It’s time for part three of our beginner’s concealed carrying guide! Previously, we’ve covered a few recommended accessories along with several safety tips. Feel free to check out Part 1 and Part 2 for all the details. For part 3, we’ll be filling in the gaps with additional tips for storing your EDC, choosing the proper size rounds and pistol, and selecting a safe holster.
EDC at Home
As a daily carrier, you are likely to have your pistol concealed and on your person at any given time when in public. Once you arrive back home, you have a few options for storage. If you prefer to remove your pistol altogether, keeping it loaded and stored in a quick access safe offers the best blend of accessibility to you and safety to other individuals in the home. Critically, we highly recommend investing some time trying to find a holster and pistol combination that allows you to continue comfortably carrying once arriving back home. Your holster shouldn’t be an item that you can finally take off after a long day of discomfort. When every second counts, the safest choice is to carry your EDC, even at home.
Bullet Grain
Bullet grain simply refers to the weight of a bullet. Note that this does not include the weight of the gunpowder or the total weight of the ammunition- just the bullet itself. When determining which grain to purchase for your EDC, your goal should be to focus on making a selection that will allow consistent penetration. When starting out, consider trying 115 grain ammunition. This weight offers a terrific balance of velocity, penetration, and manageable recoil.
Gun Size and Weight
Gun size and weight will play a major role in shaping your EDC experience. When we created our Top 7 Concealed Carry Pistol list, we tried to factor in size, weight, and comfort to keep the list narrowed down to the best choices for the common consumer. This list isn’t definitive, however, and you may find that the perfect choice for you is not present. When choosing the size and weight of your EDC, remember that the grip will likely be the toughest bit of the pistol to conceal. Additionally, you may want to shop around for a quality holster if you find your initial purchase doesn’t offer the comfort you imagined. Your holster will be attached to you throughout the day, so you might as well spring for a solution that will offer maximum quality and comfort. Many people make the mistake of assuming they’ve chosen an uncomfortable pistol, when their holster is really the source of the discomfort.
Holster Retention
Many beginner concealed carriers do not focus on holster retention when shopping for their first holster. Instead, they carefully select the ideal pistol to carry, and then opt for an affordable universal holster. After all, what is the likelihood of a pistol falling out of a holster on its own? Remember that many gun fights start with physical altercations. Even during light sparring, sudden movements or contortions can genuinely cause the pistol to slip from its home. Rather than opting for a universal holster, we highly recommend selecting a holster that is specifically molded to your firearm. This way, you can ensure the pistol touches more of the surface area and holds it in place more effectively.
Start Your Concealed Carry Journey with 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.