Obtaining a concealed carry permit is a significant milestone for many individuals, representing a commitment to personal safety and responsibility. However, carrying a concealed firearm is not just about having a gun; it requires the right gear to ensure safety, accessibility, and comfort. This guide will walk you through the essential gear every new concealed carry permit holder should consider.
Introduction to Concealed Carry Gear
As a new concealed carry permit holder, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the right tools and accessories. Proper gear not only enhances your ability to carry safely but also ensures that you are prepared for any situation that may arise. From holsters to belts, and from clothing to firearm accessories, each piece plays a vital role in your concealed carry setup.
Choosing the Right Holster
Comfort and Accessibility
The holster is arguably the most critical piece of gear for a concealed carrier. It must provide a balance of comfort and accessibility. A well-designed holster should allow for quick and smooth drawing of the firearm while securely holding it in place.
Types of Holsters
There are various types of holsters, each suited for different carrying methods:
- Inside-the-Waistband (IWB): Conceals the firearm inside your waistband, offering excellent concealment and security.
- Outside-the-Waistband (OWB): Worn outside the waistband, typically more comfortable but may require more effort to conceal.
Carry Positions
These are the most common ways to carry on body:
- Appendix Carry (AIWB): Appendix carry is when a holster is placed inside the waistband at the 12-1 o’clock position. It has risen in popularity over the last decade. While not perfect for everyone, it certainly has proven itself to be a highly effective method of carrying a concealed pistol.
- Strong Side: Strong side is when the holster is placed on the dominant hip, typically in the 4-5 o’clock position. You can run either OWB or IWB in this position. Some holsters have slight angles (or “cant”) making it easier to draw the gun from concealment.
Material Considerations
Holsters are made from different materials, including leather, Kydex, and nylon. Each material has its pros and cons:
- Leather: Offers comfort and flexibility but may require a break-in period.
- Kydex: Provides excellent retention and durability but can be less comfortable against the skin.
- Nylon: Lightweight and affordable but lacks the rigidity needed for reliable retention (to be honest, just don’t use a nylon holster, it’s not safe).
Our recommendation:
JX Tactical Holster – Check them out here!
The Importance of a Good Gun Belt
A proper gun belt is essential for carrying a firearm securely. Regular belts may not provide the necessary support and can sag under the weight of a firearm, causing discomfort and difficulty in drawing the weapon.
Features of a Quality Gun Belt
- Stiffness and Durability: A good gun belt is stiff enough to support the weight of your firearm and accessories without sagging.
- Adjustability: Look for belts with easy adjustment options to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.
- Material: Leather and reinforced nylon are popular choices for gun belts due to their durability and support.
Our recommendation:
Kore Essentials – Check them out here!
Clothing Considerations for Concealed Carry
Dressing for Concealment
Concealed carry requires thoughtful consideration of your wardrobe. Clothing should allow for effective concealment without compromising comfort or style.
- Layering: Layered clothing can help conceal the outline of your firearm.
- Patterns and Dark Colors: Patterns and darker colors are better at hiding printing (the outline of the firearm).
- Fit: Avoid overly tight clothing that may reveal the firearm. Opt for looser fits that provide better concealment.
Firearm Accessories
Spare Magazines
If you have the capacity, you should carry at least one spare magazine. Not necessarily because you could need more ammunition, but there’s always the potential for mechanical failures with your firearm. Should one magazine fail, you have another.
More importantly, you should practice reloads in the manner that you will be carrying it. For example, if you’re going to carry a spare magazine in your front left pocket, you should train doing reloads from that position.
Red Dot
The future is now. Red dot sights provide faster target acquisition and improved accuracy, making them a valuable addition to your firearm accessories.
There are a lot of great options out there, but there are also some not so great. Please do your research. You can’t go wrong with brands like Trijicon and Holosun.
Weapon Mounted and Handheld Lights
Attaching a light to your firearm can enhance your ability to identify threats and improve accuracy, especially in low-light conditions.
It’s simple, you need to be able to identify your threat before you make the decision to fire. If you’re in a dark environment and you cannot see, you could potentially shoot somebody you should not. While it depends on what environment you are in, we do recommend you keep some form of a light on you. Whether that’s a weapon mounted light or a handheld flashlight. SureFire and Streamlight are two great companies with plenty of options.
Personal Safety and Maintenance
Regular Training
Regular training is essential to maintain proficiency with your firearm and gear. Consider joining a concealed carry class or training program to keep your skills sharp.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your firearm and gear ensures they function correctly when needed. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and care.
Medical Gear
This can be its own article, but we would be remiss if we did not mention the importance of having some form of basic medical training and medical equipment, such as tourniquet and an IFAK (individual first aid kit) with pressure dressings, compressed gauze and/or hemostatic gauze such as QuickClot, nitrile gloves, etc.
A word of caution, only by medical gear from reputable companies. Do not buy medical gear from sites like Amazon.
Summary
Equipping yourself with the right gear is crucial for effective and safe concealed carry. By choosing a suitable holster, gun belt, clothing, and accessories, you can enhance your readiness and comfort. Regular training and medical gear further ensure that you are prepared for any situation that may arise. As you continue your journey as a concealed carry permit holder, invest in quality gear and stay committed to responsible carrying practices.
