Carrying a concealed weapon comes with serious responsibilities. Avoiding common mistakes is crucial for your safety and the safety of those around you. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most frequent concealed carry errors and how to fix them:
- Poor Holster Selection: Use a quality holster with full trigger coverage, proper retention, and durable materials.
- Skipping Practice: Regular training improves your accuracy, draw speed, and readiness under pressure.
- Wrong Clothing Choices: Wear outfits that effectively conceal your firearm without printing or drawing attention.
- Lack of Situational Awareness: Stay alert and identify potential threats before they escalate.
- Neglecting Gun Maintenance: Clean and inspect your firearm regularly to avoid malfunctions.
- Not Knowing Local Laws: Stay updated on concealed carry laws to remain compliant and avoid legal trouble.
- Getting Too Comfortable: Avoid complacency by sticking to consistent safety practices and routines.
Key takeaway: Safe concealed carry requires the right gear, regular practice, legal knowledge, and a vigilant mindset. Start by addressing these mistakes to improve your skills and preparedness.
10 CONCEALED CARRY Mistakes NOT to MAKE in 2024.
Mistake 1: Poor Holster Selection
Picking the wrong holster can put you and others at risk by affecting safety, concealment, and how quickly you can access your firearm. A bad holster choice might lead to accidents, poor concealment, or delays when seconds matter most.
Safety Risks of Low-Quality Holsters
Choosing a poorly made holster comes with serious risks:
Trigger Guard Exposure: Redhawk Firearm Training highlights:
"A good holster will cover the entire trigger guard, so that nothing can get inside the trigger guard while the firearm is in the holster".
Material Failure: Cheap nylon holsters can collapse during a draw, snag on the sight, or even fail to hold the firearm securely.
Retention Problems: Holsters without proper retention can allow unintended access to the trigger, increasing the risk of accidents.
What Makes a Good Holster
A reliable holster should include key features to ensure safety and usability:
| Feature | Purpose | Safety Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Full Trigger Coverage | Prevents accidental contact with the trigger | Reduces risk of unintentional discharge |
| Custom Molding | Fits your specific firearm perfectly | Ensures secure retention |
| Rigid Construction | Prevents collapse during reholstering | Allows safe, one-handed reholstering |
| Adjustable Retention | Keeps the firearm secure yet easy to draw | Minimizes risk of accidental dislodging |
The Houdini Holsters Breakout 2.0 IWB, for example, offers full trigger coverage and dependable retention.
88 Tactical also stresses:
"It would be dangerous to go about your daily activities with your trigger constantly exposed, so it's important that your holster properly protects your trigger. An exposed trigger could easily be bumped or snagged, causing a negligent discharge, which could very well result in serious injury".
When selecting a holster, look for these features:
- Durable Materials: Opt for materials like Kydex or high-quality hybrids that retain their shape and offer long-term reliability.
- Secure Mounting: The holster should attach firmly to your belt or clothing without shifting, ensuring stability and consistent performance.
- Ease of Access: A good design allows you to establish a full firing grip while the firearm is still holstered, enabling a smooth and safe draw.
Your holster is the foundation of safe concealed carry. Prioritize quality and design to ensure safety, then complement it with regular training.
Mistake 2: Skipping Regular Practice
Skipping practice can leave you unprepared in critical situations. FBI data shows that most lethal encounters happen at night or dusk, last only 3 to 5 seconds, occur at distances of 5 to 6 feet, and involve 6 to 8 rounds fired. These numbers highlight why consistent training is essential.
Why Training Is Crucial
Regular training builds the skills needed to handle high-pressure situations effectively. Holster Hero puts it this way:
"With that in mind, practice, practice, and more practice is key. Training and shooting at the range means conducting a helluva lot more drills and exercises than just learning how to get shots on paper."
Focus your training on these key areas:
| Skill Area | Purpose | Training Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Marksmanship | Accurate shot placement | Sight picture, trigger control, grip |
| Draw Speed | Quick access under stress | Smooth draw stroke from concealment |
| Malfunction Clearing | Staying ready in emergencies | Immediate action drills |
| One-Handed Operation | Handling various scenarios | Shooting with strong and weak hands |
Practicing these skills regularly can improve your safety and performance when it matters most.
