Purchasing the right gun and gear and obtaining a concealed carry permit is only the start of your self-defense journey. You’re entering a world that requires situational awareness and ongoing concealed carry safety practices. This mindset comes from being prepared for everyday and unusual scenarios, reinforced with training and education. It all boils down to being prepared, which we’ll highlight throughout this article.
Develop Your Situational Awareness
Situational awareness for gun owners involves making an ongoing effort to monitor your surroundings and identify potential threats before they escalate. It’s fair to say that this skill is more important than your choice of sidearm because, ideally, you want to avoid a dangerous situation before it happens.
The Cooper Color Code
Developed by U.S. Marine Corps officer and firearms instructor Jeff Cooper, the Cooper Color Code outlines different awareness levels:
White: Completely unaware and unprepared (some would say oblivious). Many people operate in this state daily, engrossed in their phones or lost in thought.
Yellow: Relaxed alertness. In this state, a concealed carrier is observant about their environment. They’re continually scanning their surroundings for unusual behavior or potential threats, but not to the point of being paranoid or this activity interfering with everyday life.
Orange: Status should change to this condition when a potential threat has been identified. There’s no set definition for this, but switching to heightened alertness about a specific concern is a better-safe-than-sorry approach to carrying a concealed weapon.
Red: Being fully alert and ready to take defensive action is the hallmark of the highest level of the Cooper Color Code. Not only have you identified a specific threat, but you’re mentally prepared to respond.
Staying in Yellow status should be the default practice for concealed carriers. You can go about your daily activities while maintaining sufficient awareness of potential threats that may not have yet fully surfaced. Operating in this mode takes practice, especially if you’re new to CCWs. Make a habit of self-assessing your readiness after you’ve spent time in public.
Scanning and Assessing Your Environment
Situational awareness is a skill that develops over time and is more instinctual for some than others. Your observational habits should include:
Identifying entrances and exits when entering any confined space. Not only are you checking for the presence of potential threats, but you’re also taking mental notes of possible escape routes.
Noting potential protection zones—cover can stop or impede bullets, while concealment (like curtains, furniture, or bushes) merely hides your presence.
Watching hands over faces—looking at people’s faces is natural, but the actual threat usually lies in their fingertips.
Positioning yourself strategically with your back to the wall while maintaining a direct view of entrances whenever possible.
Think awareness, not paranoia. These practices should become second nature rather than anxiety-inducing.
Conflict Avoidance and De-Escalation
Knowing what to do when carrying a gun in public starts with recognizing your responsibilities in any confrontation.
Your Firearm is a Last Resort
Say the phrase “my gun is a last resort,” and keep repeating it. This mantra may be an oversimplification, but it’s essential to understand that you must do everything possible to avoid drawing your weapon. Your priority should be walking away from a confrontation, especially when armed. The following principles support such an approach:
Avoid Ego Battles: While some of us have an instinctive need to defend our ego and honor, these tendencies only get in the way when there’s potential for a deadly weapon to enter the picture. It’s OK to lose a trivial argument.
Create Distance Whenever Possible: Space between aggrieved parties can ease tensions, so don’t worry about standing your ground. Walk away, back up, or do whatever you need to create a generous gap, making extracting yourself much easier.
Accept Perceived Slights: It’s far better to brush off an insult—intentional or otherwise—than escalating the situation with a drawn weapon (remember, you’re not the only one with a concealed carry permit).
Have an Escape Plan: Not only do you want to walk away from a confrontation, but you want to do so to maximize your safety. Sometimes this involves finding the closest door, but the situation may require another exit strategy.
De-Escalation Tactics
Despite your best efforts and intentions, a confrontation may still be unavoidable. However, de-escalation techniques can still defuse the situation:
Maintain a calm tone and a non-aggressive stance—raising your voice or assuming a defensive position can trigger a similar reaction from the other party.
Keep your hands visible—showing your hands means you’ve got nothing to hide.
Create space—space is safety, and stepping back just a few feet may be enough to ease tensions.
Set clear boundaries—without sounding threatening or aggressive, establish a clear border you don’t want the other party to cross.
