When carrying a concealed weapon, you should ensure that you are exercising your right responsibly. This may seem obvious to those of us who are experienced with firearms, but those new to the world of CCW may not be entirely comfortable at first. This can lead to unfortunate incidents such as undue fear, loss of license, and even negligent discharge. Therefore, here are some simple and practical concealed carry tips that you should consider when training with firearms. For a more advanced take on CCW tips, check out this article on RECOILweb.com.

Choose the Right Holster

A concealed carry holster is the most essential piece of gear that you should think about after purchasing your firearm. Without the right holster, all your training and knowledge on handling a concealed firearm will be less effective. When choosing your holster, it's wise to select one designed specifically for your gun. Generic holsters might be inexpensive, but the fit may be poor which means that the weapon can shift or even fall out. You should also check the ride height of the product, particularly in inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters. In addition, test your comfort level by trying on your preferred holster for optimal results.

Get Used to Carrying Your Firearm

You should think about practicing carrying your concealed setup before going out. Too often, people wear their belts, holsters, and guns for the first time in public. The unfamiliar feeling of the carry is uncomfortable, and this is apparent to anyone who knows what to look for. Therefore, you should take some time to get used to your new gear. Wear it in your house and get the general feeling. After this, you can make adjustments as necessary until you find the best carry position. When experimenting, you should walk around, sit and bend so that you will get a clear picture of what will happen in each position.

Train Your Drawing Technique

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If you are carrying a concealed firearm, it should go without saying that you need to practice your draw stroke. Theoretically, the process of readying a weapon is simple. However, the reality is more complicated, especially if you are a rookie in the practice. If you are not properly trained, the weapon will be difficult to draw from beneath your normal apparel and your grip might not be ideal for consistent firing.

You can avoid these issues by practicing how to draw your weapon efficiently. Most shooting ranges do not allow drawing from a holster. However, you can work on your technique at home. Simply remove the magazine, unload the chamber, and remove all live ammunition from the vicinity. Then you will be ready to practice your draw and dry firing your weapon.

Learn Body Language Control

People with concealed weapons often fidget and adjust their firearm setup. While their goal is to ensure that the carry is not visible, they end up drawing more attention to it. Therefore, you should learn how to resist the urge to keep checking your weapon and making certain that it has not shifted. You should know your concerns; for example, looseness of the weapon. If you understand your reasons for fidgeting, you can resolve the problem by changing your gun setup or getting used to the pertinent feeling.

Plan for Complete Concealment

Concealing a firearm requires deliberate effort. Therefore, you should always plan for complete concealment instead of hoping that people will not notice you're printing. Some guns are easy to hide away in IWB or pocket holsters. However, if you have a large carry, you should consider changing your wardrobe for better results. You should also reevaluate your carrying method.

Know the Laws

Finally, you should learn the laws in your region with regard to concealed guns. Most states will require a special CCW license, so you should do your homework and comply with the regulations. If you are found to be illegally carrying, you will be treated as a criminal — ignorance of the law is not a valid defense.

Written by RECOIL OFFGRID