Concealed Carry Corner: How To Choose A Carry Gun

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we looked at some of the obstacles of carrying in tricky situations. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I wanted to take a deeper look at the best way to size up a carry gun for yourself and some of the factors you should consider when looking at various carry guns. For new people, it can be overwhelming to look through the endless options and choose what’s right for them. Let’s take a closer look at how to choose a carry gun.

Understanding Your Needs and Environment 

One of the biggest mistakes most people make is to walk into their local gun store and purchase one of the first options the store clerk puts in front of them. There are a number of factors someone should look at before deciding on what kind of firearm they want to purchase. Location, climate, your typical attire and physical attributes to name a few.

Someone in southern Florida is going to be drastically different from someone in rural Montana who has to work about wildlife more than other people. Some larger-built individuals can carry full-size pistols with no problem while others with really thin builds will struggle to not print smaller guns. Understanding what can be comfortably concealed on your body, and what works for your lifestyle is one of the most important factors.

Concealability

One of the most important factors to consider in a concealed carry gun is how well you can conceal a handgun on your body. A gun that’s too large or bulky can sometimes be almost impossible to hide under your clothing, defeating the purpose of carrying concealed. Generally, smaller and lighter firearms are preferred for concealed carry. Now for some of us who are bigger-built humans, it becomes much easier to find carry guns to easily conceal. Sadly though, if you have a few extra pounds, carrying in positions like appendix carry up front may be tougher and uncomfortable if you have anything other than a flat stomach.

As a general rule though, it’s sometimes best to start by looking for compact or subcompact models. These are designed with concealability in mind, making them easier to carry without drawing attention from printing or having an outline of the gun visible. However, it’s important not to go too small; you need to find a balance between size and having the gun on your person every time you leave the house. A gun that’s too tiny might be uncomfortable to shoot for some or difficult to handle entirely for others.

Ergonomics

When it comes to choosing a carry gun, it’s not just concealability that matters. Although concealability is really important, other factors like overall grip size and contour, texture, bore axis and how the gun sits in your hand are extremely important to take into consideration as well. There are certain guns that I stay away from because they either give me hammer or slide bite due to their configuration but those problems only come from holding them at a gun store or renting a new model at one of the local ranges and trying them out before purchasing a new carry gun. One of my biggest tips for people is to find a local indoor range where you can rent a particular carry gun and shoot it before purchasing it. Indoor ranges may not have every model but typically if you call around you can find a range that carries the handgun you’re looking for in most cases.

Reliability and Price

When it comes to reliability, it’s always worth spending the extra little bit on a well-known trusted brand rather than a budget option with mixed reviews. This is one of the few items you may need to depend on to save your life and it’s important to not put a price cap on your safety. Having some sort of carry gun is better than nothing obviously, but if you have to wait just an extra month to be able to get something quality, it’s well worth it in the long run. Hitting the range to put 100-150 rounds through your gun is also important to give your new carry gun a proper shakedown rather than just pulling it out of the box and throwing it in a holster.

Your budget is another crucial factor. Depending on what model carry gun you decide to look at, they can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. For some, it’s tempting to go for the most affordable option, but it’s important to consider investing in a quality firearm from a reputable brand. It may take more time saving up or extra hours at work to cover the difference but it’s usually worth the extra cost. Consider the long-term value and reliability of the gun, which for most will be the one thing they rely on saving their life in a life-or-death situation. It’s important to look at all the factors of a new carry gun, rather than just the upfront cost.

Overall Thoughts 

Choosing your first concealed carry gun is a personal and important decision. Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to seek advice from experienced gun owners. By considering factors like comfort, concealability, reliability, and training, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect firearm for your needs. Remember, the goal is to choose a gun that you feel confident and comfortable carrying every day. If you have any questions about carry guns or firearms in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you next week for another edition of Concealed Carry Corner.