The number of concealed carry permits being issued to firearm owners has increased in recent weeks. This is in light of the June 23rd Supreme court ruling on CCW which has encouraged more people to exercise their second amendment rights. The increase in CCW permits has brought to the limelight the importance of carrying a concealed weapon correctly and responsible gun ownership.
As a gun owner with a CCW permit, you have to ensure that your firearm is NOT stolen or used in committing crimes. This means you need to learn to be responsible with your CCW permit and firearm.
The purpose of this article is to explain to you how to carry a concealed weapon on your person including the gadgets needed and the rules to follow while carrying a concealed weapon. Let’s get to it.
Table of Contents
What Does Concealed Carry Mean?
In simple terms, Concealed carry is the practice of carrying a gun in public without other people knowing that you have the gun on you. The whole point behind concealed carry is to carry your weapon in a manner that wouldn’t be obvious to other people.
The opposite of concealed carry is open carry where you can visibly carry a firearm in public places. In the US, more states recognize and allow concealed carry than open carry.
The document that allows firearm owners to carry a concealed weapon in public is the Concealed Carry Permit/License. Without having a CCW permit, it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon. However, a CCW permit isn’t the only thing needed to carry a concealed weapon. Let’s check out the gadgets needed to carry a CCW in public.
What Do You Need To Carry A Concealed Weapon On You?
The following gadgets and props will make it easier and more comfortable to carry a concealed weapon correctly:
1. The Belt
A lot of firearm users overlook the belt but your choice of the belt is important as it determines how comfortable it would be to carry your weapon in a concealed manner. The belt will bear the weight of your firearm, holster, and ammo so if you pick the wrong belt, you’ll have a very discomforting experience.
You should use a belt specially designed for concealed carry. CCW belts are usually thick and strong which gives improved strength to bear the weight of your firearm. Top manufacturers of gun belts include Kore, AXL, BDS Tactical, and Eagle Industries.
Things To Look For When Picking A Concealed Carry Belt
Here are tips to pick the best-concealed carry belt:
- A good CCW belt should be strong and thick
- A good gun belt should be flexible enough to go with your body shape and movement when sitting, walking, or standing
- The right CCW belt should be adjustable so it is a perfect fit
- A good gun belt should be stable. You don’t want the belt moving in and out of shape as you draw and replace your concealed weapon or magazine
- The right belt should be lightweight not heavy.
Here are good options for CCW belts.
2. The Holster
A firearm holster is used to hold the firearm and prevent unnecessary movement. The holster is where your gun stays and there are two main types of firearm holsters; the IWB (Inside the waistband) holster and the OWB (outside the waistband) holster.
The IWB holster goes inside your pants and so does your weapon while the OWB holster goes outside your pants. Firearm holsters are usually designed specially to fit specific handguns so it’s vital to pick a holster designed for the make and model of your firearm. Most holsters are made from durable materials like leather and Kydex.
Things To Look For When Picking A Concealed Carry Holster
Here are tips to pick the best-concealed carry gun holster:
- The right holster should cover the trigger of your firearm. You don’t want anything or anyone getting to the trigger and discharging the firearm
- A good firearm holster should be made from durable material that wouldn’t peel, deform, or fade as you draw and insert your firearm
- The right holster should complement your concealed carry position either appendix carry or whatever position you find comfortable.
- The firearm holster should be designed for the make and model of your firearm
- Your holster shouldn’t be too heavy if not you’ll spend half of your day readjusting its position
- The right holster should allow you access and draw your firearm in split seconds.
Here are good holsters for concealed carry.
3. The Gun
The gun you want to conceal is also very important. Most users find the handgun very easy to conceal since handguns are handy and small. Assault rifles and shotguns are often difficult to conceal carry due to their size and weight. Asides from the gun itself, the caliber and ammo are also considerations. Most firearm owners pick the 9mm and .45 caliber for concealed carry.
Things To Look For When Picking A Gun For Concealed Carry
- The size: Your firearm shouldn’t be too big or you’ll have difficulties concealing it from people
- The weight: The perfect concealed carry weapon should have a lightweight design so you can carry it comfortably
- The right gun should be accurate and reliable in all conditions
- The right concealed carry weapon should fit in your holster perfectly so it doesn’t fall out.
Here are the 12 best-concealed carry guns.
4. The Gear/Clothes
Your choice of clothing determines if your firearm will remain concealed or not. You don’t want tight or fitted clothes that will show the imprint of your firearm. The point of concealed carry is to hide the firearm not brandish it. You should also avoid short clothes that will expose your firearm while driving, sitting, or reaching for an object.
5. Your CCW Permit/License
The final and most important thing you need is your concealed carry permit/license. Never go anywhere without a copy of your concealed carry permit. Carrying your concealed weapon without a permit for it is a punishable offense. So, always take it as long as you have a concealed weapon on you.
Now, that we have covered the gadgets and props required for concealed carry, let’s find out how to carry a concealed weapon correctly.
How To Carry A Concealed Weapon?
Here are the most common concealed carry positions.
