Davey Defense LLC

Author: John Davey

  • Bad Law Is Still a Bad Decision

    Bad Law Is Still a Bad Decision

    [dd_saloon_editor_note]

    John Davey in a western One Bad Decision Saloon scene with legal papers, firearms, coffee, and guest commentary branding.

    Thursday, May 28, 2026. 0633 hours. 66 degrees. On my way to work.

    Some mornings the coffee kicks in before the truck does. This morning, my mind wandered into politics, law, city government, state government, and the never-ending pile of ridiculous gun bills that keep showing up from people who either do not understand firearms, do not understand constitutional limits, or understand both and simply do not care.

    Maryland just gave us another example. Senate Bill 334, titled Criminal Law, Firearm Crimes, Machine Gun Convertible Pistols, was approved by the Governor as Chapter 771. In plain English, the state is going after certain common semi-automatic pistols because criminals may illegally install switches or conversion devices on them.

    That is where the argument falls apart for me. The illegal conversion device is already illegal. The criminal misuse is already illegal. So instead of dealing with the criminal act, the law points back at the legal firearm, the lawful owner, and the normal market around it.

    Punishing lawful ownership because a criminal might commit another crime is not public safety. It is legislative laziness dressed up in a cheap suit.

    We have already had major Second Amendment cases work their way through the courts. The Supreme Court has made clear that commonly owned arms used by law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes are not easy targets for government bans. Lawyers can argue the edges, and they always will, but the warning sign is not hard to read.

    That means you do not get to ban a common semi-automatic pistol because the wrong person might modify it illegally. You do not get to ban an AR-15 because you dislike how it looks. You do not get to ban an AK-pattern semi-automatic rifle because it makes good campaign material. You do not get to call something military-style, scary, dangerous, or unnecessary and pretend those words magically erase constitutional limits.

    Black plastic does not create criminal intent. A pistol grip does not change the laws of physics. A detachable magazine does not turn a lawful citizen into a felon. A common firearm in the hands of a lawful owner remains a common firearm in the hands of a lawful owner, no matter how badly somebody in a committee room wants to act otherwise.

    Bad bills make bad law

    This is the part that gets old. The same pattern repeats itself over and over. A criminal act happens. A conversion device shows up. A firearm gets misused. Then some politician points at the tool, ignores the existing laws already being broken, and writes a new bill aimed at the people who were not the problem in the first place.

    That is how bad bills become bad law. That is how bad law becomes litigation. That is how taxpayers end up funding the defense of laws that should have been questioned before they were passed. It is not serious governance. It is theater with filing fees.

    If lawmakers really believe these firearms, magazines, and features are too dangerous for ordinary citizens, then they can start with their own security details. Start with the armed protection around governors, mayors, legislators, judges, and agency heads. Start with law enforcement agencies at every level of the state. Put them under the same restrictions first. Same firearms. Same magazine limits. Same equipment rules. Same practical disadvantage.

    When the people writing these laws are willing to live under the exact same defensive limitations they want to impose on everyone else, maybe the rest of us will believe they are serious.

    Maybe.

    But do not hold your breath.

    That would also be a bad decision.

    References: Maryland SB 334, District of Columbia v. Heller, Caetano v. Massachusetts, and New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen.

    [dd_saloon_byline]

  • busy-lives-quiet-worry-minnesota-firearms-training

    Busy Lives, Real Obligations, and Quiet Worry in Minnesota

    Most people in Minnesota are not living slow, simple lives. They are working long days, driving winter roads before sunrise, raising children, caring for aging parents, and holding together households that depend on them being steady every single day. This is not pretend busy. It is the normal weight of adult responsibility in the real world.

    Because of that weight, important personal skills often fall behind. Not from laziness or lack of concern, but from the simple truth that time and energy are limited. When life presses in, the quiet disciplines that matter long term are usually the first to slip. Health slips. Training slips. Practice slips. Preparation becomes something people mean to return to someday.

