How To Conceal Carry Pistols And Revolvers

The recommendations here, for how to conceal carry pistols and revolvers effectively, follows experience since 2007, working with over 50 of the most common ccw handguns. That includes dozens of concealed carry holsters, and carry methods.

Those years of experience have included teaching people of all ages to handle, shoot, and carry firearms effectively and safely.

HOW TO CONCEAL CARRY CONTENTS:

But first ..........

Considerations For Carrying A Concealed Handgun

For Any Pistol Or Revolver

• Handguns recommended will be as diverse as necessary to best accommodate the widest range of shooting and concealed carry conditions. However, “preference” is not considered in this type evaluation. 
• Your level of initial experience will determine the extent to which the recommendations are conditional on practice.
  
• Practice is primary in getting acclimated to handling, operating, firing and carrying any handgun.  Until practice has been implemented and is ongoing, none of these come “naturally”. 
• “Comfort” is almost never perfected in concealed handgun carry. That doesn't mean you have to be miserable concealing a handgun on your body. But that shouldn't be your primary concern. It can be worked out after getting the gun you can best work and shoot.
• Handgun carry becomes more comfortable mentally, emotionally and physically as you gain experience.
•  If carried by prescribed methods in holsters/cases/pouches designed for concealed carry, your firearm is carried in the safest way possible. Endless analysis is not necessary. 

None of the above eliminates any possibility. It is to give you the basic considerations of conceal carry handgun ownership, operation, and carry.

My emphasis for your primary conceal carry guns will be based on firearms that allow a full, controllable grip, not on “pocket” guns. With these guns for self defense, the first consideration is your ability to access, grip and shoot controllably, not on comfort or convenient size. 

Calibers will be typical of the most commonly available ammo outside of any shortages due to unusual demand. 

“Compact” in handguns does not refer to very small or pocket pistols. Compact refers to guns that are slightly downsized from full duty sized. This allows the user full grip and control while the slightly smaller size allows more efficient concealed carry, and guns that fit a wide range of hand sizes. 

Now ........

The guns shown above, are typical of compact concealed carry pistols of this type. 

The G23 is a Gen. 3 model with no external safety. The Ruger SR9c is a 9mm with a flip up thumb safety. 

In most models in these calibers the 9mm and .40 frame sizes are the same. If one will fit a holster, so will the other in the same brand. They are shaped and rounded for concealed carry on body or off. 

They work, and work well for many kinds of concealed carry applications.

Along with the other models above, this gives a good representation of the seemingly countless models of this type handgun on the market. 

In general, they are easy to learn, made for concealed carry, and can be counted on in case you have to defend your life with them. 

Remember, you don't have to choose one of these. You can find multitudes that will work in other brands. 

CAUTION: Having said that, this guide is to give you direction so you don't have to search forever, before getting the concealed carry gun you need to work with and carry. If you want to get started, any of these models will serve you well.

Go to a gun shop. Feel them in your hand. Work the action. Pull the trigger (with a polite request first). Then get one that feels best to you. All of them will work well. 

NOTE: Many guns that have been around for a long time, have "generations" of the same firearm manufactured prior to the current ones. You can often find those earlier manufactured generations at steep discounts compared to the latest models. And that's even though the earlier guns often perform just as well as their newer descendants. 

CCW Holsters And Carry Methods For Striker Fired Handguns

The on-body method for carrying these will be much the same as with hammer fired models. These are not recommended for ready-to-fire concealed carry outside a holster in a vehicle because of the lack of a de-cocker.

Inside the waistband holsters would be the most secure and accessible method of concealed carry for this type gun. It is also one of the easiest if you dress to allow coverage. Simple casual clothes with un-tucked shirt will do it. It can also be worn in the waistband with a casual jacket.

Pros To Striker Fired Concealed Carry Handguns: 

Striker fired concealed carry guns provide fast, simple operation, accuracy, dependability. Shapes easy to carry and easy to access. In compact or full size, they are easily accessible, and allow for the best concealed carry and self defense weapon available. 

Cons To Striker Fired Handguns For Concealed Carry

They should never be stowed in ready to fire condition, outside a holster made for the gun. Moving the gun when arriving at locations where CC is prohibited, the gun's chamber should be cleared and the gun made safe. They should never be moved casually without this process. 

The device is either a standalone element or integrated with the safety. It works the same either way.  This puts the gun in first shot double action mode ready to fire, but safe to handle. The gun cannot fire until the trigger is fully pulled and the hammer dropped. 

There are many good variations of this type gun from a majority of manufacturers. These are some of the best known for quality and dependability. 

Conceal Carry Holsters and Methods For Hammer Fired Semi-Auto Pistols:

*Just as with the striker fired models, an inside the waistband holster carrying this type or any semi auto handgun should work well. It will require a good leather belt and shirt that falls naturally and loosely around your waist, or a jacket. Can be worn with slacks, jeans or shorts. 

