Concealed carry options change when the weather heats up. Check out these summer concealment tips.
Kids are out of school, the temperatures are ratcheting up, and I’m totally not going across state lines to purchase fireworks anytime soon. With the temps rising and summer fun being the goal of the day, we have to start considering our summer carry situation. Heat and concealed carry don’t go well together.
What conceals your firearm? If you’re a normal person, it’s your clothing, your shirts, jackets, overshirts, and more. When summer rolls around, it’s often the time when clothes get light. We bust out the shorts, t-shirts, and maybe even less. Today we are going to dive into summer carry considerations and what you can do to keep carrying as the temperatures rise.
Summer Carry – Hot Hot Hot
It’s hot, and no one is trying to wear a jacket to keep their firearm concealed. Even if you do, you’ll be attracting all manner of attention by wearing a jacket in a 100-degree heat wave. We are likely eliminating most of our cover garments and turning towards shorts and light shirts. Those can make concealment challenging.
One of the easiest things to do is switch from something like OWB to IWB or even AIWB. Appendix – Inside the Waistband carry is well known for its enhanced concealment capability. By positioning the weapon in front of the body, you effectively eliminate unsightly lumps and enhance concealment with nothing more than a t-shirt.
It’s summertime, and we are busting out our shorts. A lot of modern shorts have eliminated belt loops and thus made it tough to effectively carry a firearm. A smart shopper will check options from companies like 5.11 Tactical. Other than that, pocket carry can be a viable option.
5.11 Tactical produces a wide variety of shorts will belt loops in all manner of styles and colors. They make shorts for both men and women as well as yoga pants with belt loops for the ladies. This makes it easy to carry your firearm without dying in the heat!
When it comes to shirts and cover garments, 5.11 Tactical, RE Factor Tactical, Dixxon, and many more create carry-friendly shirts that are also lightweight and easy to wear. They often feature breakaway buttons for an easy draw, a flared bottom for enhanced concealment, and give you a lightweight, easy-wearing shirt for the summer heat.
Keeping It Concealed
Changing your clothes and carry position are a great way to stay prepared and deal with the summer carry. There are also a few steps concealed carriers can take in regards to holster selection. It might be a good time to embrace a more minimalist design. Something like the Crossbreed Rogue reduces bulk which can reduce heat and improve comfort.
It’s also a good idea to ensure you have some kind of sweat guard to protect your firearm. Without a sweat guard, the gun will be exposed to more sweat than necessary. This can cause corrosion. Typically keeping your firearm dry and sweat-free is a good idea. Even with a good sweat guard inspecting your weapon for rust more often in the summer is a smart idea.
Another way to help maintain concealment, comfort, and make summer carry comfy is to go with a smaller gun. A smaller gun is easier to conceal, uses a smaller holster, and typically can be carried comfortably in a variety of positions. Something like a P365 or even an LCP Max allows for plenty of firepower with enhanced concealment.
Since winter is gone, so are the gloves and heavy layers that make smaller guns hard to use and reduce penetration. For summer carry these guns are easier to tote consistently, especially in a proper holster.
Keep Carrying
Summer is upon us. Get out there, enjoy it, but don’t let your guard down. Carrying might feel a bit more difficult in these hot summer months, but it’s not an excuse to become complacent. You just need to plan on how to beat the heat, and hopefully, we’ve provided you with a few ideas to make summer carry successful.
(Oh and drink water.)
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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