How To Train With Your Concealed Carry Pistol

Concealed carry realities: time, distance, and equipment

The discussion opens by addressing common misconceptions about concealed carry training seen online. The instructor frames the problem around time, distance, and speed, emphasizing that most concealed carry incidents occur at very close ranges, typically around 3 to 5 yards and rarely beyond about 7 yards. At these distances, there is little time or space to react, and concealed carriers do not have the same exposed duty gear as law enforcement or security personnel. Because of this, equipment selection, holster placement, and how a person trains with that setup become critical. The goal is to access the pistol quickly, create distance, and engage accurately while remembering that every round fired is the shooter’s responsibility. Effective training is presented as the way to manage these constraints.

Why a basic Glock 19M and the role of red dots

To keep the instruction broadly applicable, the instructor uses a barebones Glock 19M as the training pistol. It is described as one of the most widely sold handguns in the world, making it a familiar reference point for many concealed carriers. The gun is shown without accessories to stay neutral, though the instructor notes that adding a weapon light or a red dot sight is a personal choice and is recommended. Citing law enforcement statistics, he explains that officers using iron sights often achieve only about 25–30% accuracy in engagements, while red dot optics can nearly double that performance. Red dots are credited with improving both accuracy and speed, but the focus of the video remains on fundamental concealed carry mechanics rather than specific upgrades.

Appendix vs hip carry and accessing the gun under clothing

The video then shifts to carry positions, starting with appendix carry. Appendix is acknowledged as controversial because the muzzle can cover the lower abdomen, femoral artery, and groin, which is a real downside. However, the upside is faster access, including the ability to draw one‑handed and create distance more quickly. The instructor contrasts this with strong‑side positions such as 3 o’clock, 4 o’clock, or 5 o’clock, which are generally more comfortable and less likely to flag the body. These positions are easier to live with while sitting or walking but can be slower to access when covered by garments. The key point is that whatever position is chosen, the carrier must train extensively with that setup, clearing clothing reliably and getting many safe repetitions to build consistency.

Chambered carry, close‑range draws, and firing from retention

Next, the instructor addresses the debate over carrying with a round in the chamber. He states that, in his view, a concealed carry pistol should be carried with one in the chamber because close‑range encounters often leave no time to rack the slide. If a shooter does not trust personal skills, more training is needed; if the equipment is not trusted, it should be replaced. Real‑world incidents and videos are referenced where attackers approach within arm’s reach, leaving only a moment to draw and fire. In such situations, the shooter may need to fire from a retention position, with the pistol close to the body rather than fully extended. While this seems to conflict with the idea of being responsible for every round, he explains that with proper training, it is possible to achieve acceptable shot placement from that compressed position when no other option exists.

Creating distance, getting off the X, and dry practice

The instructor emphasizes the importance of creating distance from an advancing attacker. If a threat is closing in, the support hand can be used to fend off or redirect while the strong hand draws the pistol. This helps prevent the attacker from tying up the gun hand and turning the encounter into a struggle on the ground. He introduces the concept of “getting off the X,” meaning moving away from the last place the attacker saw the defender standing. Human behavior tends to focus on that last known position, so even a quick lateral move can create a brief advantage. To build these skills safely and economically, he recommends dry practice, using tools like laser trainers, airsoft, or simulation guns when available. Practicing with different garments—hoodies, jackets, T‑shirts, and other layers—is highlighted as essential for reliably defeating cover garments.

Live‑fire demo, holstering safely, and avoiding tunnel vision

The video concludes with live‑fire demonstrations on paper targets. One shooter runs appendix carry while the other uses a 4 o’clock position, then they switch to compare performance at speed. A timed string of four shots is mentioned, with three hits to the body and one to the head in about 2.07 seconds, illustrating realistic engagement pacing. After shooting, the instructor stresses safe holstering: visually checking the holster, ensuring clothing like shirts or hoodies is clear, keeping the finger off the trigger, and placing the thumb on the back of the slide or backplate while reholstering. He also explains the habit of looking around after engaging a threat to counter tunnel vision. The idea is to scan for additional attackers and remain aware that others might misinterpret the armed defender as the aggressor, reinforcing the need for situational awareness after shots are fired.