Why is concealed carry so uncomfortable?
Asked by: Dalton Ryan | Last update: February 11, 2026Score: 5/5 (44 votes)
Concealed carry (CCW) is uncomfortable due to issues like pressure points from the gun/holster digging in, friction, skin shear, poor holster fit, carrying a gun that's too big/heavy, and incorrect clothing/belt setup, causing pain, chafing, or imbalance; however, proper holster design, a good gun belt, dressing around your carry, and adjusting position (like using wedges or moving it) can resolve most physical discomfort, while psychological discomfort (feeling watched) often fades with time and practice.
What is Mexican carry?
Mexican carry, also known as "loose carry" or "pocket carry," is the dangerous practice of carrying a handgun inside the waistband without a holster, often in the appendix (front) position, to avoid detection or when holsters are unavailable, but it risks accidental discharge due to lack of trigger protection and poor retention. The term originates from 19th-century Mexican civilians defying gun laws by tucking weapons into their pants to hide them from authorities, only retrieving them when needed, according to this Guns and Ammo article and this LAS Concealment article.
What is the most comfortable way to carry concealed?
The best place to conceal carry IWB will allow your holster to mold to the natural shape of your body, making it more comfortable while reducing the risk of printing. IWB also gives some of the best retention with your clothes and body firmly holding your gun and holster in place.
Why do people feel the need to conceal carry?
For a lot of people, carrying concealed isn't just about safety—it's about standing up for a basic right. It's a powerful way to exercise their legal and moral right to self-defense. ² It gives them the ability to take charge of their own safety instead of depending entirely on law enforcement or other authorities.
Is it uncomfortable to carry a gun?
Larger frames can feel bulky and uncomfortable, especially for those of us on the skinnier side and those new to concealed carry. The weight of a full-sized gun over and above the weight of more compact options may also cause discomfort during long periods of wear.
"IWB Is So Uncomfortable!"
What percentage of US citizens conceal carry?
8.2% of American adults have permits.
Outside of the restrictive states of California and New York, about 9.8% of adults have a permit. In sixteen states, more than 10% of adults have permits. Oregon has fallen slightly below 10% this year. Indiana has the highest concealed carry rate — 23.1%.
What are the cons of concealed carry?
- Con 1: Constitutional carry eliminates the safety features of permit laws. Constitutional carry eliminates training, background checks, and other safety measures. ...
- Con 2: The Second Amendment does not protect the right to carry a concealed weapon. ...
- Con 3: No one should be allowed to carry a concealed weapon, period.
Is it smart to concealed carry?
Deciding to conceal carry involves weighing personal safety, self-reliance, and potential crime deterrence against significant legal responsibilities, costs (training, gear), and the stress/awareness required, with opinions varying widely, but generally focusing on the ability to defend oneself and family when police response is too slow, while also requiring deep commitment to training and understanding laws.
What is the most common place to conceal carry?
Option 2: Inside the Waistband (IWB)
Carrying your gun inside the waistband is one of the most popular methods for concealed carry.
Why is concealed carry controversial?
Studies demonstrate that permitless carry leads to a rise in aggravated assault, rape, robbery, and murder. In a study of concealed carry laws, violent crime rates rose up to 15% after 10 years after enactment of the law.
What is the #1 concealed carry gun?
There's no single "#1" concealed carry pistol, but top contenders consistently include the Sig Sauer P365 (especially X-Macro) for its high capacity in a small size, the Glock 19 for its legendary reliability and balance, and the Springfield Armory Hellcat for its extremely compact, high-capacity design, with the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus also highly favored for ease of use. The best choice depends on your hand size, comfort, and priorities (capacity, size, ease of use).
What are common concealed carry mistakes?
The mistakes we're highlighting – poor trigger discipline, inaccessible carry positions, lack of training, improper concealment, and all the rest – are avoidable with the right mindset and habits. At the end of the day, carrying a firearm isn't just about being armed. It's about being prepared.
