The Ultimate Guide to Concealed Carry Positions: Choose the Best One for You!
Concealed carry is an important aspect of personal defense, and choosing the right position for your firearm can be crucial in a life-threatening situation. In this article, we will be discussing the different concealed carry positions, the factors to consider when choosing a position, the advantages and disadvantages of each position, and how to train and practice with your chosen position.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Concealed Carry Position
When choosing a concealed carry position, there are several factors to consider. Body type and size, clothing choices, comfort and accessibility, threat level and environment, and legal considerations are all important factors to keep in mind.
- Body type and size
- Clothing choices
- Comfort and accessibility
- Threat level and environment
- Legal considerations
Body type and size can affect the ease of concealment and the accessibility of your firearm. For example, a larger person may find it easier to conceal a firearm in the hip carry position, while a smaller person may prefer the ankle carry position.
Clothing choices also play a role in concealed carry. Tight or form-fitting clothing may make it more difficult to conceal a firearm, while looser clothing can make it easier. The type of clothing you wear can also determine which position is most comfortable for you.
Comfort and accessibility are important considerations when choosing a concealed carry position. You want to choose a position that is comfortable enough to wear for an extended period of time and provides easy access to your firearm when you need it.
Threat level and environment are also important factors to consider. If you live or work in a high-crime area, you may want to choose a position that allows for a quick and easy draw. If you spend a lot of time in a seated position, you may want to choose a position that is more comfortable while seated.
Legal considerations are also important when choosing a concealed carry position. Laws regarding concealed carry can vary by state, and some positions may be illegal in certain areas.
Common Concealed Carry Positions
There are several common concealed carry positions, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. These positions include appendix carry, hip carry, small back carry, shoulder carry, ankle carries, pocket carry, and bra carries.
Appendix carry is a popular position for many people, as it allows for easy access to the firearm while standing or seated. It is also a comfortable position for many people, especially those with a smaller body type. However, it can be more difficult to conceal with tighter clothing or in a seated position.
Hip carry is another popular position, as it is easy to access and conceal with many types of clothing. It can also be a comfortable position, especially for those with a larger body type. However, it can be more difficult to draw from when seated and can be less secure than in other positions.
Small back carry is a position that allows for easy access and can be comfortable while seated. However, it can be more difficult to conceal with tighter clothing and can be dangerous in the event of a fall or other impact.
Shoulder carry is a position that can be comfortable and easy to access, especially for those who spend a lot of time sitting or driving. However, it can be more difficult to conceal and may be less secure than other positions.
Ankle carry is a position that allows for easy concealment and can be comfortable while standing or walking. However, it can be more difficult to access and may not be ideal for those who spend a lot of time seated.
Pocket carry is a position that allows for easy concealment and can be comfortable while standing or walking. However, it can be more difficult to access and may not be ideal for larger firearms.
Bra carry is a position that allows for easy concealment and can be comfortable for some women. However, it can be difficult to access and may not be suitable for larger firearms.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Position:
Each concealed carry position has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to consider these when choosing a position. Appendix carry, for example, allows for easy access and can be comfortable, but can be difficult to conceal in certain situations. Hip carry is easy to access and conceal, but may be less secure than other positions. Small back carry is comfortable while seated, but can be dangerous in the event of a fall or other impact.
Here’s a table outlining the advantages and disadvantages of each concealed carry position:
| Concealed Carry Position | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Appendix Carry | Easy access, comfortable, good for all body types | Can be difficult to conceal, and may not be ideal for those with a larger body type or tighter clothing |
| Hip Carry | Easy to access, concealable with many types of clothing, comfortable for those with a larger body type | Can be less secure than other positions, and more difficult to draw from when seated |
| Small Back Carry | Comfortable while seated, easy to access | Can be dangerous in the event of a fall or other impact, more difficult to conceal with tighter clothing |
| Shoulder Carry | Comfortable, and easy to access for those who sit or drive for long periods | More difficult to conceal, may be less secure than other positions |
| Ankle Carry | Easy to conceal, comfortable while standing or walking | More difficult to access, and may not be ideal for those who sit for long periods |
| Pocket Carry | Easy to conceal, comfortable while standing or walking | More difficult to access, and may not be ideal for larger firearms |
| Bra Carry | Easy to conceal, comfortable for some women | More difficult to access, and may not be suitable for larger firearms |
How to Train and Practice with Your Chosen Position:
Once you have chosen a concealed carry position, it is important to train and practice with it regularly. Drawing and holstering techniques dry-fire practice, live-fire practice, and training with a professional instructor are all important aspects of training and practice.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to train and practice with your chosen concealed carry position:
- Start with Dry-Fire Drills: Before going to the range, practice drawing and aiming your firearm using dry-fire drills. This will help you get comfortable with your chosen position and ensure that you’re drawing safely and effectively.
- Practice at the Range: Once you feel comfortable with your dry-fire drills, head to the range to practice with live rounds. Start at a close range and focus on accuracy and control.
- Increase Distance and Speed: As you get more comfortable with your position, gradually increase the distance you’re shooting from and the speed at which you’re drawing and firing. Always prioritize safety and accuracy over speed.
- Practice from Different Positions: Try practicing your draw and aim from different positions, such as seated or standing, to ensure that you’re comfortable and effective in any situation.
- Use a Timer: Using a timer can help you measure your progress and improve your speed and accuracy. Start by timing yourself for simple draws and gradually increase the complexity of the drills.
- Incorporate Movement: In a real-life scenario, you may need to move while drawing and firing your firearm. Practice incorporating movement into your drills to ensure that you’re prepared for any situation.
- Seek Professional Training: Consider seeking professional training from a qualified instructor to improve your skills and ensure that you’re practicing safely and effectively.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about concealed carry positions:
What is the best concealed carry position?
There is no one “best” position – it really depends on your body type, clothing choices, and personal preferences. You’ll need to try out different positions to find the one that works best for you.
Is it legal to carry a concealed firearm?
This varies by state and country, so it’s important to research and follow the laws and regulations in your area.
Do I need a special type of holster for a specific position?
Yes, the type of holster you’ll need will depend on your chosen position. It’s important to invest in a high-quality, properly fitting holster that’s designed for your chosen position.
Can I carry a firearm in any position while driving?
This varies by state and country, so it’s important to research and follow the laws and regulations in your area.
Do I need to train differently for different concealed carry positions?
Yes, different positions may require different training and practice. It’s important to get comfortable with your chosen position and practice regularly to ensure that you’re prepared for any situation.
Can I carry a concealed firearm in any type of clothing?
This depends on the position and the type of firearm. It’s important to choose clothing that allows you to comfortably and effectively conceal your firearm in your chosen position.
What should I do if I’m not comfortable carrying a concealed firearm in my chosen position?
If you’re not comfortable with your chosen position, try out different positions until you find one that works for you. It’s important to be comfortable and confident with your chosen position to ensure that you’re prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Conclusion
Choosing the right concealed carry position can be a matter of life and death in a dangerous situation. By considering the factors of body type and size, clothing choices, comfort and accessibility, threat level and environment, and legal considerations, and understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each position, you can make an informed decision about which position is right for you. Regular training and practice with your chosen position will ensure that you are prepared to defend yourself in a dangerous situation.