Carrying a firearm is a serious responsibility, and many new concealed carriers make avoidable mistakes that could cost them legally, tactically, or physically.
In this article, we’ll cover:
✅ The top 5 mistakes new concealed carriers make
✅ How to avoid these common pitfalls
✅ A bonus tip: Why carrying O.C. spray is just as important as carrying a gun
Let’s dive in.
1. Choosing the Wrong Gear (Or Not Testing It First)
The Mistake:
Many new gun owners buy cheap, uncomfortable, or unsafe holsters and belts—or worse, they never test them before carrying.
Why It’s a Problem:
- A bad holster can lead to printing, discomfort, or even accidental discharges.
- A weak gun belt won’t support your firearm properly, making it shift or sag.
- Some handguns aren’t suited for everyday carry due to size, recoil, or poor ergonomics.
How to Fix It:
✔ Test your gear—wear it daily and practice drawing before carrying in public.
✔ Invest in a quality holster like The Wanderer, The Pathfinder, or The Outlander from Falls River Tactical.
✔ Use a reinforced gun belt to keep your firearm secure and properly positioned.
2. Failing to Train Beyond the Basic Permit Class
The Mistake:
Many people assume their concealed carry class is enough training—it’s not.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Permit courses only cover legal basics and simple marksmanship.
- Without real-world training, reaction times slow under stress.
- Shooting at paper targets doesn’t prepare you for a real-life attack.
How to Fix It:
✔ Take advanced training courses like Intro To Handgun or The Proficient Draw.
✔ Train for real-world situations—practice drawing, moving, and shooting from concealment.
✔ Dry-fire daily to reinforce good habits and improve response time.
3. Ignoring Situational Awareness
The Mistake:
Some carriers think, “I have a gun, so I’m safe.” They don’t pay attention to their surroundings.
Why It’s a Problem:
- If you don’t see danger coming, you may not even get the chance to draw your gun. Nor will you notice times to counter-ambush, which is more likely the better option.
- Drawing a firearm isn’t always the best option. Awareness gives you time to avoid threats before they escalate.
- In the words of John Corria, “ Attention buys you time, time buys you options.”
How to Fix It:
✔ Adopt a “Curious mindset.” Pay attention to the world around you with a curious eye.
✔ Practice a lifestyle of avoidance and de-escalation — to stay ahead of potential threats and proactively avoid confrontations that may arise..
✔ Avoid Task Fixation in transitional spaces—avoid distractions like excessive phone use in public, fumbling with keys, etc., especially in areas unfamiliar to you.
4. Carrying Inconsistently
The Mistake:
New carriers only carry when they “feel like they might need it.”
Why It’s a Problem:
- You don’t get to choose when danger happens.
- If you carry inconsistently, you’re less familiar with your gear, slowing your response time.
- A firearm left at home won’t protect you when you need it most.
How to Fix It:
✔ Make carrying a daily habit—dress around the gun.
✔ Use a comfortable, secure holster so carrying doesn’t feel like a chore.
✔ Commit to carrying full-time—your gun is useless if it’s not with you.
5. Not Understanding Self-Defense Laws
The Mistake:
Many gun owners don’t fully understand when they can legally use their firearms in self-defense.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Using your gun at the wrong time could land you in jail.
- Brandishing a firearm improperly can escalate a situation.
- Self-defense laws vary by state—what’s legal in one place could be illegal in another.
How to Fix It:
✔ Take a legal self-defense course—understand the laws for your state and jurisdiction.
✔ We recommend Handgunlaw.us—to check up on laws in your state and states you might travel to.
✔ Consider legal protection—We highly recommend Firearms Legal Protection. They are the best Pre-paid legal service available!
Bonus: Why You MUST Carry Non-Lethal Options Like O.C. Spray
The Mistake:
Many new concealed carriers only carry their gun and ignore non-lethal self-defense tools like pepper spray.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Not every threat justifies lethal force. A belligerent drunk isn’t a deadly threat, but he might be a danger.
- Legally, O.C. spray gives you an option before drawing your gun.
- You’re far more likely to need pepper spray than a gun. Most self-defense situations don’t require lethal force.
How to Fix It:
✔ Carry and train with O.C. spray. Learn how to use it quickly and effectively.
✔ Understand the laws—know when it’s legal to use non-lethal force.
✔ Make it part of your EDC (Everyday Carry). Your gun isn’t always the right tool for the job.
Final Thoughts: Carry Smart, Train Hard, Stay Legal
Carrying a firearm is about more than just owning a gun—it’s about:
✅ Choosing the right gear (and testing it!)
✅ Training beyond the basic permit class
✅ Staying aware of your surroundings
✅ Carrying consistently, not just when you “feel like it”
✅ Knowing the law—so you don’t end up in jail
✅ Carrying O.C. spray—because you’ll likely need it before you ever need a gun
What’s Next?
📌 Evaluate your gear—are your holster, belt, and firearm actually working for you?
📌 Start training today—sign up for Handgun I or The Proficient Draw.
📌 Learn the law—know when and how you can legally use force.
📌 Add non-lethal options to your EDC—because a gun isn’t always the answer.
The more educated, trained, and prepared you are, the more confidently you can carry.
Want Help Choosing the Best Holster for Your Needs?
Check out Falls River Tactical’s holsters, designed for comfort, concealment, and all-day carry.