Concealed carry means keeping a firearm hidden on your body or in your belongings for self-defense. 

For beginners, the idea can feel like a big step for personal protection and there is a lot to learn to become a responsible gun owner. You’re not just learning how to carry— you’re learning to balance responsibility, legality, and safety.

In 2025, over  21 million Americans hold concealed carry permits. Many more live in permitless carry states. If you’re new to concealed carry, this guide will walk you through each step with practical, beginner-friendly advice. 

Gun laws in the United States vary widely. While federal law sets certain restrictions, states decide how concealed carry is licensed and regulated.

• Permitless Carry (Constitutional Carry): As of 2025, 29 states allow adults who meet basic legal requirements to carry without a permit 

• Shall-Issue States: Licensing authority must grant a permit if you meet the criteria.

• May-Issue States: Authorities have discretion, even if you qualify.

• Restricted Areas: Schools, government buildings, and certain businesses are typically off-limits. 

If your state requires a permit, here’s the usual process:

• Application: Submit forms to your local sheriff or licensing authority.

• Background Check: Federal and state databases check for criminal history or disqualifying factors.

• Training: Most states require a firearm safety course with live-fire practice.

• Issuance: If approved, you’ll receive your permit—valid for a set number of years before renewal.

This process can vary depending on where you are. It is also important to keep in mind the process for renewal. The last thing you want is for law enforcement to catch you conceal carrying without a valid permit. 

Your firearm should fit your hand, lifestyle, and comfort level. Beginners often start with compact pistols because they balance concealability and effectiveness.

Key considerations:

• Size & Weight: Smaller guns conceal easier but may have more recoil.

• Caliber: 9mm is the most popular beginner caliber due to manageable recoil and wide ammo availability.

• Reliability: Choose a proven model from reputable manufacturers.

• Capacity: Higher magazine capacity means fewer reloads but often larger grip size.

There is no one size fits all option for concealed carry, and if you have any doubts as a beginner, consider working with a trusted expert that can help you make the right concealed carry choice for you. 

A holster keeps your firearm secure, hidden, and ready. The “best” holster depends on your carry position and daily activity.

Popular types:

• Inside the Waistband (IWB): Most common for beginners, worn under clothing.

• Appendix Carry (AIWB): Front-of-body option, fast but requires training for safe draw.

• Outside the Waistband (OWB): Easier to access, but harder to conceal.

Try on a number of holsters before deciding and make sure you train the draw your weapon with your choice of outfit. A certified expert can help with this process.

Your clothing is as important as your holster. Poor choices can lead to “printing,” when the outline of your firearm shows through clothing.

Tips for beginners:

• Choose looser shirts or patterned fabrics to break up outlines.

• Layer with jackets, flannels, or vests when possible.

• Use sturdy belts to support the holster.

Carrying responsibly requires practice. A concealed carrier should feel as confident handling a firearm as driving a car.

Essential training:

• Range Practice: Focus on stance, grip, trigger discipline, and accuracy.

• Defensive Drills: Practice drawing from concealment, reloads, and shooting under stress.

• Situational Awareness: Stay alert to your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. 

Carrying a firearm is more than hardware, it’s a lifestyle. 

A true EDC mindset means being responsible, prepared, and discreet. Training is a must, along with a full understanding of just what you and your firearm are capable of.

Principles of EDC:

• Always obey the law.

• Never draw unless you must defend life.

• Keep calm, avoid confrontations, and de-escalate when possible.

• Carry essential gear: spare magazine, flashlight, and cell phone.

Just because you have a conceal carry, doesn’t mean you should be itching to draw it at the first sign of trouble. 

Always choose de-escalation to protect yourself and others from the irrevocable effects of using your firearm, but never let your guard down. 

Knowing when it is time to draw your firearm can be a stressful decision, and that is why proper training is key. 

Beginners often make avoidable errors. Recognizing them early builds safer habits.

Mistakes to avoid:

• Neglecting regular practice.

• Wearing clothing that causes printing.

• Choosing a gun that’s too big or small for your needs.

• Carrying without checking local laws—especially when traveling.

• Overconfidence: thinking the gun alone provides safety.

• Not properly maintaining your firearm

Just like with a new car, there is a break in period. 

Give yourself time to get a feel for it, make sure you are comfortable with your firearm, and do your research and preparation to make sure your firearm won’t fail when you need it most. 

Concealed carry is both a right and a responsibility. By understanding the laws, choosing the right equipment, training consistently, and adopting an EDC mindset, beginners can carry with confidence.

Remember: a firearm is a last-resort defensive tool. Your greatest weapon will always be your judgment and awareness.

Using your firearm could very well mean taking a life, so it is up to you to keep a cool head even when someone else isn’t. 

Balancing that with knowing when to draw is challenging even for experienced gun owners, but the goal of concealed carry is being ready if the time comes to defend yourself. 

Embrace the concealed carry mindset, do the hard work, and be as ready as you can be.