Concealed Carry in the Real World: Stories, Lessons, and Everyday Readiness
Carrying a firearm for personal protection isn’t just about owning a handgun, it’s about responsibility, awareness, and preparation. At MK-Tek Holsters, we believe concealed carry should be rooted in skill, training, and the right gear. Recent events and well documented cases show how responsibly armed citizens can play a role in stopping or preventing violence. Concealed Carry in the Real World makes a difference.
In this post, we’ll explore real world examples of concealed carry in action, discuss what the data says, and outline the mindset and equipment every responsibly armed citizen should embrace.
1. Real World Defenders: Stories that Made the Headlines
The Walmart Parking Lot Hero in Michigan, 2025
In July 2025, Marine veteran Derrick Perry faced down a knife-wielding attacker who had already injured 11 people in a Walmart parking lot. Armed and prepared, Perry didn’t fire a shot. Instead, he used his training, confidence, and presence of mind to deescalate the situation until police arrived.
Lesson: Concealed carry isn’t always about pulling the trigger. Sometimes the mere presence of a responsibly armed citizen, paired with calm decision making can prevent further harm.
The Aldi Grocery Store Robbery in Wisconsin, 2012
When two armed men stormed an Aldi grocery store in Milwaukee, one customer, Nazir Al Mujaahid, lawfully carrying under Wisconsin’s new concealed carry law, stepped in. He drew his firearm and shot one of the robbers, causing them to flee. Nobody else was injured, and the threat was stopped.
Lesson: Quick, decisive action can protect innocent lives when violence erupts in public places. This case became an early example of how concealed carry can work as intended when citizens are prepared and equipped.
The Greenwood Park Mall Shooting in Indiana, 2022
One of the most cited modern cases occurred at a shopping mall in Indiana. Within seconds of an active shooter opening fire, legally armed citizen Eli Dicken engaged and stopped the attacker saving countless lives. His actions were hailed as heroic, and even law enforcement praised his marksmanship and bravery.
Lesson: While rare, concealed carriers can make a lifesaving difference in mass shooting situations.
2. What the Data Says About Defensive Gun Use
It’s tempting to focus only on dramatic stories, but research gives us a clearer picture of defensive gun use in America:
The Gun Violence Archive reported fewer than 600 confirmed cases in 2019 where a potential perpetrator was killed in a defensive gun use situation.
In nearly 90% of defensive gun uses, the firearm was discharged. In other situations, merely drawing the weapon was enough to deter the threat.
Estimates of annual defensive gun uses vary widely, from a few hundred thousand to over a million per year, depending on the source.
Key takeaway: While not everyday occurrences, defensive gun uses are real. Most never make national news, but they reinforce why many Americans choose to carry daily.
3. The Concealed Carry Mindset: More Than a Gun
Owning a firearm is only part of the equation. The true strength of concealed carry lies in mindset and preparedness.
Situational Awareness
Being armed doesn’t mean you go looking for trouble, it means you pay attention and avoid it when possible. Good situational awareness includes:
Baseline observation: Know what “normal” looks like in your environment.
Spotting anomalies: A person acting nervously at a gas pump, or a vehicle circling a parking lot repeatedly, could be a red flag.
Trusting intuition: If something feels wrong, it usually is.
The best defensive tool is avoiding conflict altogether.
Judgment and Restraint
Real-world stories show that not every threat demands pulling the trigger. Sometimes deterrence and verbal commands are enough. Other times, immediate action is required. Concealed carriers must constantly ask:
Is lethal force absolutely necessary?
Am I legally and morally justified in this moment?
Training in de-escalation techniques is just as important as range practice.
Consistency in Everyday Carry (EDC)
Carrying a firearm inconsistently, only sometimes, or without the right gear limits your preparedness. A consistent EDC setup ensures:
You know exactly where your firearm is at all times.
Muscle memory develops through daily repetition.
Your draw and presentation are smooth under stress.
This is where a reliable, purpose built holster makes all the difference.
4. The Role of the Holster in Concealed Carry
At MK-Tek Holsters, we specialize in custom fit Kydex holsters designed for serious everyday carry. Here’s why your holster is as critical as your handgun:
Retention: A proper holster keeps your firearm secure until you intentionally draw it.
Concealment: The design of an IWB holster (Inside the Waistband) allows for deep concealment without printing, giving you the element of surprise.
Comfort: If your holster isn’t comfortable, you won’t carry consistently. Our precision-molded Kydex holsters ensures you can wear it all day.
Adaptability: With adjustable retention and integrated concealment wings, our holsters fit your carry style and clothing needs.
Whether it’s a Glock holster, Sig holster, or Smith & Wesson holster, your gear should support, not hinder your readiness.
5. Training: The Bridge Between Readiness and Reality
A firearm is a tool. Training makes it effective. Consider building your carry practice around:
Dry fire drills at home (with an unloaded firearm).
Drawing from concealment under realistic conditions.
Force on force training for high stress decision making.
Legal education to understand your state’s laws on concealed carry, self defense, and brandishing.
The more you train, the more prepared you’ll be to make the right call when seconds matter.
6. Final Thoughts: Preparedness Is a Lifestyle
The stories of Derrick Perry, Nazir Al Mujaahid, and Eli Dicken remind us of the real world role concealed carriers can play. But beyond the headlines, the lessons are clear:
Carrying is about responsibility, not bravado. Concealed Carry in the Real World is a necessity.
Avoidance and deescalation are often the best outcomes.
When action is required, being trained, equipped, and mentally ready makes the difference.
At MK-Tek Holsters, we design holsters that keep you prepared, comfortable, and confident in your everyday carry routine. Check our blog article about the 5 things to know before you carry. Because the best handgun is the one you have with you. The best holster is the one that lets you carry it every day.
Stay safe. Stay aware. Carry with purpose.
Explore our full line of IWB and OWB holsters at MK-Tek Holsters
