There are several of these lists out there so I’d like to add my 2 cents.
The first is, You’ve gone to the trouble, expense, and time to become a concealed carrier and then you don’t carry! If you go through all this, and have done all the things right, but then you don’t carry I wonder why you bothered? It takes a bit of time, and money to become an experienced, responsible concealed carrier. The cost of the gun, holster, belt, magazines, ammo, gun case, gun safe, and other accessories can reach into the thousands! Not to mention the cost of training and licensing. All this takes time and money. If you’ve made the decision to carry, carry! Carry always!
Second is carry a round in the chamber. I know this is a highly controversial, highly discussed subject. Let me clear it up for you… carry with one in the chamber. Keep the four rules of gun safety and make sure you keep number three, keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard until your sights are on your target. I don’t understand anything else. I’ve watched those who think they can charge the gun in time to shoot. They take an extra .50 of a second and sometimes more. It’s not worth it. Even if your practice that way. If you are careful and safe with your weapon, you will not have an accident. Believe me, I have carried a variety of guns over the last 40 years. Everyone has had a round in the chamber. I’ve only accidentally shot two people. NOT! I’m kidding, I’ve never had an accidental or negligent discharge. Carry one in the chamber.
Three is being skeered. Being afraid that everyone knows you are carrying. They don’t. Most people don’t look at others that closely. They are usually more concerned about themselves and how they look. Don’t get me wrong, I can usually pick out concealed carriers within in a 98 percentile of being correct. But I know what to look for. So do most law enforcement. But most people don’t even know what the word “printing” means. As you carry more often, the novelty of knowing you’re armed will wear off.
Four is carrying too deep. Your gun needs to be accessible. If you can’t get to your weapon in 2.5 seconds then in an actual gunfight you will have to depend on your adversary missing their target.
I’ve seen guns so deep in a bag or a deep cover holster that getting your hand on the gun and pulling up and shooting, would be a 5 second ordeal. If you have seen the studies, you know that “fishing” for your gun can get you killed. Make sure your gun is secure, but not so deep that you must ask your attacker to wait a minute while you find your gun. There are no “time outs” in a fight. Make sure that not only is your gun secure, as in, won’t fall out of its holster, but not super concealed. Experiment with several holsters (I know that can be expensive). But it’s worth it to find one or two holsters that will retain your gun and give you easy access.
Five is buying the wrong gun. I used to be a Glock guy. I like Glocks and know that they are very good. But because of their price, I’ll probably never own one again. You get what you pay for, but you can pay less than a Glock. I used to compete with a Glock. But I no longer have one. You must find the gun that is right for you. I recommend a 9mm, but you need to find the right caliber for you. I’ve known someone who carried .40, .45, 9mm, .357, .38, and even .44mag. I knew someone who had a backup gun that was .25. I believe that any gun is better than no gun. Do some research and ask those who carry and even those who carry for a living. 9mm is the most common for many reasons. But the caliber that you can handle (cost, weight, recoil, guns available, etc.) is the one that will work for you. There are many gunmakers that make a model specifically for concealed carry. Just know that the smaller the gun, the more difficult it is to shoot it accurately. It takes more control and more accuracy.
In my gun room/shed/reloading room/workshop/man cave I have a 2-drawer filing cabinet. The top drawer is full of various holsters. I only use two holsters, but I went through several to come to that conclusion. I’ve given some away and discarded some. I need to go through that drawer again and purge. The point is, to be an effective concealed carrier, not only have I found the right holster for me, but I occasionally switch holsters and try something else, or something new. We never know as we change, as our body changes, and even as we change our carry gun, which holster may be needed. Making sure your holster will retain your weapon, be comfortable, and will last is number Six.
Seven is the right belt. I am not such a proponent of a special, tactical, carry belt. I also don’t normally carry my gun on my waist so that is understandable. If you carry a particularly heavy gun, then this would be an issue. Like holsters, belts need to be tested. This is also like holsters in expense. But I can see where a good belt would be needed if your everyday carry (EDC) added up to some weight. Between a knife, gun, spare magazine, flashlight, tourniquet, and other gear it can add up to a heavy load. A good, stout, belt will make all the difference.
Eight is inadequate training. I have a hard time with this one in my own life. I’ve been a small arms instructor since 1985. I’ve been fortunate to train with many alphabet agencies. I’ve also trained these same groups. I’ve taught DEA, FBI, State Department, DOD, state and local SO and PD. So when I think of taking a class from someone, I have a hard time getting over myself and actually thinking I can learn something from another instructor! I know the reality is that I can never stop learning. Sometimes as an instructor you can get into habits that are not bad, but a different point of view would shed some light on other avenues of learning. For most people, they don’t have to struggle with this ego problem. If you are going to carry a gun, get trained. Make sure you have safety training first and foremost, so you know how to handle, transport, and store your weapon in a safe manner. Then ensure that you know how to shoot. Learning when not to shoot is as important as learning when to shoot. Having the correct mindset is extremely important. Being serious about your safety and shooting will make you a responsible carrier.
Nine is tacticool syndrome. This is giving into every trend, fad, or new gun, gear, program that there is. I have no problem with new stuff or ideas. But they all need to be tested and tried before I change my life and give into the syndrome. Save yourself and don’t give in. Going down that rabbit hole is expensive and can actually put you in danger if you are not familiar with your gun. If you bought a new gun because it’s the latest thing and you haven’t practiced with it or learned all the details of it you may lose time trying to manipulate it. Time can be life or death in a gun fight. So be very careful that you have all your ducks in a row if you change your current carry gear or technique.
Lastly number 10 is related to nine. Aftermarket mania is getting the latest new gear because it was designed by a 100 time cool gun tournament winner. I’m not knocking competitive shooting. I’ve done it myself and enjoyed it. There are some things that can cross over but most techniques and gear are only good in competition. Defense is different from competition.
There you have it. 10 Mistakes in concealed carry. Like it. Learn it. Live it! Actually these are things to be aware of and to keep an on. Hope it is helpful.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
