Having knowledge and understanding will bring you more confidence to help you concealed carry responsibly . 

One Size, Doesn’t Fit All

New concealed carriers quickly learn that when it comes to guns and holsters, one size certainly doesn’t fit. They will also soon learn that there are good ways and bad ways to conceal carry a pistol. 

Pocket holsters have gained popularity with both men and women. This is a good way to carry as long as you use a pocket holster. Unfortunately, many try to do this without a holster. Placing a weapon in your pocket, briefcase, purse, or backpack without an appropriate holster can be dangerous. The gun may come out of the pocket, purse, briefcase, or backpack and the gun falls out when the sits down or tries to pull something else out. To avoid negligent discharge, it is crucial to holster your weapon.

When it comes to concealed carry apparel there are some things new carriers  will  learn. It’s a proven fact: The bigger the gun you carry the more layering is necessary. 

When you concealed carry, the shape and size of your body are important. Those whose shoulders are wider than their hips have an easier time with concealment.

• – Shoulder holsters are oriented vertically or horizontally. Vertically-oriented holsters make it easier to conceal. Horizontally-oriented shoulder holsters are still popular although concealment is more difficult. 
• – Compact or subcompact pistols are popular for pocket, purse, on on-body holsters. The can be easily under a roomy over shirt or light jacket. Depending on your body type and your clothing it may be simple to conceal a full-size gun.
• – Ankle holsters may seem like a good way to carry. However, it’s not easy to get to an ankle holster. It’s not recommended for someone starting out. Ankle holsters are for those who have trained extensively to carry in this manner.
• – Inside-the-waistband holsters are a standard start for concealed carry. These holsters conceal many weapons well. Be sure to select the right holster, they carry comfortably as well. They conceal with little to no extra layering.

Look for an inside-the-waistband holster that comes with a pad and clips. A good beginner choice is one made of sturdy polymer, custom fitted to your firearm. 

If you are undecided about which way to concealed carry, watch this video: “Top 5 Ways to Concealed Carry” 

Practice To Increase Confidence

Owning a handgun is not enough. You need to learn how to use that gun safely. Moreover, you need to practice carrying that weapon at home until it feels like part of your body. If you are not practicing firing your weapon daily, you should be. Drawing, aiming, and firing at stationary and moving targets from standing, crouching, and moving poses should be part of your daily routine. 

⇒ 6 Habits Of Highly Effective Concealed Carries

You don’t always have to go to the firing range—although it is recommended  at least twice a week. On the other days, try dry firing. If you’re un familiar with dry firing, here are three drills to get you started.

When you consider ammunition, you’re  entering another strange world full of choices. You’re going to be doing a lot of practice so you want ammunition that is dependable and not overly expensive. Your practice—both live and dry firing—as aimed  at building competence as a shooter.

Successful concealed carry demands more than competence, good equipment, and practice. Without the right mindset, the best weapons and instruction will not help. 

Concealed Carry Mindset

If you’re going to concealed carry, you have to have the right mindset. Some who concealed carry don’t have the right mindset. Those who fire warning shots or who brandish a gun have not come to grips with their weapon is a tool to defend their lives. 

They don’t have the right mindset if they can’t see themselves ever drawing a gun, pointing it at an attacker, and shooting in self-defense.

By the time you’ve practiced drawing, aiming, shooting, and re-holstering until it is an automatic response, the act should have become muscle memory. If you are overthinking it, you don’t have the right mindset. Overthinking, like hesitation, can have serious consequences. 

⇒How To Select The Right Concealed Carry Weapon

Owning a gun is a physical act. But, it also has a mental component. You have to know how to shoot, care for, clean and store your weapon. You also have to be willing to make certain lifestyle changes to be a successful concealed carrier. To defend your life and your property, you have to be prepared to carry your gun all the time that it is legal to do so.

Choosing to every day carry may be limiting to your social activities. It may even cause conflicts with friends, family, or neighbors. However, you bought your firearm for self-defense. It won’t save your life locked in a gun cabinet or in the glove box. When you choose to carry, it means that you sometimes have to sacrifice comfort, your ability to move about freely, and even some pastimes you enjoy. If you understand this and are willing to make these concessions, then you have the right mindset to concealed carry. As Gary Johnson points  out:

  “If you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns. The first people who are going to be in line to turn in their guns are law-abiding citizens. Criminals are going to be left with guns. I believe that concealed carry is a way of reducing gun violence.”

⇒ Find Your State Laws Here.

If you don’t have your concealed carry, get started today.