We got a bunch of really helpful replies, so we're passing along their wisdom to you! Take a look at these awesome tips from people who know their way around carrying.
Concealment and avoiding printing are fundamental aspects of responsible concealed carry. "Printing" refers to when the outline of your firearm or gear is visible through your clothing, and managing this is a key concern for those who carry. Maintaining discretion is essential to avoid unwanted attention or becoming a target.
Effectively concealing your firearm also makes sure you keep the advantage of surprise in self-defense situations. As Cindi W. insightfully puts it, “Nobody should ever know that you’re carrying except you.”
Our community emphasizes the importance of managing printing, but they also advise not to stress about it:
Jayne B. offers practical advice, saying, “Don’t worry so much about other people ‘seeing’ it. They are WAY too self-absorbed to notice you.” This comment suggests that while concealment is important, the average person is unlikely to notice minor issues.
Christine K. reinforces this point, advising, “No one notices…stop stressing about printing.” Her statement echoes the sentiment that most people are not as observant as we might fear.
Mike R. adds, “No one looks at your waist,” further highlighting that people generally don't scrutinize others' attire as closely as we might think.
These insights emphasize a balanced approach to concealment. You want to strive for discretion but recognize that minor printing is often unnoticed by the general public. Most people aren’t going to scrutinize you for every little lump and wrinkle in your clothing. As long as you don’t have any huge bulges, you’re likely doing just fine with your concealment efforts. Remember, the average person is usually too caught up in their own world to pay close attention to the minute details of someone else's clothing.
Training and regular practice are the cornerstones of effective concealed carry. Carrying a firearm is a serious responsibility, and being proficient in its use is crucial. Our community members stress the importance of consistent practice:
Bobbi H. urges, “Practice your draw with an empty gun EVERY day!!!” This daily repetition builds muscle memory and ensures you're prepared if you ever need to draw your firearm in a real situation.
Melanie D. points out the broader scope of training, stating, "The importance of training often, not just static shooting." This highlights the need for dynamic training that goes beyond just firing at a stationary target.
Betty C. shares her approach: “Training and practice. I belong to IDPA and attend as many matches as I can. Handling my firearm has become second nature to me but I don’t take it for granted. If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Her involvement in competitive shooting reinforces the value of regular, varied practice.
Laura W. offers a word of caution: “Perhaps not 'The' most important but being aware that all CCW carriers are not properly trained.” This reminds us that training quality can vary, and it's important to seek out reputable sources.
William C. succinctly advises, “Train, Train, and Train.” This repetition emphasizes the never-ending nature of training as a lifelong commitment for responsible carriers.
These perspectives from experienced individuals underscore that carrying a concealed weapon is more than just having a gun - it's about the dedication to continuous improvement and readiness. Remember, effective training is not just about shooting; it's about understanding and preparing for the myriad of scenarios you might encounter.
Adopting the right mindset and recognizing the responsibilities that come with concealed carry are just as important as the physical aspects of carrying a firearm. This involves not just skill and technique, but also a deep understanding of the lifestyle changes and ethical considerations involved.
Our community members shared their insights on the mental and ethical dimensions of concealed carry:
Jan F. describes concealed carry as "a lifestyle. Your clothing - how you dress. Everything revolves around the firearm." This emphasizes that concealed carry is not just an action. It’s also a commitment that influences your daily choices and behaviors.
Michelle G. advises taking gradual steps: "Baby steps are fine. If you aren’t comfortable leaving the house carrying, start carrying in the house til you aren’t anxious." Her advice is a reminder that becoming comfortable with concealed carry is a personal journey and should be approached at your own pace.
Patrick C. brings a profound perspective: "If you choose to carry, make sure you know who you're willing to kill for, die for, go broke for, and go to jail for." His comment reminds us of the serious consequences and moral weight that go along with using your firearm in a self-defense situation.
Beth M. adds a crucial safety angle: “Avoid shooting if at all possible,” highlighting the importance of situational awareness.
These diverse viewpoints collectively underscore that concealed carry is as much about mental preparedness and ethical responsibility as it is about physical readiness. It's a holistic approach that requires careful consideration, constant awareness, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Another theme among our community members is the idea that once you start carrying, it should become a regular part of your life. It’s about making a commitment to your own safety and readiness at all times.
