Some states allow concealed carry without an additional permit. Others require additional licensing. Whichever state you live in, if you’re considering carrying a concealed weapon you should know that it comes with extra responsibilities for your safety and enjoyment, and for the safety of others.
From comfort to safe handling, here are a few tips for new concealed carry gun owners.
Safety first
The best way to conceal carry is the safe way. The rules for handling a gun, in general, are especially important when dealing with a concealed weapon. CCW owners should always remember to:
- Treat your weapon as if it’s always loaded
- Never point your firearm at anything you aren’t willing to destroy
- Keep your finger off of the trigger until your target is in your sights
- Be sure of your target, and what’s beyond it
Holster it
A holster is important for both portability and for safety. While it’s possible to stick your weapon into your gun in your belt, there are a whole host of safety concerns with that option. Your holster should hold your weapon securely while also covering the trigger to prevent accidental discharge of the gun.
That doesn’t mean you’re stuck choosing a bulky, and obvious, holster, however. If you’re looking for the lightest, least constrictive way to holster your weapon, a concealed carry clip combined with a trigger guard gives you the freedom of not having a bulky holster with the safety of a covered trigger.
Get comfortable and get used to it
Once you’ve gotten your holster, wear your weapon around at home. This will let you try carrying the weapon in different spots to see what works best for you and with your wardrobe. The worst time to find out that an appendix carry, or an inside or outside the waistband carry is uncomfortable for you is when you’re in public.
An uncomfortable carry position will cause you to constantly adjust and touch your concealed gun, making it obvious to those around you that you’ve got a weapon on you. You don’t want anyone to know you’re armed until and unless you need it. If you are completely used to and comfortable with your carry position, you won’t think twice about it, and you won’t give away its existence.
With time and experience, you’ll improve and understand what you do and don’t like about carrying your firearm concealed. But these first few tips will make those first few weeks pleasant and safer, giving you the time to grow accustomed to your concealed carry weapon.
