It is easy to think that all there is to the concealed carry of a weapon is a gun of choice and a permit, depending on the laws in your state. However, there are many more logistical aspects to make your concealed carry weapon (CCW) comfortable to carry for long periods and easy to use when you need it. Both newer and more experienced CCWers can benefit from more foundational information that is often overlooked.
Belts
Commonly, you will be anchoring your CCW in the waistband of your pants with a holster. Most holsters are meant to be attached to the waistband of your pants or a belt, but most normal belts are not equipped to hold the weight of both a firearm and ammo. The aspects of your CCW-specific belt that need to be considered are strength, stiffness, thickness and width. A belt made with solid material is required to keep your CCW secure. There are many companies that craft belts specifically for the purpose of concealed carry. A considerable stiffness is also needed to prevent any possible rolling over or folding throughout the day. A thicker belt will keep the clip of the holster sturdy. While a wider belt will significantly reduce any rolling over or twisting, it needs to fit the belt loops of the pants you decide to wear. Ultimately, the pants, belt loops, and holster clips all need to be compatible to work together so that your CCW can be safe and secure.
Pants
Depending on the type of pants you already have in your closet, you may have to consider investing in a different kind when you take concealed carry into account. Overall, you will need more room in your pants. Tighter pants make it more challenging to carry a CCW. Any size gun adds 1.2 to 1.6 inches to the waistline, so it’s safest to buy a size up when buying pants. Pants with a waistband made of stretchy material have more room for inside or outside waistband concealed carry. Don’t feel pressured to overhaul your wardrobe completely. Instead, gradually buy pants over time that function best for concealed carry.
Undershirts
Concealed carry can cause physical discomfort, from chafing to uncomfortable placement, especially if you decide to carry inside your waistband. While some people prefer not to wear undershirts, a simple layer such as a light tank top or a t-shirt between your skin and your holster can solve most of these issues. If your CCW causes discomfort even with an undershirt, consider a different kind of gun that is easier on the body. You can even change where you hold the gun on your body.
Some find that using stippling or grip tape is helpful to smooth out the part of the gun that would rub against the body and cut down on the friction. A sweat guard on a holster is an add-on that can assist in lessening friction as well. Some sweat guards are built into many holsters, but some don’t have them, so keep that in mind when comparing holsters. The only downside to this is that it can cause some obstruction when pulling your gun.
Cleaning and Maintenance
A CCW needs maintenance and cleaning to ensure that the gun will run smoothly when it is ultimately used. Pipe cleaners and foam q-tips made specifically for gun cleaning are invaluable tools for maintenance without having to take the entire gun apart. It is recommended to refer to an instruction manual or even YouTube videos to figure out the protocol for proper cleaning. When choosing between lubrication or cleaning the gun, prioritize lubrication. Most importantly, the gun needs to be usable.
Accessorizing
This tip is specifically catered to beginners: Don’t worry about accessorizing yet. You may come across many terms and flashy add-ons, but they are not necessary to concealed carry. Knowing how to use your weapon should come first. Even when you become more comfortable, don’t feel pressured to add accessories. In some cases, they are made to solve problems that wouldn’t be there if one got more practice with their weapon. It could even make it more difficult to get used to using your gun.
Slide Bite
A common injury called slide bite can occur when using your gun, but it is a simple mistake that can be avoided. When shooting a gun, you’ll wrap your two thumbs around the rear of the gun, but you’ll want to cross them, making a butterfly shape. The problem with this error is that there is not enough space for the thumb to grip the gun properly. When the slide comes back, it’s going to slice over the support thumb that it crossed over the back, leading to injury. This muscle memory is most common with those who shoot Revolvers and beginners who haven’t had a lot of shooting practice.
Get the best preparation for concealed carry at Soteria Training Academy
Soteria Training Academy provides expert pistol training with an emphasis on safety. Whether you’re a beginner in the world of firearms, or already have a wealth of experience, we look forward to helping your shooting skill set. Contact us today by visiting our website, or call us at (410) 216-3176 to learn more.