How Do We Conceal Carry & Practice?

Concealed Carry Setups and SIG P365XL Rose Enigma Rig

The video opens on the range with multiple hosts explaining that the focus is how they actually conceal carry and practice, not just gear show-and-tell. Sarah details her everyday setup: a SIG P365XL Rose carried in a Filster Enigma chassis paired with an Eclipse ZG holster. She has upgraded to a neoprene sport belt for comfort and uses a thicker, more adjustable leg leash from Runcle Concepts. The hosts explain why a leg leash is critical on Enigma-style, beltless systems: it anchors the holster and keeps it from riding up or shifting during the draw, something simple belly-band or wraparound rigs often fail to do. Clint then introduces his preferred carry, a SIG P365XL Macro with a TLR-7A weapon-mounted light. He highlights its 17+1 capacity, integrated compensator, night sights, and slim profile, while acknowledging that the longer grip and baseplate can print slightly under a shirt, especially from certain angles.

Capacity vs Concealment and Shield Plus Performance Center

The discussion turns to the tradeoff between concealability and capacity. The hosts point out that a full-size grip and extended baseplate on pistols like the P365XL Macro can print a bit under light clothing, but they prefer the extra rounds over perfect invisibility. They then showcase another option used as a video-room gun: a Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus Performance Center. This pistol features a ported barrel and slide to help manage recoil, and it is set up with a Crimson Trace red dot and fiber optic sights for improved visibility. The gun rides in a Secret Squirrel/SEC Concealment holster, with a Streamlight TLR-6A light mentioned as a compatible accessory. The hosts note that the small trigger guard can be tight when wearing gloves, something to consider for cold-weather carry. They transition into the training portion by explaining that most concealed carry encounters occur from arm’s reach out to roughly 10–15 yards, which will drive the drills they demonstrate.

Typical Engagement Distances and Appendix Carry Holsters

Building on the discussion of realistic distances, the hosts emphasize that most defensive shootings for concealed carriers happen from contact distance out to about 10–15 yards. They briefly reference rare long-distance exceptions, such as a mall shooting and Stephen Willeford’s engagement with an AR, but stress that everyday practice should prioritize close ranges. The conversation shifts to carry position, with a clear preference for appendix carry. They show an appendix-only holster and mention setups from Secret Squirrel concealment and an Alpha Mega holster with a sidecar for spare magazine carry. A Nexbelt with a ratcheting system is highlighted for its easy micro-adjustments, which help fine-tune comfort and concealment throughout the day. The hosts explain how appendix carry can offer faster access and better concealment when properly set up, then prepare to demonstrate live-fire drills that focus on drawing from concealment at realistic distances.

Basic Draw-from-Concealment Drills and Garment Clearing

The instructors begin a simple but critical drill: drawing from concealment, presenting the pistol, and firing multiple rounds on target. They run the drill on a shot timer, showing times around 1.8 to 1.9 seconds from the beep to the first hit. Emphasis is placed on aggressively and decisively clearing the cover garment before establishing a firing grip. They reference a previous video with a Canik MC9 where the rear sight snagged on the shirt, illustrating how incomplete garment clearing can stall the draw or foul the presentation. The hosts demonstrate using both hands to sweep the shirt high and out of the way, then driving the gun straight to the target. They stress that consistency in how the shirt is cleared and how the gun is indexed out of the holster is more important than chasing tenths of a second, especially for newer concealed carriers building safe habits.

Close-Quarters Standoff Drills and ID Target Use

The focus shifts to close-quarters standoff scenarios where an aggressor is within arm’s reach. The instructors explain that a firearm should be the last line of defense in an escalation-of-force model, after attempts to create distance or use empty-hand techniques. They introduce the ID Target (Infinite Target), a self-healing target designed to withstand repeated close-range shots without quickly breaking down. Using this target, they run standoff drills that start with a physical strike to create space, followed by a rapid draw from concealment and shots on target. Two main techniques are compared: a traditional left-hand jab to the target before drawing with the right hand, and a right-hand punch that simultaneously clears the cover garment to speed the draw. A shot timer is used to capture performance, and multiple shooters run the drill, comparing draw speeds, hit counts, and personal comfort with each method, with several runs coming in under two seconds to first hit.

Right- vs Left-Hand Strikes, Draw Speed, and Movement

The instructors discuss which hand to use for concealed carry and striking. One speaker notes a personal preference for right-handed carry, while acknowledging that many law enforcement and military training programs historically emphasized keeping the dominant right hand free for tasks like operating radios or manipulating long guns. They then run timed drills that combine a strike and a draw, firing two shots after the initial contact. Times hover around 1.97 to 2.10 seconds, depending on whether the shooter uses a right-hand or left-hand strike and how efficiently the garment is cleared. The hosts stress that real gunfights are dynamic, not static square-range events. Shooters are encouraged to move off the X, angle away from the threat, and incorporate realistic movement into their practice whenever range rules allow. The segment reinforces that speed must never compromise safety, and that integrating strikes, movement, and drawing under pressure is a skill that requires deliberate repetition.

Slow Reps, Dry-Fire Practice, and Clothing Management

Attention turns to the value of slow, methodical practice. The hosts emphasize that building a safe, consistent draw from concealment starts with deliberate repetitions rather than racing the timer. They recommend practicing the full sequence: locating and clearing the cover garment, establishing a solid firing grip in the holster, drawing straight up, rotating toward the target, and pressing out to a stable sight picture. Dry-fire practice at home is strongly encouraged, provided all safety protocols are followed and the firearm is verified unloaded. This allows shooters to refine garment clearing and presentation without range distractions. The instructors highlight how different shirts, jackets, and layers can change how the draw feels, so practicing with actual everyday clothing is important. They reiterate that avoiding snags, fumbling, or muzzling oneself during the draw is more critical than shaving a few tenths of a second, especially for concealed carriers who may only get one clean chance in a real encounter.

French Tuck, Women’s Clothing, and Enigma vs Sidecar

The final segment focuses on practical clothing and holster choices, especially for women. The hosts demonstrate using a claw grip on the shirt and a French tuck, where the front of the shirt is lightly tucked in. This makes it easier to grab the garment quickly and consistently while also reducing the need to hunt for the hem under stress. They note that looser fabrics can help minimize printing, while still allowing fast access. The discussion compares sidecar-style holsters to the Filster Enigma system. The Enigma’s lack of visible belt clips allows it to work with skirts, dresses, and outfits without belts, and it often prints less because the rig is anchored to the body rather than the waistband. Bathroom use is also easier, since the Enigma does not require dropping pants the way many sidecar rigs do. The video closes by mentioning the use of the ID Target and fairing strips during the range day and ends with a brief, appreciative sign-off to viewers.