    I see this pattern often with students across southern Minnesota. These are responsible, thoughtful people who care deeply about protecting their families and doing the right thing. Yet many carry an honest admission that takes courage to say aloud. Their current level of skill is lower than they want it to be.

    That honesty is not weakness. It is clarity. And clarity is always the starting point for real improvement.

    Beneath that admission sits another truth that appears more frequently in quiet conversation than in public discussion. Many Minnesotans feel uneasy about the direction of the world around them. Not panicked. Not dramatic. Simply aware that things feel less stable than they once did.

    Social tension is louder. Political division feels sharper. Economic pressure is real for working families. News cycles move quickly and rarely bring calm. Even in communities that still value neighborliness and common sense, people find themselves asking questions they never used to consider.

    What happens if things truly become unstable?
    What if ordinary safety is not guaranteed the way it once felt?

    These are not internet fantasies. They are quiet concerns spoken by normal, grounded adults who simply want their families to remain safe regardless of what the future holds.

    When people begin asking those questions, they naturally look at the tools they own, the skills they carry, and the readiness of their mindset. Sometimes that reflection is uncomfortable. Ownership is common. Consistent training is not. Capability often lags behind intention, and that gap exists for understandable reasons.

    Real training costs time. It costs money. It requires mental focus that busy adults do not always have left at the end of a long week. So the gap grows slowly, shaped not by neglect but by reality.

    Still, readiness does not require perfection. It requires honesty and steady forward movement.

    Preparation in the real world is rarely dramatic. It does not resemble the extreme images common online. Real preparation is quieter and far more practical. It is learning safe handling until it becomes automatic. It is building dependable marksmanship. It is understanding Minnesota law and the weight of legal responsibility. It is practicing calm decision making rather than emotional reaction. It is forming habits that remain steady under stress.

    None of this is flashy. All of it matters.

    The goal is not conflict. The goal has never been conflict. The goal is the protection of life and the preservation of peace if peace is threatened. Most Minnesotans understand that instinctively.

    Despite the noise in the wider culture, the overwhelming majority of people I meet are not looking for a fight. They are looking for stability. They want their children safe, their homes secure, their communities calm, and their conscience clear at the end of the day. That mindset matters far more than any tool ever could, because discipline in responsible hands creates safety, not danger.

    The encouraging reality is that discipline can be built. Skill can grow. Confidence can return. None of it requires dramatic change overnight. It begins with small, steady steps that fit inside an already busy life.

    Sometimes the first step is scheduling time to train. Sometimes it is properly cleaning and understanding a firearm that has sat untouched. Sometimes it is learning safe storage, reviewing the law, or practicing fundamentals that were never fully developed the first time. These actions may feel small, but small actions performed consistently are what create real readiness.

    If you are busy, you are normal.
    If your skill is lower than you want, you are honest.
    If you feel uneasy about the future, you are paying attention.

    None of those truths represent failure. They are starting points, and starting points mean forward movement is still possible.

    Life in Minnesota will always carry responsibility. Winters will remain cold. Work will still begin before daylight. Families will continue to depend on steady people doing their duty without recognition. Through all of that, one truth remains fully within your control. You can become more capable tomorrow than you are today.

    Not for pride.
    Not for politics.
    Not for fear.

    For the quiet responsibility of protecting the lives entrusted to you and preserving the peace we all hope never disappears.

    That kind of preparation is not extreme. In times like these, it is simply wise.

    [signature]

  • EDC Realities: Why People Overbuild the Gun and Underbuild Everything Else

    EDC Realities: Why People Overbuild the Gun and Underbuild Everything Else

    EDC Realities: Why People Overbuild the Gun and Underbuild Everything Else

    There is a reason so many everyday carry discussions orbit endlessly around the firearm. The gun is the most visible piece. It is the part people talk about, photograph, upgrade, compare, and argue over. It feels decisive. It feels serious. And it feels like real progress, because you can hold it in your hand and say, this is my carry.

