10 Commandments of Concealed Carry
By George Devinny. Jan 31, 2025
I recently came across a work by Massad Ayoob promoting his "10 Commandments of Concealed Carry". It was first published in 2008 and although some things may have slightly changed since, the overall content is still valid even though some aspects may not be entirely agreed upon by everyone. If nothing else, this represents a valuable reminder of various considerations that should be made when electing to carry a concealed firearm.
Massad Ayoob is an American firearms, self-defense instructor and security advisor. He has taught police techniques and civilian self-defense to both law enforcement officers and private citizens since 1974, and is generally held in high regard.
10 Commandments of Concealed Carry
By Massad Ayoob
Originally Published by Harris Publications Inc.
October 28, 2008
Carrying a lethal weapon in public confers a grave power that carries with it great responsibilities. Those who lawfully engage in the practice realize that. Those who are considering concealed carry need to know what those experienced people know. Here are the 10 commandments of concealed carry...
I. If You Carry, Always Carry
The criminal is the actor, and the armed citizen is the reactor. The typical violent criminal arms himself only when he intends to do something with it. He picks the time and place of the assault, and initiates the attack. Therefore, he doesn't need to worry about self-defense.
The armed citizen, the intended victim, does not know when or where that attack will come. Therefore, he or she must be constantly prepared and constantly vigilant. The "pistol-packer" learns to pick a comfortable holster and an appropriately sized handgun, and "dress around the firearm." After a few days, or a few weeks, it becomes second nature to wear it.
When the defender does not know when the attack will come, the only reasonable expectation of safety lies in being always armed.
You can read the whole piece by viewing/download the PDF file "10 Commandments of Concealed Carry"
