USA Carry

RALEIGH, NC — On March 18, 2025, the North Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 50, titled “Freedom to Carry NC,” which proposes to allow U.S. citizens aged 18 and older to carry concealed handguns without obtaining a permit. The bill now moves to the Senate Rules and Operations Committee for further consideration. ​

The proposed legislation permits individuals who are U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and not otherwise prohibited by law, to carry concealed handguns without a permit. Despite this change, the bill maintains the current concealed handgun permit system for those who seek permits for reciprocity purposes when traveling to other states or for personal reasons.

After its approval by the Judiciary Committee, Senate Bill 50 has been re-referred to the Senate Rules and Operations Committee. If it receives a favorable report there, it will proceed to the Senate floor for debate and voting. If passed by the Senate, the bill will move to the House for consideration. Governor Roy Cooper’s stance on the bill has not been publicly stated at this time.​

Senate Bill 50 upholds the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens by removing unnecessary barriers to concealed carry. Responsible gun owners should not be required to obtain permits to exercise their constitutional rights. Additionally, North Carolina would join 29 other states that have enacted similar “constitutional carry” laws, reflecting a growing trend toward permitless concealed carry across the nation. ​

Read the original story: North Carolina Advances ‘Freedom to Carry NC’ Bill Allowing Permitless Concealed Carry for Residents 18 and Older

SPRING HOPE, NC — A North Carolina man has been arrested after he allegedly fired multiple rounds at a vehicle, striking a juvenile driver, following an attempted theft from his truck. The case serves as a stark reminder that responsible gun owners must understand the laws of self-defense—deadly force is only justified in response to an immediate threat of death or serious bodily harm, not to protect property or pursue suspects after the fact.

On March 14, 2025, shortly after 10:00 p.m., the Nash County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting on Savage Road. According to authorities, 30-year-old Zachary Bryant called 911 to report a theft from his truck. He later admitted to firing at a moving vehicle, striking a 15-year-old driver, who remains in critical condition.

Bryant told police he was inside his home when he heard his dog barking. Upon checking outside, he saw two individuals running from his truck. The suspects got into a vehicle and drove away. Bryant then went back inside his house, put on clothes, retrieved a handgun and a flashlight, and returned to inspect his truck, discovering that tools were missing.

Roughly 10 minutes later, Bryant spotted a red vehicle matching the description of the suspect’s car returning to the area. Standing near the road, he fired multiple shots at the passing vehicle, striking the juvenile driver. The car then crashed into a wooded area, where deputies later found four minors inside, ranging in age from 14 to 16.

Bryant has been charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill and Inflicting Serious Injury and Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill.

Authorities were clear in their assessment: Bryant was not in immediate danger when he opened fire. North Carolina law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-51.3) allows for the use of deadly force only when there is a reasonable belief of imminent death or great bodily harm. Since Bryant fired on a fleeing vehicle and was not facing an active threat, his use of force was not legally justified.

The investigation remains ongoing, and charges are also being considered against the juveniles involved in the theft.

This case underscores an important lesson for all gun owners: you cannot legally use deadly force to protect property or to stop a fleeing suspect. Once a threat has ended, firing a weapon—even at a suspect who has just committed a crime—can result in serious legal consequences.

Lawful gun ownership carries the responsibility of understanding when force is legally justified. If you find yourself in a similar situation, call law enforcement and let them handle the pursuit. Acting outside the law, as this case demonstrates, can lead to criminal charges and tragic outcomes.

Read the original story: This North Carolina Shooting Highlights the Importance of Knowing Self-Defense Laws

Years ago, the comments on my articles in various places would be filled with the gleefully mediocre, chiming in about how defensive gun use is typically “3 rounds, 3 yards, 3 seconds,” and that usual such nonsense.  This is less common now.  It seems that our rapidly deteriorated world has become obvious to even the “common tater” commentators.

This is the era of a high possibility of terrorist attacks, flash mobs, violent riots, large home invasion crews, active shooter attacks, and exceedingly violent gangs and drug cartels, all enhanced by our open boarder.  Even most of the common taters have awoken.  The crack head in an ally with a knife is hardly the only threat we now face. 

Serious handguns are in order.  Fortunately, we now have very capable, yet imminently concealable, pistols.  Obviously, if you know you will be in a fight, a Glock 17 is preferable to a Sig P365, but a good shooter can do good work with a P365 or similar.  And, as should be self-evident, a gun you will always carry is much better than one you will occasionally carry. 