    The problem is that everyday carry is not a single object. It is a system. And systems fail when one component is dialed in while everything around it is ignored.

    Too much focus gets placed on the gun itself because of what people are constantly exposed to online. Scroll through Facebook group pages and you see endless “my latest build” photos. Completely renovated guns. Aftermarket grip frames. Slides and barrels with porting. Lights, lasers, dots. Everything pristine. No scratches. No smudge marks. Nothing that suggests the gun has ever been on the range, let alone carried day after day.

    There is also a very practical reason this happens, and it is worth acknowledging. It is nearly impossible to get a clean, high quality photo of yourself wearing a belt, holster, light, or knife. Taking a picture of your own waistline, concealment setup, or pocket carry is awkward at best and usually useless. The angles are wrong, the lighting is poor, and half the point of good carry is that it does not stand out in the first place. By comparison, a gun laid out neatly on a bench is easy to photograph. Good lighting. Clean angles. Everything visible. It makes sense that people post what photographs well. Unfortunately, that convenience skews the conversation. What gets shared and admired most easily is not always what matters most in real life.

    Over time, that imbalance trains people to pour effort into the parts of the system that look good in pictures while quietly neglecting the parts that actually determine whether the setup works day after day. Belts, holsters, placement, pockets, clothing, lighting, access to simple tools, and daily usability do not photograph well, so they get left out of the conversation. The result is a setup that looks impressive online but struggles the moment it is asked to live on a real human body for a full day.

    Overcompensation usually starts with good intentions. Someone wants to be prepared. They read, watch, and listen. They buy quality equipment. Somewhere along the way, preparation turns into accumulation. The gun improves. The setup gets heavier, bulkier, and more rigid. Meanwhile, the system becomes less wearable. Discomfort increases, adjustments become frequent, and eventually the carry becomes conditional. The gun is still excellent, but it is no longer present when it should be.

    This is where the phrase Gucci Glock becomes useful, not as an insult, but as a diagnostic. When the firearm is pristine, heavily accessorized, and meticulously tuned, yet the carrier is constantly fighting concealment, comfort, and endurance, something is out of balance. The system is being built for admiration instead of daily use. The gun is optimized for the range, photos, or identity, while the rest of the carry setup has not been worked through honestly.

    Real everyday carry is boring by comparison. It prioritizes things that solve problems quietly, as defined in everyday carry means on-body. A flashlight that gets used multiple times a day. A knife that opens packages, cuts material, and handles mundane tasks. Pocket change that solves small friction points without thought. A belt that distributes weight instead of fighting the body. A holster that disappears rather than demands attention. None of these things are exciting to buy. They do not win internet arguments. They simply work, over and over again.

    The uncomfortable truth is that most daily problems are not firearm problems. They are visibility problems, access problems, leverage problems, communication problems, or time problems. The gun belongs in the system, but it is not the center of the universe. If the only tool you have spent real effort on is the one you almost never need, you have built something that looks good but falls apart under everyday use.

    There is also a mindset issue at play. It is easier to focus on the gun because it feels controlled. You can spec it, tune it, and call it finished. The rest of everyday carry forces honesty. It exposes discomfort, inconvenience, and compromise. It requires adapting to your body, your job, your schedule, and your limitations. That kind of work does not look impressive, and it does not give you anything obvious to show for it.

    Consistency comes from humility, not hardware. It comes from admitting that what looks good on paper or online may not last all day, and that what lasts all day often looks unremarkable. This is the same principle explored in comfort equals consistency, where survivability over time matters more than appearance. People who carry consistently are not chasing perfection. They are chasing setups that disappear into daily life. Their gear fades into the background because it is correctly scoped, properly supported, and tested over time, not because it is flashy.

