This is my second article on advice for new concealed carry permit holders. The first article covered the mental and legal aspects of armed self-defense. This article discusses the more practical aspects of concealed carry.
Many students in my Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) classes, overwhelmed by the vast choices in guns and carry methods, ask me to cut through the clutter and give them the secret to “The Right Way” to carry a handgun.
I tell them, “Carry like a pro.”
By using armed professionals like the “discretely armed” plainclothes officer, the off-duty cop, and the dedicated firearms instructor as their models, new CPL holders can learn much of what they need to know about effective concealed carry.
Here are some things the pros know that you should know too:
Have a pro attitude – A pro knows his life may depend on his gun. He understands the gun is not a fashion statement or a talisman to ward off evil. Instead it is a tool to save a life by using lethal force against another human being. This drives his thinking and decision-making. The focus is on practicality and efficiency, not sentimentality or “cool factor.”
Respect the gun – A pro respects the danger of the handgun. He follows the safety rules and doesn’t play with it or treat it carelessly. He realizes that mistakes can have tragic consequences. (Note that the DEA agent who was the “Only one professional enough” to shoot himself in the leg is the bad exception that proves the rule).
Pick a quality gun – There are “fun guns,” “range toys” and serious self-defense handguns. You won’t see a pro carry a Rossi revolver, a Taurus Judge, or a $150 Hungarian knock-off of a Walther PPK, and you shouldn’t either. A pro carries a modern, reliable handgun, made with good quality control, and chambered in an effective caliber.
The ammo is as important as the gun – A pro understands that the gun is just the launcher: The bullet is what does the work in the target. A pro loads premium defensive ammo that uses modern jacketed hollow point bullets and low-flash propellant to provide suitable penetration and expansion with a reduced muzzle flash. (Revolver shooters can also use one of the time-tested lead semi-wadcutter hollow point loads).
Carry in a quality holster – You won’t see a pro stuff his handgun in a cheap nylon “one size fits none” holster. A pro carries in a leather or Kydex holster designed for his specific handgun model. The holster needs to keep the handgun secure while covering the trigger guard to help prevent accidental discharges. The holster should securely attach to the belt with straps, clips, or a loop.
Wear a gun belt – The pro knows that a well-made gun belt makes carrying easier and more comfortable. The belt holds the gun in position for an easy draw while distributing the weight of the gun, magazines, and any other gear. Regular department store belts will sag and flex over time and have to be cinched ever tighter to compensate.
Carry with a loaded chamber – A pro knows an empty gun can get him killed as there is no guarantee he’ll have the time or free hand to load the chamber when the crisis occurs. If you aren’t comfortable carrying a fully loaded pistol seek out more training and then practice until you can safely and efficiently draw from the holster. Modern double-action revolvers feature internal drop-safeties and should be carried with all chambers loaded.
Carry extra ammo – The pro knows that a bad magazine can disable a semi-auto pistol. By carrying a spare magazine he gets the benefits of having extra ammo as well as the ability to replace a bad magazine with a good magazine to keep the gun running. Revolver shooters should carry either extra ammo or a second gun as a “New York reload” is usually faster than reloading a revolver.
Realize that handguns suck – A pro knows that a handgun is a poor fight stopper when compared to a rifle or shotgun. He carries a handgun because it is convenient, not because it is effective. The pro knows the “One shot stop” is a myth. The private citizen CCW holder should plan on needing to make multiple hits on a determined opponent to stop his attack.
Always carry - A pro carries everywhere, all the time, because he can’t know in advance when he’ll need that gun. The same is true for the concealed carry permit holder. Always carry wherever it is legal to do so. You may need to experiment with different guns or holsters until you find the combination that is comfortable enough to carry all day, every day. A gun left at home does you no good when you are faced with an attacker in public.
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Be sure to read, "Advice to new concealed carry permit holders" for a discussion of the mental and legal aspects of concealed carry and my article "Winter concealed carry tips for CCW permit holders" for cold weather carry tips.
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