5 Must Know Concealed Carry Positions And Their Pros And Cons (Part 1)

If you choose to conceal carry a weapon for self-defense, there are diverse ways in which you can do so. Different situations require you to try a different carry position. None of the concealed carry positions is perfect, each has its set of pros and cons. This article covers the five best concealed carry positions and their pros and cons.

Before exploring the best concealed carry methods, let’s have a look at the basic rules of concealed carry.

• Carry Consistently
  This is the first rule of concealed carry. You should consistently carry a concealed weapon every time you go out in public, as long as it is legal. This is because concealing a gun is something you need to practice and commit to doing. You don’t know when you may need your self-defense firearm, therefore, it should be carried at all times.
• Use a Proper Holster
  For your chosen carry method, always use a proper holster. It is highly dangerous to carry a gun without a holster as the gun is unsecured and the trigger is exposed. This increases the threat of a potentially fatal accident.

Here are the best concealed carry positions.

Shoulder Holster Carry
Shoulder holster carry is perfect for fall or wintertime as it requires a jacket or coat to keep concealed. For the same reason, it is not a good choice for summer.

While shoulder holster carry may not be suitable for all instances, it certainly fits some situations very well. The best thing about a shoulder holster is that it allows easy access to the weapon. The handgun is kept out of the way while you go about your day. Moreover, with shoulder holster carry, it is easier to carry two spare magazines or speed loaders that can balance the weight of the handgun.

Pros
 - Easier to carry a full-sized handgun
 - Easier to draw
 - Allows you to carry spare magazines

Cons
 - Only good for winter
 - The weight of the magazines, pistol, and holster can make you uncomfortable

Ankle Carry
For individuals who do not wear a jacket and like to keep their shirt tucked in, ankle carry is a popular choice. In the ankle carry position, the pistol is kept in a holster that is wrapped around your lower calf. It requires you to kneel, pull your pant leg up with the non-dominant hand, unsnap the holster, and draw the weapon.

As a general rule for ankle carry, keep your pistol holstered on the inner side of your leg. The pistol should be kept concealed on the inside of your left leg if you are right-handed. On the other hand, if you are left-handed, holster the pistol on the inside of your right leg.

However, ankle carry has some downsides. It is an uncomfortable position that takes some time to get used to. Since it is awkward to reach, firearm instructors recommend this position for backup guns only. This is not an ideal position for a primary weapon. Nonetheless, some people carry their primary guns in this position, so it depends on personal preference and comfort.

Pros
 - Easier to draw while sitting down
 - Ankle carry is an ideal option for a backup gun

Cons
 - Difficult to reach as it requires you to kneel down
 - The holster may come loose while you are running

Practice and experiment with each carry position to find out which works best for you.