Here I will offer you some things to consider, if you are still working out your own carry gear.  After many years of carrying a concealed handgun, daily, I think I have truly streamlined my EDC into a very capable, yet consistently carry-able, format. 

After many years with it, my primary carry gun remains the Glock 26.  While the “micro compact” guns, typified by the Sig P365, have dominated concealed carry in the past few years, I still prefer the Glock 26 as I don’t find it any more difficult to conceal then the micro compacts, yet it shoots and performs far more akin to a service pistol.  Using the 12-round Magpul magazine for it, I get a full firing grip, yet it still carries significantly easier than even a Glock 19.  I also carry a spare magazine in the waistband along with it, in this case a 21-round Magpul Glock magazine.  So, between the gun and the reload, I am carrying significant capability, in a package that absolutely disappears under any casual shirt. 

Along with the gun and magazine in the waistband, I carry keys, OC spray, and my phone in one hip pocket, and my beloved pouch in the other, which holds a light, knife, and tourniquet, hidden in the pocket with no use of visible pocket clips.  For more information of how this works, see my article on No Clips in Pockets. 

I carry this EDC setup the majority of the time.

Most concealed carriers need a deep concealment option to accommodate either very casual dress (sweatpants, board shorts, etc…) or formal dress, such as tucked shirts and suits.  I try to stay consistent with my carry tools, but the element that does change when I must tuck in shirts, or when I am wearing draw-string shorts, sweatpants, or any non-belt option, is the gun and reload.  My go-to for deep concealed carry is my Ruger LCR revolver in a Phlster Enigma.  The other items, including the pouch with the light, knife, and TQ, remain the same as these inconspicuously fit even in shorts, sweatpants, or dress pants.  I prefer this smaller toolset that can work all the time rather than larger items that work only some of the time. 

Finally, I often utilize what I call “extended carry,” which involves adding additional gear to the EDC.  For this setup, I carry the EDC as pictured above, but I add the Ruger LCR to an ankle holster, and also add a speed strip to support the revolver, along with a pack of Quick Clot gauze, to an ankle strap on the other leg, thus furthering my on-body medical and defensive gear.  While I always have a full trauma kit in my pack that is close by, and I keep a lot of such gear in the vehicle, I like having these medical devices on body. 

Before all the cowboys start in about how ankle carry is terrible, I ONLY carry a backup gun in this capacity, not my main gun.  The carry of a backup gun, in my case, is mainly to accommodate having a second gun that can be handed to a family member, should a situation get bad.  This extended carry setup stays consistent in that it just adds additional tools to my ankles, while the EDC on my waist and in my pockets stays the same.  This extended setup also utilizes my two regular carry guns, thus not introducing unfamiliar tools.

If you are working on maximizing your ability to carry concealed tools, I recommend staying as consistent as possible in doing so, and you may find some of these strategies helpful.

Read the original story: Why I Still Carry a Glock 26 (And How I Optimize My Setup)

You have heard the saying, ‘If you must ask the question, you won’t understand the answer.’ An example is someone who has never served in the military, asking a veteran what it feels like to be in the military. There’s no way to relate it in words. Another example is the question, why do you own a gun? Fortunately, this is easier to answer. The next time someone asks you why you own a gun or several, here are some things you can tell them.

This is the first reason because, quite honestly, it is the only reason you need. Like voting and free speech, the right to own a firearm is guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States. Period. But like any right, certain groups will encroach upon it unless you exercise it. In other words, use it or lose it.

Self-defense is the number one reason people give when asked why they own a gun and with good cause. You cannot overstate the value of having a gun if an armed criminal, crazy, or terrorist assaults you. In many cases, the mere fact that an intended victim produced a gun was enough to drive the criminal off without a shot being fired. If the assailant is determined, being armed could very well be the only thing that preserves your life.

In my opinion, it is more honorable to be a defender than a victim. It is also better for society. In most cases, in states where a high proportion of law-abiding citizens are armed, violent crime rates have gone down, while cities with the strictest gun control laws have the highest violent crime rates. Private citizens use firearms to protect themselves two million times a year. Think of how many more crime victim statistics there would be if all those people had not been armed.

