Carrying concealed is a serious responsibility. Whether you’re new to it or have years of experience, even seasoned carriers can fall into bad habits. Mistakes with firearms can be costly, legally, physically, and ethically. Here are the most common concealed carry mistakes and how to avoid them.
Poor holster choice
Using a low-quality or poorly designed holster is one of the biggest concealed carry errors. A bad holster can lead to printing, discomfort, an insecure fit, or worse, an accidental discharge.
How to avoid it:
Use a holster that fully covers the trigger guard and offers good retention. Choose one designed for your specific firearm, not a generic one-size-fits-all pouch. Kydex, leather, and hybrid holsters are solid choices depending on your needs. Test your holster at home — sit, move, bend — to ensure it holds your firearm securely and comfortably. A holster that is too big and doesn’t properly fit a gun securely is a recipe for a bad situation. Holster can wear after a while, so monitoring them to ensure that they haven’t passed their prime is a good idea. If you have the means, you could rotate your holsters to extend their longevity.
Printing or poor concealment
Printing happens when the outline of your firearm shows through your clothing. It draws attention and defeats the purpose of concealed carry. In some locations, it can even lead to a confrontation or a call to law enforcement.
How to avoid it:
Wear clothes that provide enough coverage without being too tight. Choose a carry method and firearm size that fits your body. Practice drawing and moving in front of a mirror to see if anything is visible when you move or bend. Darker colors and layered clothing help reduce printing.
Inconsistent carry habits
If you only carry when it’s convenient, you’re not really prepared. Threats don’t give warnings. Bad guys don’t say walk up to you and say, “excuse me, would you mind if I do some bodily harm to you today?” If you’re going to carry, it needs to become part of your daily routine, not something you do occasionally.
How to avoid it:
Create a repeatable everyday carry setup and stick to it. Set up a routine like you do with your keys or wallet. Keeping your gear organized and easy to grab will help you stay consistent. In time, you may become so used to the way it feels to have your edc gun on your body, that when it’s not there, you may feel naked. Remember, a defensive tool you leave at home won’t help you in a crisis.
Lack of training
Just owning a gun isn’t enough. Without proper training, you’re relying on luck. Real-world defensive encounters are fast, stressful, and chaotic. Range shooting alone won’t prepare you for that. But it helps a lot with the basics and how to work through dealing with a potential jam.
How to avoid it:
Take professional training focused on defensive handgun use. Look for classes led by certified instructors through organizations like USCCA or NRA. Practice dry fire drills, reloads, and drawing from concealment regularly. Understand your local use of force laws and review them often.
Talking about carrying
Telling others you carry or showing your firearm defeats the purpose of concealment. We can’t stress this enough. It’s called concealed carry for a reason. Not kinda concealed carry or sometimes concealed carry. Disclosing you have a gun can make people uncomfortable and in some places may even get you asked to leave. Worst case, it could escalate a situation or invite theft.
How to avoid it:
Keep it private. Don’t announce or discuss your carry status in public. Avoid adjusting your holster or touching your firearm in a way that draws attention. Concealed means concealed, not just physically, but socially too.
Final thoughts
Concealed carry is more than owning a gun. It’s a mindset built on responsibility, discipline, and preparation. Avoiding these common mistakes will make you a more effective and confident carrier, help you stay safe, and legal.
Carry smart. Train often. Stay ready.