Responsible Concealed Carry: What It Looks Like in Real Life

What Is Responsible Concealed Carry?

Responsible concealed carry means more than carrying a firearm legally. It means choosing safe gear, training regularly, practicing with your carry setup and building daily habits that support confident, responsible self-defense.

Responsible Concealed Carry Starts With Mindset

Everyone has a unique story about concealed carry. The responsibility of carrying concealed goes far beyond simply obtaining the proper CCW permit or license or keeping your sidearm tucked out of public view.

As a licensed pistol instructor, I have had years of experience working with students of varying skill levels, anywhere from someone who has never touched a gun before to those who have been shooting for years. Over this period, I’ve had many discussions with students about pistol training, guns and gear, as well as the nuances of carrying a gun for self-defense.

I’m always happy to share my experience, what I know and handy gear suggestions, but there’s one thing that I always make sure is clear: This is what works for me, which may or may not work for you. The important thing is to realize what is safe and what is not, and to go with what works best for you, not simply with what someone else said you should.

I’ve been interested in firearms from a young age, regardless of the platform or the activity. Hunting and casual plinking sessions were a regular part of life growing up, and I evolved into what I am today after many, many years in the gun industry in a variety of roles.

What began as a curiosity from a young age quickly turned into an eagerness to learn everything from firearm safety and responsible ownership to all aspects of marksmanship, and honestly, an endless list of topics, skills and practices.

Once I reached the age where I was legally allowed to carry a firearm concealed, I applied for and shortly thereafter received my CCW permit. Over time, the training, practice and so much more have shaped me into someone who doesn’t just carry a tool for self-defense, but also a sense of responsibility and awareness.

Today, I am far more grounded, skilled and intentional than when I picked up my first gun. As time goes on, my journey continues to evolve as I learn, refine my skills and constantly remind myself of what it means to me to carry responsibly.

Over time, through personal experience and first-hand exposure to countless students taking the first step into the world of concealed carry, I’ve developed a short list of what I consider “non-negotiables”. The items on this list are those that I feel are absolutely necessary when carrying a gun for self-defense.

Get Concealed Carry Training Before Bad Habits Set In

There is a distinct difference between training and practice, with both being essential. Training is the process of learning new skills or techniques from a qualified instructor that improve whatever it is you’re looking to work on.

Practice is the work you put into developing these skills on your own, outside of the classroom and at the range without instructor oversight.

Learning proper skills from day one will save you from having to break bad habits later on down the road.

Practice With the Gun and Ammunition You Actually Carry

You must test the defensive ammunition you plan to carry in your gun rather than simply assuming it will work. You must play an active role in scheduling regular practice sessions, as marksmanship and related skills are perishable.

Choose a Concealed Carry Gun That Fits You

Nothing grinds my gears more than when a new student tells me “I’ve never even touched a gun before, but my buddy is a (insert profession here) and said this is what I should get”.

Guns are such a personal item, regardless of platform, but especially handguns. Everyone’s hands are shaped and sized differently, as are the grips on a pistol.

Then there is the topic of semi-auto versus revolver, which could be a whole separate story of its own! Sure, there are models out there that could, for the most part, serve as a one-size-fits-all, but why settle for that over a perfect fit?

If your gun is comfortable in the hand, you will 100 percent be more likely to practice more, and more practice is always a good thing!

Build Realistic Carry Habits

Practice unconventional concealed carry positions. For those who, for example, keep their carry gun in a bedside safe, should something go bump in the night. How often do you train for such a scenario?

The truth is a surprising number of people do not. It is important that you train in your own home, with the gun cleared and no ammunition in the magazine or vicinity, of course.

Practice lying in bed and have a timer go off at which point you, as quickly and safely as possible, attempt to remove your gun from the safe (or wherever it’s kept). Try the drill again with the lights off, while under the blanket and any other variation you can think of.

By constantly asking yourself how you’d reach your gun in the case of an emergency when located in various locations within your home, you’ll likely poke holes in your home-defense plan. This isn’t a bad thing, as it allows you to make corrections and develop a more sound and reliable plan of action if needed.

Use a Carry Belt that Supports Your Setup

A quality carry belt needs to be stout enough to support the weight of your firearm. Concealed carry belts are commonly made from leather or reinforced nylon, often with a polymer core.

It’s okay to have multiple belts to match a variety of outfits; just be sure to test each one carefully to ensure it works with your holster. The carry belt I wear most often is leather, which, in my opinion, only gets better with age.

Choose a Concealed Carry Holster With Safe Retention

A good holster should provide enough retention to keep your gun secure, but it should not be so tight that it prevents a smooth draw. Just like belts, holsters are made from a variety of materials, with the most popular options being Kydex and leather.

There are also a variety of “hybrid” options available, some of which include polyurethane-lined leather or even suede reinforced by leather and Kydex. For those not wearing a holster in a traditional manner on the waist, there are also options for belly bands, ankle holsters, and more.

Make Responsible Carry a Daily Commitment

Everything discussed thus far isn’t meant as the end-all, be-all list for what’s important in the realm of concealed carry. With that being said, it does serve a distinct purpose: To get those who read it thinking and asking questions.

Whether you are just beginning your search for the perfect gun, or you have been carrying for longer than many of us have been alive, what’s important is that you adopt an understanding that there’s always something to learn, and always areas in which you can improve your level of readiness and skill.

Ask yourself why you want to carry.

For me, aside from personal defense, I feel a sense of responsibility. If I were to not have my gun on me, and an active shooter began causing death and destruction around me, and the only reason I was unable to stop it was that I decided I was too lazy to put my belt on that morning … well, folks, that would be devastating.

And that is what keeps me going: Advancing my skill set and mindset regarding all things related to CCW.