Selecting a Firearm for Concealed Carry

Selecting a tool to be your Every Day Carry (EDC) to protect you and your family should not be underestimated. Can the firearm handle the pressure of performing when the time comes? Are you able to confidently manipulate the firearm consistently? These are just a few areas to consider when selecting an EDC.

Consider this process like you were hiring someone for a job. I highly recommend carrying a firearm that you personally have stressed tested and practiced with! Carrying immediately after acquiring the firearm is not safe. Understanding your accuracy, comfort level with it's functions, unknown potential failures/malfunctions is essential. We are selective on who's food we eat at a cookout, we should be that much more selective on selecting a firearm for EDC.

Questions to ask yourself prior to purchase:

• Do you know the purpose it serves? Deep concealment (sub-compact/micro pistol), concealed carry and home defense (typically larger frame pistols), carry option during a specific season, etc.), aid night/dark area use (rail for light, night sights, etc.) 

• Does the firearm have a proven record for reliability (non-negotiable)? It must function consistently with your chosen defensive ammunition- Does the grip size and angle allow you to maintain proper control?

• Can you reach the trigger, controls, and safety (if applicable) comfortably?

• Are you comfortable with the size & weight? Smaller and lighter firearms are easier to conceal with a more felt recoil while shooting. Heavier firearms may be more comfortable to shoot but harder to conceal for long periods- Can you control and shoot the caliber accurately? Ammunition availability, recoil management, and follow-up shot speed all matter

• Do you desire larger magazine capacity? More concealable firearms typically have lower round capacities. Larger magazines can reduce reloading during range trips. Balance magazine capacity with concealability

• Do you have a preference for trigger and safety features? Consider external safeties, grip safeties, or decockers based on your willingness to train. During high stress situation, fine motor skills degrade. Adding steps to the process of deploying of your firearm can have undesired results. In addition, trigger type can impact certain peoples consistency, due to changes in expected trigger pull

• Have you rented the pistol to confirm that you can you shoot and manipulate it proficiently? Validating accurate shooting, comfortable shooting, dropping the magazine, racking the slide, etc. prior to purchase reduces the potential of  "buyers remorse." If you struggle shooting, manipulating, and carrying the pistol, the likelihood of you choosing to carry every day will decrease

• Are there any legal considerations? In Missouri, there are no magazine restrictions (at the time this post was created, laws can change). However, if you travel or plan to live in a state that has restrictions on magazine limits, threaded barrels, etc. this could impact your selection process.

After Purchase, complete these steps:

• Use the pistol at the range. Some people have a specific number of rounds they shoot before saying yes this pistol can be carried. Personally I shoot at least 300 rounds of range (ball) ammo and 50-100 rounds of defensive ammo (hollow points)

• Dry fire and dry fire some more. Using dummy ammo/snap caps at home allow you to test your holster, carry position, firearm manipulation, malfunction drills, and more. This will reinforce your skills and highlight areas that need improvement 

• Attend a training class with your concealed carry setup. There may be specific defensive Pistol courses in your area. Training (including dry fire) should always be a part of your plan!

Prioritize your personal protection…consider your specific use/needs, determine the satisfactory criteria, stress test, and dry fire the handgun to ensure it's EDC worthy.