How to conceal carry in hot weather...

Concealed Carry Modifications for Hot and Humid Weather Carry

June 27, 2016 | by Ben Findley

Well it’s Summer and the weather is really hot and humid here in my state of Florida. It’s like that in a lot of places in the Summer months. Probably in your area also. Being the dedicated concealed carry (CC) person I am, I accept responsibility for carrying all the time. But, I hate it in the Summer and hot weather months, even though some say it is healthy. It is so uncomfortable to wear a coat or even a lightweight jacket or buttonup shirt, or even a tucked one and get all sticky. Certainly for me as a retired codger, shorts are more comfortable and preferred than long pants. A lot of the ladies here wear short capri pants because they are cooler. Layers of clothing are definitely out when it’s 90 degrees with 90% humidity. (But, the mositure makes my wife’s skin nice.) So what do I do? How do I adapt and modify my CC approach, gear, gun, clothes, and attitude, etc. Here are 5 things I do when carrying in the summertime.

1 – Wear Roomy Loose Fitting Shirts 

The Paris Fashion experts tell me that the Baggy Look is in now for concealed carry. I recall the Seinfeld episode where Jerry had the puffy shirt with very billowy sleeves; he looked like a pirate. So I guess I must throw out my tight-fitting t-shirts and tank tops, my billowy-sleeved shirts, and my pegged pants from the 80s and even from 2010. It doesn’t really matter to me what the fashion and style police say goes, I just wear looser and comfortable clothes. I reluctantly accept the utilitarian nature of big and baggy clothes, but it does help accomplish the carry purpose. So I usually wear the loose, straight-bottom cut, untucked short-sleeved camp shirts, sometimes called Hawaiian or aloha shirts, lounge shirts, Guayabera or Cuban-type shirts. I like the lightweight pure linen ones or cotton and linen blend because they are so comfortable and can be naturally worn not tucked into pants or shorts, but get them big so there is no printing with your carry gun. Also some of the patterns and designs help with concealability. Some loose polo shirts and over-sized t-shirts can also work. 

2 – Wear Roomy Pants and Shorts A Size Larger

Here we go again, the baggy look is in, just like for shirts. Since tight-fittening pants or shorts definitely show the outline of your gun, go up one size in your pants and shorts to ensure your CC gun does not show and is comfortably concealed. I wear a lot of cargo shorts, since most of them are loose fitting, are accepted here in Florida as regular wear, and have deep and wide pockets to help concealment. Sometimes, I clip an IWB holster inside my deep, roomy cargo shorts. I don’t wear capri pants. Remember, get your priorities straight, swallow your pride, and forget style. Next week, I will review a roomy pants and shorts design that has a built-in holster for CC.

3 – Switch to a Smaller Subcompact or Compact CC Gun 

There are a lot, and I mean very many, small CC guns in the market now. I have reviewed several in the last few months alone. Some reviews of these compact and subcompact guns are on this website and about 21 of my top recommended CC guns are reviewed in my book “Concealed Carry and Handgun Essentials.” Several of these smaller guns come in 380 caliber. Yes, I know there are marketing promos to pitch them now and a lot of you like the smaller caliber, but I generally recommend the 9mm as a minimum for CC because of stopping power, recent improved 9mm ballistics technology and ammo, etc. I have found several subcompact and compact CC guns in 9mm caliber that are easy to conceal and are accurate and reliable. But my primary Everyday Carry (EDC) guns are almost all 9mm and used with appropriate ammo. However, the small .380 makes a very good backup gun. Your preference here, but you can change and carry your back-up gun as your main CC gun in summer months. So consider switching from your full-size 1911 (love them), heavier, and bigger bulkier guns to a smaller, easier to conceal and more comfortable to carry (generally) gun for the hotter months. By the way, recognize that there are different schools of thought about switching or NOT switching your EDC gun, for any reason or just for the hot weather months. Of course, there are pros and cons for you to personally consider about switching at all. 

4 – Change to a different Carry Method- IWB 

We know there are many different CC methods each with pros and cons to consider. There are 13 methods that I analyse in my book. This is largely personal choice, but some do have advantages over others in hot months. A 2015 survey of over 2,000 CC folks presented in my book, found Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) and Pocket Carry (PC) to be ranked in the top 5 CC methods. These methods certainly make sense to me for CC in hot and humid Summers, but there are others to consider.

IWB- This method positions the gun so it does not bulge at the waistline and keeps the gun at a low profile by just revealing much less of it in a well-coverd place. When your CC gun is worn IWB, a t-shirt, pants, and shorts readily and easily cover it. Of course, a small gun helps here as with any method. A lot CC Outside-the-Waistband (OWB), so when switching from OWB to IWB you may not have to consider downsizing your gun.

