5 Mistakes New Concealed Carriers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Concealed carry is a big responsibility and a crucial part of personal safety. However, for new concealed carriers, it’s easy to make some common mistakes, including several significant concealed carry mistakes that can hinder your comfort, safety, and effectiveness. If you’re just starting your concealed carry journey, it’s important to learn from others’ experiences and avoid these common concealed carry mistakes.

In this article, we’ll cover five mistakes that new concealed carriers often make—including several concealed carry mistakes—and most importantly, how to avoid them. Plus, we’ll highlight some accessories like the Cloudster Pillow, designed to improve your comfort as you develop your skills and confidence.

Many new concealed carriers often overlook the importance of understanding concealed carry mistakes, leading to unnecessary issues.

Common Concealed Carry Mistakes to Avoid

1. Choosing the Wrong Holster

Recognizing these concealed carry mistakes early on can greatly enhance your experience.

Mistake: Picking an uncomfortable or ill-fitting holster

One of the most common mistakes new concealed carriers make is choosing a holster that’s uncomfortable or poorly suited for their body type and carry style. A bad holster can cause discomfort, irritate your skin, and even interfere with your daily activities. Whether you’re carrying inside the waistband (IWB) or appendix carry (AIWB), the right holster is essential for a secure and comfortable concealed carry experience.

How to Avoid It:

Invest in a holster that fits both your firearm and body type. Make sure it securely holds your gun while offering easy access. Adjustability and comfort features are important for finding a holster that works for you. Also, consider accessories like the Cloudster Pillow holster wedge, which can significantly enhance comfort by reducing pressure points and helping your holster conform better to your body.

2. Ignoring Comfort for Extended Carry

Mistake: Discomfort during long periods of carry

Addressing common concealed carry mistakes related to comfort is vital for success.

Comfort is often overlooked by new carriers, especially when they’re focused on just carrying the gun. Wearing a firearm for hours a day can lead to discomfort if you don’t prioritize comfort alongside security. Whether it’s chafing, sweating, or pressure points, long-term discomfort is a common complaint among concealed carriers.

How to Avoid It:

Consider adding accessories like a Cloudster Pillow holster wedge to your setup. The adjustable shredded cooling gel memory foam of the Cloudster Pillow helps distribute weight evenly and reduces pressure on sensitive areas. Ensuring comfort can make you more likely to carry consistently, which is crucial for personal safety.

3. Not Training Enough with Your Concealed Carry Gear

Mistake: Skipping practice and familiarization

Some new concealed carriers get their permit, purchase their firearm, and assume they’re ready to carry—but they skip the crucial step of practice. Not training enough with your holster or firearm can create issues when you need to access your gun in a high-stress situation. Poor draw techniques and unfamiliarity with your gear can negatively impact your response time and safety.

Many concealed carry mistakes stem from a lack of training, making practice essential.

How to Avoid It:

Regularly practice drawing from your holster, using dry fire drills or trips to the range. Familiarize yourself with the draw stroke, reholstering, and adjusting your clothing while carrying. Practicing with your holster ensures you develop muscle memory, which makes drawing your weapon smooth and efficient when it counts.

4. Failing to Conceal Properly

Mistake: Carrying in a way that’s noticeable to others

When you’re carrying concealed, printing (the visible outline of your firearm through your clothing) is a common issue. If others can tell you’re carrying, it defeats the purpose of concealed carry. Many new carriers fail to adjust their clothing or carry methods, leading to printing that could reveal their firearm.

To avoid the concealed carry mistakes of printing, effective concealment strategies are crucial.

How to Avoid It:

Choose your clothing wisely. Looser-fitting garments or those with patterns can help mask the outline of your firearm. Adjusting the ride height and cant angle of your holster can also help minimize printing. For those carrying appendix, adding a Cloudster Pillow holster wedge can pull the firearm in closer to your body, improving concealment and comfort simultaneously.

5. Not Using the Right Belt for Concealed Carry

Mistake: Using a regular belt instead of a concealed carry belt

New concealed carriers often make the mistake of using a regular, everyday belt that can’t provide the necessary support for their firearm and holster. A regular belt lacks the rigidity to support the weight of your gun, and this can lead to sagging or shifting throughout the day, making concealed carry uncomfortable and unreliable.

Choosing the right equipment can prevent concealed carry mistakes that lead to discomfort.

How to Avoid It:

Invest in a dedicated concealed carry belt made from rigid, durable materials like reinforced leather or spring steel. These belts are designed to prevent sagging and maintain the stability of your holster throughout the day. A sturdy belt will keep your setup securely in place and improve your comfort, helping your holster stay exactly where you want it.

FAQs

1. What should I look for when choosing a concealed carry holster?

When choosing a concealed carry holster, prioritize comfort, fit, and retention. Ensure the holster securely holds your firearm while allowing for a smooth draw. Look for holsters that suit your carry position (IWB or appendix) and body type. Consider accessories like the Cloudster Pillow holster wedge to enhance comfort and concealment, especially for extended carry.

Awareness of concealed carry mistakes can guide you in selecting the right holster.

2. How can I improve comfort during long hours of concealed carry?

Comfort during concealed carry can be improved by selecting the right holster and adding comfort-enhancing accessories. Consider investing in a Cloudster Pillow, which uses adjustable shredded cooling gel memory foam to reduce pressure points and make carrying for long hours more comfortable.

Understanding the concealed carry mistakes that can arise from poor choices will improve your experience.

3. How often should I practice with my concealed carry gear?

It’s essential to practice regularly with your concealed carry gear to build muscle memory and ensure smooth draws. Incorporate dry fire drills, practice at the range, and familiarize yourself with drawing, reholstering, and adjusting your clothing while carrying. Regular practice ensures you can access your firearm quickly and efficiently when needed.

4. How can I avoid printing while carrying concealed?

To avoid printing, choose clothing that’s slightly looser or features patterns to help mask the outline of your firearm. Adjust your holster’s position, cant angle, and ride height to better suit your body type. Using accessories like the Cloudster Pillow holster wedge can help pull your firearm closer to your body, improving concealment and comfort.

Familiarizing yourself with common concealed carry mistakes can help in avoiding them.

5. Why is a good concealed carry belt important, and what should I look for?

A good concealed carry belt provides the necessary support to securely hold your firearm and holster. Look for belts made from durable materials like reinforced leather or spring steel. A strong, rigid belt prevents sagging and ensures your holster stays in place, providing both comfort and reliability for your carry setup.

Many new carriers face concealed carry mistakes due to a lack of knowledge about suitable gear.

Final Thoughts

Concealed carry is a lifestyle that requires comfort, responsibility, and proper training. By avoiding these five common mistakes—choosing the wrong holster, neglecting comfort, skipping training, failing to conceal properly, and using the wrong belt—you can significantly improve your concealed carry experience.

By understanding these concealed carry mistakes, you will significantly enhance your overall experience.

Don’t forget that comfort is key. Accessories like the Cloudster Pillow holster wedge can make all the difference by enhancing comfort, reducing pressure points, and improving concealment, especially for IWB and appendix carry users. If you’re serious about concealed carry, make sure you’re equipped with the right tools and take the time to practice regularly.

Make sure to be aware of the concealed carry mistakes that can lead to discomfort and issues.

By avoiding these common mistakes and investing in the right gear, you’ll be well on your way to carrying with confidence and ease every day.