Bradshaw S. gives straightforward advice: "Once you start, always carry." Once you've made the choice, stick with it. Consistency is crucial.
Jim T. keeps it simple with, "Always carry." It's a reminder that this isn't something you do now and then. It's a daily commitment.
The idea behind carrying everywhere you legally can is really about being prepared. Think of it as integrating a safety tool into your everyday life, just like you do with a seatbelt in a car. It's there not because you expect trouble, but because you want to be ready if trouble ever comes your way.
Before you go out and buy another range bag, we recommend taking a step back to think about what you really need. We want to make sure your trips to the range are memorable in a good way, so we put together this guide to help you figure out what size and type of bag will work best for you.
The key to choosing the right range bag is to spend some quality time thinking about how and where you’re going to use it. Are you a competitive shooter who has to haul around lots of ammo and gear from stage to stage all day, or are most of your trips to the range short trips to the range? Maybe both. Here are some suggestions to help you make sure your bag will serve you well, no matter what you shoot.
Size and Capacity - This is a pretty obvious first step, but it’s easy to underestimate how much room you need. When you’re first starting out, you probably won’t have much gear, but that can change really fast. Some of us who have been shooting for a while end up with a pile of bags in a closet that are too small to be useful.
If you already have a range bag that you’re looking to replace, we recommend that you take everything out of your range bag and lay it out in one layer on a flat surface (using a towel is a good idea since the stuff in your bag can get dirty on the range). Once everything is out of the bag, put the items in different piles, including one pile for things that absolutely have to go the range with you, like your firearm and magazines, eye and ear protection, targets, and medical gear. Make a different pile for ammo, one for things that aren’t absolutely necessary, but helpful, like cleaning supplies, tape, paper and pens/pencils, and another for all those little things you stuffed in your bag just in case.
Now it’s time to take an honest look at everything. You can put your essentials back in your bag since you’ll always need those items. Then, put in your nice to have items back in. Then, go through each and every item in your just in case pile and decide if you really need to have it in your main bag. If you’re really not sure about an item, set it aside. It can always go with you to the range in a backup bag you leave in your vehicle. The idea here is to make sure you’re not sizing your bag to accommodate things you really don’t need to have with you.
Take a look at how much room you have in your bag without the extra items. Is the bag already overstuffed or is there a bunch of extra room? If your bag is already overflowing, it’s time to size up. If there’s still a lot of extra space, you get to decide if you want to size down, or keep the same size bag.
If you don’t already have a range bag, do the same thing with your gear as above - lay everything out then sort it into categories. You probably won’t have a bunch of random stuff yet, so just remember to add some room for items you don’t know you need yet (but not too many items!).
Find a bag you have laying around that everything will fit in, like a duffel bag, backpack, or even a small suitcase and place your items in it (don’t overstuff it). Measure out the size of that bag and use that as a guide when shopping for a range bag.
Durability and Material - Range bags are built tougher than regular bags like duffels and office/school backpacks because they have to endure repeated rough handling and exposure to various weather conditions and elements. They’re also built to take on more weight than the average bag. If you’ve tried repurposing a purse or regular bag and had it fall apart after a few times of use, you understand what we mean.
Shop for bags made from high-quality materials like nylon, canvas, or leather that are purpose-built for the range. It may be more expensive than using a bag you already have laying around, but a well-made range bag will last a very long time. We have several range bags we’ve used for over 10 years and while they might not be the prettiest things to look at because of range dirt, they’re still going strong.
Organization and Compartments - Efficient organization is a game-changer when you're at the shooting range. The less time you have to spend looking for things, the more time you can spend shooting Look for bags with adjustable dividers, pockets, and slots you can dedicate to specific items. The more, the better! Proper organization not only keeps your gear safe but also makes it easy to access when you need it most.
Not only is it ok to have more than one range bag, it’s actually a great solution that can help keep you organized. By having range bags for several different disciplines of shooting or types of guns, you’ll be able to keep your items separate and use the smallest bag possible.
