Recent research shows that armed citizen self-defense is far more effective in stopping violent attacks than most Americans realize. For concealed carriers and protectors across North Carolina—including Moore County, Chatham County, Derby, Siler City, Sanford, Asheboro, and Pittsboro— this data has major implications.
New analysis from the Crime Prevention Research Center reveals that civilians stop active shooter events far more often than the FBI has historically reported. But more importantly, the data highlights a truth every defender must understand: skill—not luck—is the difference maker.
The Truth About Armed Citizen Self-Defense in North Carolina
Between 2014 and 2024, the FBI claimed that armed civilians stopped only 3–7% of active shooter events nationally. But CPRC reviewed the cases independently and found massive omissions and misclassifications.
What the Corrected Numbers Reveal
Armed citizens stopped at least 36% of active shooter incidents in locations outside gun-free zones. Civilians stopped 51% of attacks. Many successful interventions occurred in rural and suburban areas, much like much of central North Carolina. This means trained citizens stop violence in roughly half of the situations where they are legally allowed to carry.
Why the FBI Underreported These Events
Missed cases involving armed civilians, mislabeling firearm interventions as “unarmed,” Underrepresentation of rural incidents, Gun-free zones skewing national averages. For the people of Moore, Chatham, Randolph, Harnett, and Lee Counties, this isn’t just a statistic. It’s a reminder that you may be the most immediate defense for your family or community.
Skill Is the Difference—Not the Firearm
When analyzing civilian stops, one pattern becomes clear: the individuals who intervene successfully are not untrained or lucky. They are prepared.
What Successful Civilians Have in Common
Most defenders:
- Train regularly
- Understand bystander safety
- Recognize threats faster
- Maintain accountability for every round
- Practice drawing from concealment
- Have foundational legal knowledge (NC statutes 14-51.2 and 14-51.3)
These traits reflect exactly what we teach at Trace Armory Group in Derby and Siler City.
Training Matters More Than Equipment
Owning a firearm is not enough. Real-world defensive performance requires:
- Fast, accurate hits under stress
- Decision-making in dynamic conditions
- Low-light shooting capability
- Backstop awareness
- Home-defense planning tailored to NC law
Here in North Carolina—where response times vary significantly—your skill may matter long before help arrives.
What This Means for the Everyday North Carolina Defender
You Are The First Responder
Criminal violence unfolds in seconds. In many communities throughout central NC, law enforcement response may take minutes. Your preparation fills that gap.
Concealed Carry Requires More Than a Permit
A permit is only the starting point. Your family deserves a protector who understands:
Practical accuracy
- Movement and use of concealment
- Low-light environments
- Home-defense strategies
- What “reasonable force” means under NC law
Essential Skills for NC Concealed Carriers
Every armed citizen should train:
- One- and two-handed shooting
- Drawing from concealment
- Target transitions
- Accountability under stress
- Positive threat identification
- Close-quarters defense
These are the skills that keep families safe—and prevent tragic mistakes.
The Community Impact: Why Training Matters in North Carolina
When the role of armed citizens is underreported, it creates a false narrative. People assume civilians can’t make a difference—when in reality, they often do.
North Carolina’s Culture of Responsibility
From Carthage to Pittsboro, Robbins to Lexington, North Carolinians value:
- Family
- Community
- Personal responsibility
- Preparedness
- Training is how we uphold those values.
Skilled Citizens Strengthen Entire Communities
When more protectors understand how to use force responsibly, communities become:
- Safer
- More resilient
- Less dependent on immediate law enforcement response
- Training creates a ripple effect of safety.
Conclusion: Armed Citizen Self-Defense Works—When You Train
The data is clear:
- Armed citizen self-defense is far more effective than reported.
- Trained North Carolinians stop violence more often than most people realize.
- Skill—not luck—is what saves lives.
If you carry a firearm in North Carolina, you owe it to your family and community to train beyond the basics.
At Trace Armory Group, we help everyday citizens develop:
- Skill. Confidence. Judgment. Accountability.
- Learn. Practice. Perform.
Your preparation could be the reason someone goes home alive.
