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Carrying a Gun
Carrying a Gun
Build a Safer World Through Concealed Carry and Self-Defense
Paperback Book
Carlile Originals
Available Now
The indispensable, foundational guide to defending yourself and your loved ones with a firearm, covering the philosophy, psychology, politics and practicalities of concealed carry.
- Written by experienced firearms instructors and founders of concealed carry organizations who have trained thousands of people to become safe, responsible concealed carriers.
- Clear, unambiguous perspective and advice that equips you to defeat any aggressor - and survive the legal aftermath.
- Full-size 8"x10" format with large, clear print and illustrations.
- Ideal for anyone considering owning or carrying a defensive firearm.
FIRST OF ALL, DENIAL CAN KILL YOU.
It's a dangerous world - make no mistake. But should you carry a gun? What does carrying a concealed firearm - day in, day out - really mean: to you, to your family, to your community?
Under stress, could you assume the correct stance, control your breathing, draw your weapon smoothly, grip it firmly, bring it up to aim, and squeeze the trigger as many times as necessary... Calm in the knowledge you were fully justified, and well-prepared for the outcome of your defensive actions?
Unlike any other book, CARRYING A GUN dives into the true fundamentals of what going armed really means to you: the law-abiding citizen dealing with the fact that we live among predators.
Starting with the philosophy of self-defense, the authors ask and answer core questions about the nature of violence, justice, morality, culture, tradition, rights and responsibilities. Familiarity with the answers to these questions will enable you to defend yourself not only in the court of public opinion but on the street: to act quickly, decisively and with ruthless effect when seconds count.
Continuing with the psychology of self-defense, CARRYING A GUN lays out what to expect before, during and after a threat. Those who have been in combat know there is nothing like it in human experience: being prepared for what you will feel in the pivotal moment of fight or flight can make the difference between life and death.
CARRYING A GUN goes on to calmly, rationally and authoritatively discuss and illustrate the vital practical elements of the choices you will need to make as one who has decided to protect themselves and others from a violent world by possessing the means and the will to deal deadly violence. Which caliber? Which gun? Which method of carry? How to assess a threat? How to remove the threat? What to do in the aftermath? How to defend one's home? How to do all this within the letter and the spirit of the law?
No book can give you the ability and experience to shoot straight under pressure: that is what real-world training is for. CARRYING A GUN prepares you for that training, endowing you with the key knowledge that ensures you will use your training well and wisely - and that you will be the one who walks away from any violent encounter alive, with your head held high.
About the Authors
Nick Dahlberg and Chris Schutrop own Midwest Carry Academy and National Carry Academy, two training organizations that get people qualified for their concealed carry permits and more. They have many years of experience in firearms training, having made thousands of people more proficient with their handguns and black rifles.
They are also the founders of Stock and Barrel, a firm which builds and manages luxury shooting ranges. Stock and Barrel ranges are open to the public in Chanhassen, MN and Eagan, MN.
ISBN/SKU: 1949117030
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Before You Buy
Q: Who is this book for?
A: This book is designed for responsible adults who are considering carrying a firearm for self-defense, as well as newer concealed carriers who want to think seriously about the responsibilities that come with going armed. It is especially useful for readers who want guidance on mindset, judgment, preparation, and training rather than a book focused only on shooting technique.
Q: What does the book cover?
A: It covers the philosophy, psychology, legal considerations, and practical realities of concealed carry. Subjects include the decision to carry, the nature of violence, situational awareness, threat assessment, mindset, firearms and caliber choices, methods of carry, defensive shooting, home defense, training, and what to expect after a defensive incident.
Q: Is this mainly a shooting manual?
A: No. Shooting is only one part of the subject. The book is primarily about what it means to take responsibility for protecting yourself and others with a firearm, including when to act, when not to act, how to prepare mentally, how to recognize danger, and how to deal with the legal and psychological consequences of a defensive encounter.
Q: Is this suitable for someone who has never carried a gun before?
A: Yes. In fact, that is one of the book's strongest use cases. It addresses the questions a prospective concealed carrier should think through before choosing equipment or developing habits, helping readers approach armed self-defense as a serious responsibility rather than simply a matter of buying a handgun and obtaining a permit.
Q: Does the book discuss the mental side of self-defense?
A: Yes. A major part of the book deals with the psychology of violence, stress, fear, fight-or-flight responses, decision-making, and the emotional aftermath of a defensive encounter. The aim is to prepare readers for the realities that cannot be learned simply by practicing marksmanship on a range.
Q: Does it tell me what gun or caliber I should carry?
A: It discusses firearm, caliber, and carry-method choices, but within the broader context of reliability, usability, concealment, training, and individual circumstances. The emphasis is on making informed choices rather than treating any one firearm or caliber as universally correct.
Q: Does the book cover the legal side of concealed carry?
A: Yes, but it is not a substitute for current legal advice or state-specific training. The book discusses the principles surrounding lawful self-defense, justification, responsibility, and the aftermath of defensive force, while readers should always confirm the current laws that apply where they live and travel.
Q: What makes this different from a typical concealed-carry handbook?
A: Its emphasis is unusually broad. Rather than concentrating mainly on equipment, permits, or shooting drills, it starts with the deeper questions of violence, morality, responsibility, psychology, and judgment before moving into the practicalities of carrying and using a defensive firearm.
Q: Who wrote the book?
A: The principal authors are experienced firearms instructors behind Midwest Carry Academy and National Carry Academy, organizations that have trained thousands of people in responsible concealed carry and firearms use. The book draws on that training experience to address the questions and concerns commonly faced by people preparing to carry.
Q: Why choose the print edition?
A: The book is presented in a full 8 × 10-inch format with clear text and illustrations, making it comfortable to read and easy to annotate. At just over 100 pages, it is substantial enough to address the subject seriously while remaining concise enough to read before or alongside professional firearms training.
Publication Details & Specifications
| Format | Paperback |
|---|---|
| Series | Carlile Originals, Book 3 |
| Edition | First edition; illustrated, full-size edition |
| Print length | 112 pages |
| Dimensions | 8 × 0.23 × 10 inches |
| Item weight | Approximately 8.5 ounces |
| Language | English |
| Publication date | May 21, 2019 |
| ISBN-10 | 1949117030 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1949117035 |
| Authors | Nick Dahlberg, Tom Dahlberg, and Chris Schutrop |
| Editor and illustrator | Rick Carlile |
| Photography | Joshua Flom, with additional separately credited images |
| Author expertise | Written by experienced concealed-carry and firearms instructors associated with Midwest Carry Academy and National Carry Academy |
| Focus | Concealed carry, personal protection, responsible firearm ownership, self-defense philosophy and psychology, and preparation for defensive-firearms training |
| Decision-making coverage | Examines firearm and carry choices, threat assessment, home defense, personal responsibility, and legal and ethical considerations surrounding armed self-defense |
| Psychology coverage | Discusses the psychological realities of violent encounters and what individuals may experience before, during, and after a self-defense incident |
| Training role | Designed as foundational reading before and alongside professional real-world firearms and concealed-carry training |
| Format advantage | Large 8 × 10 inch format with clear print and illustrations for comfortable study and reference |
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