You completed a concealed carry class, applied for, and received, your permit to carry, purchased a gun AND a holster… now what?

When I reached this point, I struggled with insecurities that made me hesitant to carry in public. I wondered, “Is that it? Am I really qualified to carry a gun?” I was terrified that everyone would know I had a gun. I even found myself wishing for a supervisor to shadow me for the day to confirm I was carrying correctly.

I remember thinking, “I wish I knew another woman who practiced concealed carry, so I could ask her questions.”

If you share any of the same thoughts, I’d like to offer some encouragement! First of all, you don’t have to dive right in. Here are a few practical steps to help you east into concealed carry and gain confidence in your ability to conceal a firearm. Some of you will feel confident enough to jump right to step 5 but, if like me, you’re a little uncertain at first, feel free to take as much time as you need to get comfortable.

These steps apply for both the new carrier and anyone else who is testing out a new method of concealment.

Steps for getting accustomed to the holster

1. Wear an empty holster – Take a couple days to get accustomed to how the holster feels without the presence of the gun. This takes away all risk of an accidental discharge and the pressure of keeping it hidden.

   Wear it around the house while doing everyday tasks to experience how the holster feels as you move. Make sure to also wear the empty holster in public to get comfortable with the idea of carrying around people. Now is a great time to practice situational awareness to avoid potential conflict and get in the habit of identifying any “no carry zones” you may come across.

2. Add a “dummy” gun or an unloaded gun – You can either carry an unloaded gun or a plastic “dummy” gun. This is the perfect step to experiment with your style and learn to avoid imprinting (or showing an outline of the gun through your clothes). Check your outfit in the mirror and make sure to move around. See what it looks like when you walk, reach upward, sit, etc. Notice which motions are ok and which show the world that you’re carrying a gun. When you first start carrying, it’s common to think everyone notices your gun but in reality, it is not as obvious as you think.

   Pay attention to what it’s like to wear the dummy gun during everyday tasks. Do children run up to you for a hug? Can anything work it’s way into the holster and pull the trigger (a good holster should prevent this). Do you need to learn to move around without hitting the gun on anything?

3. Add a loaded magazine without a bullet in chamber – If you’re at all timid about carrying a loaded gun, the next step should help get you past the anxiety. Even though the gun is loaded, there is still a layer of precaution because the bullet has to enter the chamber before it can be fired. I carried this way for a long time before I was comfortable having a bullet in the chamber. A lot of people decide this is their preferred method of carry but if you feel comfortable, there’s one more step.

4. Place a bullet in the chamber – I’ve been told that chambering a bullet during an attack is like trying to put your seatbelt on during a car crash. Many people consider having a bullet in the chamber to be the “optimal condition” for carrying your firearm, but fear of an accidental discharge keeps many from carrying this way. Personally, it took me a few years to reach this level of comfort. It’s okay to take small steps in the evolution of your carry method, just make sure to continue advancing in your skills and capabilities.

   For more on this topic, check out these blog posts Why Should I Carry A Bullet In The Chamber? and Should You Use a Gun Safety?

You may feel confident enough to start carrying right away, but if not, just remember that it’s okay to take a more gradual approach. I hope these steps help you build confidence as you ease into the concealed carry lifestyle.

“Chime-In!”

Do you have any questions about concealed carry? Comment below!

What was your first concealed carry experience like?