EDC Tips

[CB3]

I think the wisdom of the combined experiences of our members could benefit old and new concealed carriers. For giggles, as we post, throw in the number of years you have carried concealed so we can get an approximate aggregate. I’ll bet it is in the very high hundreds.

So I’ll start. I have carried concealed almost every day for 28 years.

My first tip:

Cut the bottom button off your concealed cover shirts.

I wear covering shirts untucked. I have found having the bottom button undone makes for a cleaner, wider opening when moving the covering shirt to access my AIWB gun. That undone button doesn’t look right, perhaps even being a small signal that I may be carrying to those who might guess. The small button hole left behind is about invisible. Getting to your concealed handgun (or knife or whatever) cleanly and quickly is the first physical step to getting your gun on target and landing the first hit in a fight.

I almost never get tangled up with my shirt on the draw since I’ve done this. Try it with one shirt first and practice. If you keep the button you can sew it back on if it does not work for you.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Seven years of EDC, and remember the unnecessary concern at the beginning about my carry choice "printing". The public are generally oblivious to such things, and with the holstered giant cell phones so common, I really could have carried a full-frame unnoticed.

 

[Rustyt1953]

I have been pocket carrying for almost nine years.

Pro Tip: No skinny jeans.

 

[blues7]

Carrying daily or almost daily for 38 years.

Be the "gray man" (or "gray woman") and don't draw attention to yourself.

Know your firearm, know how to draw from concealment and how to put your rounds on target.

Have a less than lethal option...(pepper spray, impact device, etc). The gun isn't always the right first response.

Avoid confrontation if you can. If you can't, move to cover and / or concealment as soon as possible.

If you carry a semi-auto, carry a spare magazine in case of a magazine related failure. If you carry a revolver, a speed strip doesn't take up much pocket space.

Mentally prepare for the types of scenarios you're likely to encounter.

 

[MetalMan]

Going on 23 years for me....

Over the years, bowing to age and lifestyle changes, I've gradually transitioned my EDC from full-size 1911's down to steel-frame J's (mostly Model 60's).

My tip, FWIW - Practice, practice, practice with your EDC as if your life depends on it...it just might someday....

 

[Sevens]

13 years carrying mid-size double stacks and carrying them IWB.

I think it's a better approach to marry yourself to a quality handgun as opposed to the carry gun of the month club or changing due to seasons, but that's a minority opinion that I wouldn't waste the energy trying to argue. To that end, I've had two EDC's since I started carrying in 2008. Glock 29 for 7 years and Walther PPQ for the last 6 years.

A tip that isn't a controversial argument:

The sleeveless undershirt/t-shirt. These have lovingly been termed "wife beaters" and I'm certain that moniker is a now canceled, not at all PC term, but I didn't name them so whatever.

I never was the undershirt type my entire life until someone on a gun forum suggested them back when I started carrying and now these kinds of shirts are literally as important to my carry as a quality belt. The shirt takes the abuse so your skin doesn't have to and if you carry a blued/black handgun and a dark IWB holster and a dark undershirt, it all blends beautifully so even if your regular shirt rides up or blows up, your carry gun stays camouflaged.

 

[Rustyt1953]

I think it's a better approach to marry yourself to a quality handgun as opposed to the carry gun of the month club or changing due to seasons, but that's a minority opinion that I wouldn't waste the energy trying to argue.

Bingo! Eight years... same gun...same holster...same pocket.

My hand knows what it's reaching for ever time.

 

[sigp220.45]

38 years.

Don’t put your pistol on top of the toilet paper dispenser.

 

[Xfuzz]

49 years 1 month....

Don't hang your Glock on the coat hook
in the toilet stall.

 

[mikerjf]

Don’t put your loaded Glock in the original Factory box with the locater pin that goes thru the trigger guard. “Glock Box” is a thing...

 

[Old cop]

I may win the prize, been carrying since my 1968 rookie year w/the PD. The only advise I can offer is to make sure your EDC is totally hidden, always fly below the radar & shoot your EDC regularly.

 

[blues7]

Don’t put your loaded Glock in the original Factory box with the locater pin that goes thru the trigger guard. “Glock Box” is a thing...

I was present at the event that caused them to change the boxes.

The knucklehead who shot himself in the upper leg following a range qualification actually got a settlement from Glock for his inattention and stupidity.

He was lucky he missed the femoral artery.

 

[Jack Flash]

I was present at the event that caused them to change the boxes.

The knucklehead who shot himself in the upper leg following a range qualification actually got a settlement from Glock for his inattention and stupidity.

He was lucky his missed the femoral artery.

And any other body parts in the vicinity of the upper leg!

 

[swsig]

Clean your EDC regularly, even if you haven't shot it. It's amazing how much fuzz and other stuff can accumulate inside it.

 

[Fishinfool]

I've carried for 44 years now. Tips? Know your gun, keep you bugger hook off the trigger until your ready to shoot, once you settle on your carry holster, and trust it, don't keep checking it - That draws attention. A stiff belt helps prevent sagging. And for belt holster carry, an untucked shirt with a busy design (think Hawaiian shirt) really helps break up and hide any printing.

Larry

 

[MG34/bar]

Got my first CCW permit in Jan., 1966; just back from SE Asia and out of the Army. Been carrying ever since, including 23 years of full time LEO service (1970-1993). Best advice is to learn to stop worrying about other folks seeing your pistol; they don’t see much of anything anymore, as their attention is on their phones or something else entirely.

 

[fiasconva]

You're carrying a firearm that cost you at least $400.00 more or less. Spend some money and buy a quality holster and belt. Don't cheap out and buy something that won't last or really meet your needs.

 

[robertrwalsh]

Pretty much daily for not quite 50 years. Buy a decent holster and belt. Find a carry that works for you and go with it. Practice presenting from the holster with real street clothes like you normally wear. Practice with your EDC. Concealed means concealed.

 

[18robert]

53 yrs. stop and think before you jump in guns blazing !!

 

[Zarr]

Thirty plus years carrying every day. An earlier post mentioned sticking to one gun, instead of the "gun of the month club". I tend to change my carry gun seasonally. Living, working and playing in New England, I change depending on the weather. Shield .40 S&W or J frame in the summer, as my clothing is lighter (any potential target would be similarly dressed). I carry either a model 457 or 4013 in the winter, because I wear a heavy jacket/clothing (as any potential target would also wear, thus the larger caliber gun). Spring and fall allow me to carry pretty much anything. The best part, is having to shoot each gun regularly to ensure proficiency. However, for the past several years while in the office I have carried a Polish Radom P64 in 9mm Makarov, in my pocket. Small, easily concealed and to quote another member of the forum "bet your life reliable".

A rule I have regarding concealed carry: If I am out with or without my wife and more than two people know I am carrying, then I am doing it wrong.