Investing in a Concealed Carry Firearm: What to Expect?

When you decide to carry concealed, you are putting the safety and wellbeing of yourself and those you love first. With a concealed carry handgun, you are always prepared, no matter where you are, to defend yourself from an attacker. Of course, it’s not as easy as it seems in the movies. To be fully prepared to defend yourself, you’ll have to make some critical up-front investments first.

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Getting Your Concealed Carry License

The first step is to get  certified in your state or jurisdiction. Most states require a concealed carry permit to carry your weapon concealed, and this means some paperwork, a background check, fingerprinting, and a processing fee.

In some states, this also requires a four-hour class with live-fire training. Factor these steps into your budget and be prepared to wait up to six months to receive your license to carry, especially during presidential election years, when there is usually a backlog of applications.

Once you’re approved, check for reciprocity in the surrounding states. If your state does not have LTC reciprocity with states you travel to or through frequently, you may have to take a class, such as the Utah non-resident concealed carry permit class, that has reciprocity in 32 states. You may also have to take a class within a specific state, or fill out a separate application and follow extra requirements. Of course, there may also be more fees.

Even if you grew up around guns, take some training classes to ensure you understand how to concealed carry properly. These classes go over how a gun works, the advantages and disadvantages of different calibers, and choosing the best pistol to protect yourself in self- and home-defense scenarios.

This information can help you make a wise investment in a gun that meets all your needs, instead of buying a gun, an unscrupulous dealer may want to sell you.

Finally, plan to purchase a gun insurance policy. Look for a policy that covers the cost of your handgun if it is stolen from your home or damaged in a house fire or flood.

Gun owners would also be wise to purchase insurance that covers them if they are ever involved in a shooting. While some states and jurisdictions are sympathetic to self-defense shootings, others are not. If you are ever involved in a criminal or civil suit, having the defense expenses, bail bond, and an attorney retainer, along with up to $2 million in civil defense protection, is essential.

Gun Safes and Locks

Some states require your gun to be completely secured when it’s not in use. This may involve getting a gun safe or a trigger lock. Many gun manufacturers in these states offer a trigger lock with brand-new guns. Some dealers also offer them with used pistols.

While trigger locks are effective, they can also be problematic when you need to quickly reach your weapon. A gun safe with a digital keypad is one of the best solutions for keeping your gun nearby, secured, and ready to defend your home. Avoid safes with locks that need to be spun, because in self-defense scenarios, it’s far too easy to overspin, not match up the right numbers, or forget which direction to turn the knob.

You can also invest in a safe that opens with a key, but it’s also easy to lose or drop the keys if you are panicking. A digital keypad with a four- or five-number code is usually the fastest way to access your weapon when your adrenaline is running high.

Even if your state does not require gun safes, consider getting one anyway. If you have children in your home or visiting frequently, a safe can protect them and you from accidental discharge, and subsequent criminal charges and emotional suffering. If you don’t have children, you still want to keep your firearm out of anyone who may be in your home while you are on vacation or at work, or from a burglar.

Concealed Carry Handguns

Choosing a concealed carry handgun comes down to which pistol feels most natural in your hands. There are several calibers to consider, including 9mm, .40, .357, 10mm, and others.

In general, 9mm rounds are the most popular for concealed carry and self-defense. They’re pretty affordable and easy to find almost anywhere. This caliber is relied upon by law enforcement agencies worldwide. It’s dependable, and most importantly, the recoil is minimal, which means you can line up your next shot quickly and accurately.

The next decision to make is the size of your handgun. Semi-automatic pistols usually come in full-sized, compact, and subcompact frames. Compact and subcompact handguns are easier to conceal, even under form-fitting clothing. Full-size pistols are concealable, but they take more effort and baggier, longer clothing.

How to Get a Quality Concealed Carry Holster on a Budget

While you may spend a lot on the initial training, licenses, and gun safety requirements, you don’t have to break the bank on a holster and magazine carrier. At Incognito Concealment, we can help you find the best holster for your gun and your budget.

Not only are our Kydex holsters affordable, but they come with a lifetime warranty. This means that in the rare case that anything on your holster breaks, we’ll replace it or fix it for free. This is how much we believe in the integrity of the holsters we craft for your handgun. Your investment should only be protected by the best.

Incognito Concealment holsters come in 30 color schemes, right- or left-handed orientation, and  paddle, OWB, or IWB styles. We also have holsters with laser/light rail options. All our holsters come with adjustable retention and cant for optimal ride height and carry angle.

IWB and OWB holsters provide users with a secure way to keep their guns by their sides with a sturdy gun belt. Both these holster styles do not use belt clips; instead, you slide your 1.5” or 1.75” belt through the loops, ensuring that your holster does not dislodge throughout your busy day.

Paddles are a type of hybrid holster between IWB and OWB. The paddle sits securely on your gun, with the concave shape melding to your waist. The holster attaches to the paddle, and can quickly be removed or reattached.  Paddle holsters work well if you have to remove your gun several times during a work shift or while traveling.

Go to the Range

When you are drawing, aiming, and shooting, your handgun should feel like a natural extension of your arm. You can further develop this comfort level by heading to the range and spending a lot of time practicing.

Building muscle memory is essential for owning a gun because when you need to draw your firearm, adrenaline will be coursing through your body, and you may not feel very calm. Your muscles need to remember how to aim steady and shoot or you lose precious seconds.

It’s also important to see how  different clothing conceals or reveals your holster. In general, IWB holsters provide deep concealment. If you concealed carry with IWB holsters, you can usually wear tighter clothing, and you don’t have to worry about super long garments.

If you are wearing OWB or paddle holsters, you need to be a bit more cognizant of the attire you wear and how you move, especially if you’re trying to carry concealed. These belt holsters are more suited for open carry, but you can conceal them with some extra effort.

Practice sitting, standing, bending over, and kneeling while wearing your holster, and have a friend assess if it is observable by an outsider. Lift your arms above your head to ensure your garment is long enough to cover your holster’s bottom.

Wear your holster in multiple positions to find the spot on your waist where it is most comfortable. Try appendix carry, hip carry, and back carry. Decide if you want your holster on your dominant side or your weak side for cross-drawing.

Final Thoughts

Deciding to purchase and carry a firearm is an investment, but it is also an essential step in your safety and security. A good holster can keep your investment protected. Call Incognito Concealment today at (586) 333-4240 and find out how our holsters can help keep you and your firearm safe.