By Trey Fraker
We often get the question, “What is the best firearm for concealed carry?”. This question isn’t a simple one to answer for various reasons. I’m don’t think that there is a blanket “best” firearm for concealed carry. I do however believe that there is a “best” concealed carry firearm designed for each of us individually. There are lots of excellent firearms on the market but in truth we all have our personal preferences. It’s also important to try out different firearms to find one that fits your hand comfortably and that you can shoot accurately. Additionally, receiving proper training in firearm safety and proficiency is crucial for responsible concealed carry.
The “best” firearm for concealed carry and personal defense depends on various factors including your personal preferences, comfort level, body type, shooting experience, and local laws. I would add caliber, barrel length, shootability, and most importantly our comfort level with the gun we choose to trust our lives too. Like I said, there are lots of excellent firearms on the market. Some popular choices among concealed carriers include compact semi-automatic pistols like the Glock 19 and 43, Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, Sig Sauer P365, and Springfield Armory XD-S, Hellcat and Hellcat Pro…the list goes on.
The thing to remember is that carrying a concealed firearm comes with a great deal of responsibility. It’s essential to ensure you’re following all relevant laws and regulations in your area and that you’ve undergone proper training in firearm safety and usage. Additionally, selecting the right holster and clothing that allows for both comfort and effective concealment is crucial. Remember, the primary goal of carrying concealed is to be prepared for self-defense while also maintaining discretion and ensuring the safety of yourself and those around you.
With that being said, we could always adhere to a basic guide for all firearm use. Here is a list of 10 basic essential “rules” for us to learn and hone our skills.
Proficiently shooting a firearm requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and practice. Here’s a basic guide:
- Safety First: Always treat a firearm as if it’s loaded, even if you know it’s not. Follow all safety rules, including keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keeping your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot, and being aware of your target and what’s beyond it.
- Understanding Your Firearm: Learn about the specific firearm you’ll be shooting. Understand its parts, how it operates, and any safety features it has. Different firearms have different controls and functions, so familiarize yourself with them.
- Proper Grip: Hold the firearm firmly but not too tight. Your dominant hand should grip the handle with your index finger resting along the frame above the trigger guard. Your non-dominant hand should support the grip from underneath, with your thumb pointed forward.
- Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly bent knees. Your body should be slightly turned sideways to the target, with your dominant side facing forward.
- Sight Alignment: Align the front and rear sights of the firearm so that they form a straight line. The front sight should be centered in the rear sight notch, and the tops of the sights should be level.
- Breathing Control: Take a deep breath, let half of it out, and hold the remainder while you aim and shoot. This helps minimize movement and stabilize your aim.
- Trigger Control: Use the pad of your index finger to press the trigger smoothly and steadily straight back. Avoid jerking the trigger, which can throw off your aim.
- Follow-through: Maintain your sight picture and stance even after firing the shot. This helps ensure accuracy and allows you to quickly reacquire your target if necessary.
- Practice Regularly: Shooting accurately takes practice. Start with smaller caliber firearms and gradually work your way up as you gain proficiency. Practice different shooting positions and scenarios to become comfortable and confident with your firearm.
- Seek Professional Instruction: If possible, take a firearms safety and training course from a qualified instructor. They can provide personalized guidance, correct any mistakes in your technique, and help you improve your shooting skills more quickly and safely.
So the message is simple. Gun ownership is our right and you should absolutely be exercising that daily. Carrying a gun comes with great responsibility, though. Once you choose your preferred firearm, shoot it. Practice with it. Shoot it some more. Find a class in your area and learn the skills of drawing and accurately shooting your gun. Shoot it some more. Practice your draw and shoot it some more. Practice. Practice. Practice.