    The goal is not to carry the coolest gun. The goal is to carry reliably, day after day, without negotiating with yourself. That requires resisting the urge to pour all your attention into the most visible object while ignoring the quiet components that actually determine success. Everyday carry is not about showing off. It is about building something that holds together when life is ordinary, inconvenient, and occasionally uncomfortable.

  • Assault Rifle vs. Common Semi-Automatic: A Clear Explanation

    Assault Rifle vs. Common Semi-Automatic: A Clear Explanation

    Assault Rifle vs. Common Semi-Automatic: A Clear Explanation

    In recent years, firearm terminology has become increasingly muddled, often intentionally. Words like “assault rifle” are used loosely to describe firearms that do not meet the technical or legal definition of the term. Precision matters, especially when laws, prosecutions, and public policy are involved. What follows is a clear explanation of what an assault rifle actually is, how it differs from a common semi-automatic firearm, and why that distinction matters.

    1) Quick Definitions

    Assault rifle (technical term): A select-fire shoulder-fired rifle using an intermediate-power cartridge and a detachable magazine. Select-fire means the ability to choose between semi-automatic (one round per trigger press) and burst or automatic (multiple rounds per press).

    Semi-automatic (mechanical term): Fires one round per trigger press, automatically cycles, and loads the next round. It will not fire again until the trigger is released and pressed again. This applies to rifles, handguns, and shotguns.

    Bottom line: “Assault rifle” is a select-fire military classification. “Semi-automatic” describes an action type used across many civilian firearms.

    2) Core Difference, The Fire-Control System

    • Assault rifle (select-fire): Has semi-auto and burst or auto modes. More than one round per trigger press is legally a machine gun under U.S. federal law.
    • Common semi-auto: No burst or auto. Always one round per trigger press, regardless of looks.

    3) Cartridges, “Intermediate” vs. Others

    • Assault rifles: Intermediate cartridges (for example, 5.56×45 NATO, 7.62×39) balancing recoil and range for military use.
    • Semi-autos: Any caliber. .22 LR plinkers, 9mm pistols, .308 hunting rifles, 12 gauge shotguns, and more. “Semi-auto” does not mean a specific caliber.

    4) Why People Get Confused, “Assault Weapon” as a Legal Term

    “Assault rifle” is a technical term (select-fire, intermediate cartridge, detachable magazine).

    “Assault weapon” is a legal and political term in some jurisdictions that restricts certain semi-automatic firearms based on features (pistol grips, adjustable stocks, flash hiders, barrel shrouds, threaded muzzles, and similar items). Those features do not change the rate of fire. They are ergonomics and accessories.

    Bottom line: A typical civilian AR-15 is not an “assault rifle” because it is semi-auto only. Whether it is an “assault weapon” depends on specific local or state law. That is a legal classification, not a mechanical one.

    5) Examples

    Assault rifles (select-fire, military): StG-44. AK-47 or AK-74 in select-fire configurations. M16 or M4 in military burst or auto configurations.

    Common civilian semi-autos:

    • Rifles: Ruger 10/22 (.22 LR). AR-15 pattern (semi-auto only). Mini-14 (5.56). Many semi-auto hunting rifles.
    • Handguns: Glock, SIG, S&W M&P, and similar platforms (most modern service pistols are semi-auto).
    • Shotguns: Semi-autos from Beretta, Benelli, Mossberg, Remington for sport, hunting, and defense.

    6) Rate of Fire vs. Appearance

    • Rate of fire is dictated by the fire-control system, not cosmetic features.
    • Adjustable stocks, pistol grips, rails, optics, lights, slings, or a flash hider do not make a firearm automatic.

    7) Operating Systems (High Level)

    • Gas-operated: The barrel taps gas to drive a piston or carrier (common on rifles).
    • Blowback or delayed blowback: Pressure drives the bolt or slide, with delay systems used for higher-pressure rounds (common on many pistols and .22 rifles).

    These describe how it cycles, not whether it is semi-auto or automatic.