Structuring Your Practice Sessions
Chris Cypert from Shooting Illustrated advises:
"The truth is that mindful, quality repetition of shooting skills is more important than just sheer quantity of rounds fired, and it is possible to get quality practice work in with a limited time and budget."
Here’s a 30-minute, 50-round practice plan to get started:
- Warm-Up Drills: Begin with dry-fire exercises to refine grip, sight alignment, and trigger control without using ammunition.
-
Live-Fire Components: Divide your range time into focused sections:
- 5 rounds: Precision shots at 3 yards
- 10 rounds: Singles from ready position
- 10 rounds: Draw-to-first-hit drills
- 25 rounds: Multiple-shot drills
-
Skill Progression: As you improve, add more complexity:
- Shooting while moving
- Using verbal commands
- Practicing at longer distances
- Reducing time limits
Consistent and structured practice is just as important as having the right gear for safe and effective concealed carry.
Mistake 3: Wrong Clothing Choices
How Clothes Impact Concealment
Your clothing plays a big role in how well you can conceal your firearm. When the outline of your firearm becomes visible - known as printing - it not only defeats the purpose of carrying concealed but can also attract unwanted attention.
Here are some common clothing mistakes that hurt concealment:
- Wearing heavy jackets in warm weather, which looks out of place and suspicious
- Light-colored shirts that make printing more noticeable
- Tight clothing that outlines your firearm
- Obvious "tactical" clothing that signals you're carrying
Fidgeting with your clothing or frequently checking your firearm can also give away that you're carrying concealed.
Choosing the Right Clothes
To avoid these issues, you need to plan your wardrobe carefully. Here's how to adjust your clothing based on the season:
| Season | Recommended Clothing | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Loose parkas, shoulder holsters | Avoid elastic-bottom jackets; practice drawing with layers |
| Summer | Dark, untucked shirts | Size up for comfort; pick breathable fabrics |
| Year-round | Business jackets, casual overshirts | Ensure quick access while maintaining a polished look |
Practicing your draw while wearing winter layers is crucial to ensure you can respond quickly in emergencies.
Additional tips for better concealment:
- Go up one size in your regular clothing to reduce printing
- Opt for dark-colored shirts instead of light ones for better coverage
- Match your clothing to your daily routine and environment
- Experiment with different outfits during practice to spot any problems
For formal or business settings, a sport coat or blazer works well. These garments naturally hang away from the body, creating a clean look while effectively hiding your firearm. In more casual settings, untucked button-down shirts or polos can provide the same concealment without sacrificing style.
Shoulder holsters pair particularly well with winter coats, offering easy access while staying hidden. Avoid storing your firearm in coat pockets, as this can lead to shifting or entanglement issues.
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Mistake 4: Poor Situational Awareness
Why Staying Alert Matters
Having the right equipment and practicing regularly are important, but staying aware of your surroundings is just as crucial. Our brains process visual information quickly, but with a horizontal field of vision limited to about 135°, there are still plenty of blind spots.
Being alert can make a big difference by:
- Helping you spot potential threats sooner
- Allowing better decisions in critical moments
- Making your use of defensive tools more effective
Tips for Staying Aware
You can sharpen your situational awareness with a structured approach. A popular method is the "Color Code of Awareness":
| Awareness Level | Description | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| White | Completely unaware | Not suitable when carrying |
| Yellow | Relaxed alertness | Your everyday default state |
| Orange | Heightened alert | When you notice something unusual |
| Red | Ready for action | When a threat is confirmed |
Here are some practical ways to improve your awareness:
-
Limit Distractions
Keep your phone out of sight to stay focused on your surroundings. -
Learn the Norms
Pay attention to what’s normal in your environment so you can quickly notice anything unusual. -
Choose Smart Positions
Always place yourself where you can see entrances, exits, and the area around you. For example, sit facing the door when dining out, or stand where you have a clear view in public spaces.
