It has been weighing on my heart for some time, and I don’t even know why. I’ve been thinking a lot about whether or not I should carry a gun. I can’t explain exactly why — something just kept pulling at me, like a quiet voice saying, “It’s time to think about this.” I’m in my late 50s now, and over the years, I’ve learned to trust my gut. That feeling told me to start the process of getting a concealed carry permit, so I listened. I have begun my journey.
Signs That Led Me to Concealed Carry
This wasn’t an easy decision. Life already feels full of responsibilities. Would carrying a concealed handgun protect my family — or just add more stress? Would it really make things safer or more dangerous? I didn’t have all the answers, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I prayed about it, hoping for clarity.
The topic of personal protection and concealed carry doesn’t come up a lot in my world. Some of my family members have permits. Some carry, some don’t. Some go to the gun range regularly — mostly for recreation. But these little moments kept popping up in my life like signs. I started to wonder: Were these “taps on the shoulder” trying to tell me something?
From Anxiety to Confidence with Handguns
I’ve been a hunter most of my life, using shotguns and rifles for deer, ducks and other game — skills that, interestingly, share some overlap with self-defense and concealed carry. But I didn’t have much experience with handguns. To be honest, I was nervous about them. I didn’t know enough and had limited hands-on experience. Even friends I wouldn’t expect seemed comfortable with handguns. But I wasn’t there yet. I knew I needed familiarization and gun-safety training to feel confident.
My biggest concern was safely owning and storing a handgun in my home. I already have long guns, and for some reason, those didn’t worry me. A handgun felt different.
Balancing Safety with Responsibility at Home
Now with grandchildren and loved ones who sometimes face mental health struggles, I had to ask: Is this a reason not to possess a handgun — or a reason to? Either way, safety and responsible gun ownership had to be my priority.
I needed more education. The place to start, in my mind, was a concealed carry class. What did I have to lose? Worst case, I would learn something. The decision was made — I was taking the next step.
Taking My First Concealed Carry Class
I searched online for a concealed carry class near me and found a USCCA Certified Instructor teaching at an indoor range in central Minnesota.
The instructor was Mike Gustafson. A quick look at reviews and testimonials told me he was the right choice. So I enrolled.
So why did I decide to go with a USCCA Certified Instructor? Over the years, I’ve gotten to know some of the USCCA leadership at Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) conferences. I’ve always been impressed — with their expertise, the depth of self-defense education and the scope of what the organization covers.
How I Earned My Concealed Carry Permit
When I arrived at the indoor range a Wednesday afternoon, Gustafson greeted me and welcomed me into a nearly full classroom of about 25 students. Most were there for permit renewals. A few, like me, were just starting out.
The classroom instruction was exactly what I needed. We covered concealed carry laws, responsibilities and essential gun-safety protocols. Gustafson also explained the mechanics of a pistol — helpful for someone new to handguns.
When we moved to the live-fire portion at the range, Gustafson walked me through each step — loading the magazine, inserting it securely, understanding the safety mechanism and establishing a proper grip. His clear, hands-on instruction quickly built my confidence. By the end of the session, I was consistently hitting the target with solid accuracy.
The Confidence Shift After Training
Unaware that I planned to write about my experience, Gustafson still took extra time to answer my questions thoughtfully. He even let me try out a couple of different handgun models, which gave me valuable perspective on how various concealed carry pistols feel and function.
After just 15 minutes of live-fire practice, my confidence grew dramatically. Simply handling and shooting a couple of different handguns eased much of my anxiety about not being familiar with pistol use. I was surprised at how quickly I became comfortable with handgun handling and operation. And the more I learned about concealed carry and firearms safety, the more eager I became to keep learning.
I earned my Proof of Training Certificate, showing I had completed a certified firearms training course covering basic pistol use and the legal aspects of concealed carry. It also included the required live-fire qualification.
A couple of weeks later, I took the next step by filling out the required paperwork in Minnesota for a permit to carry — forms that Gustafson had provided with my training certificate. I brought my Proof of Training Certificate, completed application and a check for $100 to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department. After a successful background check, my Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol arrived in the mail in just under two weeks. I am now legally able to carry concealed.
What Concealed Carry Preparedness Really Means
At the beginning of this journey, I thought being prepared meant being armed. But now I realize preparedness in self-defense is so much more.
It’s about having a pistol accessible yet secure. It’s about doing everything possible to avoid conflict. It’s knowing when deadly force is justified, and when it’s not. It’s about what to say — or not say — if you’re involved in an incident, and understanding the value of concealed carry insurance as part of that protection.
There’s a lot more to this than simply deciding to concealed carry. Like many things in life, the more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.
Should I own a handgun? I believe so. But for me, that means following the steps — getting trained, gaining confidence and always thinking about safety first.
Confidence in the concealed carry lifestyle grows with experience.
I don’t have all the answers, but I’m learning, growing and thinking deeply about what it means to be prepared and have the ability to protect the people I love. This journey is personal. It’s not about fear, it’s about being prepared, informed and responsible. And I know it’s just the beginning.
Ready to Start Your Concealed Carry Journey?
Whether you’re in Minnesota or elsewhere, USCCA makes it easy to take the next step with expert-led, state-specific training.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is concealed carry insurance, and why might I need it?
Concealed carry insurance — also known as self-defense liability insurance — helps cover legal and financial costs if you’re involved in a defensive gun use. It can include attorney fees, bail, court cost, and even civil defense. Even if you’re justified in using your firearm, legal consequences can still be complex and expensive, which makes this protection valuable for responsible gun owners.
How does hunting experience translate to concealed carry and self-defense?
Hunters already understand firearms safety, precision shooting and situational awareness — all valuable traits in personal defense. However, concealed carry introduces new elements: legal accountability, conflict avoidance and the need to carry daily in varied environments. Understanding the difference between hunting readiness and self-defense readiness is key when making the transition.
What essentials should I consider as a new gun owner preparing for concealed carry?
Start with a reliable handgun that fits your lifestyle, and enroll in training that covers both safe handling and legal use of force. Secure storage (like a lockbox or safe) is critical for keeping your firearm out of unauthorized hands. Also consider investing in a quality holster and understanding your state’s carry laws before stepping into the concealed carry lifestyle. For a practical, step-by-step resource, check out this beginner’s checklist for new gun owners.