PC- In Florida, I frequently wear a lot of shorts and probably about 80% of the time as a retiree. A PC holster holds your CC gun upright inside your pocket and helps your draw. Incidentally, always carry your gun in a holster whereever you carry it, but especially in a pocket because you can get all kind of debris, lint, and potential barrel blockage gunk and items (think keys and pens) in an exposed barrel and action. You need the trigger covered. One serious consideration is to make certain that the gun easily comes out of the PC holster and the holster does not come out with it. You need something to catch on the inside of your pocket to allow a good draw, e.g. wing or material extension or sticky or rubbery material. Kydex helps for a smooth and quick draw from the pocket. There are front pocket CC holsters and back pocket or wallet CC holsters. Next week, I will review some PC holsters I like.

Deep Concealment- Today, there are many choices for deep concealment for CC. But which ones are best for summer months? There are belly bands, appendix carry pouches, bra holsters, compression clothing holsters, cell phone/tablet-type holsters, etc. Some even add fanny packs here. It may be an option for you, even though some say it screams “geekville” or “that guy is carrying.” But I use them when playing my “tourist” role on vacations or even at some places in Florida to blend in. Probably the only ones that know I am carrying are the ones that carry themselves. Don’t tell anyone. Most of these deep concealment methods touch the skin directly, fit extremely tight, or are cumbersome for drawing. Some are not customized to exactly fit your chosen CC gun and that could be very dangerous. This is a very, personal matter and what works for one may not work for another. So you decide for yourself about these options. You can practice and be proficient and comfortable with just about any method, depending on your mindset, goals, and familiarity with the method. 

5 – Consider Open carry as an Option if Legal 

At last count, there are 45 states that permit carte blanche “Open Carry” (OC.) Sadly, Florida is NOT one of them now, as some people assume, per Statute 790.053. There are exceptions for briefly and openly displaying a firearm which is carried concealed. Also, to allow for unlicensed emergency CC during periods of evacuation for natural disasters, e.g. hurricanes, Florida passed a law in 2015. If I recall, New York, Illinois, California, and South Carolina are the other states without OC at this time. Frankly, OC is not even close to my preference for carry, even if it were legal here in my state. It would be nice to have the option though, even with the negative reactions from a few. Some folks found it useful even though not legal at that time, during the New Orleans looting after Hurrican Katrina. For myself, I like the tactical advantages of a hidden gun and CC. If you can legally OC, be certain to use a quality holster with appropriate retention to prevent a gun grab, the gun falling out during movement, etc. Be sure and check your state and local laws about OC because it is illegal in some areas.

How do you carry concealed in the hot summer months?

Continued Success & Carry Comfortably!

Photo by author. 

* This personal opinion article is meant for general information & educational purposes only and the author strongly recommends that you seek counsel from an attorney for legal advice and your own personal certified weapons trainer for proper guidance about shooting & using YOUR firearms, self-defense and concealed carry. It should not be relied upon as accurate for all shooters & the author assumes no responsibility for anyone’s use of the information and shall not be liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information or any damages or injuries incurred whatsoever.

© 2016 Col Benjamin Findley. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be reprinted or reproduced in whole or in part by mechanical means, photocopying, electronic reproduction, scanning, or any other means without prior written permission. For copyright information, contact Col Ben Findley at ColBFF@gmail.com.

http://www.usacarry.com/concealed-carry-modifications-hot-humid-weather-carry/

Concealed Carry and First Aid Considerations...

Some Considerations about First Aid and CCW

February 9, 2016 | by Michael Jenkins

A Quick Note: I’m not a lawyer, this isn’t legal advice—just a list of considerations and ideas. Please use them as such.

When reading and researching personal protection, it’s easy to get caught up in guns, knives, holsters, and similar items. They’re both important and—let’s face it, fun. Many of us started as recreational shooters before we got into CCW, and a love of firearms comes with the territory. The problem is that this devotion can lead us to neglect other important aspects of self defense. Toward that end, let’s talk about the role of first aid in CCW and personal protection.

First things first—everyone needs first aid training. You, your spouse, your kids, your co-workers, everyone. It’s easy to find a basic first aid class near you, and I encourage you to do so. While you’ll learn a lot in any good first aid course, we have to remember that firearms and CCW present their own unique risks. Some excellent work has been written about building a first aid kit for your trips to the shooting range, and all shooters should check that out and plan accordingly. But just as you’re unlikely to carry your full range bag as part of your CCW/EDC, it’s not realistic to carry a full sized trauma kit. Even a smaller belt kit might not be feasible if you’re in a white collar setting. However, having it nearby—in your car, your briefcase, your desk, your purse, etc—is a necessity. And having some minimal trauma supplies on your person may be advisable.