1. Inside The Waistband Carry (IWB)
This is a very common concealed carry position. It is often referred to as the 4 o’clock position (for a right-handed person) or the 8 o’clock position (for a left-handed person). For this carry position, you need a comfortable IWB (inside the waistband) gun holster.
In this position, the firearm and holster go inside your pants and on your side or pressed against your outer thigh. Many people like this position since it allows for a natural draw of your firearm and it is easy to conceal with little to no visible imprint of your firearm.
The downside of this concealed carry position is that it can be difficult to reach your firearm when sitting down or driving.
2. Outside The Waistband Carry
The outside waistband carry is the oldest method of carrying a concealed firearm. It is also called the 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock position. For this carry position, you’ll need an OWB holster. In this position, the firearm and holster go outside your pants. People like this carry position since it feels natural and makes the firearm easily accessible.
The downside of this carry position is that it doesn’t provide the best concealment especially when you are putting on a short jacket or cloth. A slight movement or breeze can raise your garment and reveal the firearm you are concealing. In this case, it’s no longer a concealed weapon but an open carry.
3. The Appendix Carry
The appendix carry is a concealed carry position that puts your firearm in the front of your body usually at the 11 o’clock or 1 o’clock position. In this position, the firearm goes inside your waistband and you can draw the gun with either hand. Also, since the firearm is concealed in front of you, you have more control over the firearm. It’s also very difficult to steal or have access to your gun when it’s placed in front of you.
The downside to this position is that many people don’t find it comfortable especially when sitting or eating. Also, this position isn’t ideal for guns with long barrels or muzzles.
4. The Pocket Carry
As the name suggests, this is a carry position where your firearm goes in your pocket. For this position, you need a pocket holster that covers your trigger. This carry position is ideal for small handguns since they are much easier to fit in your pocket. It’s also easier to protect your gun using this carry position.
The downside of this carry position is that it can show the imprint of your firearm especially when you use a large handgun. Also, you can only draw the firearm with your dominant hand.
5. The Shoulder Carry
This concealed carry position isn’t very common and you’ll most likely see it in old detective movies. In this position, your gun goes in a shoulder holster which is hung over your shoulder. This position allows the user to carry extra ammo and gadgets. You also have good access to your firearm even when sitting or eating.
The downside to this carry position is that it doesn’t allow quick access to your firearm and it is heavily reliant on a jacket or long clothing to provide proper concealment of the firearm.
6. The Small Of The Back Carry
This carry position goes on your back which is why it’s not a very common concealed carry position. There are a lot of cons to this carry position. You can’t draw your weapon quickly which can be vital in cases of emergencies. Also, it can be uncomfortable when sitting or driving if your weapon is at the back. To know how to safely lock your firearm in the car, check out this PAGE.
So, which of these is the best-concealed carry position, and which should you go for? Let’s find out.
How To Choose The Right Concealed Carry Position
I get a lot of questions from gun owners about how to carry their firearms or what concealed carry position to use. The truth is there is no best position to carry a firearm. The best position depends on the person carrying the concealed weapon. However, here are a few tips to consider when picking a concealed carry position for you:
1. Consider Your Dominant Hand
You should pick a carry position that is close to your dominant hand. This allows you to reach and draw your weapon as quickly as possible in cases of emergencies.
2. Consider Your Dress Style
If you are someone that tucks in, the IWB position would be a good fit. The right carry position should go with your dress style.
3. Comfort
Your carry position should be comfortable for you not just when standing but when sitting or eating.
4. Your Firearm
The size, model, and weight of your firearm determine which position will be best for you. Small handguns like the Kel-Tec P32 .32 ACP Pistol can go in your pocket so pocket carry is fine. The pocket carry wouldn’t be ideal for bigger handguns
5. The Position Should Serve Its Purpose
The purpose of CCW is so no one knows the weapon is on you. Your carry position should hide your firearm perfectly while still making it secure, safe, and accessible to you.
Rules And Attitude To Follow While Carrying A Concealed Weapon
1. Ensure the concealed weapon is easily accessible
2. Ensure you have the right training to carry and use a concealed weapon.
3. Carry all the time. You don’t have control over when you’ll need the weapon so always carry it. It’s better to have the gun and not need it than need it and not have it
4. Do not make it obvious. Since it’s a CCW, ensure you are not carrying it in a way people will know it’s on you. This can set you up for gun theft.
5. Use firearms that are easier to conceal
6. Know and obey the laws in the state you live in or the state you are traveling to
7. Avoid touching or adjusting your gun in public.
8. Read, memorize and practice the gun safety rules
9. Have the right equipment (mags, ammo, belt holsters, and the likes)
10. Respect other people’s views towards concealed carry weapons.
Final Words
In summary, having a concealed weapon is your right as a legal citizen of the United States but carrying the concealed weapon correctly is your duty as a responsible firearm owner. The purpose of having a concealed weapon is to protect you and others in case of emergencies. It’s not to show off. So, keep the firearm concealed at all times and the only time anyone should know you have it is when the need for it comes up.
The right weapon, holster, belt, and carry position is determined by you. So, you should pick gadgets and a carry position that feels safe, secure, accessible, and comfortable. For more tips like this, check out other posts on this website.
