5 Easy Ways to Become a More Responsible Concealed Carrier Today!

Responsibly armed isn’t just a hashtag, it’s a way of life! 

Carrying a gun is as much a responsibility as it is a right and that means we have the duty to represent the best of gun ownership in all aspects of our lives.

If you’re new to concealed carry, you might be wondering, what can I do to be better?

Lock It Up

Thieves absolutely love unsecured guns left in cars. It’s a quick and easy score that can net a few hundred bucks or the means to commit more crimes. We also live in a society with metal detectors and gun-free zones, so we gotta’ remove the Mohaska sometimes.

Because of this very situation, I have a small safe installed in my car, and it’s cable locked to my driver’s side seat. It’s not invincible, but if a thief wanted it, he better bring tools to come and take it. My choice is the Hornady RAPID safe because it’s high-tech, simple, and reliable.

It comes with a cable to further secure it to your vehicle and makes it easy to access your firearm.

A vehicle safe is a small and smart investment that doesn’t just protect your property but your neighborhood and city as well. A community-minded concealed carrier is a more responsible concealed carrier.

Sidenote: I also keep my vehicles sticker free. You won’t see an NRA decal, gun manufacturer’s label, or anything indicating I’m a gun owner which can make your car a target for gun thieves.

Learn the Law

If you want to be a better concealed carrier, the first thing you should do is know the laws of your state. Gun laws vary widely between states, and knowing those laws will keep you out of the clink.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “If it’s on the internet, it’s true,” Unfortunately, Abe was wrong, and there is lots of bad info on the internet these days. If you read something on the internet, also verify it from multiple, credible sources.

You can also reach out to local law enforcement to ask specific questions or talk with other concealed carriers. Join state gun forums or even sub-Reddits that are focused on both your state and guns. If you are required to take a concealed carry class take it from an accredited instructor and ask lots of questions.

Remember, always verify. It’s your butt and freedom on the line. If possible, ask for specific sections, chapters, and ordinances in your state laws that would allow you to verify via state-operated websites.

Carry With a Round in the Chamber

Carrying a handgun concealed can be intimidating. You worry about people spotting it, you want to make sure you are law-abiding, and there is also the fact you are carrying a device that creates controlled explosions.

It can be scary, and this fear leads people to carry their handgun without a round in the chamber. The fear often comes from an empathetic place. You most certainly don’t want your weapon to go off and cause harm to another person. I get it, but I also understand the likelihood of being able to chamber and shoot a round in a self-defense situation is very low.

Me saying that likely did nothing to assuage your fear. Let’s stop talkin’ and start working on carrying locked and loaded for lack of a better term.

First and foremost, carry every day and everywhere you legally can. This will help you build confidence in carrying a gun chambered as you realize outside forces have little effect on your weapon.

Next, carry the gun cocked. Check to see if the weapon is still cocked. If the firearm remains cocked, that means you wouldn’t have had a negligent discharge if a round was chambered.

Last but certainly not least, get some defensive training with your firearm. One good class will change your life and the way you view guns. You’ll never go back to empty chamber carry.

Train With Your EDC Setup

The first time I got a sub-second 1 second draw, I was ecstatic. I put in a lot of hard work and was glad to see it pay off. You wanna know where I goofed it up?

I wasn’t using my EDC rig, but a big ole tactical holster on a battle belt with a full-sized Glock. I learned a lot, but I should have dedicated all that time and ammo to my EDC rig. Drawing from concealment is a different beast and a skill you have to build with time and effort.

Practice with your daily carry rig both dry and live. Wear your regular clothes and get after it. Remember, as seasons change, so do wardrobes. Practice with hoodies, jackets, windbreakers, and whatever else as the right season rolls around.

Training with tactical gear is fun, but training with your EDC rig from concealment is much more practical.

You’ll be a more prepared and therefore successful concealed carrier if you train with your EDC rig.

Use a Quality Holster

A great holster covers the trigger completely, stays put while allowing you to easily draw your weapon, ensures the weapon is always safe and secure while holstered, and allows you to comfortably carry your firearm all day. Look for a company with a proven track record, honest reviews, a wide variety of carry options, and of course, stands behind their products with exceptional customer service and a solid warranty.

Fifteen years ago, we started our company pairing real leather for superior flexibility and comfort with a hand-molded Kydex pocket made specifically for your handgun. Our holsters utilize passive retention to secure your gun. As the leather forms to your body and curves with your hip, it pushes the gun securely into the Kydex.

Looking to provide customers with control over their retention, CrossBreed also offers concealed carry options with multiple retention adjustment points like the Hybrid MT2 and The Reckoning Holsters. Covered with our legendary Lifetime Warranty and exceptional Customer Care Team, not to mention a 2-week trial, you can’t go wrong with a quality holster from CrossBreed!

Always Strive to Learn More

These are just a few ways to improve your concealed carry practices and by no means an exhaustive list but it does contain things you can start doing today. As the current situation starts to recede and the nation gets back to normal, it’s important to get some solid range time in, advance your training, and never become complacent.

As with most things, the best time to start is now!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine gunner who served with 2nd Bn 2nd Marines for 5 years. He deployed in 2009 to Afghanistan and again in 2011 with the 22nd MEU(SOC) during a record-setting 11 months at sea. Travis has trained with the Romanian Army, the Spanish Marines, the Emirate Marines, and the Afghan National Army.

He serves as an NRA certified pistol instructor and pursues a variety of firearms based hobbies.

 

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Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Travis Pike and the CrossBreed Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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