7 Common Conceal Carry Mistakes You Should Avoid

It is nobody’s wish to see themselves and their loved ones confronted by dangerous criminals and assailants. But, should it ever happen, you want yourself to be armed and prepared rather than utterly defenseless. With that said, there are a few things you should be mindful of when it comes to safe and effective concealed carrying. Here 7 conceal carry mistakes that you should take care to avoid at all costs. 

1. Not Checking in With Your Local Gun Laws 

Not every U.S jurisdictions allow for concealed carry, and quite a lot of them require that you first get a permit for it. Also, for those that allow concealed carry, laws may also differ based on the location (urban vs. rural), whether you are a resident or a non-resident, or whether you are required to have your permit with you while you have your concealed carry. 

In addition, you would also want to check out the local CCW reciprocity laws – not all U.S states may honor a concealed carry permit acquired in a different state. Below is a detailed map of the status of concealed carry permit laws currently in the U.S. 

Green: Constitutional Carry (no permit required)

Blue: Shall issue

Light Blue: May issue (Shall issue in practice)

Yellow: May issue

Red: May issue (no-issue in practice)

In addition to that, it might be extremely helpful to learn about your area’s Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine Laws, lest you get in trouble with legal authorities for any shooting.  

2. Buying a Cheap Holster and Gun Belt 

That $30 Tacticool holster and gun belt combo that you got from Wish.com might have looked like a great deal. However, you soon find that carrying your gun in it feels extremely uncomfortable, and pulling it out is slow and bothersome, which makes it a hindrance rather than an asset in tense situations. 

For your own safety, it is important that you purchase a quality gun holster from a reputable manufacturer that is specifically designed for your carry gun. It will allow you to draw and secure your gun better as well as help make it much more concealable. 

The same goes for your purchase of a gun belt. While some may think of it as an optional accessory, for concealed carry, a good quality gun belt is certainly a necessity. Not only does it help distribute the gun’s weight and aid in your comfort but also plays an important role in minimizing your gun’s movement.   

3. Not Wearing Proper Clothing for Concealed Carry 

In colder states, where layers of garments are appropriate year-round, there really isn’t a worry of your concealed carry showing. However, in areas where the sun is a bit too generous, it can be a bit harder to select the right clothing for the purpose. 

Many people thus make the mistake of wearing clothing that either makes it harder to draw out their concealed carry or raises suspicion for being so out of place (e.g., a thick hoodie when the temperature is near 90 degrees).

If you live in a hot climate, opt for Inside the Waistband (IWB) gun holster and wear a loose, untucked shirt over it. Compliment the concealed with a baggy pair of pants. It may not be the most stylish option, but it works, and additionally, keeps you really comfortable in the weather.

4. Not Getting Adequate Training for Concealed Carry 

Spending a few hours plinking at a gun range and drawing your gun quickly from your new holster a few dozen times in front of the mirror doesn’t make you adequately trained for concealed carrying. Of course, neither do those 45-minute so-called ‘quickie’ courses. 

Remember, your concealed carry is for getting out safely when faced with a dangerous adversary. Often, in a tense situation, every second is extremely valuable, and you should be able to quickly think, draw, aim and shoot the target before they are given a chance to lay harm on you. 

It is vital that you take a comprehensive training program on concealed carry that teaches you the fundamentals, techniques, and safety of it as well as educate you on the moral and legal aspects of using a gun in self-defense. 

5. Choosing the Wrong Concealed Carry 

Not every handgun makes for a good concealed carry. Reliability, size, and power are three factors that should be at the top of your priority when it comes to selecting a gun for concealed carry. An ideal firearm for concealed carry is one that has little risk of failing, is small enough to be easily concealable but also lethal enough to down the target in just a few shots. 

6. Not Getting Enough Practice With Your Concealed Carry 

It is highly important that you completely familiarize yourself with your selected concealed carry. This includes not just the handgun but the entire setup – holster, belt, ammo, and other equipment. This can only be achieved through having adequate practice with your concealed carry. You should train yourself so much so that the operation and handling of your concealed carry become second-nature. In an emergency encounter, you don’t want to fumble, but rather, get to deploy and shoot your firearm quickly and efficiently.  

7. Frequently Checking/Adjusting Your Concealed Carry 

The main intent of a concealed carry is to make sure that you don’t draw any unnecessary attention towards your gun. However, if you are frequently adjusting it or checking on your gun while out in public, you are easily going to draw suspicion. Do yourself a favor, get a good gun holster, and belt that maximizes your comfort and wear proper loose clothing. 

Parting Shot

There are some lessons in life that you don’t want to learn the hard, especially if they could be the last. Proper concealed carrying is one of them. We hope you found this article useful and a worthwhile read. While you are still here, consider heading over to our store to buy quality handgun ammunition at the best available price.