    8) U.S. Legal Context (High Level, Not Legal Advice)

    • Under federal law, if a firearm fires more than one round per single function of the trigger, it is a machine gun.
    • Select-fire assault rifles fall under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and related statutes.
    • Civilian possession of newly manufactured machine guns has been federally restricted since 1986. Pre-1986 transferable guns are limited, regulated, and expensive.
    • Semi-autos are generally Title I firearms federally, but state and local laws vary, including “assault weapon” feature lists in some states.

    Always verify current federal, state, and local laws before purchase, transport, or modification.

    9) Quick FAQ

    Is an AR-15 an assault rifle?
    No. Typical civilian AR-15s are semi-auto only.

    Do features like pistol grips or flash hiders make a gun “assault”?
    No. They are features and ergonomics. They do not change the fire mode.

    Are semi-auto handguns “assault weapons”?
    Generally no, but terminology depends on jurisdiction. “Assault weapon” is legal language, not mechanical.

    What makes something a machine gun?
    Firing more than one round per single trigger function, including burst modes.

    Takeaway

    An assault rifle is a select-fire military weapon. A common semi-automatic firearm is not. This is not a semantic debate, it is a factual boundary. When that boundary is crossed by politicians or media figures, it is done intentionally to mislead. Clarity is the antidote, and accuracy is the standard that exposes manipulation every time.

    Call to Action

    This is not about liking a particular firearm. It is about refusing to let false language dictate public policy. Assault rifle and semi-automatic are not interchangeable terms, and pretending they are is how people are misled, intentionally or otherwise.

    As gun owners, we do not get to opt out of this responsibility. We have no choice but to correct misuse every time it appears. Silence is permission. Accuracy is resistance.

    As an instructor, I consider this part of the mandate. As a gun owner, it is only fair to insist on correct terminology being used, even if you do not own one of these common, everyday semi-automatic rifles yourself.

    If you believe rights should be defended with facts instead of slogans, stand with me and insist on correctness.

    Note: This post is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and definitions can change, and details vary by jurisdiction. For questions about your specific situation, consult a qualified attorney.

  • Minnesota Cities Are Quietly Trying To Pass Illegal Gun Ordinances

    Minnesota Cities Are Quietly Trying To Pass Illegal Gun Ordinances

    From the Instructor’s Chair

    Cities across Minnesota have started to take quiet steps toward regulating firearms at the local level. Some call it safety. Some call it community protection. On paper, these proposals look tidy. They sound good in a room full of people who have never handled a firearm, never studied the law, and never stood next to a nervous student who is trying to understand what real safety feels like. But tidy ideas on paper do not always survive contact with real life.

    Minnesota already solved this problem decades ago. Our state put all firearm regulation under one authority, the State of Minnesota. The purpose was simple. No resident should have to follow a different set of rules every time they cross a city line. No police department should have to enforce many local variations of the same subject. State preemption exists to keep citizens safe through clarity, not confusion. It exists because safety works only when people understand the rules well enough to follow them.

    When a city creates its own firearms ordinance, it is not only violating state law. It is creating a patchwork that puts law abiding citizens at risk of breaking rules they never knew existed. None of this helps public safety. None of it prevents crime. What it does is send a message that appearance matters more than results.

    The wider issue is simpler. Cities are writing these ordinances without talking to the people who actually understand firearms. Instructors. Trainers. Range officers. Law enforcement. The men and women who stand beside nervous beginners, who have to explain the difference between fear and respect, who have watched panic melt away the moment a student finally understands how a safety mechanism works. These are the voices that never get invited to the table. Instead, cities create rules that look good from a podium but fail in the moments that matter.

    I have taught students from every background. Nurses. Teachers. Construction workers. Retirees who inherited an old pistol and simply want to unload it safely. Young adults who are not gun owners and do not plan to be. People who come into my range trembling because the only thing they know about firearms is what they have seen on television or social media. They arrive with fear. They leave with respect, clarity, and confidence.