The police work hard and do the best they can with limited budgets, inadequate manning levels, ungrateful city governments, and judges who release criminals back on the streets with unfortunate regularity, but in most cases, when seconds matter, they take minutes to arrive.  Police cannot protect us; they can only investigate after the crime is over. The reality is that we are on our own, and if we are unarmed, we are nothing more than victims. Multiple polls have found that most Americans feel safer when they know the law-abiding citizens in their community are armed.

The 2nd Amendment was included in the Constitution because the founding fathers were concerned that even the US government could someday overstep its bounds and tyrannize the American people. Richard Henry Lee said, “To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of people always possess arms.” If one looks at other countries where the people have lost their freedoms, the first step is usually to disarm the citizens. Some will point out that people like Hitler, Stalin, and Mao Zedong are extreme examples, and this is true. But all one must do is look at Europe to see countries like Britain, where gun ownership is tightly controlled and people are currently arrested for speaking their minds, posting memes, and praying in public. As the saying goes, the Second Amendment protects the First.

It is an undeniable fact that shooting guns is fun. I have lost count of how many people I have taken shooting for the first time, and every one of them had fun. Guns are loud and powerful and scary to some people who have never shot one, and the look on someone’s face the first time they successfully tame the beast and hit the target is priceless. The more you shoot and the better you get, the more fun they are. Whether you are shooting clays, steel, paper targets, or just plinking, there is a sense of accomplishment in doing well.

After self-defense, hunting is the most practical reason to own a gun. Hunting with family and friends is a bonding experience that brings people closer together in a common endeavor. I have hunted since I was young, and whether it was hunting rabbits as a child, pheasants in the field, or deer hunting in the mountains, they are some of my happiest memories. Hunting requires thought, skill, and physical fitness, and it is a great opportunity to pass those skills along to the next generation. It also has the practical value of putting meat on the table. Finally, hunting is a proven method of wildlife management, and the revenue from hunting licenses funds wildlife departments around the country. 

Criminals are defined as people who do not obey laws. Juvenile gang members, thugs, and repeat felony offenders do not acquire guns legally. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that 80% of criminals obtain their firearms from illegal sources. Nor do they care if they are forbidden to possess them. They are not going to leave their gun at home because they are going to a gun-free zone. In fact, they look for places like that to find defenseless victims. If the bad guys have guns, then so should the good guys.

Guns are fascinating pieces of machinery. They come in every size and shape for every purpose and have an amazing developmental history. Every advancement from smoothbore matchlocks to high-tech battle rifles tells a story of necessity and creativity. If you are a gun person, you see guns as not only a tool but as works of engineering art to be admired and enjoyed.

Firearms in the hands of brave and adventurous men and women were among the tools that built America. Our country was born as the result of a war and has been preserved by guns on multiple occasions. One could realistically argue that America would never have been settled at all if the pioneers had not been armed as they faced the dangers of the frontier. The history of America has been tied to firearms from the 1600s to the present day.

Shooting sports and firearms collecting is a fascinating (and expensive) hobby. Americans have built their own guns throughout the history of our country, and it is still an enjoyable pastime. Completing a build or customizing a new gun to make it unique and enhance its performance trains both your mind and your hands, and restoring an old military or cowboy gun can provide hours of quiet enjoyment. Best of all, when you are finished, you can take your new baby out and send some rounds downrange.

Thanks to the media, anti-2A groups, and unfamiliarity, many non-gun owners have a skewed impression of gun owners. Gun owners are not violent people looking for an opportunity to shoot someone or ignorant rednecks who bully their way through life. Gun owners come from all demographics of income, race, gender, and culture. Further, according to The Crime Prevention Research Center, concealed carry permit holders are the most law-abiding demographic in the United States. Set the example of being a perfectly normal member of society who owns a gun and is not a danger to anyone.

As I mentioned, guns are a major part of American history, and most people will never forget the first time they shot one as a youngster. It would be a crime and a shame to let that tradition die. During World Wars I and II, a large proportion of recruits came from the country and were already excellent shots because of hunting and plinking, but that is not the case today. Many recruits today come from the city and have never handled a gun before getting to basic training. That is something we can change by introducing young people to safe, responsible shooting and eventually gun ownership. 

Shooting is a perishable skill, and without practice your skills will decline. That means it takes perseverance and concentration to get good and stay that way, both of which are valuable skills in life. Shooting and handling guns well and safely also builds confidence and helps to develop a sense of responsibility. Every skill and trait you learn and develop through shooting sports will carry over into every aspect of life.

I will end this discussion with this simple thought…I own guns because I want to. Unlike the reasoning of certain groups who feel we should not own a gun because they don’t want us to, the only real reason not to own a gun is if you don’t want to.