*That said, these guns can be safely handled out of the holster, after being de-cocked. They can safely be carried under a car seat or in a center console. They make excellent home defense guns because they can be safely carried in the de-cocked position, yet ready to fire with a pull of the trigger.

*Particularly well suited for car carry as well as on person concealed carry. They are also excellent for locations that prohibit concealed carry even in CCW legal states. 

The de-cocker allows safely removing and otherwise handling your gun.

[It should be noted that these brands represent “types” of handguns for this evaluation. There are other good guns. However, these are some of the best known. Sig Sauer and Beretta are known to be pricey but with the advantage of a great reputation and plenty of after market accessories available.]

In considering how to conceal carry either type pistol, it is critical to learn the difference between the double action trigger pull, single action trigger pull, and how each is activated. It’s not complicated, but a “first step” in understanding these guns. The role of the de-cocker is integral in the safe handling and carry of these firearms.  The learning curve is not huge, just necessary.    

Pros to hammer fired guns with decockers: High degree of versatility. Ability to carry, handle, move, stow the gun safely in ready to fire condition. Ability to safely carry the gun outside a holster. 

Cons to hammer fired guns with decockers: The long, heavy first shot trigger pull from the decocked position. De-cocked is the only safe position to carry the gun in when ready to fire. 

NOTE: If owning more than one handgun is not an option, this may be a necessary choice for your #1 primary handgun. It allows both on-person concealed carry and safe vehicle or other carry with the de-cocker option. 

A guard built into the back of the holster protects your skin against rubbing from a coarse handgun grip and protects the gun from sweat.       

No holster will be perfect. One will be the “best” for you.

Alternate Methods Of On-Body Concealed Carry

For either striker or hammer fired semi auto handgun:

On a belt holster under a vest, coat, oversize shirt, or jacket. There's no need for further commentary on that one.

In a tactical undergarment such as a tactical t-shirt or elastic belly band holster. These are elastic and fit comfortably around you midsection under your shirt. They can be ordered for specific guns. While they are outside the ordinary, they are realistic and effective methods of concealed carry.

This is a typical waist level concealed carry band with two pockets for pistol or gear carry, and a back patch to protect your skin from aggressive grip texture. The material is sweat wicking, and while you have to pull these tight for them to be effective, they nonetheless remain very comfortable.

These can be worn as shown or inside the waistband of your pants (most recommended position).

Yes, I really use this equipment. These are simple, effective, comfortable, and inexpensive. Most important, they work for real world concealed carry. They can commonly be purchased at major retailers, dedicated gun shops and from countless businesses online. 

NOTE – For those with physical debilitation in arms, back and/or shoulders:

This type waistband holster is ideal for positioning firearms in areas and positions to suit many types of physical challenges in the arms and shoulders. The ability to put the gun in and slide the band around any position on your body is ideal to allow you the easiest, fastest, least painful access. 

CRITICAL: Any challenges with clothes or other factors should not be regarded above getting the best gun to grip, control and fire accurately. 

The holster is one that I used for 7 or 8 years, and the Ruger pistol is one that I carried often. She was able to capably carry many of the items I did, with just a few adjustments.

She started out demonstrating how the holster goes on, it's position, and how the gun sits in it.

NOTE: It should be understood that for all women, of any body type, size, shape, height; on body concealed carry methods can be used by them, just like men. It simply takes adjustments for everybody. 

The holster goes in the waistband with the belt hook looped over and hooking under the edge of the belt. The gun sits securely in the holster tight to your side/hip. 

But the question of how to conceal carry does not end with just function.

This is where comfort has to be acquired. It does not happen automatically. It takes some time practicing carrying this way to become physically and mentally comfortable with it. That said, it is one of the most secure methods of on body carry, while providing fast access. 

Once comfortable with the method, it becomes easier mentally and physically. When you gain confidence with this type holster, you can lie down and take a nap with it on, and hardly notice it. 

Keep in mind she could be doing this with multiple IWB holsters and waistband holsters mentioned here. 

Next she demonstrated from multiple angles what the gun and holster look like concealed.

The Ruger SR9c or a Smith and Wesson Military and Police compact models in .9mm or .40 S&W (same size gun, larger caliber) are guns that are sized and shaped in ways that will fit your hand, allow a strong grip, but are small enough to carry with some experimenting.

Specifically for on-body carry a striker fired gun of this size would likely be the best choice for your primary carry pistol whenever possible to carry this way. 

Virtually anybody of any size can carry a compact handgun in one of these holsters with some experimenting.

This is the holster that I confidently use to effectively carry all my handguns under various conditions. 

It’s not for every time I go out of the house. It’s not for every carry situation, particularly where your gun may have to be unholstered and reholstered multiple times daily based on limitations. 

