Concealed Carry Reality: What Every CCW Holder Needs to Know

From the Bench: The facts about defensive situations and practical CCW considerations

By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company

Originally published June 14, 2019 | Updated July 1, 2025

After years of working on concealed carry weapons and talking with law enforcement, I've learned that most people have unrealistic expectations about defensive gun use. Hollywood has given us a distorted view of gunfights, and too many CCW holders train for scenarios that rarely happen in real life.

Let's talk about what actually matters when your life depends on it

The Reality of Defensive Situations

Low Light is the Rule, Not the Exception

90% of all defensive gun uses happen in low-light conditions. Think about it – most violent crimes occur during evening hours, in poorly lit parking lots, dimly lit stairwells, or inside buildings without adequate lighting.

What this means for you:

• Your range practice in bright, well-lit conditions isn't preparing you for reality

• Night sights or weapon-mounted lights aren't luxury accessories – they're necessities

• You need to practice shooting in low-light conditions regularly

Close and Fast: The 7-Yard, 15-Second Rule

Current data confirms what we've known for years: most gunfights happen at approximately 7 yards and last less than 15 seconds.

Breaking this down:

• 7 yards = 21 feet (about the length of two parking spaces)

• 15 seconds = Barely enough time to draw, assess, and respond

• Multiple shots are often fired in rapid succession

Training implications:

• Forget about precision shooting at 25+ yards for CCW purposes

• Focus on quick, accurate shots at conversational distances

• Practice drawing from concealment under time pressure

• Work on shooting while moving (you won't be standing still)

Weapon Selection: Revolvers vs. Semi-Automatics

The Revolver Debate

At Blue Coat Arms Company, we do NOT recommend single-action revolvers for CCW unless you're highly skilled with SA operation or cannot safely operate a semi-automatic.

Why single-action revolvers fall short:

• Ammunition capacity: 5-6 rounds vs. 10-17+ in modern pistols

• Reload speed: Extremely slow and cumbersome under stress

• Manual cocking: Adds unnecessary steps in a life-or-death situation

Double-action revolvers are a different story and should always be considered over single-action for defensive use.

Modern Semi-Automatic Advantages

Capacity: More rounds available when you need them most

Reload speed: Magazine changes are faster than loading individual cartridges

Reliability: Modern pistols are extremely reliable when properly maintained

Ergonomics: Better grip angles and trigger reach for most shooters

When Revolvers Make Sense

1. Simplicity: Point and pull the trigger – no safety considerations

2. Reliability: Fewer moving parts, less likely to malfunction

3. Contact shots: Revolvers don't go out of battery when pressed against an attacker

4. Pocket carry: Snub-nose revolvers work well in pocket holsters

The Legal Reality: Your Most Important Consideration

Here's something they don't teach in most CCW classes: The greatest shooter in the world will still go to prison for murder if you don't understand the legal do's and don'ts.

What You Must Know

Use of Force Laws: When you can legally draw, when you can legally shoot

Duty to Retreat: Does your state require you to flee if possible?

Castle Doctrine: What are your rights in your home vs. public spaces?

Good Samaritan Laws: Can you legally defend a stranger?

Post-Incident Realities

1. You will likely be arrested initially

2. Your firearm will be confiscated as evidence

3. Legal fees can easily exceed $100,000

4. Civil lawsuits may follow criminal proceedings

Bottom line: Legal preparation is more important than marksmanship preparation.

Illinois CCW: What You Need to Know

Reciprocity Reality

Illinois does NOT have reciprocity agreements with other states. Your Illinois CCW permit is not recognized elsewhere.

However: Many other states do accept Illinois permits, so research before you travel.

The Florida Connection

Pro tip: Your Illinois permit allows you to apply for a Florida non-resident permit, which has broader reciprocity than Illinois permits.

Training Requirements

Based on our upcoming certified training programs at Blue Coat Arms Company, we'll be offering:

• Concealed carry certification

• General firearm safety

• Basic gunsmithing fundamentals

These programs are currently in development – contact us for updates.

Equipment Considerations

Holster Selection

Retention: Your holster must retain the firearm during normal activity

Trigger protection: Complete trigger guard coverage is non-negotiable

Draw consistency: Same grip and draw stroke every time

Comfort: If it's uncomfortable, you won't carry it

Ammunition Selection

Hollow points: Designed to expand and stop in the target

Proven performance: Stick with established defensive loads

Function testing: Test at least 200 rounds of your chosen load

Barrier considerations: Modern bonded bullets perform better through intermediate barriers

Maintenance Reality

Carry guns get dirty: Lint, sweat, and environmental contamination

Regular cleaning: More frequent than range guns

Function checks: Verify operation regularly

Professional service: Annual inspection by a qualified gunsmith

Training Beyond the Basics

What Most People Skip

Drawing from concealment: Different clothing, different seasons

Shooting with support hand: What if your strong hand is injured?

Malfunction clearing: Under stress, in low light

Moving while shooting: You won't be standing still

Multiple targets: Criminals often work in groups

Mental Preparation

Situational awareness: Avoiding trouble is better than winning gunfights

De-escalation: Sometimes talking prevents shooting

Decision making: Shoot/don't shoot scenarios under stress

Aftermath planning: What do you do after a defensive shooting?

Common Misconceptions

"Warning Shots"

Never fire warning shots. You're legally responsible for every bullet that leaves your gun. If the situation doesn't justify shooting the attacker, it doesn't justify shooting at all.

"Shoot to Wound"

You shoot to stop the threat, period. Attempting to wound someone with a firearm demonstrates that you didn't believe deadly force was necessary.

"The Gun Will Protect Me"

The gun is a tool. Your mindset, training, and decision-making ability are what protect you. The firearm is just the final option when everything else fails.

The Bottom Line

Concealed carry is a serious responsibility that goes far beyond buying a gun and getting a permit. The statistics show that if you ever need your CCW, it will likely be:

• In low light

• At close range

• Over quickly

• Legally complicated

Prepare accordingly.

Most importantly, remember that the best gunfight is the one you avoid entirely. Situational awareness, good judgment, and conflict avoidance will serve you better than the fastest draw.

No matter your era, we got your six – but we want you to have the knowledge and training to protect yourself effectively and legally.

Questions about CCW selection, training, or Illinois permit requirements? Contact Blue Coat Arms Company at 217-416-5962 or BlueCoatArms@gmail.com. We're here to help you make informed decisions about your personal protection.