What is kidney carry?
The kidney carry position is 4-5 o'clock for right-handed shooters and 7-8 o'clock for others. In this position, the weapon in the holster is between your hip and the small of your back. Since the gun is behind you, concealment is easy to achieve.
What is Israeli carry?
What Is “Israeli Carry”? The Israeli method teaches carrying a semi-automatic pistol with no round in the chamber. Draw, rack, fire. The training focuses heavily on speed-racking during the draw stroke—burned into muscle memory through endless reps.
What is the most gun-friendly country?
There isn't one single "most gun friendly" country, but the United States has the highest civilian gun ownership and very permissive laws in many states, while Switzerland is known for its strong gun culture tied to militia service and relatively liberal ownership rules for certain firearms after background checks, and countries like Yemen also have extremely non-restrictive laws, though often with different cultural contexts. Other nations with high ownership or liberal access include Canada, Finland, and Serbia, often linked to hunting or defense traditions.
Why do Mexicans like .38 super?
Apart from its popularity in shooting sports, the . 38 Super +P is one of the most popular pistol cartridges in Latin America due to local restrictions on civilian ownership of firearms chambered for military cartridges, such as 9mm Parabellum and . 45 ACP.
What is the freest gun state?
There isn't one single "freest" gun state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Arkansas, Montana, and South Dakota are consistently ranked among the most gun-friendly due to permissive laws like constitutional/permitless carry, strong self-defense protections (Stand Your Ground), and lack of sales tax on firearms. Other states often cited for lenient laws include Arizona, Wyoming, Alaska, Utah, and Mississippi, though some recent political shifts in states like Arizona have impacted their rankings.
What is the safest gun to concealed carry?
The "safest" concealed carry gun depends on user preference, but top picks combine reliability with safety features like manual or grip safeties, with the Sig Sauer P365, Glock 19/43X, and S&W M&P Shield EZ often cited for balancing ease of use, reliability, and strong safety profiles, with the EZ model specifically easing slide manipulation for new shooters. The best choice involves personal fit, training, and selecting features like manual safeties or robust passive systems for comfort and accident prevention.
What is the most discreet concealed carry position?
The Best Overall Concealed Carry Position
While this may be different based on body type, mobility, and body mechanics for you individually, generally, the position which will be good at all 3 factors (accessibility, comfort, and concealability) is some form of IWB carry, either appendix or hip.
Why do people want concealed carry?
People choose to obtain a concealed carry permit for personal protection. In today's uncertain world, having the means to defend yourself and your loved ones against potential threats is invaluable.
What are the negatives of owning a gun?
Gun ownership is common in America. People report that they need them for safety and/or sport. However, having a firearm in the home actually increases the rate for suicide, homicide, domestic violence, and accidents.
Why is owning a gun a good thing?
People also enjoy several of the benefits that gun owners experience. Owning a gun makes you feel safer, which is another benefit of guns in society. You feel more secure when you have a gun in your home. Having the option to protect yourself and your loved ones puts your mind at ease.
Should you tell people you conceal carry?
Deciding whether to disclose that you hold a concealed carry weapon (CCW) depends on several factors, including local laws, your relationship with the host, and the circumstances of the visit. The following considerations can help guide your decision: Respect the homeowner: Always follow house rules regarding firearms.
What does God say about weapons?
The Bible never forbids a Christian from owning a weapon, but it does offer some principles to consider. First, Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:10). A Christian considering the purchase of a weapon should prayerfully consider if doing so would aid in peace-making.
Does owning a gun increase homeowners insurance?
No, simply owning a gun typically does not increase your standard homeowners insurance premiums, as most insurers don't ask about firearms or factor them into base rates, but you'll need extra coverage (endorsements or separate policies) for higher limits and liability, which will add to the cost, especially if you have a collection or need to cover accidental shootings. Standard policies often have low sub-limits ($2,500-$5,000) for firearm theft or damage, requiring additional coverage for valuable guns.