But why do you need this stuff? While firearms accidents are relatively unlikely with regular CCW, if you ever need to draw your weapon it will be because something has gone horribly wrong. A bad guy is committing or threatening an act of serious violence; people may already be wounded. You yourself may get hurt, depending on how things unfold. In the aftermath of the incident, the ability to render timely and effective first aid may be what beats the Reaper, and the life you save may be your own. So gear up, train to deal with trauma, and keep those skills sharp. Just like shooting, they’re perishable.

So with that out of the way, let’s talk about the bad guy.

There’s a lot of debate about how to deal with the criminal in the wake of a self defense shooting. To my mind, we are each bound by our own moral compass, and as such I can’t dictate or question your individual ethics when it comes to rendering aid to the bad guy you just shot. Speaking for myself, I’m not sure what I’ll ultimately do if that dark day ever comes. I would suggest that, while discussing CCW issues with your lawyer, you get some advice about your state’s Good Samaritan laws and the implications for self-defense shooting. In addition to the legal considerations, giving first aid treatment to the downed baddie potentially puts you and everyone around you at risk such that some self defense experts discourage the practice. Again, a lot will depend on your own personal morality and the situation at hand, but taking some time to think things through in advance will make a big difference if you’re faced with that scenario.

Let’s hope you never need to make that choice. Be safe out there.

http://www.usacarry.com/considerations-about-first-aid-ccw/

Illinois Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) License Class

$250 - Illinois Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW/CCL) License Training Class

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Get your Illinois Conceal Carry License... Plus get 3 other CCW's licenses FREE! (Utah CCW, Arizona CCW & Florida CCW) - together safely and legally conceal carry a handgun in over 37 States...!!!

Price: $250 (NO other class fees), 

price includes;

1. Range fees ($25)

2. Illinois Livescan digital fingerprints ($70)

3. Utah & Arizona ink fingerprints ($25)

4. Passport photos ($15)

5. CCW application paperwork 

6. Assistance with CCW application paperwork 

Class Date: September 10-11th (16 hours)

Location: VFW- Villa Park, Illinois 

331-642-8110 / www.IllinoisCC.com

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http://illinoiscc.com/class-calendar-and-registration.php

Getting the upper hand in a gun-fight!

Flipping The Script On Your Attacker — Getting The Upper Hand In A Gun Fight

June 13, 2016 | by Luke McCoy

In a mugging situation, your attacker is likely to use deception to get close enough to you to attempt to rob you.

Deception. Manipulation. Deceit. Trickery. These are just some of the tools that you’ll be faced against.

Never expect a fair fight but the next best step is count on using your own methods of deception to lull your attacker into a false sense of security. After all, he doesn’t care a whit about whether or not you leave breathing on your own accord — why should you do him any favors?

Distance or deception

Early on in a potential encounter, you have to broker whether distance or deception will be ideal. Distance gives you room to maneuver, potentially escape, or use range as a weapon itself if you’re carrying a concealed firearm. Where speed is an unknown variable, you have to decide early on whether you plan on turning this attacker’s methods against him or warning him to stay his distance.

“Stay back.”

Two simple words hold a lot of meaning when encountering someone for the first time. If you were approaching someone on the street and he issued this simple command, you would likely stop and at least assess the situation. Upon that next step towards that person, however, you’re sending a clear message: I hear you and I will not comply.

Switching frames for a moment, if you tell someone you don’t know to stay back and he doesn’t comply, he’s forced to transition from a passive threat — one that believes he is evading detection — to a known active threat.

Don’t be afraid to call it like you see it.

If you don’t get the warm and fuzzies about someone approaching you, don’t be afraid to call it out. This is your life. Potential disagreements and confusion can be remedied at a distance, not face-to-face where your ability to draw and aim is hindered severely.

When faced with multiple enemies, they will likely depend on closing distance as fast as possible without creating a scene. If they’re not concerned with who’s watching, they’ll close even faster. Pick one and neutralize him first.

Your ability to outmaneuver multiple attackers is far less than outmaneuvering one. Where you detect one or more potential assailants, make sure to address the closest one approaching. Be prepared to find out there’s others.

Taking a defensive posture

There is nothing wrong with deciding that someone is perceived as a threat and taking a defensive posture. The biggest mistake is usually in failing to do so and then being left with no good options.

At the first sign you think there’s the potential for a bad situation to arise, find a good space that provides ample movement to cover. You don’t need to fight toe-to-toe with an attacker. You are allowed to decide this person presents himself as a threat and place objects inbetween you and him that would block his approach and give you the advantage.

Let your terrain, environment, and conditions clue you in to how you can adapt that defensive strategy best. Your considerations should always prioritize movement away from the threat whenever possible. When that is not feasible, the next choice is finding the best ground that gives you the most opportunity to choose how you want to handle this occasion.