Multiple bags also make grab and go really easy. If you stock each bag with all the small items you need (like MagLulas and targets), you don’t have to spend the time taking things out of one bag and putting them in another, which is how you can end up forgetting to take things to the range. You’ll still need to make sure to grab your essentials, but it will still save you time and keep you from lugging around a really heavy bag with a bunch of extra stuff.
Whether you opt for a backpack, pouch, or traditional bag, remember your gear should suit your unique needs and preferences. Range bags are a relatively inexpensive piece of shooting gear, so we encourage you to explore different bag types, try them out if possible, and find the one that best aligns with your shooting goals. With the right range bag by your side, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy your time at the shooting range to the fullest.
]]>You're not alone. Even seasoned shooters can have trouble keeping their shots on target. The key to correcting this frustrating issue starts with diagnosing the issue and then dedicating time to correct it.
Here are some common reasons you might be off-target, along with some tried-and-true fixes to get your shots landing exactly where you want them.
Before zeroing in on specific fixes, you'll need to understand what might be going wrong as you're pulling the trigger. The most common issues include:
Anticipation or Flinching: Involuntary movements just before the shot will affect round placement.
Improper Grip: An inconsistent or incorrect grip can compromise accuracy.
Misaligned Sights: If the sights aren't properly aligned, your shots will be all over the place.
Poor Trigger Control: Jerking the trigger can drastically affect where your bullet lands.
Two of the most common issues many shooters face are anticipation and flinching. These involuntary movements just before you fire can significantly effect where your round lands. And the farther out you place your target, the more exaggerated the error will be.
Anticipation involves mentally or physically preparing for the recoil and sound of the gunshot, which leads to involuntary movements like pushing the gun downward just before firing. Flinching is similar - it's an involuntary muscle reaction, often a quick jerk or tightening up, that happens right before or as the gun fires. You may also experience a sense of anxiety or nervousness right before pulling the trigger, which contributes to these involuntary movements.
How to fix anticipation and flinching: relaxation and practice are the keys to fixing this issue. It may sound too simple, but it's the best way to fix it. Before starting a practice session, make sure you're both mentally and physically relaxed. Tension exacerbates the issues of anticipation and flinching, and you might not even realize you're doing it until you start paying attention to it. Once you become aware, you can start to consciously relax your muscles.
Regular practice with this relaxed state of mind will help reinforce good habits. Over time, you'll condition yourself to maintain this calmness and ease, even when you're about to pull the trigger.
A good grip helps you shoot accurately, while a poor one can prevent accuracy even if you are doing everything else right. There are some telltale signs your grip might need some tweaking. If your shots are really inconsistent, you see noticeable movement in your gun while firing, or holding your gun feels uncomfortable, it's likely that your grip is at least part of the issue.
How to fix grip issues: Finding the perfect grip can require some trial and error, but there are some general principles. Start by positioning your dominant hand as high as possible on the gun's grip. This gives you more control and minimizes recoil. When using both hands, your grip should be firm yet relaxed. If you find you're squeezing so hard your knuckles turn white, it's a clear sign you need to back off a bit. The placement of your thumbs can vary depending on your personal comfort and the specific type of firearm, but they should be rotated forward and pointed toward your target.
If you notice shots veering off or inconsistent groupings on your target, your sight alignment and trigger control may need work.
How to fix sight alignment issues: make sure your front and rear sights are perfectly aligned with your eyes and intended target. This means the top of the front sight should be level with the top of the rear sight, and there should be equal space on either side of the front sight as seen through the rear sight. Any misalignment, even a slight one, can result in significant accuracy issues, especially at longer distances.
How to fix trigger control issues: you'll need to practice a smooth, continuous press of the trigger until it becomes second nature. One excellent practice technique for improving trigger control is dry firing. Using an unloaded firearm, practice smoothly pressing the trigger all the way back until it stops. This allows you to focus entirely on your trigger control without the distraction of live fire.
Shooting accuracy doesn't rely on one single factor - it's a combination of things you need to be working on all at the same time. While that might sound overwhelming, the more you practice and perfect each element above, the sooner your shots will get more accurate and consistent.
]]>Tackle your range anxiety with some helpful tips that will help you feel empowered and in control.
