I started carrying a pistol concealed in 1983 and continue doing so to this day. For most of my adult life, it was all about being a cop, with the last 16 years as a lawfully armed concealed carry holder and trainer. Everything from a 4-inch full-sized revolver to some of the most compact pistols has been carried and properly concealed. During this time, it occurred to me that there is a legitimate science to CCW, and some “art” to the process.
The Art and Science of CCW
After four-plus decades, there have been some lessons learned. Likewise, teaching at Gunsite Academy for the last 10 years has provided a large sample of various methods. There is far more to it than getting a holster and throwing it on your belt or stuffing it in your pants or a pocket.
Concealed Means “You Can’t See It!”
This seems to be a no-brainer, but unfortunately, it is anything but. Depending on who you are and what you do, properly concealing your handgun is literally a matter of life and death. Having someone at the restaurant notice your hand cannon is problematic while working undercover. It may just get you killed.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Take the concealment process very seriously. Make sure your carry pistol is “well concealed.” Check it yourself, have a friend help, or at least check in the mirror. Be certain the holster holds it firmly while moving in the real world.
Cheap holsters often end up with your pistol careening on the floor or dropping behind your seat. Even worse, it provides a predator with a chance to snatch your gun. Use a high-quality belt and holster, designed for concealed carry. Period.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
It’s Not Just a Holster, It’s a Wardrobe
How well your EDC is concealed is largely determined by what you wear, what you carry, where you carry it, and the climate. Winter is a thing here. During cold months when jackets are a requirement, I can conceal my full-sized pistols with ease. Summertime is more about a T-shirt and shorts. So, the 6-inch, 44 Magnum revolver may not be the best choice. This is where the “art” part comes into play.
First, be honest about what you actually wear. It may require a simple AIWB, or IWB, or maybe even pocket carry, meaning what you carry may differ. Honesty about your body size and additional belly fat is critical, especially with Appendix Carry.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
As popular as they are, if your gut rolls your pistol out of your clothes, or even flaps over, it may not be the best choice. I have seen the fit and athletic conceal full-sized pistols and a spare magazine AIWB with a T-shirt. Add an oversized middle, and that becomes problematic.
If you are “checking” or “shifting” your EDC every five minutes, you are basically pointing to your pistol, telling predators, “IT’S RIGHT HERE!!” If you have only one pistol, or it’s issued, it’s time to get creative. However, this may limit you to what works, not what the latest “influencer” is selling.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Oversized shirts or T-shirts may be in order, as well as sweatshirts. You can use some of the “latest greatest” tacticool clothing if you can afford it. I head to department or discount stores, including your local “gently used” clothing stores, for deals that do the same thing without the huge price tag.
Bottom line: get creative.
CCW Science?
After nearly five decades of carrying concealed, the availability and level of improvement to holsters is pretty amazing. Rather than just wrapping your pistol in a chunk of leather or plastic (Kydex), manufacturers put a ton of thought into the process. Many are designed specifically for a particular kind of carry, with most designed to work with your specific pistol.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Materials account for how they may (or may not) print on your outer garment. Outer materials will lock IWB or AIWB holsters into your belt, preventing them from moving or rolling out. Companies are also mixing plastic and leather for comfortable carry in specific positions.
There really is a science to matching your chosen carry method, pistol, and concealment method for safe, comfortable, and proper concealment. Take the time to try things out and take advantage of the current market.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Gun manufacturers are also thinking about this with grip angles, materials, and certain shapes specifically designed for concealment. Even midsized guns use magazines that don’t print, with smooth edges that are not only more comfortable but don’t get hung up on your outer garment. Many provide interchangeable magazines, lower-capacity magazines that do not print, larger magazines for a pocket, and increased overall capacity.
Concealed carry has become increasingly popular, and many would add necessary. The industry, in general, has been working hard, with some success, to ensure a pistol/holster/wardrobe is available to fit anyone. There truly is some science to the process, and it seems to get better each year.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
CCW: The Bottom Line
Carrying a concealed pistol is not a decision to take lightly. It’s not an afterthought. In fact, it should be one of your first and most critical decisions. If you are going to carry a pistol concealed, then all the surrounding decisions should take that into account.
You still have to weigh concealment against firepower. This means you need to consider how you will conceal it from the beginning. Honestly, if you don’t, it may cause you to stop carrying, and that defeats the entire process.
Not everything is suitable for concealment—it may be better as a training or learning tool. Maybe your first pistol is larger to help you learn. We see it all the time at 250 pistol classes at Gunsite Academy. Students quickly move to a larger pistol (usually renting one) after day one. Sometimes, even prior to that, with their subcompact carry pistol.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
It’s another reason many manufacturers make the same gun in several sizes. Either way, the decisions are important and should be taken seriously. Carrying a pistol is far more than stuffing it in your belt, like they do in the movies.
Just because some ancient “trainer” talks about throwing their 1911 in their belt does not make it less stupid. Especially in this day and age. Get it right from the start, and it will save you a ton of work, maybe some money, and, more importantly, your life.
