Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we talked about perception versus reality when it comes to carrying a concealed firearm. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to check it out by clicking the link here. This week, I want to address a few questions I’ve gotten over the last few weeks since summer is coming. People have asked what are some tips to carry easier during the summer months and what kind of gear should they buy to help them out. While buying things can help somewhat, the bigger issue is people carrying too many items and trying to do too much with too little space. Let’s take a closer look at the top 3 tips to easily carry.
Concealed Carry Corner @ TFB:
- Concealed Carry Corner: Perception vs Reality
- Concealed Carry Corner: What’s Really Important About Size?
- Concealed Carry Corner: Must-Have Items For Summer Carry
- Concealed Carry Corner: When Things Completely Break
1. The Right Handgun
I would say 60%+ of your success with comfortably carrying your firearm all day in the hot summer months will be dependent on what firearm you choose. Whether it’s a full-size metal framed handgun, or a small micro polymer 9mm handgun, having the right gun you can shoot effectively is a big deal. For most, having something lightweight and small will be the best option. For me, it’s either a Glock 48 with a Shield Arms 15-round magazine or a SIG Sauer P365 XL. Weight is the number one enemy when it comes to carrying concealed.
If you can find a lightweight firearm to carry day in and day out, it’ll be much easier to go the whole day without feeling fatigued or discomfort in any way. One of the biggest mistakes I see is people trying to carry a large heavy framed firearm all day when it’s 90+ outside and it just doesn’t work. You need to have something that can comfortably be concealed under a t-shirt for the hot muggy summer days. The market has exploded with a number of options across all price points but anything like the Glock 43, 43X, or 48 along with the SIG P365 line is a fantastic choice for carrying comfortably all day.
2. A Secure Supportive Holster
The second biggest factor is what holster you have to carry it. Depending on your holster choice will be the difference between having a sturdy firearm that’s fixed in one position or a firearm that’s shifting and canting around. While there are a number of different choices from shoulder holsters, belly bands, pocket carry, and ankle carry, the most popular method across the board is inside-the-waistband carry. The vast majority of concealed carriers do in fact carry with some sort of IWB holster so that’s what we will focus on for this article.
When it comes to IWB holsters, the two main choices are a one or two-clip system. Each has its own benefits and it can really boil down to personal preference. One-clip systems are much simpler and lower profile than the longer two-clip systems. It is typically all Kydex with a single large clip or two small clips in the center of the holster. These are incredibly easy to slip on and off throughout the day and offer support especially when used in conjunction with something like a claw attachment. You will still get the same amount of support from a single clip as you would a longer two-clip system. Personally, I think the single large clip with a claw attachment works better than a hybrid holster style with two long clips but that’s my personal preference.
The biggest benefit of the two-clip hybrid holsters is the fact it distributes the weight over a wider area than just a single clip does. This weight distribution allows people to carry a slightly larger handgun without feeling like they have a boat anchor strapped to their hip. The Hybrid holsters oftentimes have a cowhide back to them instead of regular Kydex like a single clip system. In most cases, this proves to be more comfortable over a long period of time but if the weather is hot enough outside, it can lead to chaffing and discomfort on your skin.
Photo Courtesy of CrossBreed Holsters
Some people swear two-clip hybrid holsters are fantastic options for carrying concealed all day comfortably. This is where experimenting and trying out different styles of holsters really comes into play. It’s really important to try out different holsters, whether that’s borrowing one from a friend or trying it on without a firearm in the store just to get a general understanding of how tough it is to take on and off. Once you find which holster you prefer, it’s relatively easy to order concealed carry gear, but getting to the point where you can find comfortable holsters is one of the biggest battles you’ll face.
3. A Sturdy Belt
One of the most overlooked items that can affect carrying comfort is the quality of your carry belt. This can make or break your carrying experience depending on how sturdy your carry belt is and its overall thickness. Having a sturdy thick carry belt not only allows you to keep the gun in place the entire time, but it allows you to distribute the weight evenly without flexing or sagging from the weight of your firearm.
You can either go with a high-quality leather belt, or synthetic depending on what your personal preferences are. Personally, I will typically use a hybrid carry belt from Blue Alpha Belts. I’ve used the same belt for roughly 5 years with no issues or heavy wear. It has a QD belt clip with velcro so you can do fine adjustments based on your desired tightness and support. If you prefer leather, there are countless manufacturers that can either do factory lengths or custom belts depending on your budget and specifications. If you haven’t picked up a high-quality belt, it will significantly improve your carrying experience and overall comfort.
Overall Thoughts
People tend to overthink and carry as much as possible rather than the essentials they need to go throughout their day. Less truly is more if you have a lightweight capable carry gun along with a solid holster and sturdy carry belt. With those three things, you will improve the quality of your carrying experience. Let me know what you guys think about the key to carrying comfortably. Is it all about keeping the overall weight down while offering the most support possible? Let me know what you think in the comments below. If you have questions feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you next week for another edition of Concealed Carry Corner.