]]>You're not alone in feeling this way. Almost everyone gets anxious the first time they go to the range, and just the thought of heading to the range is enough to cause a lot of new shooters serious discomfort.
How can you tackle that anxiety so you can be more comfortable and confident on the range? Here are several things you can do to keep those fears in check so the range can become a place where you feel empowered and in control.
A lot of the anxiety we hold about shooting and firearms is generalized - we’re not sure of the “why”, we just know it intimidates us. When you peel the onion back to figure out what's behind your anxiety, you put yourself in a better position to alleviate it. Once you can identify what’s causing your anxiety, you can start to address it, making your journey a whole lot smoother.
The more you know before you go to the range, the more comfortable you’ll be when you get there. Take time to learn by researching online, watching instructional videos, and reading books about firearm basics. Knowing the safety protocols (like the 4 rules of gun safety), understanding how your firearm operates before you go to the range, and getting a grasp on range etiquette (yep, that’s a thing) in advance will give you less to be anxious about once you get there.
Shooting ranges are undeniably loud. The crack of gunfire makes a lot of us jumpy, and that definitely impacts your ability to calm down and shoot accurately. One trick a lot of seasoned shooters use is to “double plug”, which means wearing both external electronic hearing protection and in-ear earplugs. This simple adjustment can make a big difference in your ability to relax and enjoy your range session.
While it is possible to double plug using passive (non-electronic) earmuffs, it will make it hard to hear range commands. Since being able to hear while on the range is a must for safety, we recommend only doing this with electronic muffs.
Bringing along an experienced shooter to the range can make a big difference. They can help you navigate range rules and guide you through the do's and don'ts, which can alleviate a lot of the first time jitters. Plus, with a knowledgeable person by your side, you can get instant feedback, helpful pointers, and share the excitement of your progress with someone else who loves shooting.
Private lessons can offer a personalized, calm, and focused environment, and you’ll have an experienced guide to show you the ropes. This means you can take the time you need to understand the range rules, ask as many questions as you like, and get more out of your range time without feeling rushed. Find a range that offers beginner instruction and make sure to let them know it’s your first time at a range.
There’s no rule that says you have to run to your shooting bay and immediately start firing off rounds. Don’t stress about time limits - take your time setting things up, take some deep breaths, and spend some time just acclimating yourself to the noise and surroundings. You’ll find that it only takes a few minutes of settling in to feel more comfortable.
Every trip to the range should have a purpose. Coming up with a few simple goals before you get to the range will help you focus on why you’re there, instead of on your anxiety. For example, your first session might be dedicated solely to getting your grip right. By concentrating on just one aspect, you can dedicate your time and attention to mastering it. This allows you to build confidence and skill step-by-step, instead of feeling overwhelmed by trying to get everything right all at once.
Remember - every seasoned shooter has been where you are now and it’s ok to feel anxious about your first time at the range. Once you get some experience under your belt, your nervousness will fade before you know it.
]]>When you first dive into the world of firearms, you're going to encounter a barrage of unfamiliar terms and jargon that can be overwhelming at times. With so many terms out there, where do you start?
We know it can be confusing, so we put together a guide to help you get the basics down. Whether you're a new handgun owner or just looking to enhance your knowledge, this article will give you a better understanding of handgun terminology.
These terms include the essential parts and characteristics that make up a handgun. By knowing these key components and features, you'll have a better understanding of how your firearm functions.
Barrel: The tube-shaped part of a gun (normally made of metal) where a bullet travels after being fired.
Slide: The top part of a semi-automatic pistol that moves rearward when the gun is fired, ejecting the spent casing and chambering a new round.
Trigger: The lever a shooter pulls to discharge a firearm.
Hammer: A part of a firearm that strikes the firing pin which then strikes the primer, causing the gun to fire.
Cylinder: The rotating part of a revolver that contains the chambers for ammunition.
Grip: The portion of the handgun that the shooter holds.
Magazine: A container that holds additional cartridges in a semi-automatic handgun. This can be detached and reloaded.
Sights: Devices located on the top of the gun used to align the firearm with the target to ensure accuracy.
Safety: A mechanism that locks the trigger to prevent accidental discharge.
