Avoiding the Top 10 Concealed Carry Mistakes

Every year, thousands of Americans obtain their concealed carry permits, but getting that permit is just the beginning. We've worked with carriers at every experience level and identified the ten most critical mistakes that can compromise both firearm safety and effectiveness.

 

1. Choosing the Wrong Holster

The most fundamental mistake new carriers make is selecting a holster based on price alone or grabbing whatever's available at the local sporting goods store. A quality holster is your most important investment after the firearm itself.

Signs of a poor holster choice:

• Inadequate retention that allows shifting or falling
• Incomplete trigger coverage, which creates safety hazards
• Uncomfortable design that discourages daily carry
• Incompatibility with lights (If applicable)

The ideal concealed carry holster provides security, comfort, and concealment. For IWB carry, prioritize full trigger guard coverage, adjustable retention, and quality materials like 0.080" or thicker Kydex. Holsters with adjustable cant and ride height typically receive higher satisfaction ratings.

Looking for the best IWB for concealed carry? Read our in-depth blog here.

 

2. Inadequate Training and Practice

Many carriers complete their required course and never practice again. This is dangerous and irresponsible, as defensive skills deteriorate quickly without maintenance.

Essential training components:

• Draw stroke practice from concealment
• Malfunction clearing drills
• Low-light shooting techniques
• Scenario-based decision making
• Trigger control
• Sight alignment and target acquisition

A practical schedule includes dry-fire practice at home, regular live-fire sessions, and periodic professional training. The key is consistency. Skills you don't practice will fail when you need them most.

 

3. Poor Concealment Techniques

Printing defeats the entire purpose of concealed carry. When your firearm's outline shows through clothing, you're no longer concealed; you're just poorly hidden.

Common causes typically include: 

1. Wearing tight clothing
2. Improper holster positioning
3. Selecting firearms that are too large for your body type 

Instead, you’ll want to choose appropriate clothing (one size larger works well), positioning your holster at the optimal cant angle, and using a quality gun belt that won't sag.

Body type considerations:

• Larger builds benefit from specialized designs like our DadBod Appendix Rig
• Athletic builds typically succeed with standard IWB Appendix carry
• Smaller frames should consider compact firearms with appropriate holsters

 

4. Ignoring Local Laws

Concealed carry laws vary dramatically between states, and ignorance isn't a valid legal defense. Every individual must understand their local regulations and reciprocity agreements.

Critical legal knowledge includes:

• Which states honor your permit
• Prohibited locations (schools, federal buildings, posted businesses)
• Duty to inform law enforcement
• Use of force laws in your jurisdiction
• Vehicle and home storage requirements

Laws change frequently. Stay informed through state attorney general websites and local firearms training organizations. Consider consulting a qualified firearms attorney for specific questions.

 

5. Using a Cheap Belt

Your belt is as essential as your holster. A flimsy leather belt designed to hold up pants won't support the weight of a firearm properly.

A proper gun belt keeps your firearm from sagging, twisting, or shifting throughout the day. It maintains consistent positioning for reliable draws and prevents printing. Invest in a belt specifically designed for concealed carry. It makes a dramatic difference in comfort and concealment.

 

6. Neglecting Firearm Maintenance

Your concealed carry firearm accumulates lint, dust, and moisture daily, all of which accelerate wear and can cause malfunctions when you need reliability most.

A proper maintenance schedule might include:

• Weekly visual inspections for lint removal
• Monthly field stripping and cleaning
• Quarterly deep cleaning with fresh lubrication
• Cleaning after every range session
• Regularly checking and changing optic batteries (If applicable)

Remember that defensive ammunition should be rotated periodically due to repeated chambering, and magazines need inspection for spring tension and follower function.

 

7. Wrong Ammunition for Defense

Using budget range ammunition for self-defense is a critical error. Range ammunition and defensive ammunition serve entirely different purposes.

Quality defensive ammunition features:

• Hollow point or expanding design
• Consistent penetration and expansion
• Reliable function in your specific firearm
• Quality control, ensuring consistent performance

Test your chosen defensive ammunition thoroughly, at least 100 rounds without malfunction (the more the better), before trusting it for carry.  Popular proven options include our recommended ammo. My favorite is Federal HST. 

 

8. Lacking Situational Awareness

The best gunfight is the one you avoid entirely. But in the moment, many carriers become so focused on their firearm that they forget awareness is their primary defense tool.

Situational awareness means recognizing potential threats before they develop, identifying exits and cover, and trusting your instincts about dangerous situations.

Developing better awareness:

• Practice observing your environment constantly
• Limit phone use in public spaces
• Position yourself to observe entrances
• Trust your uncomfortable feelings about people or places
• 9. Carrying Too Small a Gun

Small handguns are attractive because they're easy to conceal, but the smaller the handgun, the more difficult it is to shoot accurately. Small guns increase felt recoil and can cause flinching, leading to poor accuracy.

Instead of defaulting to the smallest option, find the largest gun you can comfortably conceal and shoot well. Comfort leads to accuracy, and accuracy leads to confidence in your ability to stop a threat.

 

10. Not Carrying Medical Equipment

Being prepared for medical emergencies is part of responsible carrying. If you're prepared to make holes, you should be prepared to plug them.

Carry basic medical supplies like:

• Tourniquet (properly staged and accessible)
• Pressure bandage
• Hemostatic gauze if trained in its use

Medical emergencies are statistically more likely than defensive shootings. Being prepared for both shows true responsibility.

 

Building Better Carry Habits

Avoiding these mistakes requires deliberate practice and commitment. Start by honestly assessing your current practices against each category. It’s helpful to begin with the most critical fixes. 

This week, inspect your holster for proper trigger coverage and retention. If it fails either test, replace it immediately. Check if your belt bends easily when folded (a proper gun belt should stay rigid). Clear any lint from your carry gun and verify your defensive ammunition hasn't been set back from repeated chambering. Within the next month, schedule some range time to test at least 50 rounds of your chosen defensive ammunition through your carry gun. 

Make ongoing improvements part of your routine. Join local shooting groups or online communities where you can learn from experienced carriers. Most importantly, remember that concealed carry is a lifestyle commitment, not just a permit in your wallet. Every decision, from holster selection to training frequency, impacts your ability to protect yourself and others effectively.

 

Why Quality Equipment Matters

We see the consequences of poor equipment choices daily. Customers come to us after experiencing:

• Holsters that failed at critical moments
• Uncomfortable carry setups that are abandoned in drawers
• Generic holsters that don't fit their specific firearm and light combination

Our holsters are manufactured with precision in Logansport, Indiana, using high-quality materials. We use the longest screws and posts possible for maximum thread engagement, include the option for threadlocker with orders, and ensure every holster provides proper trigger coverage and retention. Each holster is thoroughly tested with the actual firearm before shipping, with no exceptions.

Use our Holster Finder to get the perfect fit for your specific firearm and light combination. Every Four Brothers holster ships in 24-48 hours because your safety doesn't wait.