Weapons Concealment Made Simple

     You went to the class and learned all about the legality and ramifications of carrying a concealed pistol.  You probably had to demonstrate that you have some knowledge of a pistol by loading it, firing it, hitting the target and maybe clear a stoppage.  Then you went to the issuing authority IE Clerk of Court, Sherriff, or Police Dept. with your certificate of completion, filled out the appropriate paperwork and a few weeks later got your permit.

Now you got a shoulder holster and a tight fitting tee shirt and off you go your'e concealing!

     Here in Virginia.  The Commonwealth is a will issue State.  If you have the basic training and demonstrate so and with a clean background check you will get a concealed carry permit.  Or if you are a Veteran with an Honorable Discharge and and a clean Background check.  Just present your DD Form 214 Bada Bing Bada Boom here is your Concealed Carry Permit (CCP).

     While around town and different places here in Virginia I see many people that DO NOT KNOW the basics of concealing a weapon.  This just bothers me because in the need of that weapon you have just made yourself a target.  If someone is observing the area for no good.  It may persuade that person not to carry out a criminal act if they are in the planning stages and/or have some semblance of sanity.  But to some nut case that just decided to shoot up the local pizza hut you are probably target #1.  Today I would like to talk about a few of the considerations/ principles of concealing a hand gun.

 CONCEAL-ABILITY.

This consideration covers the weapon and clothing and has many sub considerations that go with it.
You can actually carry and conceal any weapon. Trench coats are great for shorty shotguns, MP-5K, some of the rifle pistols (As I call them scaled down AK and AR platforms.)  However during the summer months you are going to look stupid wearing a trench coat while it is 100 degrees, and your concealed weapon will no longer be concealed while you lay on the ground because you fainted from heat stroke and dehydration.  So with the clothing Environmental considerations do take effect.  Baggy and non-form fitting is the way to go in my book.

With the choice of clothes and weapons one has to look at patterning.  This is where the clothing item may cling or pattern around the weapon.  A perfect example of this is a double knit shirt like Polo or Izod.  If I am carrying I do not wear these types of shirts because they always cling around the pistol and look just like a pistol under a double knit shirt no matter how large I go.  The best advice I have is in warm weather wear an open button down shirt over a tee shirt that hangs down and winter wear a sports coat.

Weapon Size and the ability to hide the weapon is next.  As with clothing environmental considerations are important in choosing a weapon.  If you have the choice of a Glock 20 10mm or a Glock 30 sub compact in .45 on an extremely hot day where you will want to dress to stay cool then the 30 is the way to go.

ACCESSIBILTY

Placement of the weapon is very important.  When wearing I place my pistol on my hip using a belt holster, belly band, or an in the pants holster.  In the past I have used a shoulder holster with large frame automatics IE M-9, Sig 226, M-1911, but I really didn't like them because they were in an unnatural position.  Where as the pistol on my hip is right where my arms hang while walking, running or just standing.  I guess for a primary weapon a hip area holster is better and then having a secondary in an ankle holster or shoulder holster is acceptable.  Also there is the fanny pack holster.  These are good but thanks to Tommy Lee Jones in "The Fugitive" every one knows what is in the fanny pack now a days.  There are many options out there, Jackets, Vests, Under wear, and T-shirts what you have to choose is the right option to get the job done.  (A purse is good if you are a woman, but those Bro-sacs just don't do it for me.

COMFORT

Another point is comfort.  If your holster or the weapon is not comfortable while wearing it;  it will make you want to mess with it and get the weapon and holster into a comfortable position.  After a few times of doing this in a public place you will be noticed.

SUSTAINABILITY

Another consideration while concealing is extra ammo.  Personally I like having an extra mag.  If the need arises I got it.  This also comes from habit while performing force protection and body guard duties.  But on a serious note I hope that any law abiding citizen would NOT come into a situation here in the States where the need for more than 15 rounds is called for.  However just because of the way I think on both sides of the coin I would not discount it.



In conclusion here the best point for concealing a weapon is to think about what you are doing before you do it and keep it concealed!