How many concealed carry guns do you need? The basic answer is “one,” so long as you actually carry it. But there’s the rub. Few carry guns are perfect for every situation, though some are more versatile than others. Considerations like weather, attire, environment, and proficiency can influence, or even dictate, the gun you might carry.
A judicious and informed concealed carrier can choose a sidearm that works in almost every situation. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that. But many of us have several carry guns from which to choose, based on one or more of the factors we just mentioned.
Let’s look at those factors and briefly discuss how to think about them in terms of concealed carry. We will assume that you are open to carrying different guns in different situations for the purpose of this article. Afterward, we’ll look at a few other considerations when choosing carry guns for your system.
Weather and Attire
Weather often dictates attire, so we’ll combine these two. Basically, hot weather means fewer clothes and cold weather means more. Lighter summer clothing provides fewer concealment opportunities, generally requiring a smaller, more easily concealed sidearm. One can certainly carry a 1911 or Beretta 92 in the summer, but a looser, longer, perhaps oversized shirt is probably in order.
I prefer a slimmer, more compact pistol for summer carry. My go-to is a Sig Sauer P365XL. I’ve also carried a Walther PPS and Ruger Max 9. Those guns are only an inch thick, offering a low-profile option with nearly any wardrobe choice.
Cold weather gives me more options. The P365XL is my primary carry gun, but sometimes I want something bigger with more ammo. Wearing a winter coat allows me to use an outside-the-waistband holster for my Walther P99. It has a larger grip and higher capacity than my Sig. The extra real estate gives me a more positive grip and a slightly more controllable firearm.
Mid-weight winter coats also provide a good opportunity for a shoulder holster. Tastes vary, but I like my Beretta 92 under my arm. It’s admittedly bulky, and I don’t like it with a heavy coat, but that bulk means I don’t have to go looking for it if I want to draw quickly. You should practice enough that you never have to “go looking” for your carry gun, but you get the point.
Accessibility is always a concern with winter clothing. I can and do carry smaller guns inside-the-waistband in winter. Usually if I know I’ll be removing my coat. But OWB carry means I have fewer layers to breach if I need my sidearm in a hurry. That’s something to think about. And OWB means bigger for me.
Environment
Your surroundings can also influence what and how you carry. I let my attire or desired comfort level decide for me, for general out-and-about. But if I know I’ll be in a very crowded area, I go low-profile. This is where I think appendix carry really shines because it gives me maximum control and accessibility, while greatly reducing the chance of someone bumping against my firearm.
I’m a big guy, so I rarely carry at the appendix, despite having a couple of excellent AIWB holsters. But sometimes I sacrifice comfort for practicality. This is where I usually employ my Ruger Max 9, which is the overall smallest handgun I own, though the Sig is always a possibility.
I also like a smaller gun if I go somewhere that requires a suit or similar attire. Not only does the lower profile make it easier to carry in those clothes, but I’m also likely in a place that might frown on my carrying at all. So, inconspicuous wins the day here.
Another factor is whether I plan to be in the car, especially for long periods. I normally carry on my right hip at 4 o’clock. That’s a difficult draw should I need my gun in a hurry, especially while wearing a seat belt. The best choice in this case is a dedicated vehicle mount.
I also occasionally carry the Beretta in my shoulder rig while driving. That’s the best of both worlds if the situation works.
Concealed Carry Proficiency
Your proficiency with a particular firearm should be the primary determining factor on whether you carry it. For example, if you can’t run a single/double action (SA/DA) pistol, then you have no business carrying one. Same with revolvers. I love revolvers, but I had to learn to use them properly before carrying. My advice is to become more than proficient with one versatile carry gun before expanding your concealed carry menu. Add guns, if desired, as you gain proficiency.
My job requires me to run many handguns, meaning I’m comfortable with most, once I get used to them. Ironically, that broad familiarity caused me to retire my first carry gun, a Walther PPQ. The PPQ has a very light, responsive trigger. I’d gotten used to it and could operate it very well.
But constantly handling and shooting handguns with heavier triggers, combined with reduced time on the PPQ, degraded my skill with that light trigger, occasionally causing me to press it before I was ready during presentation from the draw. That problem would likely be more pronounced in an adrenaline-fueled encounter.
Experience has also taught me to prefer a heavier trigger on a carry gun for similar reasons. Having equally good options, I pulled the PPQ from my carry rotation, thus assuring consistency across my entire carry gun inventory. The PPQ is still my favorite handgun. I just don’t carry it anymore.
Other Concealed Carry Considerations
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your carry style, so long as it’s safe. Pocket carry, in pants and coats, is a great option if you have the proper equipment. Pants pockets are usually limited to very small subcompacts like the Ruger LCP, while coat pockets give you more options.
Proper holsters are also non-negotiable. My holster choices are every bit as important as my firearms. A good holster means your gun is where it’s supposed to be every time. I learned that truth early on when a cheap holster kept changing its cant angle as I moved.
A quality holster also protects your gun’s trigger guard. Think about reaching into your pocket for a pistol with an unprotected trigger. If that doesn’t get your attention, then you should rethink carrying a gun. Good holsters can even secure your firearm from being plucked away from you if you choose extra retention.
You also need a proper belt. Normal leather belts will work for a while, but they will soon begin to stretch, making your holster and firearm less secure. Buy yourself a dedicated, reinforced gun belt. It will lock that holster in place.
How Many Concealed Carry Guns?
The answer to that question is up to you. How versatile is your main sidearm? Do you live in an area that experiences all four seasons? Where do you go, and in what kind of activities do you participate? Only you can answer those questions and choose accordingly.
But there’s one more thing to consider. How many do you want? Maybe one do-it-all pistol works for you. If so, then drive on. The old saying “beware the man with only one gun” exists for a reason, assuming you’re the type to train properly.
Many of us like to have options. That’s how I am. My sidearm is often more of a fashion statement than my clothing, even if no one sees it. My P365XL accompanies me most of the time. But sometimes I just want to carry the P99 or my Colt Viper revolver. Or something else.
The key is proficiency, proper equipment, state of mind, and awareness of your current situation.