Ejector: The mechanism that removes the spent shell casing from the firearm after it has been fired.
Chamber: The portion of a firearm that houses the cartridge ready for firing.
Frame: The central part of the gun that houses the working parts and to which the barrel and handle are attached.
Muzzle: The end of the barrel. This is where a bullet exits a firearm.
Extractor: The part that removes a spent cartridge casing from the chamber after firing.
For safety's sake, you need to be familiar with basic ammunition terms. Buying the wrong ammo can do damage to your gun (or worse), so you need to make sure you are at least familiar with these basic terms.
Bullet: The projectile expelled from the barrel of a gun when the firearm is discharged.
Cartridge: Also known as a "round," this is a complete unit of ammunition consisting of the bullet, casing, powder, and primer.
Caliber: A measurement of the diameter of the bullet or internal diameter of a gun barrel. Common handgun calibers include .22, .380, .45, and 9mm.
Casing: The container that holds all other components of the ammunition. It's typically made of brass, steel, or aluminum.
Primer: A small, sensitive compound that ignites the gunpowder when struck by the firing pin.
Gunpowder: The explosive material that ignites when the primer is struck, creating gas pressure that propels the bullet.
Grain: A unit of weight measurement for bullets and gunpowder.
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): A type of bullet with a soft lead core surrounded by a harder metal shell, typically used for target shooting.
Hollow Point: A type of bullet that expands upon hitting a target to cause more damage. Commonly used for self-defense.
Jacket: The outer casing of a bullet, usually made from copper or a similar material.
Rimfire: A type of ammunition where the primer is located in the rim of the casing. Common in .22 caliber ammunition.
Centerfire: Ammunition where the primer is located in the center of the cartridge case head. Most modern firearms use centerfire ammunition.
Magnum: A term used to describe ammunition that has a larger case or is more powerful than standard cartridges of the same caliber.
Shotshell: A round of ammunition containing multiple small projectiles, typically used in shotguns but also available for some handguns.
Reload: The act of filling a firearm's magazine or cylinder with more ammunition.
It's common to hear a lot of different gun-related terms when you're shooting at an indoor or outdoor range. If you're not familiar with those terms, you may not have the best shooting experience, and you could inadvertently cause a safety issue.
Cease Fire: A command given, often shouted, to immediately stop shooting for safety reasons.
Down Range: The direction in which the firearms at the shooting line are pointed, typically where the targets are placed.
Firing Line: The line shooters stand behind when firing their weapons at a range.
Hot Range: A term used to indicate that live firing is taking place.
Cold Range: A term indicating no live firing is currently taking place, and it's safe to go down range.
Double Tap: Firing two shots in rapid succession.
Rapid Fire: Firing rounds in quick succession.
Grouping: The pattern of shot impacts from multiple rounds on a target. A tight grouping is closer together, showing good consistency.
Jam: A malfunction that prevents a firearm from firing, often due to a problem feeding ammunition.
Misfire: When a round of ammunition doesn't fire after the trigger is pulled.
Range Officer (RO): An individual tasked with enforcing safety rules and overseeing shooting activities at a range.
Squib Load: A malfunction where a fired bullet doesn't have enough force to exit the barrel, causing a dangerous blockage.
Zeroing: The process of adjusting a firearm's sights so the point of aim matches the point of impact at a specific distance.
Ricochet: A bullet or other projectile that bounces off a surface
Remember, these are simplified definitions to provide a brief understanding of the terms. It's important to do your own research to make sure you have a solid understanding.
]]>And if you carry concealed, it's even more important to understand common handgun malfunctions - your life may depend on knowing how to clear a problem in a split second.
Let's take a look at four of the most common types of pistol malfunctions, along with practical solutions to fix them.
A failure to feed happens when a round fails to properly enter the chamber of the pistol. This type of malfunction can happen for several reasons, like an improperly seated magazine, a damaged or worn-out magazine or mag spring, or a dirty chamber.
To troubleshoot a failure to feed:
Your choice of ammunition can also affect feeding reliability. Cheap or low-quality ammunition may have inconsistent dimensions, leading to failures to feed. Use only high-quality ammunition from reputable manufacturers to minimize this issue. If you're using reloads, check to see if you have any case bulges or areas where the bullet isn't seated properly.
