5 Pains Concealed Carriers Experience

For concealed carriers, you may already be all-too-familiar with the aches and pains that come with carrying your gun every day. Which, if you carry every day, Excellent! Proud of you! Now, the pains we feel—some are minor—some are just annoying.

1. Car Rides with a Gun in the Holster

Don’t get me wrong. Most of the time, if I’m in the car, I don’t have to drive for very long distances, so wearing my Browning Hi-power in my IWB holster, or my S&W .38 Special isn’t really a big deal. However, I drove to one of my favorite (I say “local,” but it’s about an hour’s drive from home) rifle ranges, with my 15-round capacity 9mm in the holster. Let me tell you, that drive was uncomfortable.

I like to carry my Hi-Power just behind my right hip, which in the car is right next to the driver’s seatbelt lock and release. So, the drive to the range left me stiff until I could work it out; the drive home was worse because I was tired.

Later that night, I had an annoying back-ache and had to take some pain reliever to be able to sleep.

2. Brief Panic from the Right Gun in the Right Holster

I myself have only experienced this while carrying my S&W .38 Special. What I’m talking about here is the momentary “Did I remember to put on my gun?” panic because I had forgotten I put my gun on. After an inconspicuous and quick pat, I discovered I was, in fact, carrying. This can often happen with your IWB holster .

3. Bathroom Stops Stalled by “Gun Free” Sign

Have you ever really needed to stop for a bathroom break and pulled into a random gas station only to realize they have a “gun-free” sign posted on their door? It’s frustrating for concealed carriers, and I know several people who just blow right by the sign because they “just can’t wait” the 2 minutes it would be put their gun in their glove box or center console.

I personally try to avoid establishments that have signs posted unless it’s absolutely unavoidable; then I reluctantly leave my pistol in my locked vehicle.

4. Overeating while Carrying

There have been plenty of times that I’ve eaten way too much food and needed to put my belt on a looser notch. When I’m a concealed carrier, that feeling of “stuffed” creeps up on me much faster because the pistol adds about an inch and a half or more to my waistline (and I’m sure to any concealed carrier’s waistline).

There were many times that my step-father and I would rush home so that he could get his gun into the safe and his belt off.

5. Someone Accidentally Hits your Gun

The whole point of concealed carry holsters is for your pistol to be concealed. But if you’re anything like me, you have people who accidentally finds out by hugging you, putting their arm around you, or playfully trying to jab at your ribs. It can lead to shocking faces or awkward moments.

One of my suggestions for concealed carriers is to wiggle your eyebrows at them and move on with a smile. There’s no admission, and the subject doesn’t have to be pressed.

Do you have any other pains (whether merely annoying or physical) you think I missed?

Hannah Staton holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing from the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith where she also is a Writing Tutor. She was issued her Concealed Carry License in 2016, but has grown up around firearms her whole life. She is a Contributing Editor and Copy Writer for Clinger Holsters. She is an artist, cigar enthusiast, poet, and an avid shooter. She resides in Van Buren, Arkansas with her dog, Sunday and spends as much of her free time either with her family or making art. You can find her on Instagram @hr.staton or reach her by email: hr.staton@yahoo.com