Hot Weather CCW Tips (for Texans and others)

In warmer climates, those people who carry concealed are restricted to only a few methods of concealing their weapon. (If you're in Texas, for example, make sure you have your CHL before doing this. You will need to make sure you have taken a concealed carry class in Texas, so check it out.)

With higher temperatures come less clothing, which essentially means far fewer places to hide a gun. If you attempt to get away with a heavier set of clothing, you will not only be incredibly warm, sweaty and uncomfortable, but you'll raise suspicion - possibly identifying yourself as carrying concealed, which could be game over for you.

With fewer options, what is a person to do? You don't very well want to stop carrying just given that it's scorching. You will have to adjust.

There are a couple of methods of deep concealment for hot weather, but we'll save those for later. For now, the most standard thing you should do is to wear a long, baggy fitting shirt. This can be either a t-shirt or a button down shirt.

This is among the very best approaches if you carry outside-the-waistband (OWB), because you can still get away with it, provided that the top will not print and isn't too short. Just keep your shirt untucked, of course! As such, this won't work if you find yourself in a more professional setting.

If you need to tuck your shirt in, still ensure it is big and loose enough not to print, even if you tuck it in and are carrying inside-the-waistband (IWB). Normally, this is a great method to conceal your firearm, as the shirt will be a little loose around the belt-line, disguising any tiny piece of your gun that sticks above the band.

If you're sporting shorts, just ensure your belt and holster are really strong, because you will need to have a good anchor from which to extract your firearm if necessary. Shorts may be a little more floppy than jeans or business slacks, so take this into account.

There are other ways to carry concealed if it's hot.

For men, there are different methods like the holster shirt, a fitted undershirt with elastic openings below the arms to keep your gun close to you and accessible.

You can also try Smart Carry, which seems like an inside-the-waistband fanny pack. A little bit unnerving, to be sure. Many men won't be comfortable with a loaded gun pointing at their crotch.

Speaking of fanny pack, it may be a terrific way to carry concealed when it is warm. The same goes for a woman's handbag, although that is a lot more off-the-body, and is not as recommended.

For females, there are different methods of carrying inside the bra. Not only should this (usually) be ultra-concealed, but it is a great element of surprise when you need to draw your weapon.

Women can additionally use the thigh-holster when it is scorching, since it is quite easily obtainable and disguised when worn under a dress or skirt.

So, although you might not have as many choices to conceal your firearm in a warmer climate, it can still be done by following these basic tips. Just choose something which is totally concealed, easily obtainable, and comfortable. If you can easily encompass those several things, you'll have wonderful success carrying concealed, even when it get's warm.

Save Some Lives! Take a Concealed Carry Class

Though there are actually a couple of Unrestricted or Constitutional Carry states, most are Shall-Issue or May-Issue. One of the main similarities between these states when it involves concealed carry is that many need you to show competency with a handgun before you have your license.
The most basic way to prove your competency is to take a firearms training course. This could be a safety course, a training class, a shooting program, a military training class, or a law enforcement training course.

In many cases, you may be aiming to get your license as fast as possible. You want to get in and out of the training requirement as promptly as possible, with as little effort as possible. If you take this approach, you are putting yourself at major threat of doing something illegal or of being incompetent with your weapon at the time you need it most.

Contemplate why you are getting a concealed carry license to begin with.

You wish to carry concealed because it provides you a hand up if you or your family is threatened. If your life is in danger, you want that extra protection of knowing that you can use both your weapon and the element of surprise. You are very privileged to be able to have this advantage. Nevertheless, you can encounter extreme legal difficulties if you exercise your right inappropriately. Even worse, you could put your life at risk or your families lives at risk if you can not appropriately handle your weapon when the moment of need arrives.

Before you think about taking the basic, minimum requirement of training in your state, think about the consequences.

You might believe the extra hours to take an advanced or in depth class is too long. You may think the added cost connected with taking a lengthier or more hands on training program is not worth it.

Is the time actually too long when compared with the jail time you could face for carrying unlawfully? Is it truly too long when compared with death?

The extra cost associated is a financial investment in your life. It is not actually a burden. You will certainly be receiving excellent instruction that will make you extremely skilled with your firearm.

You should want to be the best you can be with your firearm. What good is it if you can not quickly remove it from it's holster? It is useless if you discharge an entire magazine and do not strike your attacker. That is a waste of time and money.

Take a moment to reflect on your need for a concealed carry class. You should recognize just how significant this responsibility is. You really should also understand that you owe it to yourself and others to be the downright greatest you can possibly be with your handgun.

Find out the laws of your state. Take the time to study them. Time and time again you hear stories of really good people getting charged just as a result of their ignorance. If your state forbids drinking while carrying concealed, but you think the law forbids being intoxicated, you can be in serious trouble. Know the laws, stay up to date on the laws, and have your instructor certify that you know those laws inside and out.

Understand how to safely and securely load and unload your handgun. You may be a terrific shot, but if you don't know how to load or unload your gun, just what use is it after those rounds are spent?

