10 Tips For Gun Safety: Dangerous Mistakes Made By First Time Concealed Carriers

So you just bought your first gun, you are a first-time gun owner who now has their concealed license to carry permit. Here are some tips and tricks to remain safe and protect others when carrying.

Under the second amendment to the United States of America, every citizen has the right to bear arms. Because of this you have gone out and picked out the perfect gun for you. Each state has their gun laws. Some are open carry states while others require a permit to conceal carry. After purchasing your weapon, you have taken the required classes and are close to obtaining your concealed weapons permit. It is an exciting thing for any first-time gun owner, because of being so new to guns there are a few things that everyone including experienced gun owners must remember.

New Gun Owners Make The Same Mistakes

There are a few things that we see a pattern with all new first time carries making. Most of these mistakes are avoidable and can prevent serious harm from occurring to the gun owner or someone around them. Let us help you avoid a tragedy from happening, by giving you a few tips that will make you more safe, responsible and educated about the concealed weapon you are carrying. 

1. Gun Holster: Never Purchase Without Testing Your Gun In It.

Gun Holster For You Gun (Photo By https://www.galcogunleather.com)

Most gun owners make this mistake at some point in their lives. This is especially common for first time carriers. Gun holsters are not cheap for a reason. They are there to hold your weapon and protect it but allow you easy access if you need to use it. By not testing it you can end up wasting a lot of money on a holster that may not fit your best for your gun. The other thing that could happen is an accidental discharge. This would be the worst case scenario, but it is dangerous for the first time carrier and everyone around them.

When purchasing a holster, the first thing you must remember is that it needs to be comfortable. The holster should fit your body appropriately and not be irritating or uncomfortable to wear. Firstly, we would recommend asking an experienced friend for help. Often guys who have been dealing with guns for years have the background knowledge that will help you get the exact holster you need. Maybe you do not have a close friend to ask, the next best thing we would recommend is to use the internet. The internet is filled with online reviews of actual people who have already purchased the type of gun that you have with all the accessories. Unfortunately, everyone is different. What is comfortable for one person may not be suitable for you. There are a few things that you should figure out before you seek help.

1) Where is the most comfortable position for carrying your gun?

 From a hip holster to a leg holster to a shoulder holster, figuring out what you want is a must for any first time carrier.

2) Determine the material of holster you want. 

The materials are often indicative of the price. You can find a leather holster that is handcrafted or one that is mass produced in China. Some holsters come waterproof, kevlar and Kydex holsters. There is a bunch of combination holsters out there as well.

After you have answered both of these questions then get out there and find the best holster available that will be the most comfortable. Our suggestion is to go to an actual gun store, tell them what gun you have and let then make a recommendation for you. While you are shopping in the store, try on the gun holsters and see what best fits you. If you are like me, then you buy everything online. Purchasing a holster online can be a challenge, always make sure you can return it. The one thing you do not want is an expensive holster that you can not use. All gun owners have made this mistake so as a first time carrier learn from an experienced gun owners mistakes and do not waste your hard earned money on a holster you may never use.

2. Fashion Doesn't Equate To Practical Use And Safety To Hold Your Gun.

A Fancy Gun Holster Is Not Always The Best

I am sure this is the last thing you wanted to hear. Sometimes the best gun belts are the plainest belts explicitly made for a gun. Most would think this only pertains to the ladies but there both men and women who buy belts for their looks. It is unfortunate that most learn this the hard way when their belt cannot support the gun or falls apart while in use. It does not matter if you are a man or woman, buy a belt that is made heavy duty and can support the weight of a gun.

The most practical type of belt that should be purchased is a tactical belt. This gun made belt is crafted to support the weight of a weapon to ensure a close fit next to your body at all times. This is also critical when you need to use it in an emergency. Knowing that it is close and tight increases your time to unholster a weapon. There is a common myth that you can use men's everyday belt for this. While yes you can surely use it, over time it will begin to sag, and the holster will start to fall away from your body. This will defeat the purpose of concealing your weapon because it is now exposed. Be smart what kind of belt you place this on, it is for your safety.

3. Cheap Holsters Designs That Leave The Trigger Exposed.

Cheap Chinese Holsters Can Be Dangerous 

We have already talked about the reasons you should test a holster before you buy it, but the next thing you must remember is the actual design of it. The best holster you can buy should be purchased for safety reasons and reliability to protect the weapon. A detrimental mistake that is often made is purchasing a holster for your gun that can be accidentally fired while in it. This can cause harm to the first time gun owner and others that are around you. The first thing to look for on a holster is if it fully covers the trigger area. I will not purchase a holster if the trigger area or trigger is exposed. You are asking for an accident to happen and would be devastated if it discharged and struck someone near you. As a first-time gun owner, you often have poor trigger control. This is something that is learned with time and practice. This poor control can often lead to accidental discharges of your pistol in the holster. By having a holster that protects and covers the trigger and trigger area, it should be more likely to prevent this from happening.  The orientation of the holster is essential. The gun should always be facing the ground. This may sound like an obvious thing because who in their right mind would place a loaded gun in a holster that could accidentally fire and kill the gun owner. The reason I bring this point up is a lot of first time carriers will look into a shoulder holsters because they look "cool." Most shoulder holsters point the gun away from you. This puts anyone directly behind you in harm's way if an accidental discharge were to occur.

My dad always told me as a child, " The first rule of a gun is never point it at someone or something that you do not intend to shoot." That should be true to everyone and is something that you should have learned in your concealed weapons permit class. It is because of the gun orientation of the holsters we do not recommend a shoulder holster for first time carriers. Keep it simple and have a holster that always points the gun to the ground as you are learning how to live life with a gun.

