHTF? I suppose you could consider many recent events SHTF scenarios. Between riots in most major cities, a blizzard in Texas, hurricanes pounding the Gulf, and a pandemic ravaging the country we have plenty of examples.
How you carry your weapon in a SHTF scenario could mean the difference between life and death. Things get quite different when you carry with chaos all around you. You really need to consider the consequences of showing people that you are carrying a weapon.
In many states it is legal to carry a weapon visible to other people. Just because it is legal does not necessarily make it smart. In this article, we will cover the carrying options for firearms in a SHTF scenario.
Can You Kill?
Before you consider how to carry, you must consider if you should carry.
The fact of the matter is that you should only carry a weapon if you are prepared to use it. If you have a weapon, show it, and don’t fire you will likely get shot.
The only sensible purpose for carrying a weapon is if you are ready to disable an attacker before they fire at you.
Be aware that there will always be consequences for shooting an attacker. If there is any way to use non-lethal force, you should always take this option. If you shoot an attacker, you could absolutely face legal repercussions. You should only take this action if it is needed to preserve life.
In addition, you will face psychological repercussions if you kill someone. Many people face PTSD for the rest of their lives after pulling the trigger. You should only pull or show your firearm if you are fully willing to face all of these consequences.
Scare Tactics
While showing your weapon may sometime scare away attackers, SHTF scenarios are different. If you are just being mugged, flashing a gun can be quite effective. If the attacker does not also have a gun, they will likely head for the hills. Even if they have a gun, they will sometimes not be willing to draw it.
However, in a SHTF scenario you must assume that everyone could be carrying. This means that you would be severely outgunned if you pull your weapon. In addition to this risk, you must assume that people are not as concerned with the law during a SHTF scenario.
For example, during Hurricane Katrina looters knew that the police were swamped trying to rescue people that did not evacuate. Because of this, they were more comfortable looting and committing other crimes. Everything is more dangerous in a SHTF scenario.
Why We Conceal
You absolutely have the option of carrying your weapon on your hip if that is what you choose. However, there are several reasons why this is the wrong option in a SHTF scenario. Let’s look at the best-case scenario. If you are in a crowd of people, there is a good chance someone else is carrying a weapon.
If you feel threatened and pull your weapon to where they can see it, they will likely pull theirs as well. This makes for a very dangerous situation.
Related: How to Conceal Weapons in Your Vehicle
Now let’s look at the worst-case scenario. You draw your weapon and lots of other people either have weapons or choose to jump you. There is no way you can overpower all of those people even with a handgun.
Finally, we can consider if a police officer or national guard soldier sees you pull the gun. Now you have the attention of the authorities and are most definitely going to jail or getting shot.
When to Draw
In a SHTF scenario, you must be selective about when you show you have a weapon.
The only time that it makes sense to show your firearm is when you are ready to fire. This means that someone’s life is in danger and the only way to save them is to shoot another person.
If you draw prior to that, you will likely end up shot or in jail.
If you do decide to draw your weapon, do not wait for the attacker to back down. As you have chosen to draw your weapon, then you have already decided lives are in danger.
When you draw your weapon, take the shot. I know it sounds brutal, but if you are not ready to fire then you should never have drawn your weapon.
Bug Out Bags
I suggest that you always have a way to defend yourself. This could be using hand to hand combat, using non-lethal weapons, or using lethal weapons.
The most effective of these options is lethal weapons such as handguns. If you are comfortable with carrying a handgun, it should absolutely be part of your bug out bag.
When forced to leave your home to survive, you will want a weapon in your pack. Just take the time to do your research and find the right weapon for your needs.
Please remember that we are not talking about normal circumstances. There are lots of times when carrying your weapon on your hip would deter criminals.
However, in a SHTF scenario everything changes. You must consider the chaos you are facing. If you are smart and find the right time to draw your weapon, you will do what is needed to keep everyone safe.
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I live in Oregon which is an open carry state, that being said I also have my CCL and carry only when I can conceal my weapon. We had a local man several years ago open carry and was robbed at gun point from behind, the thief took his phone, wallet and his firearm that he had proudly displayed on is hip.
