Post 9 – How to Carry a Concealed Handgun (Part 1 of 2)
How to Carry a Concealed Handgun – Part 1 of 2
Last updated: 5/5/15
Learn How To Select A Method To Conceal A Handgun That Works For You
General Principles
How you choose to carry your gun will depend on your lifestyle, personal preference, body type and style of dress.
Factors when carrying include:
1.) Comfort
If the gun is uncomfortable to carry, it probably won’t be carried consistently. How often we carry our gun is a personal choice but we don’t want to find ourselves needing the gun on the day that we left it home because it was uncomfortable.
2.) Consistency
Carrying the gun consistently in the same location is also very important. Once you find your preferred method of carry, stick with it. Violent altercations can turn on factions of a second and under stress people tend to act reflexively. You don’t want to reach for the wrong location when your life is in jeopardy.
3.) Speed
Most assaults are spontaneous, high stress, low light, close range and quick. The statistical norm for gunfights is between 2.5 and 3 seconds. The majority of gunfights begin within 5’ (most of these begin within 2’). The vast majority of gunfights begin within 10’.
4.) Simplicity
Under stress, the natural reaction with a gun is to “grab point and shoot”. Anything that adds to that process can create performance issues, even in spite of training.
5.) Accessibility
If possible, you want a carry method that allows you to draw and holster the gun with one hand. Ideally, you want to be able to draw the gun with either hand. This can be crucial if one hand is injured or preoccupied with another life saving task.
6.) Concealability
The advantage of a concealed gun is the fact that people don’t know that you’re armed, so your method of carry should keep your gun hidden.
7.) Security
One of the advantages of proper carry gear is to prevent a gun from being dropped. The location of the gun should also facilitate retention.
In Part 2 we will discuss where to conceal a gun on your body (and off body carry), as well as retention holsters, grip angle based on location, and carrying extra ammunition and multiple guns.