The last thing everyone must consider now days is the threat of someone grabbing your gun while at a store or an event and using it to harm others. It is because of this you should purchase a holster that has retention. Try buying a holster made exactly for your gun. This will keep it fitted to you better and deter theft or persons from grabbing it. Many holsters now days offer additional straps, but remember that when you need your weapon, you need it immediately and need no issues with getting it out of the holster. The difference between life and death could rely on this. 

4. Accessibility To Your Gun And Holster Is A Must.

Gun Accessibility In Imperative In Critical Situations (Photo By Daily Motion)

When you need to use your gun could come at any time or any place. It could be the only reason you survive a terrible situation where there are mass casualties. The reason you got your concealed weapons permit is to express your second amendment rights and protect yourself. So you have purchased your gun and holster, it better be accessible for times of emergency. What is the need to carry a gun strapped to your ankle? When you need it, it will be hard to access and will require precious time that could determine if you live or die. It is critical nowadays to always be thinking about what if scenarios. It is imperative to survival. Having a plan and easy access to a concealed weapon is vital. You should practice drawing your gun at home all the time. This will make it easier in a real-life scenario when you are nervous. Let instincts take over. The angle and degree of your holster when pulling your weapon should feel natural. If the angle results in unnatural draw strokes, the holster could be far forward or too far back. This will only slow your draw time down resulting in lousy access in a time of need.

5. If It Feels Unnatural, Then I'm Sure You Look Unnatural.

Just because you are a first time carrier, no one should ever know it. The weapon is concealed and should not be detectable to the people around you. In my experience with guns then a first time carrier has a gun holstered and it feels unnatural, their body language will exemplify that. They could walk awkwardly with it on their side. Another thing I have seen is the constant checking that it is still there. That gun is not going anywhere unless you draw it. The mental conception for reassurance is something that will go away with time as you carry the weapon more. The point of concealing is not to let others know.

One of the biggest tips we can give to first time carriers is to wear the weapon around the house before you venture out into the public. Get a feel for having the weapon on your side. See what it feels like to sit down and walk with the weapon present. This will give you peace of mind when in public and not tip others off that you a new gun owner.

6. Wearing Appropriate Yet Comfortable Clothes.

Wearing Comfortable Clothes Is A Must 

Many gun owners get worked up on what to wear when you are out in public. It is always a good idea to wear loose fitting clothing to help aid in concealing the weapon and for better access in a time of emergency. If you are wearing form-fitting clothing, this will be a giveaway that you have a gun when you are trying to conceal and makes it a pain to draw because of access from your clothing.  The next thing is to wear different colors than the pistol or holster. In the time of emergency, instincts will kick in but by having the same color on you could grab the weapon through your shirt and accidentally discharge or drop the gun when you needed it. When concealing a gun, it may require a little thought about what you will wear. It's for your comfort and safety. 

7. Repositioning Of The Gun In Public.

An unwritten rule of society is when a man repositions himself in public. This is something that is looked down on should happen in private. The same goes for your concealed weapon. The reason you decided to go to class to conceal is so you could be the only one that knows you are carrying. If your weapon or holster sags of come loose then find a privet area and reposition the weapon for your safety and comfort. 

8. Improper Holstering On Belt Or Carelessly  Securing A Gun Or Magazine.

As a gun owner, one of my biggest fears is dropping my gun in public. It could be from my tactical belt failing, the holster with the gun falling off, or the gun getting hit and falling from the holster. This is something that could damage the gun or result in a catastrophic event where an accidental discharge could occur and hurt someone. When placing the gun in your holster, always double check to make sure everything is secured. This is for your safety and the safety of others.

9. Be Smart With Your Gun; You Are Not Superman.

Carrying a weapon is not only a privilege because of the men who have lost their lives fighting for our freedom, but it is also a huge responsibility. This honor is something that is taken very seriously and should exemplify mature and responsible behavior from it. Because you are armed, it should give you a better sense of security, but does not mean you will be the savior in a situation where the gun is needed. You should take your gun to the range and practice your shooting to get comfortable using your weapon. Just because you now carry a gun you should not seek out opportunities to use it. Be a silent member of society. When your number is called to fill the duty of being a valued member of society,  know that any discharge of a weapon in a public place even if it's for good will result in hours and hours of questioning and lots and lots of paperwork. All we ask is you be smart about your weapon and others around you.

10. Know Your Federal and State Gun Laws.

Know Your State And Federal Gun Laws

Since you have gone through a class to obtain your concealed weapons permit, it is imperative to know your federal and state gun laws. This is for your protection and the protection of others. It is like driving, just because you pass the class to get your driver's license does not make you a safe driver. Knowing the road signs and safety road rules is imperative to make you a more safe driver. This is the same as having a concealed weapons permit. You passed the class now you can carry a gun, great! By taking some time to Learn the laws of your state, it will ensure better gun safety. Never assume anything about the rules and regulations. They can change from city to city and state to state. Save yourself from getting into a lot of trouble by doing a little bit of research.

One place that will help you find everything for federal laws is:

http://smartgunlaws.org/search-federal-gun-law/

To see state laws check out:

https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/

Always know when crossing into another state that its rules and regulations will be different and may not acknowledge your concealed carry permit. If you choose to carry when traveling, always look at that states you will be going through on the trip. Always look to see if your concealed weapons permit will be accepted or if that state you are in is an open carry state. These are things you must look up and find out. Always carry your concealed weapons permit with you when you have a gun on you. If police stop you, you will need to have this on you. As necessary as it sounds this can prevent you from facing criminal charges from law enforcement.

We are excited that you have started this epic journey with carrying a weapon. It is your God-given right, and many men have died to protect this right. We hope that a few of these tips will help you practice better gun safety as a first time carrier. Please leave any comments below with additional suggestions and safety concerns or email us at info@hfdepot.com.