❄️ Cold Weather Concealed Carry

What you need to know

Colder weather is a double-edged sword for concealed carry. Heavier clothing and layers make concealment easy, and many switch to larger guns. However, heavier clothing and layers can make drawing much more difficult.

Instead of thinking only of concealment, we must also consider access. Even more so in the winter. Your well-concealed pistol isn’t much good if you can’t access it quickly and efficiently.

COATS:

If it’s not too cold, consider leaving your coat open. If you have to close it, choose something with snaps instead of a zipper. Snaps are much easier to rip open.

I live in a moderate climate so I usually wear my jacket or vest open.

Dry practice at home often. Figure out the best way to get your coat open and cleared, along with your shirt layer. If you’re getting hung up, slow it down and figure out where the issue is.

GLOVES:

Go for the thinnest gloves that will still keep you warm. Find something with a grippy texture that will help you clear your garments and get a grip on your gun.

Wear your gloves in dry practice as well. Ideally, you should practice wearing exactly what you’ll be wearing when you leave the house.

I have very small hands so usually the size small in men’s gloves are still too big, but this pair from Magpul fits me well. They are thin and warm enough for where I live.

SCARVES:

If you’re wearing a scarf, does it hang inside or outside your coat? Will it get in the way of clearing your layers or get hung up in your draw? These questions should be answered in your dry practice drills and worked out so they don’t cause an issue if you find yourself in a defensive situation.

OFF BODY CARRY:

For those who live somewhere frigid, you’re likely bundling up heavy, so it’s worth considering off-body carry as an option. A fanny pack worn across my chest is the only way I’ll do off-body because it’s the least worst method. It puts the firearm close to your body, and the draw is similar to appendix.

Off-body carry takes a lot of practice just as any other method of drawing.

I know many think off-body carry is a much slower draw, and it can be if you don’t practice. But is it slower than unzipping and clearing a heavy parka? I don’t know. You’ll have to do some hands-on research yourself.

Remember: ACCESS IS EVERYTHING.

Have a great weekend and stay casual+tactical,

Elizabeth