You have your gun. You have your ammo. Now what? There are lots of other things to think about, from holster and range bag to cleaning equipment and storage devices. What are the must-haves for now and what are the cool-haves for later? Let’s take a look at a few top considerations.
Holster: This is a definite. It can also be a tricky purchase. Many people can show you a drawer, a box, or even a closet full of holsters they’ve purchased that just didn’t quite work. And you, too, may have to go through a few different options before you find a solution…or solutions. I use the plural of the word because—although it’s definitely best if you can consistently carry the same way, every day—that’s not always practical or possible, especially for women. We wear many different hats (sometimes literally), and we have many different responsibilities.
Thankfully, there are a lot of great possibilities to fit the plethora of wants and needs. From bra holsters and concealment undergarments to belly bands and concealed carry handbags, there are plenty of choices to consider. Just think about what’s most sensible for you. With your unloaded firearm, you can even try out (or try on) some of these options.
So as you do your research and start your shopping, be sure to pay close attention to the safety, accessibility, stability, and overall function of the holster you choose. Remember: The key to safe and effective concealed carry is selecting the best holster for you, for your lifestyle, and for your gun…and training and becoming competent in the techniques and methods required to use that holster effectively.
Belt: A belt may or may not be something that needs to go along with your holster of choice. If you’re like me, you may not wear a belt every day, but you will definitely want to have a sturdy, secure option to help support your holster and your gun… if that’s how you choose to carry. Just be sure to think strong-and-sturdy tool, rather than fashionable-and-fun accessory. In this case, a slim, elastic stretch band won’t do. Look for a thick, wide leather or nylon tactical belt that won’t give or sag under the weight of your pistol.
Cleaning Gear: Yes, you need to clean your firearm—even if you don’t train with it all the time. So you’ll need to have some of the basics to keep it in pristine working order. Check your owner’s manual first. Different guns require different things…in different places. You’ll want to be sure you don’t overdo or underdo something. And if your manual happens to be a little less than thorough, you can find a variety of how-to videos and articles online that can help with cleaning tips for your specific gun. To get started, purchase a gun cleaning kit that includes the basic brushes and patches, plus cleaner, oil, grease, and a rod. I also find that a bore snake is a great tool to have on hand.
Range Bag: There are many options for toting your gun, ammo, and other necessities to the shooting range. From the simple, padded, one-gun carrying pouch to the multi-pocketed, locking, tactical packing beast, you’ll want to think about safely and effectively getting your gear with you whenever—and wherever—you’re on the go. Of course, you may not need this item right away, but it will certainly come in handy down the line.
Storage: Your gun probably came in a bag or a box of some kind. This is a reasonable solution to storage, and you can safely keep your gun in the original case, using a lock on the case and/or a cable lock in the gun itself. But there are many storage options out there, from RFID (radio frequency identification) safes and traditional gun safes in all shapes and sizes to “hidden-in-plain-sight” options, such as garment bags, books, mirrors, and even pieces of furniture. Your family, lifestyle, and home-protection or self-defense plan will help you make these important firearms-storage decisions.
Are there more cool accessories, tools, doodads, and whatnots out there? Of course! From magazine loaders and colorful base floor plates to fiber-optic sights and dry-fire laser trainers, there is a host of fun, intriguing, and useful items you can purchase for you and for your gun. And to that I say: To each, her own!
So ask around and be observant. See what other people are using and what they like. Check out all the great information on the USCCA blog and in Concealed Carry Magazine. There’s definitely more than enough gun goodies to fill a birthday gift bag or a Christmas stocking…if anyone needs a few helpful gift hints this year!
