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Making sure you choose the correct gun for the job is vitally important. When considering conceal carrying a firearm, you need to look at how the firearm:
-Feels in your hand (how it feels to grip). Is the grip long or big enough for your hands? Is it too small or too big to comfortably hold and shoot?
-Weighs and measures. How heavy is the firearm? Is it too heavy for you? Is the firearm too long to properly conceal? Is it a full-size firearm or a compact/subcompact?
-Operates. Can you rack the slide and pull the trigger with ease?
With this considered, we recommend getting a smaller firearm in a compact or smaller size (sub-compact/micro compact). The Smaller the size firearm you use, the easier it will be to conceal but can be “snappier” when shooting. This is something to look at and try to find your middle ground on size/recoil that you are comfortable with.
This may be one of the most debated questions in the firearm industry: which caliber is best for carrying? We find the answer to be simpler than the vast number of online forums indicate. Choose the caliber that you feel most comfortable with. If you are unsure of which caliber you feel the most comfortable with, go to your local shooting range and ask to try some rental firearms in different calibers. Practice with the caliber that you choose and become comfortable with it. As long as you practice and develop proficiency with your caliber, it doesn’t matter which caliber you chose.
The most common calibers to carry are .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, 10mm & .38 SPL. The firearm you choose will dictate which caliber will be available for you to use.
Your holster is the most important accessory for your concealed carry firearm. It is important to invest in a high-quality holster that has durability, reliability, comfort, and safety. There are a variety of different holsters and materials out there, so finding the right material can be daunting if you aren’t sure what to look for. One of the most popular materials among individuals who carry is Kydex, which provides excellent durability, reliability, comfort, and safety.
The more often and longer you carry, the more you will get used to the feeling of carrying. Arguably the #1 mistake beginners make when concealed carrying is adjusting their holster/firearm in public. If you are adjusting your weapon in public, you are showing everyone around you that you are carrying. The goal is to blend in with everyone else around you.
This goes along with tip #4. Dress for the occasion. To blend in with everyone else and to keep others from knowing or suspecting that you are carrying, wearing the proper attire is important. Don’t walk around wearing “tactical” shirts and pants unless you want to look like a walking red flag to everyone else. Dress accurately for the weather as well. You don’t want to be walking around with a jacket on in the middle of the summer.
If you are carrying IWB you will have an easier time finding clothes to wear while still being able to conceal your weapon. If you are carrying OWB you will need something to cover your weapon like a jacket or coat. Keep in mind, you will look out of place wearing an outerwear garment if it is warm outside and may draw attention to yourself.
Situational Awareness or “SA” isn’t just for carrying. SA should be practiced everywhere you go. Pay attention to what and who is around you. Watch out for things that seem out of place or pose a potential risk. For example, instead of taking the dark alley as a shortcut home, take the longer, more populated way with more streetlights and visibility. Instead of putting yourself into a situation where you need to draw your firearm, try avoiding the situation altogether. Drawing your firearm should ALWAYS be a last resort.
Seek out the proper training from an accredited institution or instructor. Getting the proper training in the beginning will help you build a solid base for the foundation of your carry skills. There are many courses out there that teach basic and advanced carry skills. You can never have too much training.
Arguably the most important thing to know when carrying, is the law. There are laws for carrying a firearm, where you can carry a firearm, how you can carry a firearm, etc. Each state has different laws for carrying. Know the law for your state. Know what you can and can’t do. Know the repercussions of drawing a firearm. Know where you can and can’t carry a firearm. Know the laws where of any state you plan on traveling to. Knowing the law will help make you more confident in your decisions and overall guide you to make the correct decision.
Having the right mindset plays a huge part in carrying. Always keep a level head and a clear mind when carrying. As someone who is carrying, you must be the most responsible person in the room. You know you must avoid conflict as best as you can but are prepared to do what it takes to protect the life of others and yourself.
Avoid having an escalation mindset. A big mistake some people who carry make is thinking they can do whatever they want because of the protection of their firearm. This is exactly the OPPOSITE of how you should act. You should never escalate situations or seek conflict because you feel invincible with a firearm.
Be the most responsible and respectful person to others, but this is how you should act everyday regardless of if you are carrying or not.
Practice drawing from your holster. Practice drawing from a concealed position. Practice wearing your holster with your firearm. Practice builds proficiency and the last thing you want when your life depends on it, is a lack of proficiency. Build the muscle memory required to safely draw your weapon, shoot, and holster. Practice realistically. Practice with the ammo you plan on using in your carry weapon. Practice for malfunctions.
Unlike riding a bike, where once you learn the skill, you don’t need to relearn it for it to stay fresh, firearms proficiency is perishable. Make sure to practice consistently.
