National Carry AcademyDIFFERENT METHODS OF CARRYING
July 6, 2016
There are a lot of methods you can choose from when carrying or concealing your firearm, and before you decide on buying your gun, consider your most preferred carrying method first. For example, carriers with larger guns that can provide less recoil and more power may have limitations with carrying. They cannot carry the firearm in their body, and this can reduce their access to their guns. Listed below are some of the most common methods of carrying and the pictures as samples.
Shoulder Carry
With this method of carry, the firearm is resting between the ribcage and the upper arm. Loose, button up shirt or a jacket will provide more concealment for this method. If you use a jacket, you will not be able to take it off in case it gets warm. The ease of access for the gun depends on what cover garments you are wearing. Nevertheless, most carriers find this method as the most comfortable one. Semi-automatic pistols would benefit on shoulder carry than the revolvers because they are flat. Revolvers, on the other hand, are rounded.
Inside-the-Waistband
This is the most common method used by concealed carriers. It provides more access and concealment for the handgun. If you are using a small pistol, it would be very easy for you to keep it on an inside-the-waistband holster. You will also find it easy to draw the gun if you need it. The gun is held by the holster inside the waistband and only the grip of the gun is visible. Some prefer to wear them in front, while other want them at the back. It may cause discomfort whenever you are sitting, and you will need to wear pants that are at least one size larger than the normal pants you are using.
Ankle Carry
As the name implies, the gun is carried to your ankle in a holster. Loose jeans will provide better concealment for this method of carrying, but can also cause discomfort due to the additional weight you will need to carry on one of your ankles. This does not provide easy access as well, because you will need to lift your pants up and reach down just to get the handgun.
Pocket Carry
This is strongly recommended for men only, as they have big pockets on their pants. But woman who are wearing loose fitting jeans with big pockets may benefit from this. When you use this type of carrying, the muzzle and the trigger of the gun will be covered, therefore avoiding negligent discharges.
Purse Carry
With this type of carry, you can use a fanny pack, a purse, planner or other items that can hide your firearm. This is not a good method of carrying because the handgun is off-the-body so it can easily be seized by other people. But if it is impossible for you to carry the firearm in your body, you may consider this as an option, but make sure that you will use a fanny pack or a purse that is specifically designed for the handgun that you are using. Otherwise, your gun may discharge accidentally or it will be difficult to draw your handgun. Another disadvantage of this method is that, purse and fanny packs are expensive. However, this method can be very useful for those who have larger guns.
Bra Holster
This method is specifically for women. The gun is held on the flat area of the chest between the breasts. Because the breasts keep the shirt away from the body, the handgun is concealed underneath. However, not everyone can use this method. There are certain sizes and weight of guns that you can use with this type of carrying method.
DIFFERENT METHODS OF CARRYING
July 6, 2016
There are a lot of methods you can choose from when carrying or concealing your firearm, and before you decide on buying your gun, consider your most preferred carrying method first. For example, carriers with larger guns that can provide less recoil and more power may have limitations with carrying. They cannot carry the firearm in their body, and this can reduce their access to their guns. Listed below are some of the most common methods of carrying and the pictures as samples.
Shoulder Carry
With this method of carry, the firearm is resting between the ribcage and the upper arm. Loose, button up shirt or a jacket will provide more concealment for this method. If you use a jacket, you will not be able to take it off in case it gets warm. The ease of access for the gun depends on what cover garments you are wearing. Nevertheless, most carriers find this method as the most comfortable one. Semi-automatic pistols would benefit on shoulder carry than the revolvers because they are flat. Revolvers, on the other hand, are rounded.
Inside-the-Waistband
This is the most common method used by concealed carriers. It provides more access and concealment for the handgun. If you are using a small pistol, it would be very easy for you to keep it on an inside-the-waistband holster. You will also find it easy to draw the gun if you need it. The gun is held by the holster inside the waistband and only the grip of the gun is visible. Some prefer to wear them in front, while other want them at the back. It may cause discomfort whenever you are sitting, and you will need to wear pants that are at least one size larger than the normal pants you are using.
Ankle Carry
As the name implies, the gun is carried to your ankle in a holster. Loose jeans will provide better concealment for this method of carrying, but can also cause discomfort due to the additional weight you will need to carry on one of your ankles. This does not provide easy access as well, because you will need to lift your pants up and reach down just to get the handgun.
Pocket Carry
This is strongly recommended for men only, as they have big pockets on their pants. But woman who are wearing loose fitting jeans with big pockets may benefit from this. When you use this type of carrying, the muzzle and the trigger of the gun will be covered, therefore avoiding negligent discharges.
Purse Carry
With this type of carry, you can use a fanny pack, a purse, planner or other items that can hide your firearm. This is not a good method of carrying because the handgun is off-the-body so it can easily be seized by other people. But if it is impossible for you to carry the firearm in your body, you may consider this as an option, but make sure that you will use a fanny pack or a purse that is specifically designed for the handgun that you are using. Otherwise, your gun may discharge accidentally or it will be difficult to draw your handgun. Another disadvantage of this method is that, purse and fanny packs are expensive. However, this method can be very useful for those who have larger guns.
Bra Holster
This method is specifically for women. The gun is held on the flat area of the chest between the breasts. Because the breasts keep the shirt away from the body, the handgun is concealed underneath. However, not everyone can use this method. There are certain sizes and weight of guns that you can use with this type of carrying method.