If you’re going to carry a concealed firearm, there are certain things you really must have. Recently, I was asked to mention what I considered the essentials for a man going about town with a concealed firearm. I’m going to assume you already have a gun, of course, but if not then the discussion of what to look for is a whole other topic for another post.
Ladies, don’t worry. There will be a version coming up specifically tailored to your needs. While many of this will translate over for either sex, I’m not about to tell women how to carry concealed. There are unique challenges there that I don’t understand at this time.
But for the guys? I understand that better, what with being a man and all. So, without further ado, here are my concealed carry essentials presented in no particular order.
1. Legal Authorization To Carry Concealed
Yes, this is perhaps the most obvious one, but if I don’t put it here, someone will think I’m too stupid to realize this is a requirement. The joy of the internet.
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For most of us, this means a valid concealed carry permit. For others, you live in constitutional carry states and don’t need one. Either way, you need the legal authorization to go about in public while armed, meaning felons and other prohibited people are out of luck. Boo-freaking-hoo.
Each state has its own rules and requirements, and it’s far too varied for a single post to encompass. Check with your state to find out the requirements first. After you do that, get your permit, then continue on.
2. Low-Profile Holster
When I first started carrying, I wasn’t too worried about concealment. After all, Georgia law allows me to carry concealed or open with my permit, which meant my firearm occasionally “printing” or being visible wasn’t the end of the world. That was good because while the CZ-75B is a great gun in a lot of ways, it kind of sucks for concealed carry.
Back then, I liked leather for my carry needs because, well, it just felt right. Holsters were supposed to be leather, in my mind, so that’s what I used. My Galco didn’t do a half bad job of keeping the CZ close to my body and minimizing its bulk, but it was a pain to put on and take off, which often meant leaving my firearm behind.
Regardless of what you carry, you need a way to carry your firearm that will make it practically invisible to other people. That is the idea of concealed carry, after all. That means you need a slim holster that won’t show a bulge regardless of where you’re carrying.
My opinion on holster material has evolved over the years. While leather is still an awesome holster material, I’ve come to appreciate kydex. It’s thin, sturdy, and can be molded in ways that help aid in weapon retention.
Plus, if you’re like me and you want some personalization and flair in your setup, kydex holsters can be made with numerous images. Mine boasts the Gadsden Flag, but the options are pretty much limitless.
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Other options do include thin leather and hybrid systems that use kydex and leather to create something that’s supposed to be the best of both worlds. A lot of people try different holsters before they find the right setup for themselves. I recommend trying different positions with low-cost holsters, and once you find a place you like, then upgrade to higher end holsters, unless you know someone who has already spent the money and will let you try theirs, which is the best possible option.
3. Gun Belt
When I first started carrying, I just slipped my holster onto my Target special belt and thought I was good to go. I blamed the diagonal tilt of my beltline exclusively on the weight of the pistol and not my choice of belt.
Then I got an actual gun belt, and it was like the heavens opened up, and a choir of angels started singing.
OK, maybe not, but it was a drastic improvement. The belts are built far more sturdy than your mass produced belts and are meant to handle the weight of the weapon as well as anything else you feel the need to attach. They’re also just better-built belts, in my opinion.
Belts designed for use with firearms come in the normal leather colors of black and brown. Different makers use different buckles, so you can find something to fit just about every look out there.
Frankly, these are great even if you can’t conceal carry for whatever reason.
4. Spare Magazine/Ammo
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The average gunfight only lasts for about three rounds, according to at least one study. That’s good news, right? That means whatever you’re carrying in your gun is plenty.
Except, it’s not.
You see, there’s a funny thing about averages. While we can say the average gunfight lasts for three rounds and takes place at seven yards, you could easily find yourself in 100 gunfights in your life and never replicate those numbers. An average is that, an average. It doesn’t account for what the majority of anything is.
While some gunfights do last for just three rounds, others only require one shot. Still, others require a dozen shots or far more. Frankly, you don’t get much of a say in the matter. Unless you kill him, it’s up to him when he stops fighting. He starts the fight, but he also gets to end it. Lucky him, right?
Because you have no say in the matter, it’s best to have some extra ammo on hand. Further, make sure it’s concealed as well. No one is impressed by your spare magazine or speedloader on your belt with a concealed firearm. You’re still telling everyone you have a gun. You might as well open carry at that point.
Personally, I think an inside the waistband magazine pouch is the best option, but use whatever works best for your setup. Just make sure you have at least one more magazine. I’ve never heard any gunfight survivor say they wish they’d have left ammunition at home.