The firearm was just another posession being robbed. I dont see the point.
i prefear to open carry a Glock 20 in 10mm with a spare mag. If needed i can wear my jacket over it or sweat shirt but for the most part its open carried. i don’t honestly care who see’s it.
have the training and practice…. plus carry a spare mag or two.
Even though l like the freedom to open carry where possible, I choose to concealed carry for tactical reasons. I carry a Springfield 911 .380 in my pocket and constantly practice pulling and racking it. (I’m ready for the .380 isn’t large enough or carrying Condition 3 is terrible folks). My first objective is to distance myself from the danger, then find suitable ballistic cover and fire to neutralize the threat if necessary. I’ve had three pressure situations where I pulled my gun and they were all three resolved without a shot being fired… would I have if the situation warranted it… you be, with no problems. I have no problem shooting those who threaten me or my family, however I try to avoid those areas and situations if possible.
I look at i this way. The law-abiding non-criminal shoots to live, while the criminals shoot to kill.
In short, we shoot to live, they shoot to kill.
A vet once told me that every time you kill, it takes a piece out of YOU.
Killing should be the last resort most times.
Preventive killing should also be considered if you cannot prevent a crime by other means.
An example might be killing someone holding a molotov cocktail about to throw it in an occupied daycare.
Shooting to stop is pretty much shooting to kill if you aim for center mass or a head shot.
only if your weak will it effect you.
the biggest factor is carry always and don’t worry about the laws…… Carry everywhere and screw the laws.
I really like and respect cops! They have a very dangerous job to do with little thanks from it from most city officials. Yes, there are a few bad apples, but that is in every profession.
Most out there will echo your sentiment (especially women) about carrying. Most officers realize they are an “after the event” remedy and will not arrest you if you treat them with the respect they deserve. They KNOW they can’t be everywhere. Most understand.
nick i would say most cops don’t support the consitution and will power trip all over you if let them.
Hell most don’t even want you armed and would shoot you or take your guns if they could.
We must know different officers. As far as I can tell, it the federal government and it’s geriatric leader that abhor the Constitution. If they try gun confiscation in Texas (and I bet a lot of other states) they will be met with deadly force. The officers I know won’t go along with confiscation. We’ll agree to disagree on this point.
sorry nick your local thin blue line won’t help you out. Texas is turning into a liberal powerhouse.. You can thank the mass exit of california and illegals voting.
5 years retired as a Florida Deputy. Something I will never forget that was told to me, a long time ago as a young deputy by one of my training officers was to remember every time you respond to a call there is always a gun involved, the gun on your hip. This also goes for everyone of us that carry! Train to use and train weapon retention.
Raven Tactical Master you said ”only if you are weak will taking a life effect you. “ I really hope I misunderstood you.
On the other hand if I did not misunderstand your meaning you are clearly too immature to be trusted with a pea shooter.
People who have been to hell and back can spot a wannabe from a mile away.
Go back to your room. The adults are having a conversation.
i would assume the shall not infringe part failed you….. and the fudd responce of pea shooter is nice…. let me guess the same name you think the m16 shoots.
Killing is easy breathing if you train for it. Who cares if you take a soul of this lousy place called earth.
The only people upset over it are just those who can’t cope with reality.
I carry concealed everytime I leave the house with the hope it never comes out until I return home. I have my CCW permit and only people close to me know I have the gun. I have talked with people who get very nervous when they see people who carry openly even though it’s legal in my state. Which I understand cuz you never know the mindset of the other person. We as gun owners need to show some respect to those who choose not to own guns. I hope that some day there will be a mutual respect between us all. Yes I realize that is probably just a pipe dream but we can hope and pray.
i honestly dont give a damn if they don’t like my gun and i open carry. i didn’t ask for there permission and they don’t pay my bills.
you need to carry at all times and ignore the stupiid laws and buildings that post anti gun shit. the only thing that can stop you is a metal dector.
All it takes is one incident, where they find that they are in a life threatening situation and have nothing to defend themselves with. If they survive, they will surely change their mind as well as their opinion about gun ownership.
