For those committed to personal security, concealed carry as a lifestyle choice may be the way to go. The increasing demand for knowledge on how to carry concealed highlights a growing recognition of the importance of self-defense.
Responsible concealed carry extends beyond merely strapping on a firearm. It requires a commitment to safety, legal compliance and ongoing defensive firearms training. From understanding the legal landscape to choosing the right gear and clothing, this comprehensive guide will empower individuals to carry concealed confidently, responsibly and effectively.
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Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
- Open carry simply gives criminals a chance to plan an attack against you so they can take your gun.
- Concealed carry gives you the maximum advantage over criminals because they don’t know that you are carrying a gun. As a result, you have the element of surprise when they decide to attack.
Choosing How to Concealed Carry
You will need to be able to carry your concealed gun comfortably and get it into the fight quickly when you need it. There are a lot of options when choosing how to carry a concealed firearm, and what works best for you will largely be a matter of trial and error.
Choosing the right fit from all of the available best concealed carry guns, holsters and positions will be totally up to you. Remember, the three things you need are:
Comfort – Security – Accessibility
We put comfort first because if carrying your defensive handgun is not comfortable, you will not carry it every day. That increases the chances that you won’t have your gun during a self-defense shooting, when you really need it.
Security, while important, is negotiable. You can get holsters with straps or snaps or internal mechanical retention devices that provide any level of weapon security you might want.
Remember this: The higher the level of security, the more difficult it will be to get that gun out of the holster and into the fight. Most holster security features are intuitive, but you MUST practice with them to ensure you can draw quickly when you need it.
Accessibility is the final element in the concealed carry triad. This refers to your ability to get your gun into your hand and bring it on target. Ideally, you want to be able to do this quickly and easily. The less accessible your gun is, the longer it will take to get it into action. A gun that is less accessible is typically more hidden. Only you can decide what balance works best for you.
Off-Body Carry
The first thing we should do is break down the two biggest differences when it comes to carrying a concealed firearm: on-body carry versus off-body carry.
On-body carry simply means the gun is held in a holster that is attached to your body, typically through a harness or belt.
There are several different methods of on-body carry and we will touch on each of them briefly after we discuss off-body carry.
Concealed Carry Purse
Off-body carry means you are carrying your gun in some sort of bag or covering that is not attached to your body. The most common of these items is a concealed carry purse. The concealed carry purse is very popular among women who carry concealed firearms largely because having the gun in a purse does not interfere with daily fashion.
This is not a knock on women who choose fashionable clothing over something designed to hide a gun. It’s simply an acknowledgment that women’s fashion is not often designed with concealed carry in mind.
Good concealed carry purses are built with a separate compartment specifically designed to hold a gun. This ensures your firearm is always in the same place and in the same position for consistent draw. Some purses use hook-and-loop interior linings, while others use alternate secure holster-attachment methods.
One strong benefit is that a carrier can surreptitiously establish a firing grip on the gun while it’s still inside the purse. This allows preparation for action without brandishing the firearm in public if something seems unsafe.
How to Concealed Carry Off-Body
A downside to off-body carry is the fact that the purse itself can become the target of a criminal. In a purse-snatching situation, the criminal will be grabbing the purse and trying to escape with it. You must keep your off-body concealment system under your control at all times.
Off-body carry is not just for purses. Options include backpacks, briefcases, or day planners with firearm compartments. The rules remain the same regardless of the carry system:
- Make sure your firearm is held securely inside the carry device and that the gun and holster are the only things in the firearm compartment.
- Keep control of your off-body carry system at all times.
- Practice accessing your gun from your off-body system. Unload the firearm, triple-check that it’s unloaded, then practice drawing and reholstering. Always maintain trigger discipline and safe muzzle direction.
There is a crossover element we need to address before moving into on-body carry: the fanny pack. Today, many wear them as “sling bags” across the chest. Fashion aside, the utility is excellent. They combine the benefits of off-body carry with the security of staying attached to your body.
All the same safety and accessibility rules apply. Train with your system until you cannot get it wrong.
On-Body Carry
Carrying a gun in a holster attached to your body provides you the ultimate in accessibility. However, you may sacrifice some elements of comfort and fashion. The options for on-body carry are nearly endless, starting with belt holsters.
When carrying at your waist, the holster and sturdy belt make up your carry platform. This system must hold the gun securely through your daily activities. The more active you are, the more retention you may need.
Belt carry falls into two categories: inside-the-waistband (IWB) and outside-the-waistband (OWB). IWB generally conceals better, while OWB offers easier draw access but often requires an appropriate cover garment.
The two most common positions for carrying are strong-side hip and appendix. Both have pros and cons depending on body type and lifestyle. Ultimately, only you can decide what works best for you.
Other Ways to Carry a Gun Concealed
Other belt options include cross-draw, which is comfortable for driving but may expose the grip to an adversary. Shoulder holsters are excellent for sitting or driving, but they require a cover garment. Ankle holsters prioritize concealment over speed, while thigh holsters are discreet under dresses and skirts.
Finally, new clothing options are emerging with built-in holsters or hidden compartments, from undershirts to yoga pants. The options are nearly limitless for those willing to experiment with different methods.
This article is a compilation of previous blog posts authored by Kevin Michalowski and Beth Alcazar.
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