7 Essential Concealed Carry Checks Before Leaving Home

The Responsibility of Concealed Carry

Carrying a concealed firearm is not just a right, but a significant responsibility that requires constant vigilance and preparation. It's a commitment that goes beyond simply owning a gun - it's a lifestyle that demands both mental and physical readiness every single day. With years of experience in concealed carry, I've encountered my share of challenges, close calls, and learning opportunities. Today, I'm sharing seven critical checks you must perform before leaving your house with a concealed firearm.

1. Verify Your Ammunition Functions Properly

The first and perhaps most crucial step in your concealed carry routine is ensuring your ammunition works correctly with your firearm. It's not enough to simply match the caliber; you need to confirm that your specific gun and ammo combination functions flawlessly.

Why Ammo Testing Matters

Over the years, I've witnessed numerous instances where guns have malfunctioned due to incompatible ammunition. This is particularly true for hollow point rounds, which can be notoriously finicky. The last thing you want in a high-stress situation is for your firearm to jam or misfire.

How to Test Your Ammo

When you purchase a new box of self-defense ammunition:

1. Take it to the range
2. Fire the entire box through your carry gun
3. Observe for any cycling issues
4. Check for acceptable accuracy
5. Ensure the gun functions reliably

Yes, quality self-defense ammo is expensive, but it's a necessary investment in your safety and peace of mind. Don't cut corners here - your life could depend on it.

2. Practice Rapid Fire from Concealment

Stress can dramatically affect your shooting performance. When adrenaline surges, your grip may change, your form might falter, and you could find yourself inadvertently limp-wristing your firearm, leading to malfunctions.

The Importance of High-Stress Training

Semi-automatic pistols require a stable platform to function correctly. By practicing rapid fire from concealment, you can:

• Simulate high-stress scenarios
• Identify potential issues with your grip or stance
• Discover if your gun is prone to jamming under rapid fire

How to Practice

1. Set up at your local range
2. Draw from your concealed carry position
3. Fire a full magazine as quickly as you can while maintaining control
4. Pay attention to any malfunctions or issues that arise

Remember, the goal isn't just to look cool or shoot fast. It's about understanding how your firearm behaves when you're under pressure and identifying any potential problems before they occur in a real-life situation.

3. Practice Your Draw with Your Daily Outfit

Your ability to draw your weapon quickly and smoothly can vary significantly depending on what you're wearing. What works perfectly in your range attire might be a completely different story in your everyday clothes.

The Clothing Variable

Each outfit introduces new challenges to accessing your concealed firearm. That oversized hoodie or new jacket you love could become a serious impediment in a critical moment.

Daily Draw Practice

Before leaving the house each day:

1. Ensure your firearm is unloaded and safe
2. Practice drawing from concealment while wearing your outfit for the day
3. Check for any snags or difficulties in accessing your weapon
4. Make adjustments to your carry position or clothing as necessary

This daily ritual will help you identify and resolve any potential issues before you step out the door. It's far better to discover a problem with your draw in the safety of your home than in a high-stakes situation.

4. Inspect Your Red Dot Sight

If your concealed carry firearm is equipped with a red dot sight, it requires special attention. These sights can be game-changers for accuracy and target acquisition, but they're only effective if they're functioning correctly.

Red Dot Maintenance Checks

Before heading out, take a moment to inspect your red dot sight:

1. Clean the glass: Ensure the lens is free from smudges, dirt, or debris that could obstruct your view.
2. Check the battery: Confirm that the dot is visible and bright enough. Consider keeping a spare battery with you.
3. Verify the mounting: Check that all screws are tight and the sight is securely attached to your firearm.
4. Confirm zero: Regularly verify that your sight is still zeroed correctly.

Pro Tip: The Sharpie Trick

Use a fine-point Sharpie to mark the position of your mounting screws. This simple trick allows you to quickly spot if any screws have started to loosen, potentially affecting your sight's zero.

5. Lubricate Your Firearm

Proper lubrication is crucial for the reliable function of your concealed carry weapon. A dry gun can lead to increased wear and potential malfunctions.

The Importance of Lubrication

While many modern firearms can run reliably without lubrication for a time, it's not a risk worth taking with your everyday carry gun. Proper lubrication reduces friction, prevents wear, and ensures smooth operation.

