If you’ve recently decided to concealed carry, there are some essential must haves you’ll need to know about.

You Must have the Right Handgun

You need to find a firearm that’s right for you and your concealed carry lifestyle. There are so many choices that it can be mind-boggling on where to start, so you must do your own research to get a clear idea of what is best for you.  

How do you start to select the “right” gun? No matter what, every choice you make will be a compromise or a trade-off. Consider the size, recoil, power, conceal-ability, or even training. Remember: What friends and family advise may not be right for you. The right gun for you is the one you can use effectively, safely, and proficiently. Trial and error is your best way to select the right gun.

Take your time, research, and listen to the experience of others. Shoot ones you think you might like to own—narrow your selection to two or three guns. Read the reviews about each of your choices. Create a chart to compare what you like and dislike. Then make your choice. After you’ve searched, tried, and tested the possibilities, you’ll know you’ve found the right gun. For more tips on what you need to know before buying a handgun read this article. 

You Must Have a Concealed Carry Permit

First, you need a concealed carry permit. If you live in a constitutional carry state, then you do not need a permit unless you want to carry across state lines. Acquiring a concealed carry permit allows you to every day carry a concealed weapon in many states. The easiest way is to get one is to apply for a Virginia Nonresidents’ permit. Fortunately, many states now accept online concealed carry training from approved providers find your state’s laws and requirements here.

Taking CCW training online allows gun owners anywhere to obtain their CCW permit training from anywhere as long as they have access to a computer, a tablet, or a smartphone and a printer. This levels the playing field for those who live in remote areas of the state and can’t easily get to a training center.

You Must Have the Perfect Holster

Getting the perfect holster for your new pistol is a daunting task. You need to find just the right match. Take your time, or you will end up with a drawer full of holsters you will never use. It is important to find a comfortable holster that fits your gun snug and gives you the ease of drawing. 

A good concealed carry holster will hide your handgun. It will also secure your weapon like a glove, so it doesn’t fall out. A good holster also allows reasonable accessibility. You’ll need to be able to draw fast and re-holster smoothly.

Be prepared to spend money to get a good holster. Quality leather lasts and molds to your body. With the perfect holster, you need the ideal gun belt. Choose a sturdy gun belt that will support your holster and gun.

⇒Benefits of an Active Retention Holster

You Must Have Ammunition

Your pistol should have a spare magazine. If it does not, you need three magazines; one for the handgun, a spare on you, and one back at home.

There are two basic types: practice or target ammo. This is often plain lead or copper-jacketed, round-nose bullets and defensive ammunition. 

It’s recommended to pick a defensive load that will function properly and accurately in a gun you can control and employ effectively. Always test-fire any defensive ammunition you purchase before carrying it.

You Must Have Time to Practice

Wear your holster, gun belt, and weapon around the house. This is like breaking in a new pair of shoes. Wear your gun until you are so comfortable with it that you’d feel underdressed without it. Train with your weapon and holster setup. Spend time at the shooting range and dry firing at home. Practice drawing your weapon. Experiment wearing different clothes so you learn how to conceal and how to draw around your over shirt. 

You Must Have The Confidence To Avoid Patterning

This means hands-off. If you keep patting that handgun, everyone will know you are carrying a concealed firearm. Adjusting, patting, and fidgeting give you away. If you must check or adjust, do your weapon, do it in your vehicle or a restroom. That’s why you get comfortable with your equipment before you leave home.

New carriers often act nervous and armed in public. If you’ve chosen your set up wisely and practiced wearing it around the house, then it should be concealed properly. No one should guess that you’re carrying. Go about your normal activities.

You Must Have Safe Firearm Handling

You might have had to pass a firearms safety to qualify for your concealed carry permit. If you didn’t, it is a good idea to take a firearms safety course. This will teach you how to handle your weapon safely. 

You Must Keep Learning

No matter how old we get or how much experience we have, there are always new things to learn. Technology improves equipment. We reach new levels of skill. As a beginner, you have lots to learn. Practice dry firing at home for a few minutes a day. If you’re not sure how to go about it, watch this video. Hit the shooting range two or three times a week. Read everything you can get your hands on about concealed carry, you can find additional Concealed Carry Content here.

Talk with others. Carrying a concealed weapon is a serious matter. But, you can have fun honing your craft and socializing with others who have similar interests.

If you don’t have your concealed carry, find your state laws here.