Concealed Carry Guns | What You Should Know Before Buying

First Things First: Concealed Carry Laws and Permits

In North Carolina, concealed carry laws and permits are governed by the North Carolina Department of Justice and the local sheriffs’ offices. These laws outline the requirements and procedures for obtaining a concealed carry permit. You can look for concealed carry guns even before you earn your permit.

To apply for a concealed carry permit in North Carolina, applicants must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and have completed a firearms safety and training course. The training course should cover firearm safety, the use of deadly force, and North Carolina firearms laws. The applicant must also submit a completed application form, fingerprint cards, and pay the required fees.

It is crucial for individuals with a concealed carry permit to understand the restrictions and responsibilities that come with it. North Carolina law prohibits carrying concealed handguns in certain locations. These include law enforcement or correctional facilities, schools, childcare centers, and areas where alcohol is sold and consumed. In addition, private property owners may restrict or prohibit concealed carry on their premises.

Law enforcement officers in North Carolina have the authority to request a permit holder to display their permit and identification when carrying a concealed weapon. It is essential to carry the permit along with proper identification at all times while carrying a concealed firearm. Understanding the specific laws and regulations regarding concealed carry in North Carolina is crucial for responsible gun owners. It is advisable to consult with local authorities or legal professionals, including your sheriff’s office, for the most up-to-date information and any recent changes to the laws.1¹

Buying my first concealed carry firearm

It can be difficult to choose the best gun for concealed carry. There is no “one size fits all” for firearms–the best-fit gun for you will depend on what you plan to use the firearm for, your ability to handle recoil, hand size, and the concealment holsters, garments, or bags you plan to use. Ultimately the best gun for concealed carry depends on your preferences. When choosing a firearm, it can be helpful to go to a range, such as OnPoint Range in Raleigh. You can rent various firearms in the same caliber class. This will allow you to compare the firearms.You will see the differences in how each gun shoots, fits in your hands, and performs for your own personal preferences and needs. Some things to consider before purchasing a firearm for concealed carry include:
Size of the firearm. Can the firearm be easily concealed? If you are planning to carry daily, how heavy is the firearm? Does the firearm fit comfortably in your hands without compromising your grip?
Trigger. Is the trigger easy to reach and use? Do you prefer a heavier or lighter trigger pull?
Accuracy. How proficient are you when shooting the firearm? Are you able to easily load, unload, and operate the firearm? Can you adequately manage the recoil and magazine reloads? Do you feel confident while shooting the firearm?
Reliability. How reliable and durable is the firearm? Does it have a good reputation? How expensive are repair parts or extra magazines for this firearm?
Sights. Can you see the front and back sights clearly? If you plan to run an optic or red dot, does the firearm have the option to mount one?
Price. There are decent firearm options in all price classes. Consider not only the cost of the firearm, but also the cost of ammunition and any potential repairs.

Although firearms are not gender specific, appropriate concealed carry guns for women may differ from the popular models chosen by men. Given women often have smaller hands, some ladies may feel comfortable with a smaller firearm. In addition, some ladies may prefer a firearm with less recoil. Trying various firearms is invaluable in determining which gun is best for you. It is always better to try the firearm first before purchasing, if you are able. This will ensure you purchase a firearm that fits with your unique needs and preferences. This will help will help increase confidence in the ability to defend yourself while concealed carrying.

What are the best concealed carry guns?

The question of “what are the best concealed carry guns” is subjective and highly dependent on individual preferences, needs, and circumstances. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question because what may work well for one person may not be the ideal choice for another.

Factors such as personal comfort, hand size, shooting experience, and clothing choices will determine the best concealed carry gun for an individual. Some people may prefer smaller, compact firearms for easier concealment, while others may prioritize larger caliber handguns for increased stopping power. In addition, different individuals may have varying levels of proficiency and experience with firearms, which can impact their comfort and ability to handle different types of guns. What may be the best concealed carry gun for an experienced shooter may not be the best choice for someone who is relatively new to firearms.

Ultimately, the best concealed carry gun is a personal decision that should be based on a combination of factors, including personal preference, comfort, reliability, and individual shooting experience. It is recommended that individuals thoroughly research and test various firearms, preferably under the guidance of a qualified instructor, to determine what works best for them.

Concealed Carry Guns for Women

When it comes to selecting the best concealed carry guns for women, there are a few factors to consider. Women generally have smaller hands and frames, so firearms with smaller grips and compact sizes may be more comfortable and easier to handle. Some popular choices for concealed carry among women include compact semi-automatic pistols such as the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, Glock 43, and Sig Sauer P365. These firearms offer a balance between size, weight, and caliber, providing effective self-defense capabilities while being easily concealable. However, it’s important for women to personally try out different options, considering factors such as fit, recoil management, and overall comfort, to find the best concealed carry gun that suits their individual needs and preferences. Seeking professional guidance and training can also help women make informed decisions about the best firearm for their specific circumstances.

