Concealed Carry 101: What They Didn’t Tell You During Firearm Training

Since 2001, America’s sleepy eyes have slowly been opening to the threats we face each day. In just the last five years, we have watched radical Islam step out from the shadows and murder people with impunity — both in American and Europe.

In many states, you need firearms training to get your concealed carry license. What you never get, though, is training on how to carry that weapon. In fact, I didn’t even get advice on how to carry my weapon. It is truly your responsibility to learn about holsters and positions to carry.

The Discomfort of Ignorance

Many people take to magazines, blogs and YouTube videos to decide how to carry their weapon. Some even are trading their personal comfort for the ability to carry their weapon. Look, it’s 2017; there is no time for bulky, uncomfortable holsters or carrying positions.

Kydex – This hard plastic material makes up many of the new holsters on the market. The material is cheap and strong to protect your trigger.

Leather or nylon – These holsters will take some time to break in, but they can be comfortable, as well. They are effective, but personally I want something sturdy protecting my trigger. I have kids, and I am not a sedentary person.

Combo – These are very cool designs that offer up the tough plastic protection of the Kydex hull along with a nylon or leather backing.

(There are some great examples of these holsters here.)

12 O’clock, 3 O’clock, 6 O’clock

But it’s not enough simply to have the right holster. You also need to consider where on your body you carry it. Let’s examine the options:

12 o’clock, appendix or front carry – This is a method I hadn’t considered until just recently. The appendix carry offers incredible ease of access. You are merely a shirt lift away from grabbing your gun. Many people like appendix for its ability to conceal your weapon in an area most people aren’t expecting. The biggest drawback is not having the ability to bend forward with some types of holsters.

3 o’clock, right hip or 9 o’clock, left hip – This method is most common and probably just comes down to your dominant hand. It offers good mobility. Some people are not a fan because of the possibility of something called printing. Printing is showing the outline of a weapon through your clothes, thus giving away the fact that you are carrying concealed.

6 o’clock, small of your back – To me, this is movie-style carrying. I am a very flexible guy and I still find that this is a very inconvenient way of carrying. With training and muscle memory I am sure it gets easier, but this position is not my cup of tea. That said, many people love it. It puts the gun out of the way and is there when you need it.

Chest carry – If belt carry doesn’t offer you the carry style you like, then look into chest holsters. These strap to your chest and offer access to your gun without a hindrance at the waist.

Leg carry — Some people strap to their thigh or even their calf, depending on the size of the weapon. These can be very effective and unobtrusive methods of carrying concealed.

Off-body carry – If you find that having a gun on your person is too much of a burden or discomfort, consider off-body carry. Over-the-shoulder bags will offer quick access to your weapon. Look for bags that are designed for conceal carry.

You Be the Judge

Unfortunately, many people are stuck carrying a weapon in an uncomfortable way because some guy online told them it’s the best way. There is only one true way to fix your problem, and that is to experiment. Carry in several diverse ways before settling on one concealed carry method.

What is your favorite concealed carry method? Share your tips in the section below: