Good Advice for New Concealed Carry Owners
Now that you’ve made the decision to become a concealed carry weapon owner, there are some things to consider.
Practice Safety First
No doubt about it! carrying a firearm is not to be taken lightly. A handgun is a lethal weapon. Concealed carry must be treated as a serious matter anywhere and all the time. Learn the rules. Practice safe carry, safe storage, and gun safety Take a gun safety course—even if it is not required to get a concealed carry permit. With the new rules of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, you may obtain a permit with very few restrictions. But, become a responsible gun owner anyway.
The fact that you’re concealed carrying demonstrates your value for self-protection and safety. Maintain this attitude at all times. Learn as much as you can about responsible gun ownership.
Know and Practice Safe Firearm Handling
- All guns are always loaded
- Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy
- Keep your finger off the trigger till your sights are on the target
- Identify your target, and what is behind it
Always safety check your weapon each and every time you pick it up. Do this automatically.
Any time that a firearm leaves your hand, you should be safety checking when you pick it up again. This is not paranoia. It’s responsible gun ownership.
Choose an Appropriate Gun and Holster
There are so many choices of firearm and accompanying holster that it’s mind boggling.
Don’t jump on every band wagon. Don’t fall for slick advertising. Selecting a weapon and a holster that fits your gun and you is extremely important.
Don’t be afraid to try out some until you find a handgun and a holster that feels natural and safely houses your gun.
Consult trusted friends and colleagues. Talk with a reputable gun dealer. Do your research. Find out as much as you can before you decide.
If your holster and/or gun are not comfortable for you, you will leave your firearm at home. This defeats the purpose of your purchase.
Get Comfortable with Concealed Carry
The best way to do this is to practice. This means wearing your holster, belt and weapon around your house first.
You may feel stupid doing this but, trust me, it’s time well spent. You need to get to the point where donning that gun is as natural as putting on your underwear!
If you don’t know exactly how your new setup will work, better you should try it on at home where it’s safe to make mistakes. If your firearm drops to the floor or you accidentally expose your weapon it’s a lot better to have this happen at home.
Think of it like teenage girls learning to walk on high heels! Gaining comfort takes time. When you sit down, pay attention to what happens to your gun.
Avoid Obvious Signs You’re Carrying
When you are not comfortable with your gun and holster, new gun owners often pat or touch their gun and holster repeatedly to make sure the gun is where it should be. This obsessive action—called patterning—as a dead giveaway that you are carrying. It makes those around you feel uncomfortable or anxious and it makes you look like a rookie.
The whole point of concealed carry is that it be concealed.
This habit will disappear when you have the right gun and holster and when you become comfortable with concealed carry. That’s why it’s important to practice at home.
Adjusting and fidgeting are irritating for others to watch and they draw attention to your weapon.
Carry a Simple Weapon
Yes! Fancy gadgets are fun! However, keep it simple. Think of it this way: The manufacturer worked hard to make your gun the best it could be. If you start adding aftermarket parts—triggers and slide release levers and lasers and lights—your monkeying with it may have adverse results.
Keep it Normal
If you act like you have a gun you make others nervous and even fearful. It’s often hard for rookies to act naturally. That’s why it is crucial to practice concealed carry at home first.
Become Familiar with Your Equipment
This means getting to the firing range and getting familiar with your weapon and what it can do.
Practice drawing, aiming, firing, and re-holstering.
Practice using your weapon from different stances and wearing different types of clothing.
Never Announce You’re Carrying
Tell no one you have a gun! It’s not in your or their best interests to know. In the wrong hands this information could be deadly. Guns are high theft items. Their not knowing gives you an element of surprise.
Get into the Loaded Chamber Habit
This takes some getting used to but it’s a goal worth aiming for. One in the chamber may well save your life.