Lubrication Check and Application

1. Inspect your firearm for signs of dryness
2. Apply a small amount of high-quality gun oil to key areas:
   • Slide rails
   • Barrel hood
   • Locking lugs
3. Avoid over-lubricating, which can attract dirt and debris

If you're curious about your gun's performance without lubrication, that's a separate test to conduct at the range. For daily carry, err on the side of caution and keep your firearm properly lubricated.

6. Verify Chamber Status

One of the most critical checks before leaving your home is confirming the status of your firearm's chamber. It's an easy step to overlook, especially if you've recently cleaned your gun or conducted dry fire practice.

The Importance of Chamber Checks

Knowing the status of your chamber is crucial for several reasons:

1. Safety: You need to know if your firearm is loaded or not.
2. Readiness: In a self-defense situation, you want to be certain of your weapon's status.
3. Legal considerations: In some jurisdictions, the status of your firearm can have legal implications.

How to Check Your Chamber

1. Ensure your firearm is pointed in a safe direction
2. Remove the magazine if present
3. Pull back the slide slightly to visually and physically inspect the chamber
4. Use the loaded chamber indicator if your firearm has one
5. Re-insert the magazine if you carry with one in the chamber

If you choose to carry without a round in the chamber, practice racking the slide as part of your draw. However, be aware that this method introduces an extra step and potential point of failure in a high-stress situation.

7. Inspect Your Spare Magazine

Carrying a spare magazine is a wise decision, but it's only beneficial if the magazine is in good working order. Magazines are often overlooked, but they can be a common point of failure in semi-automatic firearms.

Spare Magazine Checks

Before leaving home, take a moment to inspect your spare magazine:

1. Check that rounds are seated properly
2. Ensure the magazine is free from debris (lint, dirt, etc.)
3. Verify that the magazine spring is functioning correctly
4. Check for any signs of damage or wear

Proper Magazine Storage

If you carry your spare magazine loose in a pocket, consider using a dedicated magazine pouch. This will help protect it from debris and ensure it's oriented correctly for a smooth reload if needed.

The Importance of Consistent Preparation

Carrying a concealed firearm is a serious responsibility that requires consistent preparation and attention to detail. The seven checks outlined above are not just suggestions - they're critical steps that can make the difference between being truly prepared and merely having a false sense of security.

Building a Pre-Departure Routine

Incorporate these checks into your daily routine:

1. Verify ammunition functionality
2. Practice stress shooting
3. Test your draw with your daily outfit
4. Check your red dot sight (if applicable)
5. Lubricate your firearm
6. Confirm chamber status
7. Inspect your spare magazine

By making these checks a habit, you'll ensure that you're always prepared for the responsibility of carrying a concealed firearm.

Hearing Protection: An Often Overlooked Aspect of Firearms Training

While not directly related to your daily carry routine, it's worth mentioning the importance of protecting your hearing during firearms training. Regular practice is crucial for maintaining your skills, but it can take a toll on your hearing if proper precautions aren't taken.

The Importance of Quality Hearing Protection

Investing in high-quality hearing protection is essential for any serious firearms enthusiast. Modern electronic hearing protection offers several advantages:

1. Noise reduction for harmful sound levels
2. Ability to hear normal conversation and range commands
3. Bluetooth connectivity for music or phone calls
4. Comfort for extended wear during long training sessions

Remember, your hearing is irreplaceable. Always use proper hearing protection when training with firearms.

Conclusion: Responsibility, Preparation, and Continuous Learning

Carrying a concealed firearm is not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires a commitment to ongoing training, meticulous preparation, and a willingness to learn from both your own experiences and those of others.

The seven checks outlined in this article are the result of years of experience, including mistakes made and lessons learned. By incorporating these steps into your daily routine, you're not just preparing for the possibility of using your firearm - you're embracing the full responsibility that comes with being a concealed carrier.

Remember, in the world of concealed carry, it's always better to be overprepared than underprepared. Your safety, and potentially the safety of others, may one day depend on the habits you form now. Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and continue to educate yourself on best practices for responsible firearm ownership and use.

By following these guidelines and maintaining a commitment to safety and preparedness, you'll be well-equipped to handle the responsibilities that come with concealed carry. Stay safe, stay trained, and always be ready.

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