The number one rule when you have a concealed carry is to keep your handgun hidden. Try to avoid these rookie mistakes that can render the entire concept of “concealed” useless. (h/t to Survivopedia.com)

1. Wearing inappropriate clothing

This is one of the most common concealed carry mistakes people commit. Nobody should be aware that you are carrying a gun, no matter how much they look at you. Therefore, it is important to dress accordingly.

The main idea is to keep your gun undetectable. When picking out clothes for the day, avoid tight clothing.

2. Using inadequate holsters

The combination of a bulky holster and inappropriate clothing is a recipe for disaster. A holster should completely conceal your gun, and you should be able to smoothly and successfully draw your gun from the holster.

Finding the proper holster for your handgun can be tricky. It requires a good deal of research and trials before you find the one that best suits you. Therefore, buying a holster online is not recommended since you can’t test out the item until after it is delivered to you. Not every holster will fit properly with every handgun and body type.

3. Careless carriers

Carelessness often happens when the carrier is in a vulnerable position, such as when going to the toilet. A carrier may go to a public restroom and, once inside the stall, drop his pants and underwear and forget to pay attention to where his holster goes. Others do remember to remove the holster first before their pants, but completely forget about it as they leave the stall. This is a common pitfall that results in you losing your gear.

Always pay attention to where your gun ends up, no matter what you’re doing. Your gun should always be in its proper place in case you need it.

4. Walking like a string puppet

This is part of the reason why you should test out a holster first before buying one. The right holster will allow you to walk and move around normally while carrying a concealed firearm. Walking in an awkward manner will attract unwanted attention and may hint at something you’re concealing.

Before leaving the house, try bending and stretching to check for signs of printing on your clothes and other potential giveaways.

5. Showing what you’ve got

It is tempting to show off things you own or have recently purchased, but don’t forget that the point of concealed carry is to keep your weapon undetected at all times.

Use common sense when carrying a concealed firearm. You wouldn’t want to make yourself a target by flaunting your gear around. (Related: Gun safety 101: 3 Useful tips to draw attention away from a concealed firearm.)

6. Compensation

As mentioned, common sense is important when carrying a concealed firearm. Don’t get too excited about the latest accessories or the newest gear on the market as they may not be designed with concealed capabilities in mind.

Choose a firearm that is suited for your concealed carry needs. Bigger isn’t always better. This is especially the case with concealed carry.

7. Entering forbidden areas

While you should carry your self-defense firearm wherever you go, you should know which areas and locations have gun-free zones and try to stay away from those places as much as possible.

8. Ignoring certain shooting positions

Concealed carry requires a great deal of know-how and practice. You should also know how to use your handgun from different positions and in different scenarios. For instance, learning to shoot for the underhook hug will prevent your opponent from feeling and reaching the handgun attached to your waist.

Train regularly to improve your shooting skills. Try challenging and uncomfortable shooting positions so you will know how to react when the time comes.

Concealed carry is a huge responsibility that requires the carrier to make educated decisions based on individual needs and skills. It also requires a lot of common sense, a proper mindset and a certain carrying etiquette. Learn more about concealed carry at Guns.news.

Sources include:

Survivopedia.com

ConcealedNation.org