Choosing a Concealed Carry Gun
Small in stature. Big in performance. Concealed carry weapons are a must for anyone that’s serious about self-protection — it’s one of the main reasons people purchase firearms. But with an ever-growing market and hundreds of options, it may seem impossible picking the “right” CCW. That’s why we’ve compiled a concealed-carry guideline to help you find your next new firearm.
Whether you’re new to the concealed carry world or just looking for a new piece, here’s what to look for in a concealed carry gun.
Revolver or Pistol?
An easy way to start your firearm-buying process is to choose between carrying a revolver or a pistol. Ask yourself these questions. Are you a better shot with one over the other? What feels the most comfortable in your hand? Here are some other things to consider:
- Size: While some cylinders are concealable, a lot of semi-automatic pistols are thinner and more compact than a revolver. Ask yourself how small or big you want to carry. Depending where you carry (shoulder, thigh, waist etc.) will determine how big you can carry without printing. Size is all about comfort and concealability — keep that in mind.
- Reliability: If you’re going to carry, you’ll need to put a lot of trust in your weapon. That’s why a number of people prefer a fewer number of moving parts in their gun. Fewer moving parts decreases the chance of malfunction. Cleaning and regular maintenance are also essential to carrying.
- Capacity: Generally speaking, it’s always a good thing to be able to carry more bullets. That being said, it’s impossible to know what will happen in every defense situation. Capacity comes down to preference and comfort. If you want to easily increase your capacity, carry a spare magazine.
- Features: The design, versatility and popularity of the 1911 platform make it an excellent gun to wear on your hip. Some of the features of a prime concealed carry weapon include: comfortable grips, a narrow frame, a snag-free body and a combat trigger.
Do you want to go lighter and smaller with less capacity? Or do you want extra rounds with a harder to conceal firearm? You’ll have to weigh your options when it comes to size, reliability and capacity before choosing what type of CCW you’ll carry.
Choosing Your Caliber
All firearms are extremely powerful, and yet, some are more powerful than others. The determining factor is usually the firearm’s caliber. Having just the right amount of power is imperative — overpenetration is a real problem that ought to be mentioned.
Your caliber is going to greatly affect the recoil of your shot. Before making a decision, you’ll want to spend time firing multiple calibers. See what works and what doesn’t. Some shooters have a preference between calibers, so we’re discussing three calibers today:
It’s an easy round to shoot, control and conceal. The 45ACP is a very handy self-defense round. With large stopping power and manageable recoil, 45ACP is regarded as a top self-defense round.
9MM is the go-to caliber for many shooters. At this point, it’s the most popular caliber in the world. Round for round, 9MM is going to be cheaper and relatively more available than 45ACP. If you’re used to 9MM, this convenient round may be your best bet.
If you decide to go with a revolver, .38 caliber is an easy choice. This caliber may be a little slower moving, but it makes up for it with more mass and a big punch. A 38 special revolver is very reliable and easy to use.
Firearm Training
While your firearm’s make, model, type and caliber are important… there’s nothing more important than safe firearm training. And once you have those figured out, it’s time to hit the range and practice, practice, practice. How’s your shooting technique? How smooth is your draw? How fast is your reload time? How’s your short distance accuracy?
Carrying allows you to gain a whole new level of self-sufficiency. In a moment’s notice, any situation can go from hunky-dory to disastrous. In those dangerous situations, time is everything. That’s why carrying is such a useful way to use your firearm. Now that you know that concealed carry is for you, it’s time to put it all together.
Find these features in our combat-ready firearms.
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