Getting started with concealed carry involves more than choosing a handgun. New gun owners should understand firearm safety, seek out quality training and learn applicable concealed carry laws along with selecting a firearm and holster they can use safely.
Concealed carry may seem daunting and a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This beginner’s concealed carry guide explains the essential steps, equipment and training to consider before carrying a firearm for personal protection, so you can develop responsible everyday carry habits
Key Takeaways for New Concealed Carriers:
- Start with firearm safety and professional training. Learn to safely load, unload, fire, clear, store and maintain your handgun.
- Choose a handgun you can safely and confidently operate. Consider reliability, fit, recoil, size and concealability. Then, test-fire several options before buying.
- Use a quality holster and appropriate carry equipment. A concealed carry holster should securely retain the firearm, protect the trigger and allow the gun to be carried consistently and safely.
- Practice with the firearm and equipment you actually carry. Regular training helps develop safe gun-handling skills and familiarity with your handgun, holster and everyday carry setup.
- Understand the responsibilities and potential consequences of carrying a firearm. Concealed carriers should know applicable firearm and self-defense laws, recognize restricted locations and understand that a self-defense incident can lead to a law enforcement investigation and potential legal consequences.
What Training Do You Need for Concealed Carry?
Concealed carry training should teach safe firearm handling, loading and unloading, shooting fundamentals, malfunction clearing, firearm storage, and the legal responsibilities associated with carrying and using a firearm for self-defense. Training requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit vary by state.
Prior to buying a firearm, obtaining the right education and training in concealed carry fundamentals is paramount. You need to safely handle the handgun in all aspects — loading and unloading, firing, clearing and cleaning — and commit to staying familiar with it.
Do your homework and find reputable sources of information. Ask questions of different people, weigh the answers carefully and verify before you apply.
Choose a qualified concealed carry instructor. Some instructors meet minimum state requirements; a strong choice brings practical experience and a solid teaching background. You’ll get better value for your money and insight from real-world knowledge.
Attend a reputable concealed carry class and select your handgun based on your dedication to training, your comfort with the action type and what you learn about manipulation. Quality trainers often have demonstration handguns on hand.
Concealed Carry Checklist
Start with a reliable handgun checklist. It will save you time, money and embarrassment — and could even save your life.
How Do You Choose a Concealed Carry Gun?
Choose a concealed carry handgun that is reliable, comfortable to handle and controllable when firing. Consider its size, weight, recoil, capacity, operating controls and concealability. When possible, test-fire several handguns before purchasing one.
Most choices are trade-offs among size, recoil, power, concealability and training. The best concealed carry handgun for you is the one you can use effectively, safely and proficiently — and finding it may take trial and error.
Many ranges rent guns. Test-fire options before buying. Find a reputable shop and aim for the “middle lane” on size and price. Treat a firearm purchase like a serious test drive.
Confirm reliability on the range. While you can spend more, a proven baseline (e.g., Glock) offers excellent reliability. Plan to invest roughly $400–$600 for your handgun. For a detailed look at one of Glock’s most popular carry-focused options, our Glock 43X review walks through how it performs as an everyday carry pistol.
Choose a controllable caliber, like 9mm, that you can manage with training and practice. A quality .38-caliber revolver (e.g., Ruger LCR) is also a solid option. Avoid snappy .40 self-loaders and small-frame .357 Magnums unless you truly master them.
Ensure your gun works in varied concealed carry positions — IWB, OWB, ankle, pocket, fanny pack and more. The gun should adapt to your wardrobe, not the other way around.
Narrow choices to two or three, step away, read reviews and take notes. After testing, choose the one that fits you best.
When you’re ready to buy, understand the process for buying a gun. Confirm federal eligibility, check state laws at USCCA.com/Laws, complete ATF Form 4473 with an FFL, bring photo ID and be prepared for a NICS check.
How Do You Choose Ammunition for Concealed Carry?
Choose ammunition in the correct caliber for your handgun and select a defensive load that functions reliably and that you can control. Test-fire your chosen defensive ammunition before carrying it.
The correct caliber for your gun is marked on the frame, slide or barrel. Most shops won’t exchange ammo if you buy the wrong caliber.
Use quality FMJ in semi-autos and plain lead or copper-jacketed round-nose in revolvers. Ammunition for .38 and 9mm is typically more affordable and among the best calibers for concealed carry.
Select a defensive load that functions reliably and that you can control. Avoid gimmicky or provocatively named rounds that could be misconstrued. Always test-fire your chosen defensive ammo before carrying.
Wondering how many rounds is enough? It depends on context, caliber and shot placement. Generally, larger calibers and higher-capacity firearms provide advantages, but training and accuracy remain paramount.
Basic Handgun Maintenance
Proper everyday carry gun maintenance preserves function and longevity of a concealed carry handgun. Your CCW is a lifesaving tool — treat it accordingly.
Start with the owner’s manual. Read it thoroughly. Follow safety guidelines and the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubrication and care.