    That transformation does not come from legislation. It comes from education.

    A classroom allows a person to ask questions without being judged. A range allows a person to learn what safety feels like in their own hands. They learn how a firearm functions. How ammunition behaves. How to recognize a safe condition and how to avoid an unsafe one. Those skills cannot be legislated. They can only be taught.

    A city imposed rule does not stop a violent offender. It does not prevent a theft, a robbery, or an assault. It does not change criminal behavior. What it does change is the behavior of the people who were already following the law. The man or woman who was trying to do everything right now has to guess whether something that is legal under state law has suddenly become illegal inside one city block. That is not safety. That is instability. It creates uncertainty where clarity is required.

    There is a better way forward. Every city that wants to improve public safety can do it without violating state law. Hold an open forum with certified instructors. Invite law enforcement to explain how the law actually works. Offer community education nights where residents can learn safe handling practices. Provide real information instead of symbolic rules. If cities want to make their communities safer, they must replace fear with understanding.

    Education costs little. It saves time. It saves mistakes. It builds calm instead of chaos. It strengthens neighborhoods instead of dividing them. People make better decisions when they are informed. That is true in every discipline. Firearm safety is no different.

    If Minnesota is going to have an honest conversation about safety, then cities must respect the law as written. Preemption is not a loophole. It is a safeguard. It ensures that every citizen has one clear set of rules to follow, no matter where they live or work. That consistency is what keeps people safe, because it removes confusion and fear from the equation.

    Real safety will never come from sudden ordinances that appear without expert input. It comes from teaching. It comes from clarity. It comes from men and women willing to sit down with their neighbors and help them understand something they have never learned before.

    Education is how we build responsible communities.
    Legislation is not a substitute for understanding.
    If we want safety, then we must start with knowledge.

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  • edina open letter firearm preemption

    Open Letter to the Edina City Council

    Legal Authority for This Request

    This letter is submitted under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, Section 13.03 Subdivision 3. This statute requires government entities to state whether requested public data exists and, if it exists, to provide access to it or explain why it cannot be released.

    This letter also references Minnesota Statutes Section 471.633. This statute establishes state level preemption over all firearm related regulation. It prohibits municipalities from regulating firearms, ammunition, or their possession or carrying. That authority is reserved exclusively for the Minnesota Legislature.

    To the Members of the Edina City Council,

    My name is John Davey. I am a Minnesota firearms instructor, a business owner, and a private citizen who respects the rule of law. I am writing because recent discussions by the Council regarding firearm related restrictions appear to be moving toward an area where the City does not have legal authority to act. This is not a political message. This is a matter of statutory compliance, good governance, and public accountability.

    Minnesota law is clear. Cities do not have the authority to create or enforce firearm regulations. That authority belongs solely to the Legislature. Before a city proposes or advances any policy related to firearms, it must verify its legal standing. That verification requires documentation. It requires legal review. It requires internal communication that reflects a clear understanding of state preemption.

    Because of this, I am formally requesting answers to the following questions and requesting copies of any public data related to them. If the requested data exists, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act requires the City to state that it exists and provide it. If the requested data does not exist, the Act requires the City to state that it does not exist.

    1. Did any member of the Edina City Council ask about Minnesota state preemption before proposing or supporting any firearm related discussion or draft language.
    2. Did the Council receive a written legal opinion from the City Attorney regarding the legality of any firearm related proposal.
    3. If a written legal opinion exists, I request a copy of it.
    4. If no written opinion exists, I request the date and manner in which legal guidance was provided to the Council.
    5. What statutory authority did the Council believe it had when discussing firearm related regulation.
    6. Did the Council consult the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, or any state level authority before proceeding with discussion.
    7. What liability analysis was performed regarding financial risk to the City if Edina attempted to enforce any firearm related restriction later found to be unlawful.
    8. If a liability analysis exists, I request a copy of it.
    9. Who authored or introduced any firearm related language that has been discussed, and what outside organizations or advocacy groups contributed to that language.
    10. Were any emails, memos, or internal communications exchanged regarding concerns about state preemption. If they exist, I request copies of them.

