An example of why I don't conceal carry a loaded gun in public

[Kaleva]

I have a CPL and can legally conceal carry in MI where legally allowed to and also the same in states that recognize my cpl

However , I don't. To get my cpl, I took and completed a basic course that in my opinion, is very minimalist at best. It gave me a foundation for home defense but not for self defense with a gun in public . I could on my own violation take advanced courses and spend the time practicing them but I have neither the desire to spend that time nor the funds to do so.

The difference between using a gun for home defense and using a gun for self defence out in public is that there are far more variables to consider in the latter. There'd be far more information to process in a stressful situation and I'd have to hope that I could process that info rationally and make the most correct decision.

An example of this is the incident being talked about in GD concerning the man who opened the door of the wrong car at a gas station and was shot and killed. Being armed, my situational awareness would have to be at a very heightened level so as to minimize making the wrong decision. I'd have to have spotted that guy coming towards the car, determined if he appeared to be a threat or not and maybe take the proactive step of locking the car doors . I wouldn't want it to get to the point of where the man opens the door unexpectedly and I have to make a snap decision as to his intent and decide right then if I draw my weapon and use lethal force.

Armed while out in public, I'd have to be paying attention to what everyone is doing and what's going on around me. I'd need to take proactive steps that would minimize the need to make a snap decision as to if I have to draw my weapon. It could be something simple like making sure my car doors are locked while I'm in the vehicle .

Carrying while out in public, I'd need to be on high alert all the time. There are people here I believe that are trained to that level but I myself don't have the inclination to put in the effort nor, because of where I live, is there a need to.

However, as part of my training program that I hope to begin soon, I'll conceal carry my UNLOADED revolver out in public on occasion so I get used to carrying it and to act as a reminder that I need to be fully alert and develop my situational awareness skills. So if there ever comes a time where I feel I need to conceal carry a loaded gun out in public for protection, I won't be starting from ground zero with the training . As for courses, it's close to a two hour drive to the nearest location.