Stop Worrying!

When people first start to concealed carry, they often have major concerns about some issues. They may stress about things they need to let go. As long as you are being a responsible gun owner, here are some things not to be so hung up about.

• Don’t obsess about printing. 

Do you know what happens when you focus in not printing? That’s right. You increase your imprinting. You end up patting through your shirt. This screams, “Hey everybody! I am carrying a gun!” It also makes some people unaccustomed to being around weapons positively panic. Trust me. You don’t want either reaction. Concealed carry by its very definition is supposed to be concealed.

So stop thinking about printing. Act normal. Forget about your weapon.

One of the best ways to avoid fixation on printing is to get used to wearing your gun and holster inside your house. It should become as comfortable as your shirt and underwear. That way you will stop obsessing about it and relax.

Besides, you probably aren’t printing nearly as badly as you think you are!

• Avoid  brandishing your weapon.

In case you didn’t know brandishing involves waving your weapon around, flaunting that you’re carrying. I like to think people who do this are either drunk or crazy. In both cases, they shouldn’t be concealed carrying. I hope they are arrested for doing this. We’ll all feel safer.

• Stop fussing about concealing carrying outside your waistband.

As long as you’re carrying a slim, compact pistol then concealed carry outside the waistband makes sense. Your shirt, jacket, or untucked tee shirt will conceal your weapon.

Don’t worry. Unless there is a wind or you have to reach extra-long or high, you are not likely to show your weapon. Also, remember: Very few people are looking at you for more than a second. They will see far less than you think.                               

• Stop worrying about your concealed carry gear.

Buy good gear and carry where it’s comfortable for you. This may take some experimenting on the start. But, eventually, you will find the concealed carry position that suits you. If you have a good holster that fits your gun like a glove, you shouldn’t have to worry about your weapon. Hence printing and all other nervous habits that give off signals you are armed will be eliminated. A sturdy gun belt is also crucial to solid concealed carry gear.

• Stop fussing with the manual safety.

A manual safety is insurance in case someone grabs your gun or it drops out of your holster. Most guns today have the fail-safe of a firing pin block. Discharge won’t happen unless the trigger is pulled. There is no need to check that manual safety. Just make sure your weapon is safely in its holster or locked in your gun safe.

• Stop agonizing over concealed carry. Acknowledge your responsibility and deal with it.

Yes. Carrying a handgun is a big responsibility. It is normal to be on edge—especially on the start. You need to take being armed seriously. However, get comfortable carrying and then make a habit of it. That handgun isn’t going to be much use to you locked up.

When something is new, we are often uptight about it. Take the necessary steps to be safe. A good first step in increasing your level of comfort is taking a firearms safety training course.