A Beginner’s Guide to Concealed Carry

Carry on.

Nearly nineteen million Americans have a concealed carry permit. A permit allows them to have a gun on their person without the gun being exposed. They conceal the gun under their clothing or in their pocket.

Concealed carry permits allow you to have a gun at all times. Yet even gun enthusiasts don’t know much about concealed carry.

Get a leg up on the experts right here. Here is a quick guide to concealed carry and guns for beginners.

Know Your Local Laws

Concealed carry is allowed on the federal level. But each state has its own set of laws.

Twenty-seven states require permits for concealed carry. You must have a gun license, then you must ask for a concealed carry permit. Most states issue to residents and non-residents, but seven restrict permits to residents.

A few states are “may-issue” laws. They require a permit, and local authorities determine if they should give a permit. You will need to show that you have “good cause” to carry a weapon.

A few states are Constitutional Carry states. Anyone who can legally carry a weapon can practice concealed carry without a permit. The remaining states are no-issue states, where citizens cannot practice concealed carry.

Most states regulate no-gun zones, like schools and churches. You cannot carry any gun there, even if you have a permit. Local laws change on a regular basis, so keep up with the news once you get your permit.

Gun Safety for Beginners

Gun safety is essential. You are responsible for your safety and the safety of those around you. Practice discretion and calm when carrying your gun.

Learn how to run, load, and clear your gun. Keep your gun unloaded when it is not in use. Treat your gun like it is loaded, pointing it in a safe direction.

Store your gun in a gun safe that only you know the combination for. Clean your gun for scratches, rust, and moisture. Do not allow any children to use your gun, even if you train them.

When you are carrying your gun, be aware of your surroundings. Remain calm, but stay focused. Do not initiate any conflict, and try to avoid dangerous environments.

You can only use your gun if you must act at the moment. Your use of force has to be proportional and reasonable. If your force is excessive, you will get into legal trouble.

The Best Guns for Beginners

The best guns for beginners are handguns, especially for concealed carry. Compact handguns like Sig Sauer’s P365 work well. Examine many options on this page.

You will also need a holster to secure and access your gun. Most people secure holsters to their waistband, but you can have a holster on your ankle. Test out a few holsters before buying one.

Buy ammunition that is appropriate for your gun. You want twelve inches of penetration, and the bullet should expand in diameter. Practice with multiple kinds of ammunition before purchasing.

Concealed Carry for Beginners

Concealed carry is growing increasingly popular in the United States. Learn about it and you can master guns for beginners.

Each state has its own laws, so you need to check regulations. Practice gun safety and control how you use your gun. Pick a compact handgun with a holster and ammunition.

Keep learning gun knowledge for beginners. Follow our coverage for more information.