The Gun Check
I’ll give away a couple of my secrets. I like strong-side carry. I tend to carry on my right hip. When I do, I almost never forget my gun is there. In the summer, though, when I’m rocking a pocket holster, I get paranoid that my gun may fall out of my pocket.
With that paranoia eating at me, I tend to touch my pocket. It is a simple gesture, and mostly hidden, but I call it the gun-check. Anyone paying attention will know I’m checking something.
Get a good holster and learn how to trust it.
The Over-dressed
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve worn a long-sleeved shirt over a t-shirt in the middle of summer. Pocket carry works well enough, but sometimes I know I’m going somewhere dangerous and I want a bigger gun. To hide it, I over-compensate. Then I sweat like a fool.
It is better to tailor your wardrobe to meet your concealed-carry needs. Plaids are great at breaking up the shape of a gun underneath. Bowling shirts, short-sleeved button-ups meant to be worn un-tucked… there are options.
Every time you shop for clothes, think about concealed carry.
The One-and-Done
My father carried an old Iver Johnson in the 60s. He only ever had five shots, and I would suspect he felt like that was plenty. I prefer a polymer pistol with more than 5 rounds. Even so, I carry a spare magazine.
I’d bet dollars to doughnuts that 95% or more of the Americans who carry concealed do not carry a spare magazine. I didn’t when I started carrying. Then I trained obsessively and saw first hand how magazines fail.
Check out magazine holsters and pocket options. It is easy, and doesn’t have to be a burden.
