In recent years, there has been a significant increase in people choosing to carry concealed firearms for personal safety. This decision has a learning curve, as even experienced carriers can make common mistakes. Understanding these errors is important for new carriers to handle their firearm responsibilities safely.
This article aims to help newcomers avoid common pitfalls and effectively enhance their gun safety measures.
1. Not Carrying One In The Chamber
Carrying a concealed firearm with an empty chamber is a significant mistake for those new to concealed carry, akin to driving without a seatbelt and planning to buckle up only when a crash is imminent. This approach might seem cautious, aimed at preventing accidental discharges, but it overlooks the primary purpose of carrying a firearm: immediate self-defense.
1. Not Carrying One In The Chamber (continued)
In a high-pressure situation, the likelihood of successfully and quickly chambering a round as a threat emerges is highly unlikely. Furthermore, those who carry without a round in the chamber often lack the necessary training and confidence in handling their firearm effectively. The solution is not to carry unequipped but to gain more training and become comfortable and proficient with a loaded firearm. This readiness ensures that the firearm fulfills its role as a reliable tool for protection when seconds count.
2. Wrong Holster/Carry Position Choice
When selecting a holster and carry position for concealed carry, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls for safety and effectiveness. A significant mistake is using the six o’clock position, as it poses risks during physical confrontations and increases the chance of injury if you fall on the firearm.
2. Wrong Holster/Carry Position Choice (continued)
Opting for holsters made from unsuitable materials like worn leather can also lead to accidental discharges. Instead, choose positions like the appendix for quicker access and materials like Kydex for durability and reliability. Carefully evaluate your body type and personal comfort to find the safest and most effective setup.
3. Wrong Belt Choice
Choosing the wrong belt for concealed carry can significantly impact both comfort and concealment. A common mistake is selecting a belt that is too flimsy, like those often found at fashion retailers, which may struggle to support the weight of a firearm and holster. On the other end of the spectrum, opting for an overly stiff and thick belt, similar to those used in law enforcement or competitive shooting, can be equally problematic for everyday concealed carry. Such belts may be too rigid and create a noticeable outline around the body, which can betray the presence of a concealed weapon.
3. Wrong Belt Choice (continued)
The ideal choice is a belt that is sufficiently rigid to support the gun but not so bulky that it becomes uncomfortable or conspicuous. This balance ensures that the firearm remains securely in place without compromising on the wearer’s ability to discreetly carry.
4. Forgetting Your Carry Gun Is A System
One common mistake in concealed carry is neglecting to see your carry gun as part of a comprehensive system. This system includes not only the firearm but also the ammunition, holster, and your training. It’s crucial to ensure all components are compatible and function well together. For example, using high-quality ammunition without testing it in your specific firearm can lead to malfunctions.
4. Forgetting Your Carry Gun Is A System (continued)
Similarly, a subpar holster might hinder your ability to draw effectively, especially under stress. Regular training with the ammunition and holster you plan to use in real scenarios is vital to prepare for the physical demands of recoil and quick response. Remember, every element of your carry setup must work harmoniously to ensure reliability and safety in critical situations.
5. Bad Clothing Choice
Choosing inappropriate clothing is a common pitfall in concealed carry that can affect both concealment and accessibility of the firearm. Tight clothing can fail to adequately conceal a weapon, leading to obvious printing where the outline of the gun is visible through the fabric. This can attract unwanted attention and undermine the purpose of carrying concealed.
5. Bad Clothing Choice (continued)
Conversely, overly loose clothing, while potentially better for concealing a firearm, can pose problems. Baggy clothes may interfere with quick access to the gun as they can get caught during the draw, leading to delays or malfunctions in critical situations. Also, loose garments might not support the gun’s weight effectively, compromising the firearm’s and holster’s stability.
To optimize both concealment and accessibility, clothing should strike a balance between being loose enough to hide the firearm and snug enough to support and stabilize it without interfering with the drawing action. This balance helps ensure that the firearm is both discreet and readily accessible when needed.
6. Not Carrying On Your Body
A significant oversight in concealed carry is not having the firearm on your body. While carrying a gun in a purse or backpack might seem convenient, it’s far less secure and practical in critical situations. For instance, in a physical altercation or a grappling scenario, accessing your firearm from a bag can be challenging, and there’s a higher risk of it being snatched away. Videos and reports have shown how easily weapons can be stolen from bags.
6. Not Carrying On Your Body (continued)
Carrying on your body, particularly in positions like appendix carry, allows for better control and quicker access to your firearm, making it harder for an assailant to disarm you.
7. Unreliable Changes To Your Firearm
Modifying your firearm can lead to reliability issues, especially with changes to critical components like the trigger group, slide weight, or internal springs. While aftermarket parts are available and can enhance the shooting experience, they often compromise the firearm’s dependability.
For example, a lighter trigger spring may not adequately strike hard primers, leading to misfires. Similarly, altering the slide’s mass or the recoil spring could result in the firearm not cycling properly with certain types of ammunition. Although modifications like sights, red dots, and grip enhancements can improve performance without affecting reliability, adding significant weight, such as a weapon light, might induce malfunctions.
7. Unreliable Changes To Your Firearm (continued)
If you choose to modify your firearm, it’s crucial to thoroughly test it with the ammunition you plan to use to ensure it remains reliable in life-threatening situations. Generally, keeping the firearm in its stock configuration is advisable for maximum reliability.
8. Choosing The Wrong Size Firearm For Carry
Choosing the incorrect size firearm for concealed carry can significantly affect comfort, performance, and practicality. A common mistake is selecting a firearm that is either too large or too small based on others’ recommendations without personally testing its fit and feel. Large firearms, while potentially more effective in a gunfight, can become uncomfortable over extended periods, leading to fatigue and difficulty in concealment.
8. Choosing The Wrong Size Firearm For Carry (continued)
On the other hand, overly small firearms may offer better concealability but can sacrifice essential factors such as firepower, accuracy, and ease of use. These smaller guns might not provide sufficient penetration or capacity needed in defensive situations. The key is finding a balanced firearm that you can handle comfortably, shoot accurately, and carry discreetly without compromising on essential performance features. This balance ensures confidence in your ability to defend yourself effectively.
