Does Carrying a Gun Make You Safer? The Reality of Self-Defense Today
- Grant Cate
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
Introduction: Is a Defensive Weapon Enough?
In today’s world, personal safety is a growing concern. Many people turn to concealed carry or defensive weapons for protection—but does carrying a gun actually make you safer?
As a professional self-defense instructor, my honest answer is: maybe.
For individuals with little or no training, that “maybe” quickly becomes a no.
The Dangerous Myth of Being “Armed = Safe”
Too many people strap on a loaded pistol and assume they are prepared for a violent encounter. Unfortunately, this confidence is often based on unrealistic expectations shaped by movies and TV.
In reality:
Most untrained individuals underestimate the skill required in a real attack
They overestimate their own abilities
They lack the training needed to respond effectively under stress
This gap between perception and reality can be life-threatening.
A Simple Self-Defense Test (Reality Check)
Try this exercise to evaluate your readiness:
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure your firearm is completely unloaded. Never attempt this drill with live ammunition unless trained by a professional.
The Drill:
Use your normal concealed carry setup
On a timer:
Draw your firearm
Aim
Dry fire (click)
Repeat 10 times
Average your best 5 times
Add 0.3 seconds for reaction time
Your Results: What Do They Mean?
1.7 seconds or less (plus reaction time): Above average
6–7 seconds: Common for untrained individuals
Highly trained shooters:
1.0–1.25 seconds from concealment
Under 1 second without concealment
Why Speed Matters in Real Attacks
Here’s the critical reality:
An attacker with an edged weapon can cover 20 feet in about 1.5 seconds.
This means:
Even skilled shooters may not draw in time
Most attacks happen without warning
Your firearm may never make it into the fight
Your Gun Is Only One Part of Self-Defense
If even highly trained individuals are at risk, what should you do?
Effective self-defense requires more than just a weapon:
1. Movement & Positioning
Learn to move “off the X” (line of attack)
Create time and distance
Essential for close-range encounters
Helps you survive long enough to escape or respond
Safe drawing and re-holstering
Defensive shooting under stress
Situational awareness
How to Become a More Effective Self-Defender
To truly improve your personal safety:
Train consistently
Practice realistic scenarios
Develop multiple layers of defense (not just a gun)
Train With Professionals
At Emmaus Defense LLC, we offer:
Basic Firearms Safety & Marksmanship
Defensive Shooting
Concealed Carry Training
Women’s Self-Defense
Unarmed Self-Defense
No matter where you are in your self-defense journey, proper training can make all the difference.
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