A big fault in a lot of people’s strategy is giving too much ground to a potential attacker before finally deciding a fight for survival exists. It’s a hard decision but when you feel your life is threatened, you need to take the initiative away from the attacker. The best possible scenario is your potential attacker sees you preparing for his approach and decides you’re not worth the hassle. The worst: you’re prepared to handle him with minimal exposure to your own well-being.

http://www.usacarry.com/flipping-script-attacker-getting-upper-hand-gun-fight/

Invest in ALL forms of self defense

Past the Pistol: Other EDC Items for the Prepared Mind

February 17, 2016 | by Michael Jenkins

Dear faithful and constant readers, we talk a lot, you and I, and we tend to talk about guns. Given the nature of this site, that makes perfect sense; it’s a forum for firearms discussionand the exchange of information related to CCW issues.  I would postulate that most of you carry concealed on a regular basis; I know some of you are also habitual open-carriers.  We’ve had a lot of good discussions about the ins and outs of carrying a firearm for personal protection, and exchanged a lot of great information.

Today we’re going to move things in a different direction. Let’s look past our guns and into the rest of our every day carry (EDC) setups. And let’s do so with the following in mind:

What should I carry other than a gun?

As with our discussions about firearms, a lot is going to depend on your area of operations. In these sad times, everything from flashlights to pocketknives to lighters is subject to heavy regulation.  Make sure you know and follow the applicable laws; remember, you’re representing a community of people who support these rights.  And your individual needs, as dictated by your AO, might differ widely.

That having been said, here’s a short list of items I think everyone needs.

A flashlight

My rational is simple: there’s a 100% chance of dark. Whether in an unlit basement or while changing a tire at night, there will come a time when a flashlight is really handy. And when you need one, there’s nothing like it.  For most of us, it doesn’t have to be anything big; a smaller pocket LED light will do.

A pocket knife

Some people like old-fashioned Case knives. Some prefer small fixed blades. Some of us like tactical whiz-bang folders. You’ll have to pick what fits your needs and taste, but regardless a quality knife is always a useful tool for day-to-day tasks.

A lighter

The bane of the TSA, your standard cigarette lighter is an essential EDC item, even for non-smokers. A source of light, heat and flame, your EDC lighter can be used for a variety of tasks in both everyday and emergency situations. And while a high-speed tactical weatherproof lighter might be a nice addition in the long run, you can get pretty far on a cheap convenience store model.

A notebook and pen

Something pocket-sized, obviously, but nonetheless useful. Even in these digital days, the ability to jot a note or write down a number can be essential. It’s an easy way to leave a message for someone if the power goes out, too.

There are almost certainly other items you’ll want to add to your EDC: a cell phone or other device, a multitool, a small first aid kit. The list I offer here isn’t meant to be exhaustive; just a starting point for the discussion.  As always, I encourage you to buy quality as you can afford to, but don’t let the lack of a perfect item stop you from setting up your EDC rig.

What items are in your EDC?

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the matter. Until then, Constant Reader: be safe

http://www.usacarry.com/other-edc-items/

$125 Utah, Arizona & Florida CCW License Class - for Illinois residents

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Date: August 6-7th (9-1PM)

Cost: $125.00

331-642-8110 / www.IllinoisCC.com

This is why we conceal carry...

CCW IN ACTION: Armed 22-Year-Old Woman Stops Three Men Attempting To Rob Her In Store Parking Lot

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA — A concealed carrier successfully thwarted the efforts of three men to rob her late at night outside a Dollar Tree. According to police reports from the scene, the woman was exiting the Dollar Tree and heading to her car when she was approached by a man and asked to walk with him. When she refused, he point-blank told her he was going to rob her of her purse.

At this point, according to KOCO, she was presented by two other men backing up the first. She withdrew her concealed carry pistol from her purse and threatened to use it to protect herself. All three men quickly exited and fled the scene.

Oklahoma police are obviously on the look-out but this is a clear example of it’s better to be prepared then to wait around for police to try to catch these criminals. Additionally, there is no way of knowing if her purse was their only objective. As such, it’s always better to stand up for yourself when possible — and flee whenever possible.

Being a concealed carrier, we take for granted the reality that when presented with a potential defensive gun use situation, we won’t necessarily have numbers or support from the community. This woman was on her own in the parking lot of a shopping plaza — and that’s a perfect place to get picked off by potential robbers.

This concealed carrier managed to successfully defend herself and her property without firing a shot. That’s the best we can ever hope for. And it’s a reminder to always keep your situational awareness with active scanning whenever exiting out into a shopping plaza.

http://concealednation.org/2016/03/ccw-in-action-armed-22-year-old-woman-stops-three-men-attempting-to-rob-her-in-store-parking-lot/