A failure to eject happens when a spent case doesn't properly eject from the pistol after firing. This malfunction is often caused by a weak or damaged extractor, a dirty chamber, or an improper grip on the pistol.
Here's what you can do to address a failure to eject:
A double feed happens when two rounds are attempting to enter the chamber at the same time, which causes a jam. This type of malfunction is likely a combination of mechanical issues, magazine problems, or user error.
To resolve a double feed:
Stovepipes happen when a spent case gets stuck in an upright position instead of fully ejecting, making the spent case perpendicularly stick out of the chamber (it looks like a little stovepipe sticking out of the chamber).
Stovepipes can happen for a few reasons. One common cause is a malfunctioning or defective extractor or ejector. These components are responsible for gripping and ejecting spent cases. If there's an issue with one or the other, the result could be a stovepipe.
Another culprit can be what's known as "limp wristing." This is when you're not gripping your gun tight enough. When the pistol recoils, it needs a solid grip to cycle the slide properly. If your grip is weak or loose, it can lead to stovepipes.
Using reloads that are not powerful enough can also cause stovepipes. If your ammunition doesn't generate sufficient force to cycle the action fully, you may experience this type of issue.
To troubleshoot stovepipes:
If you've tried all of the above, but still have problems, it's time to seek professional assistance from a qualified gunsmith. They'll be able to diagnose any underlying mechanical issues that may be contributing to the problem and make the proper repairs or adjustments.
]]>You don’t have to compromise, you just need to make a few changes to the way you carry. Here are some adjustments you can make to stay more comfortable while still being prepared for whatever comes your way:
Many of the "standard" clothing options for carrying concealed, like jackets, sweaters, or vests, are just too hot to wear right now, so some adjustments to the way you dress can help. Wearing looser clothing and fabrics that breathe, like cotton or linen, can help you avoid printing while keeping cool.
If you are carrying inside your waistband, you can try wearing a moisture-wicking shirt as an undershirt. This can reduce discomfort by putting a layer between you and your holster, and the wicking fabric will assist in keeping you cool by pulling moisture away from your skin. Since sweat isn’t great for your firearm (or some holsters), it can also reduce the amount of moisture that comes in contact with your gun.
If you’re comfortable switching around your carry gun, choosing a smaller firearm like a subcompact can make carrying easier. These smaller guns are lighter and take up less space, giving you more options for where you can comfortably conceal them.
Smaller guns are also easier to conceal, which is important during the summer months when you may be wearing lighter clothes. The smaller size will be much more likely to fit under your clothing without being visible, so it’s something to consider if you want to keep your handgun out of sight.
If you find that inside-the-waistband carry is just too uncomfortable during the summer, it may be a good idea to explore carrying on a different part of your body. There are several types of holsters you can use to keep your gun close and well-concealed.
A Belly Band holster can give you a safe and secure option that works with many different types of clothing. You can wear it with shorts, leggings, skirts, or dresses and it will fit many different body types. It’s also not firearm specific, so in almost all cases, you don’t have to worry about purchasing a holster that doesn’t fit your gun.
Since belly bands can accommodate a wide range of firearms, you may not need to buy a bunch of different holsters if you carry more than one model of gun. They also often have extra pockets for carrying other important items, making them even more convenient.
Alternative holsters like concealed carry tank tops made with breathable fabrics can work well when it’s hot. They can also be worn when other types of holsters won’t work, like when you’re wearing a dress or skirt. Concealed carry shorts are another option, and can give you the flexibility of carrying inside or outside the thigh, or at the small of your back.
Carrying in a purse, waist pack, or backpack will give you the flexibility to wear just about any outfit of your choice. Even though carrying a firearm around your body isn't ideal, it can be an effective way to carry a gun discreetly.
Just remember, if you decide to carry off your body, there are some critical things you need to know, like making sure the concealed carry purse or bag you're using is specifically designed for carrying. Make sure to read our article on carrying concealed using a purse.
You can use these options during the other months of the year as well! With several of these holsters in your personal collection, you will always be able to carry a firearm regardless of the season, outfit, or style!
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