Common Concealed Carry Mistakes- 9 Things You Can Fix Today

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• Where Should I Place My Firearm?
• What to Do If Someone Sees Your Concealed Carry Weapon
• How Do I Keep My CCW Legal?
• CCW Tactics and Training

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”- Benjamin Franklin

When you decide to carry a concealed firearm, you’re preparing for the worst possible outcome: a life or death situation. However, simply having a gun on you isn’t enough preparation. Concealed carry is an ongoing process that requires continued education, training and adjustment.

Whether you’re brand new to concealed carry or have carried for years, you may not aware of these common concealed carry mistakes. 

Improper Gear and Firearm Placement

You need to make sure your firearm is well-placed, secure and hidden when you concealed carry. But, your gun also needs to be accessible. It’s a delicate balance. If you tip the scales too far one way or another, you are putting yourself at higher risk for exposure or harm in a self-defense situation. 

Mistake #1: Having the Wrong Holster

Two of the most fundamental elements of concealed carry are your firearm and holster. 

Without a good holster, you’re setting yourself up for failure. There are several elements you need to consider when choosing a holster:

• What do I do in my daily routine?
• What kind of clothing do I have to wear for my job, social events or leisure activities?
• What is the weather like in my area?

There are many factors that are essential to review when selecting a holster. While we’ve covered inside-the-waistband (IWB), outside-the-waistband (OWB) and shoulder holsters, other options may make more sense for your situation. A few examples include: 

• Pocket holsters can work well for cold weather as they are easier to conceal in a jacket or coat pocket.
• Belly-band holsters keep your firearm in place if you’re wearing athletic clothing.
• Ankle holsters place your gun in a less conventional spot, which could help it stay concealed.

The critical thing to do is to look for a holster that works best for you. While you will have to make some adjustments for your firearm, you shouldn’t be uncomfortable or feel like your gun is insecure. You may have to try a few holsters to find the right match.

Mistake #2: Not Adjusting Your Carrying Method to the Situation

You may need two or three holsters to accommodate for the various types of weather, attire and locations you interact with daily. Your winter carry should look different from your summer carry. 

If you try to use an IWB holster in the winter while wearing a large coat or several layers, it may take too long to access your firearm. On the reverse, if you’re wearing shorts and a t-shirt, an ankle holster would be visible, exposing your gun.

Practice drawing your firearm from each setup you plan to use while sitting and standing. Walking around with new gear can help you get more comfortable.

Wardrobe Malfunctions and Exposing Your Firearm

Mistake #3: Not Adjusting Your Wardrobe to Accommodate for Concealed Carry

Your wardrobe is essential to your concealed carry setup. You can’t wear clothing that exposes your firearm, but you also don’t want it to be difficult to access your gun. While holster manufacturers are creating a wider variety of holsters to accommodate more outfits, you may need to make some adjustments to your attire.

This doesn’t mean you need to constantly wear baggy or tactical clothing, as both may raise more suspicion. Instead, you may need to wear pants with a little more room in the waistband for a holster or longer shirts that can cover your firearm.

As a concealed carrier, you know how important it is to carry regularly. The bottom line: if you don’t have clothing to accommodate your firearm, you are less likely to carry it.

Mistake #4: Exposing or “Printing” Your Firearm

Exposing your firearm may seem like an obvious mistake, but it can happen to veteran carriers the same as new ones. If your clothing isn’t conducive to your gun’s presence or you have a holster that doesn’t fit, a slip-up can happen. 

States and local governments have different laws on brandishing or exposing firearms, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. It’s crucial to find the right combination of holster and attire to prevent this from happening. Experimentation and trial are essential to finding the sweet spot.

Licensure and Legality

It’s critical to be on the right side of the law when carrying a gun. Concealed carry requires a lot of responsibility on the carrier’s part to stay legal.

Mistake #5: Letting your CCW Expire

Letting your CCW license expire is a careless mistake you avoid with prior planning. Make sure you know your state and county’s permit expiration laws and renew your CCW license early to avoid a lapse in your ability to carry.

Mistake #6: Being Unaware of Concealed Carry Laws in Your Area or Areas You’re Traveling To

While you should be familiar with the rules and regulations on concealed carry in your area, you need to be aware of local laws when traveling too.

Concealed carry reciprocity is not universal, and some states won’t accept your CCW license. Some states have specific weapon transportation laws. Do your homework because there aren’t any excuses for concealed carriers who don’t know the rules in other states. 

Continued Education and Training

Remember, if you have any concerns or further questions about your concealed carry setup, contact your CCW license instructor or firearms safety teacher for more in-depth help.

Mistake #7: Not Seeking Continued Training and Education

If you’re a concealed carrier, it’s important to get a refresh on firearm safety, self-defense tactics and firing mechanics. Even if you practice drawing and dry firing your gun, there are always new safety or self-defense techniques to learn that can help you be more prepared. 

Whether you find online training resources or attend advanced concealed carry courses, continued training is a great way to stay on top of your game.

Mistake #8: Not Practicing 

Practice and training go hand-in-hand. Small investments of time every day or week can go a long way in making you a better concealed carrier. If you aren’t practicing, you aren’t preparing to defend yourself. 

When you’re in a life-or-death moment, your reflexes will kick in, and your adrenaline will take over. This is where practice comes in: repetition helps your mind and body create muscle memory that can save your life. 

Going to the firing range is a must, as you’ll want to work on your accuracy and become comfortable with your concealed carry gun of choice. Practicing your draw and dry-fire training are both great ways to work through your mechanics at home

Always practice the Four Rules of Firearm Safety whenever you are at the range or practicing at home.

Mistake #9: Not Having a Spot for Your Firearm at Home

As you improve your daily carry setup and technique, you need a place to make your firearm accessible yet secure at home as well. Concealment furniture can help keep your firearm close while keeping your gun hidden from others.  

Liberty Home Concealment’s line of concealment products is designed to be fit seamlessly into your home. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to accommodate a wide range of firearms.

Need help finding the concealment product or want to learn more? Visit our contact page to get in touch with a team member.