Before firing a semi-auto, lubricate slide rails, the barrel hood and the cocking block as recommended. Procedures vary by design — follow the manual.
Learn to field-strip the handgun for routine cleaning (slide, barrel and recoil spring). This is not a detail strip; keep it simple and safe.
Cleaning after range trips is straightforward:
- Remove powder ash from the bore, breech face and chamber.
- Flush the trigger action to free trapped residue.
- Use a copper brush, then run patches through the bore until they come out clean.
- Use a caliber-appropriate cleaning kit for your specific handgun.
How often should you clean your gun? Frequency depends on usage, environment and firearm type. When in doubt, clean it.
What Gear Do You Need for Concealed Carry?
There’s plenty of cool gear out there. Focus first on what you need now and add later as your training evolves.
Decide how you’ll carry concealed — on-body or off-body — and where you’ll store the firearm. Plan for practice, transport and storage.
Buy cleaning supplies up front to keep your gun reliable. Invest in quality eye and ear protection for the range.
Own at least three magazines. Keep one in the gun, one on your belt and one at home as a spare or for rotation.
Use a purpose-built gun belt with a sturdy buckle capable of supporting the pistol’s weight. Keep your everyday carry gear simple and ditch the extras you don’t need.
How Do You Choose a Concealed Carry Holster?
When it comes to holsters, demand three things: concealment, security and accessibility. Avoid shapeless fabric holsters. Don’t put a $500 handgun in a $5 holster.
A concealed carry holster should securely retain the firearm, protect the trigger and allow the gun to be carried consistently and safely. The holster should also be designed for the specific firearm and appropriate for the chosen carry position.
Common concealed carry methods include inside-the-waistband (IWB), outside-the-waistband (OWB), pocket and other purpose-designed carry systems. The appropriate method depends on the firearm, clothing, body type, lifestyle and individual training.
What to Know Before You Concealed Carry
There are significant factors to consider beyond your choice of firearm or instructor. The following points help set realistic expectations and habits.
Is Carrying a Gun Enough for Self-Defense?
A concealed carry gun is one tool in a broader self-defense plan. Situational awareness and realistic training remain important because shooting on a range is not the same as responding to a defensive encounter.
Range shooting isn’t the same as a defensive encounter. A good instructor will highlight what you don’t know and motivate you to train realistically. Situational awareness often does more to shift the odds in your favor than the tool alone.
Find a Carry Method That Works for You
Choosing a firearm is only the beginning. If you plan to carry concealed, your holster position needs to balance comfort, concealment, security and access. Compare the most common carry methods and find a setup that fits your body and daily routine.
What Should Beginners Know About Everyday Carry?
Everyday concealed carry requires consistent habits, training with your carry gear and planning for clothing, comfort and locations where firearms cannot legally be carried. New carriers should be prepared for the practical commitment involved in carrying regularly.
Everyday carry is wise, but many new carriers tire of the logistics. You may need to adjust attire for cold weather or warm weather. For women, balancing fashion and function can be challenging.
You’ll need to train with your EDC gear, manage no-carry locations and accept some discomfort. Crime is opportunistic — carrying “only in dangerous places” is not a reliable plan.
Concealed carry is a 24/7 commitment that requires dedication and sacrifice. Be sure you’re ready.
The Consequences of a Self-Defense Incident
A self-defense incident can result in a law enforcement investigation, arrest, legal expenses or a civil lawsuit, even when a person believes the use of force was lawful. The exact legal consequences depend on the facts of the incident and applicable law.
You may study use-of-force, self-defense law, Castle Doctrine and firearms handling — and still face unexpected outcomes after a self-defense shooting.
Even if you act lawfully, you could be arrested, incur significant legal costs and face a costly civil lawsuit. Real cases show how quickly finances, employment and stability can unravel.
This reality underscores why concealed carry insurance matters for responsible Americans.
You could encounter an aggressive prosecutor, biased witnesses or unfavorable local laws. Many things can go wrong even when you do everything right.
Concealed carry is a serious, potentially life-or-death decision. Treat it with the gravity it deserves.
This article is a compilation of previous blog posts authored by Bob Campbell, Beth Alcazar, Scott Wagner and Tom McHale.
New to Concealed Carry FAQs:
Do you need training to carry concealed?
Legal training requirements vary by state, but firearm and concealed carry training are important even where training is not legally required. Training can cover safe firearm handling, shooting fundamentals, storage, applicable laws and responsible concealed carry practices.
What makes a good concealed carry holster?
A concealed carry holster should securely retain the firearm, protect the trigger and support consistent, safe carry. It should be compatible with the specific firearm and appropriate for the carry position being used.
Do you need a permit to carry a concealed firearm?
Concealed carry permit requirements vary by state and jurisdiction. Before carrying, check current state and local laws to determine whether a permit is required and what requirements apply.
Should you practice with the gun you carry concealed?
Yes. Regular practice with the handgun, holster and carry position you actually use helps build familiarity with your everyday carry setup and maintain safe gun-handling skills.
