As a new concealed carrier, you’re bound to make mistakes. Here are a few points to help you avoid rookie problems:

1. Not Getting a Concealed Carry Permit

If you are going to concealed carry, many states require you to have a permit. Find out what your state says about concealed carry. Fortunately, several states allow you to get an online carry permit.

Through state-approved providers like National Carry Academy, you can get a firearms safety certificate. This allows you to apply for a Virginia Nonresidents’ Permit. Get details here. Find out if your state accepts a Virginia Nonresidents’ Permit by clicking here.  

2. Frequently Checking and Adjusting Your Carry Handgun

As a new concealed carrier, you will be very self-conscious about where your gun is and whether your shirt is covering it.

It is also normal to worry about whether your weapon is secure in its holster.

This leads to what is called “patterning”. It means frequently touching, checking, and adjusting your weapon. This draws attention to the fact that you are carrying.

A good way to avoid patterning is to get comfortable with your gun, gun belt, and holster before your carry in public. Wear your equipment around the house until it becomes as familiar and comfortable as underwear or socks. Before you begin to concealed carry outside your home, you should feel undressed without your concealed gun.

⇒CONCEALED CARRY CHECKLIST

3. Not Carrying Regularly

You’ve taken the time, effort, and expense to get a concealed carry equipment and a permit to carry. If you’re not going to carry, or you’re going to carry only sporadically, your weapon isn’t going to be much use to you.

It’s a good self-defense technique to carry every day wherever you may legally do so.

Some people carry only when they are exposed danger or feel a high threat. Sadly, today, anywhere, in any situation, there is the potential for things to escalate. You need only look at the news to see this.

Some don’t carry because their gun, holster, or gun belt feels uncomfortable. If your gun feels too big, too heavy, or too unwieldy, it is time to look for a more appropriate daily concealed carry weapon. If your holster chafes, or your gun won’t fit and conceal properly in that holster, then switch it.

4. Not Having a Concealed Carry Mindset

Carrying a firearm is a lot of responsibility. Having a concealed carry mindset is vital. This means having attitudes about how to behave and handle situations and problems.

You will be faced with scenarios where others don’t like your concealed carry. You may have to go out of your way to avoid confrontations. It’s important to know how to protect yourself, your family, and your property. But, it’s also important not to be aggressive.

It’s not cowardly to retreat to avoid violence. In The Art of War , Chinese General Sun Tzu gives strategic rules for when to win by retreating. The best way to win a gunfight is to avoid one. Using lethal force is always the last option.

Being armed is being prepared, not looking for a fight.

5. Not Practicing Handgun Skills

Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers says that 10,000 hours of practice is required to make task results successful. Researchers state that it takes between 3,000 and 5,000 repetitions for an action to become automatic. You need to develop muscle memory for drawing, aiming, shooting, and re-holstering your weapon.

When it comes to dry firing and live firing every day practice at one or the other is a good habit.

6. Not Getting Handgun Training

Comprehensive training from a qualified shooting instructor should include fundamental shooting techniques, care of your weapon, and handgun safety.

It’s important not to learn bad habits. So, start by learning the high handgun practices.

It’s also important to take a refresher course every two years. Techniques and methods change. You can also develop bad habits.

If you are not near a good shooting range, check out NRA online handgun training courses (https://onlinetraining.nra.org/online-courses/ ).

7. Not Knowing Local and State Concealed Carry Laws

Concealed carry is now legal in all fifty states. However, there are differences in restrictions. As a responsible concealed carrier, it is important to know for your state and local laws. You need to understand when and where you can and cannot shoot, when it’s okay to use deadly force.

Find your state laws & requirements.

8. Not Wearing Effective Cover Garments

The climate, your build, and the occasion can certainly provide clothing challenges. Because there is little seasonal change in some areas, you might be able to wear the same cover garments all year long. In other places, shorts and t-shirts may be summer wear while you may need heavy coats and gloves in the winter months. You need to adapt.

The type of holster and the size of your weapon can also present challenges. The easiest gun to conceal is micro sized or subcompact pistol. An inside the waistband holster is easy to conceal even under a dress or casual shirt.

Sweatshirts and hoodies add bulk that can effectively hide most large handguns.

If you are short or chubby, concealed carry can be more challenging.

What you wear, when, and why is a very personal choice depending on your preferences, comfort level, and the occasion.

Like everything else, it is important to practice with the holster, gun, and ammo you will carry. You need to be familiar with your weapon, equipment, and the clothes you will be wearing. Otherwise, how will you be able to handle them successfully, rapidly, smoothly, efficiently if an emergency arises?

Given certain occasions, the gun you want to carry and the gun you have to carry may differ.

Today, clothing manufacturers like Master of Concealment specialize in concealed carry clothing.

7. Not Using a Proper Holster

It is amazing when people spend a fortune on a weapon but give little thought to making sure the holster is a good fit for their gun and their body. With holsters, you get what you pay for. Buy from a reputable manufacturer with great reviews. Try the holster on for size, type, and comfort before you purchase it.

You need a holster designed for your primary, concealed, everyday carry weapon. Decide on where on your body or near your body method of carry you desire: inside the  waistband, outside the  waistband, appendix, ankle, shoulder, pocket, small of back, fanny pack, day planner, purse…

Look for a quality, custom-fit holster for your carry weapon that makes it both concealable and accessible. One of the many sources for custom fit holsters is Falcon Holsters.

Find a good gun shop where the knowledgeable owner will let you try various holsters with your everyday concealed carry weapon.

Conclusion

When you become a concealed carrier, you will make serious decisions about drawing your weapon. When you’re trying to avoid mistakes new concealed carriers make, check out these 9 tips for beginners.

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