"If we work at improving our observation skills, we often see things that are out of place, or just don't seem to fit... When that happens, we take the opportunity to either get away from the potential problem, or, not being able to leave, we get ready to deal with a worst-case scenario." – Jim Wilson, Sheriff
Other helpful safety habits include:
- Scanning parking lots before leaving your car
- Checking your surroundings as you approach buildings
- Identifying all exits when entering a facility
- Locking car doors while driving
- Using ATMs only in well-lit, busy areas
Trust your gut. As Eugene Nielsen puts it, "Situational awareness, a vital component of personal safety, is an ability that can be honed through dedicated training. It's about understanding your environment, its elements and how they change over time."
If you’re feeling rushed, take a moment to pause and refocus. Those extra seconds could help you spot a threat. Building these habits will strengthen your overall safety approach.
Mistake 5: Neglecting Gun Maintenance
Problems from Poor Maintenance
Keeping your firearm in good condition is crucial for dependable performance, especially when you need it most. Carrying a firearm daily exposes it to tough conditions that can affect its functionality. Sweat, moisture, and body heat can lead to rust, while lint and debris can gather in key areas like the firing pin channel, potentially causing dangerous malfunctions.
Here are some common issues caused by neglecting maintenance:
| Issue | Cause | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion | Sweat and moisture | Damaged metal, reduced reliability |
| Debris buildup | Daily carry environment | Possible firing mechanism failure |
| Worn parts | Lack of regular checks | Unexpected malfunctions |
| Magazine issues | Poor upkeep | Feeding problems, jamming |
Basic Gun Care Steps
Regular maintenance is key to avoiding these problems and ensuring your firearm is ready when needed. Jim Wilson highlights its importance: "Maintenance of your defensive handgun should be considered a critical component to your overall defensive plan".
Here’s a simple maintenance schedule to follow:
Daily Care:
- Wipe down your firearm with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent rust.
- Check for loose parts or visible damage.
- Inspect your carry ammunition for signs of wear or damage.
Every Few Weeks:
- Field strip and clean your firearm if you carry it often but don’t practice regularly.
- Focus on cleaning the barrel and action.
- Apply a small amount of light oil for lubrication.
After Range Sessions:
- Perform a thorough cleaning.
- Look for unusual wear patterns.
- Clean and inspect your magazines for any damage.
Annual Maintenance:
- Fully disassemble and deep clean your firearm.
- Replace the recoil spring if necessary (usually after 2,000-5,000 rounds for most pistols).
- Have a professional gunsmith inspect your firearm.
"I can tell you from experience that a defensive handgun in good shape is a critical part of any defensive plan. Take care of it, and it will take care of you." - Jim Wilson
Mistake 6: Not Knowing Local Laws
Legal Requirements
Understanding your state's concealed carry laws is just as important as having the right equipment and regular training. Being unaware of these laws can lead to serious legal trouble.
| Legal Aspect | What You Need to Know | Common Mistakes |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Requirements | Always carry a valid permit | Forgetting your permit or letting it expire |
| Reciprocity | Know which states honor your permit | Assuming all states accept your permit |
| Restricted Locations | Be aware of prohibited areas | Carrying in restricted locations unknowingly |
| Duty to Inform | Learn when to notify law enforcement | Failing to disclose carry status when needed |
For instance, California updated its laws in 2023, including changes to excise taxes and training requirements. Staying informed about such updates is critical to ensure you're prepared and compliant.
Finding Current Laws
To stay informed, rely on these trusted sources:
Official Sources:
- State government websites
- Local law enforcement agencies
- State Department of Justice websites
Online Resources:
- Handgunlaw.us: Offers regularly updated, state-specific information
- YourStateGunLaws.com: Provides notifications for law changes
"We need your assistance. If there is a change in your state honoring other states permits/licenses, a change in laws concerning places off limits to carry or other restrictions on carry, or you find a broken link or spelling error on this site, please Contact Us so we can add it or make a correction. We want to make the information available here as correct as we can possibly make it. Thank you and Stay Safe." - Handgunlaw.us
Tips for Staying Compliant
- Check your state’s laws every few months.
