When you carry a firearm – whether openly or concealed – you’re taking on a responsibility that goes far beyond just defending yourself. It’s about mindset, preparedness, maturity, and daily decisions that can impact not only your life but the lives of everyone around you. Carrying isn’t about being macho or paranoid. It’s about being aware, trained, and consistent. And while the laws can tell you what’s legal or illegal, there’s a whole set of unwritten rules that should guide your behavior. These rules aren’t suggestions – they’re principles you should live by if you choose to carry a gun in public.
Here are 10 unwritten rules every responsible gun owner needs to know, follow, and respect.
1. Stay Sober—Always
If you’re carrying a firearm, being 100% sober isn’t just smart – it’s non-negotiable. No alcohol. No recreational drugs. Nothing that alters your judgment or physical control. Even if you’re in a state where carrying in a bar is legal, that doesn’t mean you should take a sip. Once you add any kind of substance to the equation, your ability to make life-and-death decisions is compromised. And if something happens while you’re under the influence, expect to have the book thrown at you. Just don’t risk it. If you plan to drink, leave the gun at home.
2. Don’t Let the Gun Collect Dust
Your carry gun isn’t meant to sit idle in a drawer, purse, or holster day after day without ever being fired. It should be the firearm you train with the most. That means regular range trips and real-world practice, including drawing from concealment if your range allows it. Practice with your self-defense ammo too – not just range rounds. Different grain weights and bullet types can change point of impact. If you ever need to use that gun, you better know exactly how it behaves. Familiarity saves lives.
3. Choose the Right Gun (and Carry It Daily)
This one’s personal. The gun you carry should be comfortable enough that you’ll actually carry it – and shootable enough that you can trust it under pressure. Too big and it’ll stay home. Too small and it might be a bear to shoot. Your gun needs to be something you can shoot well, conceal easily, and handle confidently. Once you’ve picked it, commit to carrying it every day. A gun in your safe doesn’t do you any good when you’re walking through a sketchy parking lot late at night.
4. Know the Law in Every State You Enter
It doesn’t matter if you’ve got constitutional carry at home – crossing a state line can change everything. That invisible border might turn you from a law-abiding citizen into a criminal, just because of local laws you didn’t know existed. Know your own state’s gun laws inside and out, and if you’re traveling, research the states you’ll pass through. Something as simple as having your gun in the wrong spot in your vehicle or carrying into a posted business can land you in serious legal trouble.
5. Don’t Ignore the Emotional Side
Mental and emotional stability matter just as much as physical ability when carrying a firearm. You’ve got to be in the right state of mind. That means checking yourself before you strap on a gun after a major argument, during emotional distress, or when you’re boiling mad. You might think you’ve got it under control – but one incident of road rage or a heated confrontation could spiral into a tragedy. Sometimes, it’s better to leave your gun at home and cool down.
6. Carry with the Right Accessories
Your gear matters. From holsters to red dots to weapon lights, the right accessories can make a big difference in usability and safety. If you work nights, for example, you might want night sights or a micro weapon light. If you carry every day, a high-quality holster with good retention and trigger protection is mandatory. Don’t cut corners with your gear – your life could depend on it. And if this is your only gun, make sure it can also serve in a home defense role. Versatility counts.
7. Be Vigilant—Always
If you’re not going to pay attention to your surroundings, what’s the point of carrying? Your mindset should be alert – not paranoid – but you should always be aware of who’s around you, who’s walking in the door, and what’s happening nearby. You don’t have to stare everyone down, but put the phone away and keep your head on a swivel. Trouble moves fast, and your response has to be faster. That only happens if you’re mentally present and prepared.
8. You’re an Ambassador Now
Whether you like it or not, once people find out you’re a gun owner – or worse, if they see you printing through your shirt – you become a representative of every other gun owner out there. If you act like a hothead, irresponsible, or careless, it reflects on all of us. On the flip side, if you carry with maturity and responsibility, you might just change someone’s mind about gun ownership. Be ready to explain your choices, respectfully, and you might even introduce someone new to the 2A lifestyle.
9. Understand the Consequences
Sometimes, carrying means making hard decisions. What if your job doesn’t allow firearms? What if your workplace is in a high-crime area? You might choose to carry anyway and risk your employment – or follow the policy and risk your safety. No one can make that decision for you. But if you ever have to use your gun in self-defense – especially in a place where you weren’t supposed to have it – be prepared to live with the consequences. Getting fired might be better than not making it home. Only you can decide.
10. You Won’t Just Own One
Here’s a fun truth: once you get serious about carrying, you’re probably not going to stop at one firearm. You’ll want backups. You’ll want a truck gun. You’ll find out that .45 feels different from 9mm, and suddenly you want both. And don’t even get started on rifles and shotguns. It becomes a lifestyle – and a collection. And hey, that’s not a bad thing. Firearms can be a lifelong investment, both financially and personally.
Carrying Is a Commitment, Not a Phase
Carrying a gun isn’t a fashion statement or a novelty. It’s a serious, potentially life-changing responsibility. It’s something you have to train for, prepare for, and constantly think about. You’re not just protecting yourself; you’re becoming part of a culture that values personal freedom and personal accountability.
These ten unwritten rules aren’t just about what to do – they’re about who you become as a result. You carry to stay ready. You train to stay sharp. You learn the laws to stay legal. And you keep your head on straight because that’s what a responsible gun owner does.
So whether you carry openly or concealed, remember: the most important part of carrying isn’t the gun – it’s you.
Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.