    If these documents do not exist, then the public deserves to know exactly what that means. It means the Edina City Council entered or advanced firearm related discussion while dangling from one finger off the edge of a legal cliff, without statutory authority and without formal legal review. That is not responsible governance. That is a failure of process and duty.

    For clarity, I am not requesting these documents in pursuit of litigation. I am requesting them because the people of Edina have the right to know whether their City Council has acted, or is preparing to act, inside or outside the boundaries of state law. If the requested data does not exist, that absence provides the answer.

    Moving forward with any firearm related restriction would place the City in direct conflict with Minnesota Statutes Section 471.633. The consequences of such an action would fall squarely on the City and its taxpayers. That includes legal fees, settlements, court orders, and public scrutiny. This is not speculation. This is the documented history of municipalities that have attempted to regulate firearms in defiance of state preemption.

    I am requesting a written response to this letter from the City Clerk or other authorized representative. I am also requesting that the Council publicly clarify its position and confirm that it will operate within the limits of state law. Anything less is a breach of trust in the eyes of the residents you serve.

    I will post this letter publicly so the people of Edina can see exactly what was requested and how their City Council responded. Transparency is not optional. It is the foundation of public trust.

    Respectfully,
    John Davey
    Minnesota Firearms Instructor
    Business Owner
    Citizen

  • Concealed Development

    Concealed Development

    Why I Recommend Concealed Development

    If you want a holster that actually fits your life and your gun — not some cookie-cutter knockoff — go talk to my friends over at Concealed Development.

    Custom. Every single time.

    These guys do one thing and they do it right: custom-made holsters. Nothing sits on a shelf waiting for a buyer. Every holster is made to order for your specific gun, your setup, and the way you carry. You tell them whether you want lights, tall sights, an optic cut, which hardware you prefer, and they build it for you.

    Why that matters

    Lots of folks will slap a universal holster on a website and call it “good enough.” That’s not what Concealed Development does. If you carry for work or for family protection, “good enough” isn’t good enough. A properly fitted holster makes draws consistent, keeps the gun secure, and saves you headaches. These are the holsters I trust and will recommend to students.

    Options & quality

    Want inside-the-waistband? Outside? Level II duty? Mag carriers? They have it. Want a specific color or finish? They’ll do that too. Hardware options, adjustable retention, and exacting tolerances — it’s all part of the process. And the build quality shows in how the holster rides and performs.

    Support small-business craftsmanship

    When you buy from Concealed Development you’re not buying a mass-produced product — you’re supporting a shop that takes pride in their work. That matters. It keeps good hands-making-good-things in business and gives you a holster that actually fits the way you shoot and the way you live.

    Where to find them

    Website: concealeddevelopment.com
    Instagram: @concealeddevelopment
    Share/Facebook: Share on Facebook

    If you want a holster that’s built for you and your gun — call them, order one, and stop settling for someone else’s idea of a “fit.”

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  • Welcome, 18–20-year-olds

    Welcome, 18–20-year-olds

    Welcome, 18–20-year-olds: Now That You Can Carry, Here’s What I Want You to Know

    Younger adults — welcome. I’m glad you’re here. Minnesota law has changed so that 18–20-year-olds can now hold a Permit to Carry. I support that change. I also want to be blunt and helpful about what it actually means for you.

    Buying vs. carrying — what actually works right now

    First: do not assume you can walk into a gun store and buy a pistol. Federal law still restricts retail handgun sales to people 21 and over. There’s litigation working its way through the courts and that could change, but I can’t verify today’s court status from here. Check current federal law before you rely on that buying option.

