What is the best way to carry a concealed firearm? Is a question we all must deal with at some stage. We want the best method for our situation which can vary in many areas, gender, job, comfort, accessibility etc. You will need to try out different options when carrying a concealed firearm. The method you decide to use is going to depend on a number of factors such as those above, the type of gun and what your intentions are while carrying the firearm. We will review the different options available to find a suitable concealed carry method for you. These are the six most common techniques of concealment while carrying in public.
Pocket Carry
This has been the most frequently used option for concealed carry. It is a good choice if you spend most of your day in an office and are for the most part seated. It also makes sense for a person who is wearing a suit and does not want their firearm to be visible.
Pocket Carry Method
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Easy access: Convenient to reach and draw.
- ✔ Well concealed: Provides discreet carry option.
- ✔ Works with all trousers: Compatible with various clothing styles.
Cons
- ✘ Reduced firepower: Pocket-sized firearms typically have diminished capacity and power.
- ✘ Size limitation: Can only carry smaller firearms that fit in pockets.
- ✘ Drawing difficulty when seated: Often awkward to access while sitting.
- ✘ Maintenance needs: May require regular cleaning due to lint buildup.
- ✘ Shifting in larger pockets: Can make drawing more difficult.
- ✘ Limited pocket use: Prevents storing other items in the same pocket.
Appendix Carry
The firearm is positioned in front of the hip. A mostly new option that can take a bit of getting used to.
Appendix Carry Method
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Good concealment: If you are standing then this method gives good concealment.
- ✔ Works with tucked shirts: Will work with a tucked in shirt.
- ✔ Good for walking: Good method to use when walking.
- ✔ Suitable for larger firearms: Suitable for larger firearms.
- ✔ Faster draw times: Draw times can be faster that other methods.
- ✔ Accessible when seated: Firearm is easily accessible while in a seated position.
Cons
- ✘ Bending difficulty: Can be difficult to bend forward.
- ✘ Adjustment period: Takes some getting use to, not the best method for everyone.
Small of Back Carry
This is currently the most popular concealed carry option. The outcome is pretty much the same if you carry within or outside the waistband. However, some people may find that carrying within the waste band is annoying.
Small of Back Carry Method
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Well concealed: The firearm is well concealed and not noticeable from the front.
- ✔ Easy and natural draw: Drawing from this position is easy and natural.
- ✔ Simple to draw: It is easy to draw from this position.
- ✔ Comfortable for walking: Walking with this method is comfortable.
Cons
- ✘ Visible when bending: Can result in a noticeable bulge in your back when bending over.
- ✘ Difficult with tucked shirts: Drawing a firearm is difficult if your shirt is tucked in.
- ✘ Incompatible with backpacks: Would be challenging carrying a backpack.
- ✘ Vulnerable from behind: If you are seized from behind then drawing your firearm would be difficult.
- ✘ Uncomfortable when seated: It can be uncomfortable if you are in a seated position.
- ✘ Awkward in vehicles: Would be uncomfortable while sitting in a vehicle and awkward to draw.
- ✘ Slower holstering: Holstering a firearm would take longer.
Strong Side Hip
This is a position mostly used by the military and police. The firearm is attached to a belt on the strongest side of your body.
Strong Side Hip Carry Method
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Effortless draw: This position allows for an effortless and natural draw.
- ✔ Easy concealment: The firearm is easily covered by wearing a jacket.
- ✔ Unrestricted movement: Walking and running are unrestricted.
- ✔ Easy holstering: Much easier to holster a firearm.
- ✔ Comfortable seating: Free to sit down without any uncomfortableness.
- ✔ Greater control: Having the firearm near your elbow allows for greater control.
Cons
- ✘ Visible bulge: Very visible to most people that there is something on your waist.
- ✘ Seatbelt interference: Depending on what side you are carrying the firearm, car seat belts can cause discomfort and restrict your drawing.
Fanny Pack
If required a firearm can be carried in this position although it is not very common.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Similar to pocket carry: Has mostly the same benefits as pocket carry.
- ✔ Highly concealable: Very easy to conceal.
- ✔ Versatile clothing options: Can wear any type of clothing.
Cons
- ✘ Size limitation: Only suits a smaller firearm.
- ✘ Slower draw: Cannot make a quick draw due to the zipper and other possible items in the pack.
Ankle Carry
This technique was promoted by Hollywood but can be useful for some people, depending on the lifestyle and preference.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Excellent concealment: Excellent for concealing a firearm.
- ✔ Accessible when seated: Decent access to the firearm from the sitting position.
Cons
- ✘ Size limitation: This method will only work with smaller firearms.
- ✘ Potential discomfort: Can be uncomfortable for some people.
- ✘ Slower draw: You will need to bend down to draw the firearm resulting in a slower draw.