With cold weather comes heavier layers of clothing, and for gun owners who practice concealed carry, that tends to make concealment a lot easier. And while it’s true that wearing sweatshirts and heavy jackets does make it easier to conceal your handgun—including full-size models—it’s also accurate that it has some downsides. We’re going to cover how to get the most out of winter concealed carry, what the downsides are, and how to avoid them (as much as possible).
Can you carry a handgun in freezing weather?
The issue of carrying in cold climates is sometimes tied to the question of how well a gun may or may not cycle. Generally speaking, your gun will cycle just fine, and any problems will be related to the lube or CLP you’re using. There have been cases of a few brands of lube and CLP thickening and causing guns to fail to cycle. That issue can be handled by checking the operating temperatures on the manufacturer’s packaging or website, and also by checking reviews. It’s also wise to test new lubes out in freezing weather before using them on your carry gun.
As for whether guns are fine in sub-zero temps, they typically function without issues. I’ve had guns with ice frosting the frames that continued to fire without issues. Of course, it’s always a good idea to practice with your carry gun in different weather conditions to ensure proper function.
How do you practice concealed carry in winter?
Concealed carry in cold weather means learning to work around layers. The upside to winter and heavier clothing is the ability to conceal handguns of various sizes. Printing becomes far less of an issue, and it’s often the one time of year most of us can easily carry a full-sized handgun. However, there are some downsides as well.
With more layers comes a slower draw stroke. In some cases, the type of clothing can hinder your drawstroke to the point it becomes awkward and impossible without unzipping or removing pieces of clothing. Carrying your handgun and being able to access it with relative speed should always be taken into consideration, and this is especially true in winter. Coveralls, snow suits, and heavy ski jackets can restrict movement so much that you won’t be able to get to your gun in time.
To be sure you can draw your gun if needed, take the time to practice. Lifting layers or unzipping to draw your handgun gets easier with practice.
What holster should you use for concealed carry in the winter?
You can often use the same holster during the winter that you would use for summer carry, though some systems might work better than others. Kydex and leather work just fine, regardless of the climate. As for where on your belt line to carry it, consistency is best with that as well. If you need to carry your gun in a different position, take time to train with the new setup.
Consider a deep concealment system like the Safariland IncogX. When combined with heavy winter clothing, this holster is one of many that offers comfortable carry and a reliable draw from an appendix position.
Does cold weather affect ammunition?
The question of how cold weather affects defensive ammunition is less about the temperature and more about heavy layers of clothing. Modern defensive rounds typically take that into account. For example, Hornady’s Critical Defense and Critical Duty loads have a polymer insert in the nose of the hollow point bullet that aids in expansion and helps the bullet not get clogged up with material. In the past, bullet design made it so heavy clothing could be quite a problem, but most manufacturers have worked to correct that. When choosing your self-defense ammo, be sure that it’s designed to penetrate barriers. That information is usually available on the manufacturer’s website.
How do gloves affect shooting a gun?
If you wear gloves in cold weather (as most of us do), spend some time at the range while wearing those gloves. Depending on the style, gloves can cause issues with your drawstroke or inhibit your ability to obtain a proper grip. There are warm designs for gloves that don’t affect your handgun use as much, and it’s well worth doing the research necessary to get some that work for you and train with them, keeping in mind that not all handguns have trigger guards that offer enough room for gloves.
Cold Weather Concealed Carry Tips
There are many positives to carrying in cold weather, but the downsides are real, too. You can successfully practice concealed carry in cold weather by putting thought into it and training while wearing heavy layers. If you can’t get to the range for live fire, you can set up a dry fire area at home to work on your drawstroke. It is wise to ensure you can access your handgun while wearing heavy layers. Never assume you’ll make it happen or have enough time. And remember, handgun skills are perishable, so you need to maintain them regularly.