Excellent Point!
i doubt it…. people like to be victioms
Very sensible advice and approach, Bryan.
I conceal carry as a rule.
Just because I can open carry, doesn’t mean I should.
Why provoke an argument or cause discomfort among those who are ill at ease around weapons?
When I read comments from people who seem to want to antagonize those opposed to my 2A Rights – I just shake my head. That is an argument I prefer to avoid.
Why should I tip my hand?
Thank you
i dont open carry because i am looking for a arugment. i open carry because its what i want to do and its easyeir to get on target in a fight. the data would be nice but nobody can provide it that… open carryiing people are targeted first and killed in shootouts.
i don;t care what the otherside feels… Why would i play nice to pepole who want and vote for me disarmed. Mind you republicans are the worst for gun rights and get things passed while the democrats just rant and rave.
I conceal carry, legally, pretty much everywhere I go. I have a different aspect to public opinion, or should I say, people’s reactions. I don’t hide the fact that I carry concealed. Quite the opposite. I like to let people know that I am there, unlike most, who are ready to protect myself and them. I like to educate the gun illiterate on the importance of taking back the life and liberty of the law abiding citizen. I love to talk about why each and every free, law abiding citizen should carry, for the good of the community. I usually include a little ditty about gun safety as well, for the unknowing. I also add the aspect of the consequences (mentally and legally) of shooting someone.
I have had FAR more positive interactions, than negative, with the folks I chat with. I live in Oregon and the only negative person I chatted with spouted all the left-wing comments and proof that guns are horrible and responsible for virtually all the lives that have ever been lost. …….I’m certain he must have been from California !
the term law abiding citizen is the issue. We shouldn’t strive to be law abiding…. our founders where not law abiding.
its a foolish term that aligns you with “thinking cops are here to help you “
Our founders didn’t turn the law into the behemoth monster it is today. Lawyers and politicians have. I’m sure back in that day no one thought anything about open carry in public, private or anywhere else. Today a sizable portion of our laws are for public entity fundraising and have nothing to do with right or wrong.
You are correct, you must be prepared to protect yourself, 9 times out of 10, the cops show up after the event.
I think you are doing a good service promoting legal and responsible carry. Especially when you add “the consequences (mentally and legally) of shooting someone”. That does help a person be more responsible with their gun usage.
Gun and personal safety is always a good way to lead into a pro-2A discussion. And always remember, “An armed society is a polite society”!
I agree with educating people. I have talked with anti gun people. Some see my side and others never will. I am very proud to be a gun owner. I am sure by my usual attire most people have no doubt I own guns. I conceal carry by choice so as not to create an unnecessary confrontation. I know people who have been confronted by the police for open carry. It is now legal I Utah where I live so maybe that will at least slow down some.
lol harrment from the police who are open carrying…… man crime must be slow. i guess its because someone even here think they need speical rights above yours to be a cop
If you’re not law abiding, then, in fact, aren’t you a criminal? Rhetorical question. It really doesn’t need an answer.
Hmmmm…….interesting….. I DO think cops are here to help me. Go figure!
so you plan on turning in your guns when it becomes illegal … mr law abiding citizen.
i mean all gun laws are illegal so what makes you so sure that cops are to help you. they just create revenue for the city and thats it. They don’t stop crime nor do they have a duty to put themselves in harms way for you.
Raven
Okay……I can see the antagonistic attitude here. So I’ll back out of this one. I will add though, that, no, I have no intention of giving up my guns. I don’t think we will ever have to see that happen. IF it does, technically,………then **I** become a criminal. “From my cold dead fingers”, as the saying goes. 🙂
you don’t think they will ? they already have passed laws every year. Trump was no friend to the 2a and eithe was Looney Regan.
Let me know where you can buy that Machine post 1984 or pre 84 for anything that doesn’t cost as much as a house.
Amen!
Never underestimate the element of surprise. It’s no one’s business what you’ve got until you need them to know. Quit acting like punk ass kids and you don’t have to worry. Carry yourself accordingly and with confidence.
Excellent Point!
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