Whether you’ve been a long-time concealed carrier, or you’re just starting out, it’s important to avoid common mistakes to be the safest and most responsible gun owner you can be. There are a lot of factors that tend to get overlooked when it comes to concealed carry, but the good news is, they are easily fixed with a little dedication, time, and research.
Not taking the time to figure out the most comfortable way to conceal carry is a mistake. Find out what works for you and stick with it. Once you do, use the same holster in the same position any time you carry. You need that muscle memory to kick in should a situation arise. Once you figure out how to dress around the gun, you can feel secure knowing what works. Ask around or look online for tips on how to dress comfortably. Avoid carrying off your body as this makes it harder to access and keep track of your gun. If it’s on your body, you know no one else can access it either.
Not investing in high quality ammo, guns, safes, and holsters will prove to be a mistake in the long run. You’ll most likely end up spending more money over time because the cheaper items won’t last as long, and you’ll have to replace them sooner.
Avoid forgetting to maintain your weapons and ammo. Letting your ammunition go bad is another pitfall to avoid. Always make sure to stock up on fresh ammo so you can always depend on it firing properly. A good rule to follow is to clean your gun each time you fire it.
When it comes to concealed carry, you might tend to go for a smaller handgun. This is a mistake because the smaller the gun, the less accurate it is and the sharper the recoil, which will result in you being less comfortable shooting it.
Stay up to date on what’s going on with gun laws in your area and where you plan to travel. Make sure to research the concealed carry laws for wherever you plan to go so there are no surprises.
The most important mistake to avoid is not training enough for real life situations. You can do the same kind of practice shooting over and over and get extremely accurate, but if you don’t prepare for spontaneous situations, all that training goes out the window. Taking classes with seasoned professionals and practicing for real life situations is crucial if you plan to conceal carry. Don’t forget to practice drawing from your concealed holster and practice shooting at various distances and positions.
If you plan to conceal carry, it is your responsibility to stay sharp and always put safety first. Avoiding these mistakes will soon become second nature.