    If you’re 18–20 and want to legally carry in Minnesota today, your practical options are:

    • Borrow a pistol from a parent or family member when needed.
    • Buy from a private individual — private party sales are an option in many cases.

    Those are real, legal paths. They’re not loopholes — just different routes than buying new off a shop rack.

    This is a lifestyle choice — not a trend

    Choosing to carry for self-defense is not a fad. It’s a long-term responsibility that affects you and everyone around you. Once you strap one on, don’t treat it like a toy.

    Key things you need to know

    1. Your brain is still growing.

      Science is clear: your frontal lobe keeps developing into your mid-20s. That affects decision-making, impulse control, and risk assessment. Be honest — are you ready?

    2. Training is not optional.

      Carrying is more than marksmanship. It’s judgment, safety, de-escalation, legal awareness, and after-action responsibility. Train regularly.

    3. Campus rules still matter.

      If you’re a college student, most campuses still ban carrying on school property. That sucks. Plan around it and consider other lawful safety measures while you’re on campus.

    4. Think about social media.

      Posting pictures and bragging about gear makes you a target for theft and attention. Use common sense — if you’re unsure, don’t post it.

    5. It’s not just the hardware.

      Carrying changes how situations escalate. Even if you never draw, the presence of a firearm changes the stakes. Be mature enough to manage that without drama.

    Final thoughts

    I’ve worked with a lot of young men and women in this age group since the law changed. Most of them get it — they understand the seriousness and they train. If you’re young, responsible, and willing to learn, you’re welcome in that community.

    Congratulations on making an adult choice — and do this one smart. If you want a personal conversation about legal options, training pathways, or what to carry to stay legal and effective, ask. I’ll share what I know.

    Stay smart. Stay legal. Stay alive.

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  • Minnesota Preemption

    Minnesota Preemption: What Saint Paul Can and Cannot Do

    There is a lot of chatter about possible local firearm bans in Saint Paul. Here is the plain-English version of the law in Minnesota.

    State preemption controls

    Minnesota has statewide preemption. Under Minn. Stat. § 471.633, cities and counties may not adopt their own firearm regulations that conflict with state law. In short, local governments cannot enact their own bans or restrictions where the state has already occupied the field.

    Supreme Court precedent matters

    What that means for Saint Paul

    • The city can discuss policies and draft ordinances, but it cannot legally enforce a local ban that conflicts with state preemption.
    • Any ordinance that targets firearms or magazines in common use would also face serious constitutional challenges under Heller and Bruen.

    Bottom line

    Stay informed, stay calm, and stay lawful. Minnesota preemption remains in force statewide, and constitutional precedent is not on the side of local bans.

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  • Medical Marijuana and Firearm Possession

    Medical Marijuana and Firearm Possession

    Medical Marijuana and Firearm Possession: What Federal Law Says

    Date: October 6, 2025

    From time to time, we’re asked whether a Minnesota medical marijuana cardholder can legally own or carry a firearm. The short answer is no — not under current federal law.

    The Federal Law

    Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(3) states that it is unlawful for any person “who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” to possess firearms or ammunition. Because marijuana remains listed as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, anyone who uses it — even for medical reasons — falls under that prohibition.

    You can read the full statute here:
    18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)

    What It Means for Minnesota Permit Holders

    Although Minnesota law permits medical cannabis, federal law still controls firearm eligibility. When purchasing a firearm, applicants must complete the ATF Form 4473. Question 21(g) on that form specifically warns that marijuana use remains illegal under federal law, regardless of state legalization.

    Answering “no” to that question while holding a medical marijuana card is considered a false statement on a federal form — a felony offense.

    The Bottom Line

    At this time, a Minnesota medical marijuana cardholder cannot lawfully possess or carry a firearm for self-defense under federal law. Until Congress changes the classification of marijuana, state permits do not override federal restrictions.

    Stay informed, stay legal, and make sure you understand how both federal and state laws apply to your situation before carrying.

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