Get the additional practice in at the range. Everyone can use more time with their tools. Consider any sort of professional athlete. They get paid millions of dollars to play a sport that they love. They get paid that money because they are the best at what they do. Do you really believe that they become good at their sport and stop training, because they have met the minimum requirements? Of course not. Why wouldn't you apply the same logic to your concealed carry firearm? For the athlete, if they do not train, they get cut and stop earning the money. That's regrettable, but they'll cope. For you, if you do not train, you may be putting your life and your families lives in danger. Without the appropriate training, how is your weapon going to safeguard you from the threat of death?

Such consequences are just too severe to take firearm training lightly.

Take the additional few hours. Spend the added couple hundred dollars. You will save many hours and dollars down the road, and you may even save a life.

Find out the requirements and all the info for taking a concealed carry class in your state. Go above and beyond what is required. Become the best. Visit www.concealedcarryclass.net.

Concealed Carry Methods

So, just how do you hide your weapon?

Keep in mind: Allowing your weapon to be seen is called "brandishing", and depending on your area, is most likely unlawful. When you carry a concealed weapon, you must make certain you take all safety measures so that you can conveniently conceal your weapon without risking it being seen.

There are numerous means to carry a concealed weapon. Just how you conceal your weapon is up to you and will be based upon a number of aspects, such as clothing, temperature, work circumstance, simplicity of access, etc.

Conventional Belt Holster

Conventional Belt Holsters are among the most widely suggested methods of hiding your weapon.

Inside-the-pants holsters, external holsters, shoulder holsters and small of the back holsters are all suggested at different times.

Pros

Easy
Functional
Easily concealed under a jacket or loose piece of clothing
Ideal for a fast draw

Cons

Can not usually be used with a t-shirt or other tight fitting clothing because it will more easily print
Easily exposed if jacket or loose piece of clothing removed
Can be uncomfortable when sitting

Fanny Pack

There are large and small fanny packs particularly designed to hold a hidden gun. It is normal for concealed carry fanny packs to come with multiple compartments for additional magazines, flashlights, etc

Pros
Does not interfere in daily tasks
Completely independent of clothes (you do not have to use a jacket or loose piece of clothing to hide it)
Easy to use and remember, as it is connected to your person
Blend in with others who carry fanny packs for personal usage

Cons

Does not go with formal dress (suit, dress, etc.)
People carrying concealed weapons, educated civilians, or police officers could recognize your concealed carry fanny pack for just what it is

Day Pack/Back Pack

If you desire to carry and conceal a bigger weapon, or just wish the added storage space, a day pack or back pack is yet another choice to carry your concealed weapon.

Pros

Extra storage
Easy to carry
Very discreet

Cons

Poor access
Must take it off to sit down or carry out some tasks
Purse and Shoulder Bag/Briefcase

Women can easily carry concealed weapons in their purses, and every person can easily conceal a weapon in a shoulder bag or briefcase. Specific concealed carry models are offered.

Pros

Can be used with formal dress (suit, dress, etc.)
Discreet
Extra storage space

Cons

Target for crooks (purses especially)
Can be placed down and forgotten

Thigh Holster (Women)

When using a dress or skirt, women might opt for a thigh holster.

Pros

Very discreet
Can be used with formal dress

Cons

Must be aware of the height of your hem when sitting down so it does not ride up
Take care when sitting to keep legs securely together

Ankle Holster

For small concealed carry weapons, an ankle holster could be used, especially with boots.

Pros

Very discreet with boots or loose pants
Light and out of the way

Cons

Awkward access
Can not use with tight pants or short pants

Photographer's Vest

A really functional piece with lots of storage space, a photographer's vest can easily be worn for concealed carry.

Pros

Large, safe pockets
Lots of storage space
Lightweight

Cons

Does not go with formal dress (suit, dress, etc.)
People carrying concealed weapons, knowledgeable civilians, or police officers may recognize your concealed carry photographer's vest for exactly what it is

Holster Shirt

Holster your compact handgun in your shirt with a holster shirt.

Pros

Lightweight
Easy to wear
Very discreet

Cons

Poor access (must unbutton or open your top/outer shirt to access your firearm)

Pocket

If your weapon is small enough, you might be able to fit it inside of your pocket. It is easier to fit inside of a coat pocket, however you could also be able to use a cargo pant pocket or something comparable.

Pros

Easily obtainable
Can be discreet

Cons

If you are utilizing a jacket pocket, you can easily leave it behind
Can only fit relatively compact weapons in an average pocket
May be unbalanced unless you carry additional magazines in an additional pocket

Other/Unconventional

There are lots of other means to hide your weapon, however you should bear in mind that the leading goal is to keep your weapon out of sight and concealed. Below are some non-traditional concealed carry answers, mostly for really little weapons.

Change purse
Specialty add-ons (belt buckles, pocketbooks, holster grips)
Belt pouch
Hollowed out book
Paper bag
Cigarette case
Camera case
Package
Bra

Remember, you'll need to find out whether or not you need to take a concealed carry class or course before you get your license or permit. Check out www.concealedcarryclass.net in order to find out whether your state requires you to take these steps.