MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER
ADAM PAINCHAUD
PRESIDENT / CO-FOUNDER MASTER INSTRUCTOR
Keeping a Low Profile When Carrying Concealed
In my daily travels and while I was previously manning the Sig Academy , I see constant examples of “ concealed carry ”. I put that phrase in quotes because of the fact I SEE the concealed carry . Unfortunately , The Academy office these days more than the range , but this lends itself to a continuous flow of students and Pro Shop customers outside my window . I used to see it all . Full size hand cannons “ concealed ” under tight fitting tee shirts , eight-inch bowie knives on belts , keep honking I ’ m reloading stickers , and the occasional slung up AR getting out of a truck just because they can .
Some of you may take offense to what I ’ m about to say , but please take it with a grain of salt . It ’ s obvious I ’ m a huge second amendment supporter ; I live the second amendment every day and rely on it for my livelihood and peace of mind . However , those who don ’ t know me would have absolutely no idea that I am a “ gun guy ”. There are no NRA stickers on my truck , no “ driver only carries $ 20 in ammo ” sticker , life member sticker ( even though I am ), no police or military stickers .
In fact , there are no stickers or indications of anything on my truck . Why , because I ’ m a big fan of flying under the radar when off duty or not working at the Academy . The other is because I typically have guns in my truck and certainly don ’ t want to entice anyone to take them when I ’ m not around . I am one of those people who religiously carries a gun every day , everywhere .
Typically , I have an ankle gun and an appendix gun . But you would never know this because you would never see them . Nor would you see my gun industry tee shirt concealing it . Because I don ’ t were them unless I ’ m working around the house or shooting at match at my local club . I carry a gun for one reason ; protection . For me it is the ultimate insurance policy to protect me , my family , or others in case of an extreme emergency .
The only one besides close immediate family who needs to know this is me . An example of this is my beloved step mother who passed away a couple of years ago . One day we were having a conversation about guns ( she was not a very big fan to say the least , but I appreciated her opinion ). We were specifically talking about concealed carry . She said to me that she never saw me carrying a gun . I told her that was the point . I then told her she probably had not seen me in the past 20 years that I didn ’ t have a gun on me .
I then showed her the two I had on and she was shocked .
I hope you are following my point … My carry guns are for protection however ; my primary means of protection is my brain and solid situational awareness .
Two things I can do really well are shoot good and run fast . I rely on the later as the primary mode of getting out of situations . I ’ m not getting in a gun fight for something stupid . Something stupid constitutes anything other than the potential imminent loss of life . Someone wants my wallet , no problem , here it is . Someone wants to car jack me , no problem keys are in it . You want to hurt me or my family ; we are going to try and get away to safety . No other options : very bad day to be a bad guy around me .
I ’ ve always favored the quiet professional demeanor . We are fortunate to have an incredible instructor staff out here at E3 Firearms Association . Many of whom are the epitome of what most people would consider badass . In fact , several of our folks are pictured under badass in the dictionary I believe . But you would never know it .
Don ’ t get me wrong . I am a proud and vocal supporter of what we do and stand for , I just choose to do it in a quiet humble way . This approach may not be for everyone and I certainly don ’ t think less of anyone who does not share the same option .
We are all in the fight together . No matter what you do make sure you get professional training on concealed carry . I ’ m not just talking about the permit processes and knowing the laws . I ’ m talking about no kidding hands on concealed carry firearms and tactics training . Master your defensive tool and know how to manage it in any situation you could potential find yourself in .
And for those of you who have a selective concealed carry routine , meaning you carry sometimes ‘ when you think you may need it .” Stop fooling yourself . If you are going to carry , then carry like it ’ s your job . Make the commitment , invest in the quality gun and gear , dedicate some professional training time , and follow up range sessions . But most of all
be smart and consider a low profile concealed carry lifestyle .
Until the next issue ...
Adam Painchaud President and Founder
2 VOL 1 ISSUE 2 E3FIREARMSASSOCIATION . COM