Drinking and driving don’t mix up well – just as good liquor and wine, for example. Moreover, the same applies to drinking and gun carrying as well!
While DUI lawyers will always tell you not to drive with an open container in almost all states, they may not alert you that you shouldn’t be carrying a firearm when drinking either – although it depends on the state.
As such, in the following lines, we’ll tell you why you shouldn’t drink while carrying a firearm, as well as what might happen to you in some states if you are caught doing so!
Looking at Statistics
Several studies have shown that the risk of homicide and suicide is increased by alcohol misuse – naturally, when the person has access to a firearm. A 2015 analysis showed that roughly 12 million gun-owners engage in excessive drinking every single month!
On top of that, there are also sources stating that roughly 35% of those that accidentally killed themselves had consumed alcohol prior to using the firearm – with almost 30% of those being under heavy alcohol influence.
Simple statistics already tell us that one should not drink while carrying a gun – even if it’s to unwind for a bit. After all, this is one of the main reasons why police officers almost never drink while out – because they have their service gun with them.
Gun-Alcohol Restrictions
At the moment, around 37 US states hold restrictions for those who have a history of misusing alcohol, as well as owning/purchasing firearms. However, the definitions are blurred, and law enforcement usually has a difficult time taking offenders into custody.
This is because the restrictions mentioned above are inherently subjective in the way they are formulated, as well as vague. This makes it easy for those who drink and carry a gun to avoid punishment.
Sources Make the Best Statistic
If you want to know how bad things can go when drinking and owning a gun, all you need is a simple Google search. Searching for drunk men and guns online will round up hundreds of results about intoxicated people that went more than just overboard.
[Caution: Mild profanity after the negligent discharge. Note the Coors Light in front of Mr. Pistolero.]
As such, we have people who threatened – with a gun – the people in the restaurant they were dining in, that shot themselves, their families, their friends, and mere passersby and so on.
In short, if you know yourself or a gun-carrying friend getting a little bit too pumped-up after a drink or two, it is highly recommended that you put your guns away. Or leave your guns home!
The Bottom Line
As you know, our main belief is that guns should do nothing more than save lives. Therefore, it goes without saying why it’s prudent to strongly advise people to refrain from drinking if carrying a firearm.
Keep in mind that you have that gun mainly to protect yourself and to deter any attackers – even via simple intimidation – and that alcohol, in any form, can impair your senses and significantly affect your judgment!
My personal limit is one for drinking and for carry.
Some say you shouldn’t have any because even a little alcohol changes your mind. I think a bad mood or fatigue are far more impactful to my demeanor than a beer.
Oh, and the dumbass hotshot in the video? I don’t think that was his first beer of the day.
Don’t be drunk in public and your fine to divev and carry.
Otherwise know as ‘don’t break more than one law at once.’