OnPoint Range’s “Try It Before You Buy It” Program

Discover the ideal firearm match through OnPoint Range’s exclusive “Try it Before You Buy it” program. Our process is straightforward: the rental fees for guns you test are waived upon same-day gun purchases.

Rent any of our guns, excluding full autos, sequentially, exploring each to find your perfect fit. It’s not just about choosing a firearm; it’s about ensuring it aligns with your preferences and requirements.

Rent a gun, and if you decide to purchase on the same day, we’ll deduct the rental fees from your purchase price. This opportunity allows you to explore options without immediate commitment, ensuring an informed and confident decision.

Your purchase should match the type of gun you rented. This will guarantee a closely aligned experience with the specific model under consideration, facilitating a thorough evaluation before commitment.

At OnPoint Range, we recognize that selecting a firearm is a deeply personal and crucial decision. Our “Try it Before You Buy it” initiative offers firsthand experience, transforming your selection process into an enjoyable and practical journey. Step into our range, explore, and discover the firearm that resonates with you. It’s more than a purchase; it’s a personalized experience at OnPoint Range.

What to Look For in in Concealed Carry Equipment

One of the most critical components of concealed carry is choosing a method of concealment that is comfortable, reliable, and easy to use. Different holsters, such as inside-the-waistband (IWB) and outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters, offer varying degrees of comfort, accessibility, and concealability. It’s important to choose a holster that fits your firearm properly, securely retains the weapon, and allows for a smooth draw while also protecting the trigger guard.

For women seeking concealed carry options, concealed carry purses designed specifically for firearms can provide a discreet solution. These purses feature dedicated compartments with built-in holsters and additional safety features to prevent unauthorized access. Another popular option for women is the belly band, a versatile elastic band worn around the waist. Belly bands typically feature multiple pockets or holsters for carrying firearms, spare magazines, and other essentials. They offer flexibility in positioning the firearm and can be comfortably worn under clothing. In recent years, the Enigma holster system has also gained popularity among women. The Enigma holster is uniquely designed to fit snugly under leggings and offers a comfortable and secure solution.

Concealed carry clothing, such as specially designed shirts, vests, leggings, or jackets, offer concealed carry compartments or holsters integrated into the fabric. These garments help in distributing the weight of the firearm and provide easy access while keeping the weapon concealed.

When selecting concealed carry equipment, it is crucial to prioritize safety, comfort, and ease of use. It is recommended to try different options, consider personal preferences, and seek guidance from experienced instructors or professionals to find the most suitable equipment for your individual needs. Regular training and practice with your chosen gear are also essential for safe and effective concealed carry.

Training with your New Concealed Carry Gun and Equipment

OnPoint shooting range, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, offers a range of valuable classes and services to assist individuals in training with their new concealed carry gun and equipment. Recognizing the importance of proper training and education, OnPoint provides a supportive environment for individuals looking to enhance their skills and confidence.

OnPoint’s Concealed Carry Handgun (CCH) course prepares students to obtain their concealed carry permit. It teaches essential skills for safe and effective concealed carry. The two-day CCH course covers basic concealed carry topics such as firearm safety, North Carolina laws and regulations, holster selection and usage, marksmanship fundamentals, and situational awareness, but also teaches more advanced concealed carry skills, including drawing from a holster, drawing from inside the waistband, reloads with and without retention, basic malfunction clearances, and low-light shooting. Participants receive hands-on instruction from experienced and knowledgeable instructors. This enables them to develop the necessary skills to carry their concealed firearms responsibly.

Training with your New Concealed Carry Gun and Equipment, continued

OnPoint’s Every Day Carry course builds on the skills taught in the CCH course. Students will learn about the following topics in more detail to build confidence in carrying concealed:
– How to draw safely and efficiently from an open holster
– Improving marksmanship fundamentals
– Conducting re-reloads under stress
– Considerations for carrying your handgun concealed
– Shooting from different carry methods
– Shooting effectively from concealment
– Best practices to wear and deploy your handgun from concealment
– Introduction to inside the waistband appendix carry (AIWB)

In addition to the CCH and Every Day Carry course, OnPoint Shooting Range offers various other training options to suit different needs and skill levels. This includes personalized one-on-one instruction. OnPoint also provides services such as firearm rentals. This allows individuals to try different models and calibers before making a purchase decision. OnPoint serves as a valuable resource for individuals looking to receive proper training and education with their new concealed carry gun and equipment. Our commitment to safety, hands-on instruction, and practical application ensures that individuals can gain the necessary knowledge and skills to carry and use their firearms responsibly in various self-defense situations.

Sources

1. North Carolina Firearms Laws. (2016, September). North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association. Retrieved July 15, 2023, from https://ncsheriffs.org/wp-content/uploads/Master-Firearms-Publication-September-2016.pdf ↩︎