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Carrying a handgun isn’t just about having a weapon on your hip. It’s about responsibility, training, and choices that keep both you and others safe. Many new and even experienced carriers slip into habits that create risks without realizing it. From poor holster use to neglecting regular practice, these mistakes can undermine your confidence and safety. Knowing what to avoid makes you a more responsible carrier and helps ensure your handgun serves its intended purpose.
1. Using the Wrong Holster
A holster is more than a holder for your gun. It determines how secure your firearm stays and how quickly you can draw it under stress. Many people make the mistake of choosing a cheap or ill-fitted holster. If your holster doesn’t fully cover the trigger guard, you risk a negligent discharge. If it doesn’t retain the firearm properly, the gun could slip out when you bend or run. A proper holster should fit your exact model, hold the weapon snugly, and allow a smooth draw without fumbling. Investing in quality here isn’t optional it’s foundational.
2. Neglecting Regular Training
Owning a handgun and carrying it daily doesn’t make you proficient. Skill comes from repetition and ongoing training. Too many people fire a few magazines at the range, get comfortable, and stop practicing. Under stress, your body reverts to what it knows best, and without consistent practice, that may mean hesitation or mistakes. Training should include not just target shooting but also drawing from concealment, reloading under pressure, and situational awareness drills. Skipping training leaves gaps that show up when you can least afford them.
3. Carrying Without a Round Chambered
This is one of the most debated mistakes. Some carriers keep an empty chamber because they believe it’s safer. The problem is that if you ever need your firearm, you’ll need it instantly. Racking the slide in a defensive encounter wastes time you may not have. Modern handguns with proper holsters are designed to be carried safely with a round chambered. As long as your firearm is in a holster that covers the trigger guard, the chance of an accidental discharge is minimal. An unloaded chamber can cost you precious seconds.
4. Wearing Improper Clothing
Your wardrobe matters more than you might think. Printing; when the outline of your handgun shows through your clothes can draw unwanted attention. Loose, lightweight fabrics may not conceal well, and tight clothing can make carrying uncomfortable or obvious. Another mistake is not considering how clothing interacts with your draw. A heavy coat, for example, can block quick access. You need to balance concealment, comfort, and accessibility. Test your outfit in front of a mirror and practice drawing to make sure you’re not compromising safety for style.
5. Constantly Adjusting or Touching the Gun
Fidgeting with your handgun in public is a dead giveaway that you’re carrying. People notice, and in some states, that alone could create legal trouble. Beyond appearances, unnecessary handling increases the risk of a negligent discharge. If your holster is uncomfortable or your gun feels insecure, the solution isn’t constant adjustment, it’s upgrading your gear. A properly fitted holster and belt should keep the firearm steady without the need for touching it throughout the day. Once your gun is holstered, leave it alone until you actually need it.
6. Ignoring Local Laws and Restrictions
Handgun laws vary widely depending on where you are. Some states have strict requirements on where you can carry, while others are more relaxed. A common mistake is assuming your permit covers you everywhere, which can lead to serious legal consequences. Carrying in prohibited places like schools, government buildings, or private businesses that post restrictions can result in arrest or fines. Before carrying, review the regulations in your state and any state you plan to visit. Ignorance of the law won’t protect you if you make the wrong move.
7. Overconfidence in a Gun as the Only Defense
Carrying a handgun doesn’t make you invincible. Some people fall into the trap of thinking the gun solves every problem. In reality, most situations can and should be de-escalated without drawing a weapon. Relying only on your firearm can lead to poor judgment or unnecessary escalation. A gun is a last-resort tool, not a shield against all threats. Pairing your firearm with strong situational awareness, verbal skills, and non-lethal options like pepper spray gives you more control. Confidence comes from having layers of defense, not just one.
8. Forgetting Basic Firearm Safety Rules
Even experienced carriers sometimes grow complacent about safety. The four core rules; treat every gun as loaded, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, never point at what you don’t intend to destroy, and know your target and what’s beyond it apply every time you carry. Forgetting even one can lead to tragedy. Safe handling isn’t just about protecting yourself, it’s about protecting everyone around you. Carrying a firearm means committing to constant vigilance, not cutting corners because you think you’ve done it enough times before.