There are so many things to learn on the journey to becoming a full-time concealed carrier, and it can easily become overwhelming to the newcomer.
In addition to learning state and federal guidelines, there is the matter of finding and completing training (which truly never ends) and applying all you learn toward your everyday life.
Fortunately for women, the industry has grown to better accommodate the fairer sex, which dominates the fast-growing segment of new gun owners in the last 3-5 years.
There’s no shortage of information out there to help point you in the right direction but if you still find yourself a bit overwhelmed, here are five essential concealed-carry tips for women:
1. Your Gun Needs to Fit You AND Your Method of Concealed Carry
As much as I believe we’re past the “I’m buying my little lady a gun” days, I still feel it’s my duty to remind everyone that the most important tip for concealed carry is to make sure the gun fits your hand as well as the primary method of carry you plan to use.
I’ll be honest: when I bought my first handgun, the salesman was more interested in directing me to the sale they were running on the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9 mm than listening to me. Thankfully, the Shield is one heck of a great gun and not only fit my hand like a dream, but because of the sale, it also fit my pocketbook. Years later, I still carry it every day.
Think of your handgun like a great pair of shoes; you don’t need to fit the gun, the gun needs to fit you and how you carry it. If you can’t get into the range to shoot a gun before you buy it (which I highly recommend), you at least need to hold it and handle it to make sure it fits your hand and feels good in your grip.
Without a good grip, it doesn’t matter what you’re carrying, it’s no good to you. A good grip is essential, so make sure it fits you while keeping in mind that it needs to fit into your method(s) of concealed carry.
If you prefer a larger firearm, be prepared to tailor your holster and wardrobe to accommodate it. There is no “right answer” when it comes to which firearm to carry. It’s only right if you say it is.
