Concealed Carry Tips For Beginners: 9 Tips You Need To Know

September 1, 2020 by Online Carry Training

Serious thought must have gone into the decision to have a gun in a house. However, what you do with your new concealed carry doesn’t end there. Here are some helpful tips for concealed carry beginners.

1. Get a Concealed Carry Permit

Once the decision is made to purchase a gun, the next one should be to get a permit to concealed carry. With it, you can carry in your state.

With increased technology, it is now easier to get a concealed carry permit online. Qualified online concealed carry permit providers like National Carry Academy run online firearms safety certification. From there, you can take your certificate and apply for a Virginia Nonresidents’ Permit.

If you are not sure whether your state accepts a Virginia Nonresidents’ Permit, click here to find out.

2. Make Sure You Have the Right Firearm

When you were growing up, you may have had guns in your house. That doesn’t mean you’ve yet found one that is just right for you. There are so many gun choices out there that it’s mind-boggling. However, gun manufacturers know their niche market. Make sure you look at guns marketed for your target group.

You won’t know the perfect pistol until you’ve tried it out. In the process, you’re going to come upon several that are appealing but just not quite right.

First, do a lot of research. Then, pick the brains of people whose opinion you respect. Find a gun shop that will let you dry fire several weapons. Ask the gun shop owner’s advice.

Narrow your search. Then, find a gun range that lets you rent different types of handguns. Take the time to experiment. You will find the one that is right for you. The time and effort are worth it.

3. Learn How to Care for Your Weapon

Here’s another important tip for new gun owners. First, find out about the care and handling of your handgun. You can do this with an instructor. Or, you can opt to do so with a trusted friend, relative, neighbor, or mentor.

Your gun is a tool. To keep it in tip-top operation it is important to dismantle and clean it after every use. Breaking down and cleaning your gun quickly is also a learned skill. Don’t be afraid to ask for help until you’ve got it right. Even if you don’t fire your gun, it should get a thorough cleaning at least once a month.

ConcealmentExpress offers this helpful guide to the care and maintenance of your weapon.

4. Understand the Fundamentals of Gun Safety

Know the 4 basic safety rules of firearms:

1) When handling any gun, assume every weapon is loaded.

2) Never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire.

3) Never point a handgun at anything or anyone you don’t intend to shoot.

4) Before you fire, make sure you know what’s in front of and behind your intended target.

Take a beginner’s handgun safety course. Choose a qualified professional who will teach correct gun handling skills. You want to avoid learning bad habits. People aren’t born knowing how to use firearms — it’s taught. And, while a lot of it is intuitive, it can be helpful to get some advice on proper marksmanship, safety, and just general situational awareness. Check out a Firearm Instructor Directory for professionals in your area.

5. Know Local and State Concealed Carry Laws

Concealed carry Is both a privilege and a responsibility. Ignorance of the local and state around carrying a weapon and what a concealed carry permit allows you to do is no excuse. You will be charged. You could face hefty fines, jail time and/or having your weapon confiscated.

Know where you can concealed carry and where you cannot. Do your own research. Don’t just trust what others tell you. Don’t assume that everyone who carries a gun knows the most up-to-date and accurate information. Like folk lore, local and state concealed carry laws may get misinterpreted as they are passed among people.

6. Be Prepared for Reactions to Your Decision to Concealed Carry

You will face obstacles when you make the decision to concealed carry. People in your family, your neighborhood, your friendship circle, and your workplace will have strong opinions. Be prepared to face criticism and ostracism.

Some of your friends won’t be comfortable with you coming to their homes armed. Some parents won’t allow their kids to play at your house because they know there is a gun there. Relatives may refuse to celebrate holidays with you if you come armed.

7. Practice. Practice. Practice.

Serious concealed carriers know responsible gun owners keep their skills up by dry firing daily and hitting the firing range two or three times a week.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of practice. Try dry firing for a few minutes a day. Practice drawing and holstering. Hit the firing range three times a week.

You need to practice dry firing and live until you can hit stationery and moving targets with accuracy. Only then will you be ready to concealed carry. If you are committed to ongoing practice then you’re ready to carry a weapon and protect yourself.

Practice shooting accurately from standing, crouching, and prone positions. Work with both stationery and moving targets.

Shooting and drawing skills require time and lots of practice. Taking advanced courses is a good way to hone your skills and increase your muscle memory so you can face those crisis situations calmly.

Set up scenarios for yourself where it is necessary to stay highly alert at all times. This situational awareness could save your life. Join a survivalist group where you can practice things like checking rooms, clearing doorways and making sure there is no danger in corridors or alleys. Learn how to move smoothly from or to cover.

8. Develop a Conceal Carry Habit

Becoming a concealed carrier is not just about selecting the right gun, holster, and gun belt. It’s not just about getting your concealed carry permit. While these are important steps, you need to develop the habit of every day carry. That gun isn’t going to be much protection if you’ve got it locked away in a gun safe.

To become a regular carrier, you need to get comfortable with carrying. Donning your gun should be as natural as putting on your bra. To get to that stage, you need to wear your gun around the house until it feels natural. You need to practice drawing and re-holstering until the movement is smooth and fast.

9. Never Stop Learning

Responsible concealed carriers know that there is always something new to learn.

I know it’s a lot to think about. Remember: Rome wasn’t built in a day. Becoming an accomplished every day concealed carrier is a goal. Each milestone along the way will make you more confident and competent. Looking for more advice? Check out our Concealed Carry Tips For Beginners blog.