- Sign up for updates from official sources.
- Consult a legal expert for any unclear regulations.
- Keep a record of major legal updates that affect you.
While online resources are helpful, always verify details through official channels. If you're traveling, research the laws of your destination state ahead of time to avoid unnecessary complications.
Staying informed about the law is a key part of responsible concealed carry. It ensures you're prepared, compliant, and aligned with the discipline that firearm safety demands.
Mistake 7: Getting Too Comfortable
Signs of Complacency
Becoming too relaxed with your concealed carry routine can lead to serious safety risks. As Matthew Maruster explains, "Complacency is insidious and creeps up without us recognizing it". This loss of focus often shows up through specific behaviors, such as:
| Warning Sign | Description | Safety Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Inconsistent Carry | Skipping carry on certain days or events | Reduces readiness and weakens skill retention |
| "Printing" Issues | Ignoring visible firearm outlines | Undermines concealment and draws attention |
| Frequent Gun Checking | Constantly touching or adjusting the weapon | Signals discomfort and attracts unwanted focus |
| Casual Safety Checks | Skipping or rushing pre-carry inspections | Increases the risk of mechanical failures |
| Overconfidence | Assuming expertise without practice | Encourages risky shortcuts |
The problem often lies in justifying these behaviors. When nothing bad happens after cutting corners, it’s easy to believe strict safety measures aren’t necessary. This mindset can quietly erode your preparedness. To avoid this, establish clear and consistent safety protocols.
Staying Safety-Focused
Maintaining a strong safety routine takes effort and a systematic approach. Here are some strategies to help you stay vigilant:
Daily Safety Protocols
- Always perform a chamber check before leaving home.
- Take time to review and refine your carry routine regularly.
- Stick to consistent carry practices to build dependable habits.
Skill Development
Practical training, such as force-on-force exercises, sharpens defensive abilities. Competitive shooting events can also improve consistency and help you manage stress effectively.
"Every day you're getting better or worse…you never stay the same" - Bo Schembechler
Mindset Adjustments
Review real-life incidents to stay aware of potential risks. Update your carry system as needed to ensure your habits remain effective and safe.
Actionable Safety Steps
- Create and follow a structured routine for handling your firearm.
- Regularly assess your ability to identify and manage risks.
- Address unsafe practices immediately to prevent bad habits.
- Schedule equipment checks and maintenance to avoid malfunctions.
Safety isn’t just about following guidelines - it’s about understanding their purpose. If you notice unsafe behaviors in yourself or others, focus on fixing both the immediate actions and the root causes.
Conclusion: Next Steps
Quick Review
Here’s a summary of common mistakes and how to address them:
| Mistake | Solution | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Poor Holster Selection | Use quality holsters that cover the trigger guard | Boosts safety and ensures reliable retention |
| Skipping Practice | Commit to regular training sessions focused on skills | Builds proficiency under pressure |
| Wrong Clothing | Choose garments that aid effective concealment | Improves comfort and concealment |
| Poor Awareness | Stay alert and aware of your surroundings | Strengthens readiness in critical moments |
| Neglecting Maintenance | Clean and inspect your firearm regularly | Ensures reliable performance and longevity |
| Legal Ignorance | Keep up-to-date with local firearm laws | Avoids legal issues |
| Complacency | Follow consistent safety protocols | Maintains safe practices |
Use this as a roadmap for improvement.
Taking Action
Here’s how you can move forward with safer concealed carry practices:
Training Priorities:
Schedule regular dry-fire and live-fire practice sessions to refine your skills.
Equipment Check:
Assess your current gear. Make sure your holster is high-quality and your belt provides adequate support.
Situational Awareness:
Work on staying alert and practicing conflict avoidance techniques to improve your readiness.
Stay Informed:
Keep track of changes in local firearm laws to ensure compliance.
"Every day you're getting better or worse…you never stay the same." - Bo Schembechler
Concealed carry requires ongoing effort. Consistent practice, attention to safety, and staying informed are the keys to success.