Read the original story: Fifteen Reasons to Own a Gun

JACKSONVILLE, FL — A man defended himself early Sunday morning after realizing he had been followed home from a nightclub. The confrontation ended with the armed suspect being shot and later hospitalized.

As reported by Action News JAX, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) responded to a shooting on Dylan Michael Drive around 4 a.m. Investigators determined that the victim had been tailed from a nightclub to his residence. When he arrived home, the suspect confronted him with a firearm. The victim, who was also armed, responded by firing several shots, striking the suspect in the arm.

The wounded suspect fled the scene but was located shortly afterward and transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities detained all individuals involved, but no arrests have been reported at this time.

This incident underscores the importance of situational awareness, particularly when traveling home late at night. If you suspect a vehicle is following you:

Being alert to your surroundings can help prevent a dangerous situation before it unfolds.

Read the original story: Florida Man Shoots Armed Suspect Who Followed Him Home from Nightclub

HOUSTON, TX — A business owner in north Houston shot a man suspected of attempting to break into a mechanic shop early Friday morning, according to police.

As reported by ABC13, the shop, located near W. 18th Street and Ella Boulevard, had been burglarized a few days prior, but the suspect was not caught. In response, the owners had reportedly been monitoring their surveillance cameras closely. Around 2 a.m., they spotted someone on the property and rushed to confront him.

Police stated that a struggle ensued between the business owners and the suspect, during which one of the owners shot the man in the stomach. The suspect was transported to a local hospital, though his condition has not been updated.

Authorities confirmed that the business owners are cooperating with the investigation. At this time, it remains unclear whether any charges will be filed.

This incident highlights the reality that violent encounters can unfold quickly, especially in situations where business owners or homeowners are forced to defend themselves. While specific details of this case are still emerging, Texas law allows the use of deadly force in self-defense when facing an imminent threat. However, it’s always important for gun owners to be well-versed in their state’s laws and prepared for the legal and practical consequences of a defensive shooting.

Read the original story: Houston Auto Shop Owner Shoots Alleged Intruder During Overnight Confrontation

DES MOINES, IA — The Iowa House Judiciary Committee has approved House Study Bill 262 (HSB262), which would lower the minimum age requirement for acquiring or carrying weapons from 21 to 18. The bill, which has been renumbered as House File 924 (HF924), now moves forward for consideration by the full House.

The bill received a favorable committee vote of 17-4, signaling strong support among lawmakers. Proponents argue that legal adults should not be denied their constitutional right to self-defense, while opponents raise concerns about public safety.

This bill is part of a growing trend across the country to restore Second Amendment rights to 18- to 20-year-olds. Several other states have introduced or passed similar measures, including Florida, Kentucky, and federal efforts to lower the handgun purchase age. Additionally, the Fifth Circuit Court recently struck down the federal handgun sales ban for 18- to 20-year-olds, reinforcing the argument that legal adults should not face age-based restrictions on their rights.

HF924 will now move to the full Iowa House for debate and a vote. If it passes the House, the bill will head to the Iowa Senate for consideration. Should both chambers approve the legislation, it will be sent to the governor’s desk for final approval. Given the strong pro-Second Amendment stance among Iowa lawmakers, the bill has a solid chance of becoming law. However, it is expected to face opposition from gun control advocates who argue that lowering the age requirement could lead to increased risks.

Read the original story: Iowa House Advances Bill to Lower Firearm Permit Age to 18

GLENDALE, AZ — A late-night altercation in a Glendale neighborhood ended in gunfire, leaving one man dead, according to local authorities.

The incident occurred just after 10 p.m. near 63rd Avenue and Keim Drive, where officers responded to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

According to investigators, the confrontation began as an argument between the deceased and another man, which escalated into a physical fight. The altercation initially ended when the man who was shot managed to break free and flee. However, he reportedly turned back toward the other individual and made what police described as a “movement like he was armed.” In response, the other man fired multiple shots, striking the alleged aggressor once.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the shooter has been arrested or will face any charges. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement officials work to gather evidence and review any potential surveillance footage from the area.

This case highlights a key concept in self-defense law known as a “furtive movement.” If a person involved in a confrontation makes a sudden motion that could reasonably be perceived as reaching for a weapon, it can be grounds for the use of deadly force. However, these situations can be legally and ethically complex.

