Advice for a First-Time Concealed-Gun Carrier

I have been a firearms instructor and federally licensed gun dealer for about 15 years now. In that time, I have been asked a whole lot of questions about how to carry a concealed pistol. What people always fail to realize is that carrying a gun is much more than just throwing a holster on your hip, loading your pistol, and walking out of the house. Carrying is a huge responsibility that must be taken seriously, with a well-thought-out plan in order to do it successfully.

Heightened Awareness

When you carry a gun, you suddenly become a much more aware individual. Your senses are instantly heightened and you start noticing how others look at you. You also must plan your days in a more organized manner, and you may even dress a little differently. Carrying a gun will be a unique experience for everyone, and no one way of doing it works for all. Just like your pistol, it isn't a one-size-fits-all situation.

State of Mind

Obviously, concealed carry involves a gun and holster. But it's also a state of mind, and that's what I want to talk about before you strap on a holster and slip a gun into it. I want you to understand what is going to take place that first time you go out in public with a gun concealed on you. This is stuff most instructors don't talk about because they have honestly probably forgotten what they went through. The mindset, emotions, and personal struggles that you are about to go through, in my opinion, are the most important things to prepare yourself for. That and, of course, your firearms training.

Understand this: Carrying a gun is going to be a complete lifestyle change for you. You cannot just go out and get a gun, holster, and a concealed-carry permit and start carrying. This lifestyle change takes preparation, training, and dedication. You might find yourself purchasing a whole new wardrobe to accommodate your new lifestyle. I buy my pants at least one size up from what I need so that I can accommodate my gun and holster inside my waistband. I have also run into issues with shirts. So, make sure your shirts are long enough so that if you are reaching for that box on the top shelf at the store you are not printing or otherwise revealing your pistol. "Printing" is when your gun's outline shows through your clothing. It's a form of brandishing, and if anyone feels threatened, which doesn't take much these days, you could find yourself in trouble. You must ensure your clothing will easily conceal your pistol no matter how you decide to carry it. That means you may have to buy pants that are a bit bigger, shirts that are not so form-fitting, and belts that may not be the most fashionable. You may even need more than one carry gun so you have one that will work in any situation you may find yourself in from day to day. I have "suit guns" for those special occasions where I dress more formally, my daily carry guns when I dress more casually, and even guns that I am able to comfortably carry while working out at the gym.

All Eyes on You

The first time you carry, you are going to feel a bit strange. It will feel like all eyes are on you and your gun is exposed for the world to see. Your holster will feel like it is moving around, and it won't be comfortable. You will want to adjust it, but you will be afraid to adjust it out of fear of showing you have a gun. The main goal is to not draw attention to yourself while carrying concealed.

Trust me, your gun is not moving around as much as you feel it is, and with a good holster and belt combo you will not have to worry about it popping off your belt. I highly recommend trying it all out at home first. Just carry around the house while doing chores, such as cutting the grass or cooking dinner. The more you carry, the more comfortable you will become while carrying in the real world—so much so that when you are not carrying, you will actually feel awkward and naked. I can't stand it when I am not carrying a gun. I get anxious and feel unprepared. You really must train yourself to understand that you need this thing all the time. Too many people will only carry when they "think they will need it." Do you only put on your seat belt when you think you will get into an accident? No, you wear it all the time, so you are prepared if you ever are in an accident.

New Feelings

You are going to experience new feelings the first couple of times you carry. When I first carried my pistol, I found myself truly noticing the situations around me. This is called "situational awareness," and it is a very valuable skill to have. You may notice you watch everyone in public more closely, and you will start paying attention to areas that could give you cover or concealment. You may even ensure that you face the door while in restaurants or offices. As you gain experience carrying, your mind will want to know who is coming through the doors anywhere you happen to be. I often fight with my friends who carry for the right seat at the restaurant because all of us want to sit on the same side of the table to make sure we can see the doors. The bottom line is: The more aware you are, the less likely you will become a victim.

Vital Importance

It is also vitally important for you to grasp the concept that you are prepared to use deadly force. What is that going to mean for you and your family? One second can literally change everything. If you have to take a life, it is definitely going to affect the rest of yours. You also need to know the laws in your state (or whatever state you happen to be in) regarding the use of deadly force. Carrying a gun is going to make you uncomfortable and feel awkward for the first couple of weeks. You just need to push through that. Eventually, it'll make you feel very at ease and safe at the same time.

Conclusion

Carrying a gun is a huge responsibility—one that will change your life forever and make you a much safer, more aware human. The most important thing to remember is why you're doing this. Evil walks amongst us every day. The only way to combat that evil is with a tool that can level the playing field or give you an advantage when confronted by a threat. Concealed carry is sometimes referred to as EDC—everyday carry. Make sure that you carry every day.

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FAQs

Q: Where should I carry?

A: I highly recommend carrying on your person with the firearm up against your body. I am not a big fan of bag carry due to the fact that if someone is coming after you, chances are they are going for that bag. Now, with that being said, if the only way you can carry is in a bag, then by all means do it. Make sure you have trained with that bag setup and be sure to understand that your gun is always somewhere. Be sure that bag is always in your possession and only you have access to it.

Q: Can I carry in a vehicle?

A: Yes, always carry in your vehicle. Vehicle safes and lock boxes can secure your gun when you are not in the vehicle, but make sure the gun is out of that secured area and within very easy and quick access while you are in the vehicle. You need to be able to draw your pistol without looking at it so you can keep your eyes on the threat. A pistol in a locked box is almost worse than not having it at all. Think about it: You need your gun and know it is right under your seat, but can't get to it because it is locked up. What a terrible feeling.

Q: Where am I not allowed to carry?

A: This completely depends on your state's laws. Always know and understand your specific state laws and stay up to date on changes to those laws. Claiming ignorance is not going to save you in the court of law. It is your responsibly as a gun owner to know the laws if you are carrying a concealed gun.

Q: I live in a good area, so I don't need to worry about carrying a gun every day, right?

A: This is probably one of the most common things I hear from people on a daily basis. I completely understand why many folks think this way, but it is so important if you do feel this way to change your mindset. Let's face it, criminals don't attack people that look like they don't have anything worth going after. They often target the "good areas" because that is where they can get money and good items. I recently was the target of an attempted carjacking. It was in the middle of a populated area right in the intersection of a crazy busy area. This was in the middle of the day with cars everywhere. It just goes to show this stuff can happen to anyone at any time in any place.