The final goal of this article is to discuss the pros and cons of clothing concealment options like jackets. However, such discussions are based on a much larger issue. With colder weather comes the ability to carry firearms well concealed in built-in compartments in a removable jacket. When discussing such methods of carrying, it is wise to consider the competing goals of readiness versus concealment first.

Pros and Cons of Jacket Concealed Carry

My close friend and fellow trainer is fond of saying, “Outside of safety, all firearm tactics are a compromise.”

Tactics, in this case, are just shorthand for our choices in how to prepare and the gear we use. When we take this concept apart, it is getting at the naturally antagonistic relationship between being ready for anything (readiness) and blending in with a comfortable and well-concealed weapon (concealment).

These two competing schools of thought can be seen in the thoughts and advice of many in the firearms community.

Competing Goals Readiness versus Concealment

Readiness

The first idea is that all gunfights are ‘unlimited’ (to take a phrase from competition shooting). This is the idea that you want to carry the best gun available with as many advantages as possible. Likewise, you want the highest capacity you can manage.

It is thinking of readiness for a potential deadly force encounter on a continuum. On one end, there is a person who is unarmed and ill-equipped to fight with or without a weapon. The spectrum proceeds through learning fighting skills and being armed with less lethal tools. Then, we move to small handguns, proceed through larger handguns (both rounds and capacity), and end at even larger firearms.

The end of this spectrum would likely be someone fully ‘kitted up’ with some form of semi-automatic rifle, 100s of rounds of ammunition, optics, armor, and night vision. It could also be further divided by training (from none to special forces level), gear (from none to a belt-fed battle rifle on a sling), and awareness (from oblivious to hyper-alert).

If the goal were being ready for anything, the readiest person would be at the far end of the spectrum. This person would be fully kitted up, with a rifle at the ready, very well trained, and hyper-alert.

The reality is we all are balancing the need to be ready with other competing goals. This can include our personal assessment of risks and real-world and legal issues of being fully prepared.

I live in a permitless, open-carry state. However, I could think of a few locations where if I showed up with a rifle, multiple magazines, and armor, I wouldn’t be seen favorably (even if I am not breaking any laws).

We are also balancing the next competing issue, concealment (and comfort).

Concealment

Another key concept is to be “the gray man.” This refers to the commonly repeated advice that you don’t want to stand out as the most dangerous person in the room.

When you are obviously armed or send other signals that you are a potential challenge, you’re telling bad guys that they need to eliminate you first. Pair this with the solid advice that avoiding or escaping confrontations is preferable to defending. You can see how trying to be on the far end of the readiness and concealment spectrums is not possible.

The concealment spectrum starts with someone that no one would expect to pose a threat. It continues through various levels of threat (including physical presence, body language, clothing, and actions). Finally, it ends with someone who is clearly well-armed and ready for anything.

Again, this spectrum can be further divided into how you look (from meek to young lion), how you dress (like everyone else to full military kit), how you act (avoiding eye contact with a fearful posture to hyper-alert and ready to explode into action) and how you are armed (from nothing obvious to a rifle at the ready).

Level of Concealment vs. Ease of Access

Looking specifically at how you are armed, the concealment spectrum ranges from unarmed, through small capacity/small rounds micro handguns, through subcompact, on to larger capacity full frame handguns, and continues up through heavy rifles.

In addition to what firearm you have available is the issue of how deeply and well concealed that weapon is. This is another example of an antagonistic relationship between the level of concealment and ease of access. The best-concealed weapons are usually smaller and harder to get at. However, the less concealed (rifle at low ready) are more readily available when needed but harder to conceal.

Finally, the comfort of concealment is an issue as well. I can carry a small subcompact well concealed all day while hardly noticing it. Conversely, I will definitely notice a day spent carrying an 8–9-pound rifle.

Balancing the Spectrums of Competing Needs

In the end, we all balance these various spectrums whether we think about it or not. I would suggest the goal is to do so systematically and with eyes wide open.

Personally, I try to balance the spectrums of readiness and concealability based on my perceived risks and day-to-day life. I have settled somewhere in the middle of almost all of the spectrums discussed.

I tend to carry a concealed full-sized handgun with at least one extra magazine. In addition, I tend to dress non-tactically outside of certain situations. But if you know what to look for, my body language and actions generally indicate I am alert and keeping track of my environment.

The result is that balancing these antagonistic goals will be different for every one of us.

Jackets and Built-in Clothing Concealment Options

I still remember a few decades ago when there were few options on the market for carrying. Today, there is an enormous number of options. This includes custom clothing from yoga pants and undershirts to jackets with the ability to conceal a handgun built in. The danger with concealment in a removable piece of clothing is that it may become concealed from us as well.

Many firearms caught and detained at airport security checks are stored in such removable gear. The story is often the same whether it is a purse, case, or jacket. The person was in a hurry, grabbed the item (forgetting there was a gun concealed inside), and then remembered it suddenly as the alarm was raised.

When we carry “on body,” it is a daily process of putting on and taking off the gun. However, when we carry in a manner that lends itself to leaving the gun in the clothing, we need to be even more vigilant about controlling the clothing or bag the gun is contained in.

That warning aside, many jackets are specifically designed to conceal and allow quick access to a handgun. Companies, including 5.11 Tactical, Rothco, Biker Zone, Cinch, Cripple Creek, Legendary Whitetails, and American Rebel, just to name a few, offer jackets with dedicated pockets for concealed carry.

Some of these products likely require the addition of a fitted holster. However, they all provide easy ways to carry concealed in colder climates.

The pros

An increase in concealment and potentially an increase in readiness as well. Many jackets also have locations to conceal extra magazines as well. Not to mention, it is often easier and more comfortable to conceal a larger gun in a jacket. Additionally, many products include quick Velcro tearaway panels, allowing for quick firearm presentations with practice.

The Cons

This includes the potential to forget that a gun is present in the jacket. I already mentioned issues with forgotten guns at security checkpoints. But I also know of at least two people who accidentally washed a firearm well concealed in a removable piece of clothing.

Also, depending on the product, presenting the firearm may be difficult or require additional training. Finally, some may be tempted to carry a firearm loose—without a holster that covers the trigger and retains the gun—when carrying via a jacket.

Final Thoughts

As with all gear and decisions, it is best if the individual makes the tradeoffs of concealment and readiness a conscious and knowledgeable act. When balancing the tradeoffs involved, remember to also assess your perceived risk and always err on the side of safety.

Carrying a gun in an unsafe way (open to potential accidental discharges or losing control of the gun) for a small increase in readiness is not generally a smart trade outside of extreme-risk situations.

Consider all the factors and make the right tactical choice for you.