From the legal hoops to jump through to the stigma associated with it, it’s no surprise many people don’t understand the importance of concealed carry. But you do. When you and the people you care about are in danger, you want to be ready to defend them — no matter when or where.
However, the problem with concealed carry is that you’re trying to hide a gun in an outfit that was not designed to hide a gun. It makes walking, running, sitting, and even standing less comfortable. But while many people might think that’s just the tradeoff of carrying, there are a few things you can do to improve your concealed carry comfort.
In this article, we’re going to go into them. From concealed carry methods to the best carry position for sitting, let’s dive into some tips that help you carry your CCW comfortably.
No matter what clothes you wear or where you put your gun, the biggest limiting factor to the concealability of your firearm is the gun itself. The reason is pretty obvious: big guns are harder to hide than small guns.
If you want a gun you can easily conceal, don’t go with a big-bore .454 Casull revolver with a 4.5” barrel. All that bulk and long parts make it hard to fit someplace inconspicuous. The best guns for concealed carry comfort usually have a barrel length of 4” or less.
Size isn’t everything. In addition to being a concealable weapon, your CCW needs to be an effective one too.
The right CCW is a balance between size and performance. While a .22 Short pistol is easy to conceal, it’s very ineffective for personal protection. A 9mm Glock 19, on the other hand, was designed to be small without compromising on the firepower you expect from a full-size semi-auto handgun. You can slide it into a concealed holster without sacrificing your concealed carry comfort or personal protection.
No matter how many times you saw your dad do it, we do not recommend stuffing your handgun down the front of your pants. This concealed carry method is a disaster waiting to happen.
No matter the size, even a single-shot derringer, get a dedicated concealable holster. For the best concealed carry comfort, we recommend two types of holster:
Nowadays, there are two materials typically used for holsters: polymer blends (like Kydex) and leather. Polymer blends are inexpensive, but they’re also rigid. Their tough exterior can dig into your side. Leather, on the other hand, is flexible. Over time, the leather adjusts to the shape of both your body and your gun for a perfect fit. Leather holsters are easily the best for concealed carry comfort.
After choosing your holster, it’s time to implement concealed carry methods for comfort. If you’re holstering your gun at your waist, keep it at either a 3 or 9 o’clock angle. This keeps your firearm accessible without impeding your draw speed. It’s also the best carry position for sitting.
Don’t just be tactical with your firearm. Concealed carry comfort also relies on choosing your clothes carefully.
If you’re using an Inside the Waistband (IWB) holster or carrying your weapon underneath stiff clothes, you’re going to be uncomfortable all day. An IWB holster is best with a stretchy belt and a pair of jeans that are a size up. You should also wear a loose shirt like a T-shirt to easily conceal your gun without preventing you from quickly accessing it. Wear your shoulder holster over your undershirt while wearing a loose jacket that covers it.
The best way to guarantee concealed carry comfort is to not carry your gun on your person at all. If you regularly carry a bag or purse, you can just as easily carry your gun in there. With the growing popularity of tactical bags for civilians, there are hundreds of bags with a dedicated concealed carry pocket right behind your back. You can store your firearm in there for quick and discrete access.
We aren’t just here to help you learn concealed carry methods or find the best carry position for sitting. Sportsman’s Outdoor Superstore is proud to be a gun store that helps you get everything you need for concealed carry. Whether it’s a compact semi-auto handgun or firearm accessories that make EDC easier, we have it in stock and ready to ship nationwide. Plus, if you ever have questions about our products or concealed carry comfort, our customer support team is always here to help. Explore the guns for sale at Sportsman’s Outdoor Superstore and find what you need today.
Mike Thompson is an avid outdoorsman and firearms enthusiast. With years of experience in hunting and shooting sports, he offers insights on gear reviews, safety tips, and hunting strategies. When he's not writing, you'll find him exploring new trails or honing his marksmanship.