But it would be advisable for anybody who is able to carry a hangun on body to have one or more of these type holsters available in your carry gear. 

These holsters stick and keep sticking, no matter what your activity is. They add no bulk to the gun for concealment. They are among the most comfortable holsters available, though that should not be your primary consideration. 

Check out my video on the Christian Gun Owner website to see details on how these holsters work.

How To Conceal Carry Small J Frame Revolvers

Carry methods:

• An inside the waistband holster carrying this type or any small revolver would work. 
• It would require a good leather belt and shirt that falls naturally and loosely around your waist. Can be worn with slacks, jeans or shorts.  There are also tuckable options, but the ability to tuck in the shirt varies with the build of the user. 

Interesting Holster Tip: For inside the waistband holsters for revolvers or semi autos, a user does not necessarily have to get a holster for their exact brand of gun. A similar one will often work for secure, safe and accessible carry. Checking with local gun shops is the best way to do this.

The Don Hume leather holster below was purchased for a Ruger SP101. It effectively carries that or the S&W Airweight, or the Taurus revolver shown. All slightly different sizes.

But tucked into the waistband with a belt, they fit securely and are easily accessed and drawn. 

That same holster will work for your Ruger LCR.  

That said, there are lots of other choices on the market for this type holster.

With the holster tucked into your waistband, a good belt wrapped around it all, it will stay in place with a variety of revolvers used in it.

Next is a method I consistently use to carry my small, revolvers. This can be with any kind of long leg pants including jeans, slacks, work pants, uniforms, or cargo jeans. 

Getting Used To Ankle Holsters: If you’ve never worn one don’t expect to take to it right away. Keep in mind this is to allow carry and access when there are not other ways to carry. 

At first, you feel like you’re carrying a baseball sized growth around on your ankle. The impression is that anybody and everybody can tell it’s there. They can’t. In four years wearing one with every kind of long pants known, nobody has detected my gun.

Just wear it, and keep wearing it.                                                                                           

Eventually you’ll be comfortable enough to take a nap with it on.  Following is some insight on how to use it best.

Below is my S&W  Airweight in my Fobus Ankle Holster. If you are right handed you will need the holster made for your left leg. The holster will sit on the inside of your ankle toward the opposite leg.  It should be noted that this is one of the most accessible positions when seated in your vehicle.

Jacquilyn helped me here again to demonstrate, with her fairly form fitting clothes, how she (you) can manage an ankle holster with a small handgun. 

The only down side to using an ankle holster is that it takes full socks. But it's well worth it to be able to go armed as often as possible. 

This provides maximum concealment and is comfortable, but allows easy access to the gun. 

Another advantage to using a revolver for this type carry is their versatility and ability to carry and move them around safely

Available in 9mm, 40 S&W, or .45 ACP, the S&W Shield line is the most popular concealed carry line of pistols in the U.S. at this writing. They can be used and substituted for any compact striker fired handgun in this evaluation. Practice will be necessary, though. Nothing comes easy. 

They can also be carried in an ankle holster. But in spite of their very compact size, most people will achieve a full grip with any caliber of the pistol. 

They are carried in all the calibers by most firearms dealers who carry handguns. 

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Final Word On How To Concealed Carry Guns and Methods

This concealed carry evaluation contains recommendations for several types of guns which combined as a cc collection will allow you to go armed as close to 100% of the time as possible.

However, the article assumes first you will only be acquiring one. 

That is the focus of the recommendations that emphasize simplicity for the lowest learning curve, while still providing proven, dependable self defense weapons. Weapons you can learn to handle, work, and shoot most efficiently.

The carry methods are not space-aged, hyped up products that will do nothing to improve your experience, but proven methods and products that will work now, and permanently going forward.

If you should decide to acquire more than one gun, it is advised that you get one at a time. Learn to handle, work, carry, and shoot it confidently before moving on to another one.

At this point I don't abandon anybody. If you need to communicate with me about your cc methods going forward you can contact me through this form I'll be happy to continue to answer questions and help any way I can until you have your cc weapons, gear, and methods settled.

~Mark Rogers

How To Conceal Carry Disclaimers:

• The article does not guarantee any specific firearm or carry item. The items mentioned, pictured, and recommended are those familiar to, and used by the author (Mark Rogers) and others acquainted with him.
  
• Safety should be the reader’s first consideration in choosing any firearm, or carry gear and method. 
• In spite of the instruction in this guide, any reader trying any gun or other item from it is responsible for their own, and others’ safety. 
• Mark Rogers/Christian Gun Owner is not responsible for any action, damage, injury, or death due to anyone’s use of a firearm, related to reading this article. 
• For anyone inexperienced with handguns, further personal, expert help should be acquired beyond the scope of this article. 

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