Use your brain—sometimes all it takes to defuse a situation is a few well-placed words. Try agreeing, apologizing (regardless of who’s at fault), or some self-deprecating humor. Examples include “You’re right, I don’t want any trouble,” or “Sorry, my bad.”
Real-Life Scenarios Preparedness
Concealed carry tips for real life include being prepared for potential self-defense situations.
What to Do if Confronted by a Threat
If all attempts at avoiding confrontation and de-escalation have failed and you perceive that you’re faced with a legitimate threat, take these actions:
Seek cover immediately if available
Create distance from the threat
Call the police if possible (or ask someone to call)
Issue clear commands in a loud, authoritative voice (“the police have been called,” “I’m prepared to defend myself,” and “Do not come any closer”)
Prepare to defend yourself only as a last resort
Just like practicing at the range or with dry-fire exercises, rehearsing these steps can make all the difference during a critical moment.
When (and How) to Draw Your Handgun
The difference between drawing a handgun for defense and brandishing a weapon (a crime in many areas) can be a fine line that’s open to interpretation by authorities. Make a point of learning the standard in your community and other jurisdictions you may travel to. Find out by talking with an experienced firearms instructor, law enforcement, or a knowledgeable attorney. Don’t rely on casual advice from other gun owners or online forums.
Here’s a general guideline for when to draw your weapon. However, it’s essential to remember that the standards for legally doing so in your community may be different.
Drawing a handgun should only occur if:
You reasonably believe you face an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm
There is no viable alternative—avoidance, de-escalation, escape, or cover has failed or isn’t possible
You’re prepared to use the weapon if absolutely necessary
You’ve considered what’s behind and adjacent to the target, weighing potential collateral damage
Drawing a weapon, no matter how justified, is the ultimate escalation. Continue to communicate clearly in the hope that the threat will back down. Remember that such action without valid fear for your safety is illegal in most jurisdictions.
Legal and Social Responsibilities
Going into public with a concealed carry weapon requires having a basic understanding of the accompanying legal implications.
Interacting with Police While Armed
Law enforcement encounters, like being pulled over for a traffic stop, require special consideration:
Know your state's duty-to-inform laws—some states require immediate disclosure.
Move slowly, with your hands visible during any police interaction. In a car, keep your hands on the steering wheel.
Follow a simple script: "Officer, I have a concealed carry permit and am currently carrying," and obey the officer’s instructions to the letter.
Aftermath of a Defensive Incident
Firing a weapon in self-defense should be followed by:
Calling 911 immediately once the immediate threat is over
Contacting an attorney specializing in self-defense matters right away
Avoiding making a detailed statement without legal counsel
Providing only necessary information (location, medical needs, and basic descriptions)
Being prepared for the psychological after-effects, including PTSD (consider counseling)
Pro Tip—Obtain Concealed Carry Insurance: The use of a firearm, even at home, can be accompanied by complex legal issues, requiring extensive and expensive legal support. A self-defense liability insurance policy may cover attorney’s fees, bail, and other associated costs. Some programs provide prompt referrals to attorneys experienced in criminal and civil matters.
Everyday Carry Mindset
Developing consistent habits is essential for effective concealed carry.
Carry Consistently or Not at All
The unpredictable nature of threats means inconsistent carry practices can leave you unprepared and vulnerable:
Develop a consistent routine for carrying your firearm
Plan your wardrobe around your carry method
Maintain the same carry position, when possible, for consistent muscle memory
Continuous Training and Education
Best practices for concealed carry include ongoing education:
Stay current on self-defense laws in your jurisdiction
Practice regularly with your carry weapon—create a regular schedule
Seek advanced training beyond basic permit requirements
Supporting Your Self-Defense Goals
ArmaLaser handgun laser sights are custom-fit for factory-like compatibility, offering crucial support in self-defense situations. Explore your options at the ArmaLaser store. Customer support is available online or by calling (800) 680-5020.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for educational purposes only and is based on correct firearm handling and lawful use. This information is not a substitute for proper training.