For those who carry firearms for self-defense, it is critical to understand how courts and law enforcement evaluate such incidents. Factors such as witness statements, video evidence, and the overall circumstances leading up to the shooting play a significant role in determining justification. Additionally, if shots were fired after the initial threat had subsided, legal scrutiny increases.

While self-defense laws vary by state, responsible gun owners should always prioritize de-escalation when possible and be aware of how their actions may be interpreted in a legal setting.

Read the original story: Arizona Man Fatally Shot After Allegedly Making Threatening Movement Toward Armed Individual

TALLAHASSEE, FL — In a significant legal development, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld Florida’s law that raises the minimum age for purchasing rifles and other long guns from 18 to 21. This statute, enacted in 2018 following the Parkland high school shooting, has been a focal point in ongoing debates surrounding gun control and Second Amendment rights.​

The court’s decision, delivered on March 14, 2025, emphasized that the age restriction aligns with historical firearm regulations. Chief Judge William Pryor, writing for the majority, stated, “From this history emerges a straightforward conclusion: the Florida law is consistent with our regulatory tradition in why and how it burdens the right of minors to keep and bear arms.”

This ruling arrives amid legislative efforts to reverse the age increase. House Bill 759, introduced by State Representatives Michelle Salzman and Tyler Sirois, proposes reducing the minimum firearm purchase age back to 18. The bill has garnered support from key figures, including House Speaker Daniel Perez and Governor Ron DeSantis, who argue that if 18-year-olds can serve in the military, they should fully exercise their Second Amendment rights.

Opponents of the bill, however, reference the law’s origins as a response to the Parkland shooting, where a 19-year-old assailant legally purchased the firearm used in the attack. Democratic Representative Robin Bartleman described the proposal as “a slap in the face” to the victims’ families, emphasizing the need to uphold measures designed to enhance public safety.

As the legislative session progresses, the interplay between the recent court ruling and the proposed bill will be closely monitored. The outcome will significantly influence the balance between safeguarding constitutional rights and ensuring public safety in Florida.​

The recent court decision underscores the judiciary’s role in interpreting firearm regulations within historical contexts. Simultaneously, the legislative push to lower the firearm purchase age reflects a commitment to restoring rights to legal adults aged 18 to 20. This demographic, entrusted with various civic responsibilities, arguably deserves the full spectrum of constitutional protections, including the right to keep and bear arms.​

Read the original story: Florida Appeals Court Upholds Firearm Purchase Age Limit Amid Legislative Reconsideration

PIERRE, SD — The South Dakota Legislature has passed House Bill 1218, a measure that would allow individuals to carry concealed pistols in establishments where more than half of the income is derived from the sale of alcoholic beverages. This bill seeks to repeal the existing prohibition on concealed firearms in such venues, a restriction that has been in place since 2019.

The bill’s progression saw significant amendments, notably by Republican Senator Mykala Voita, who introduced the provision permitting concealed carry in bars. The Senate approved this amendment with a 30-4 vote, sending the bill back to the House. After some deliberation, including the formation of a conference committee to reconcile differences, the House concurred with the Senate’s version, passing it with a 56-14 vote.

Proponents of the bill, such as Republican Representative Aaron Aylward, emphasized that while the legislation permits concealed carry in bars, individual establishments retain the authority to prohibit firearms on their premises. This ensures that business owners can make decisions best suited to their specific environments.

The bill aligns South Dakota’s laws with neighboring states like Minnesota and Montana, where concealed carry in establishments serving alcohol is permitted. Allowing concealed carry in these venues enhances personal protection and deters potential threats, challenging the effectiveness of designated “gun-free zones.”

Opponents, including representatives from the South Dakota Retailers Association, expressed concerns about the sudden nature of the amendment and the potential implications for business owners and patrons. They called for more time to discuss and review the bill’s impact.

The bill now awaits the governor’s decision to be signed into law. If enacted, it would mark a significant shift in South Dakota’s firearm regulations, expanding the rights of concealed carry permit holders within the state.

This move is part of a broader effort by South Dakota lawmakers to strengthen gun rights. Another key piece of legislation, House Bill 100, seeks to allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms, pepper spray, and stun guns on public college campuses. These efforts reflect an ongoing reassessment of firearm regulations to better align with self-defense rights and public safety considerations.

Read the original story: South Dakota Lawmakers Vote to Permit Concealed Pistols in Bars, Awaiting Governor’s Signature