The greater your knowledge about carrying concealed, the more confidence you will have. In his article, "The Concealed Carry List," Alderson offers some suggestions as to which guns may be good starting options for all newbies. He suggests:
- a .22 Long Rifle plinking gun, which should be in every gun safe
- .38 Special revolver, a favorite for concealed carry
- 9mm semi-automatic, another more sleeker concealed carry weapon
- 12 gauge pump shotgun, which is great for target practice
Alderson explains the reasoning behind the choices you need to make starting out in his article, and say that the MOST important aspect of gun ownership is finding guns that fit you. And to find the right rifles and handguns, you most definitely have to try them out and make be sure they are the best guns for you.
For concealed carry, the second most important consideration is the holster. Don't hurry with this step because it's also an important consideration. Whether you choose to carry inside the waistband (IWB), over the waistband (OWB), on your ankle, or by your appendix, you need a holster that is comfortable. If you don't choose the right holster from the beginning, you'll end up with a drawer full of holsters that just don't work well for you.
The Art of Concealed Carry
“Sure, one can thread a department store belt through the loops of a nice holster but that does not make it right. The whole infrastructure of who you are, how you dress and how you act may need to be adjusted a lot or a little when you decide to carry concealed.” (Read more about the art of concealed carry)
Next you'll need to consider the type of ammunition you'll carry. Alderson recommends ammunition that expands to assist in preventing over penetration. Think about protecting bystanders when choosing ammunition. Also check local laws to see if there is any limitation on the type of ammunition you'll be carrying. Your local law enforcement may answer this question and make the decision for you very quickly.
Finally, realize that if you ever have to use your gun and the person dies; it will be a homicide -- whether for self-defense or not. Find out what the laws are regarding this action. Legal nuances you may not have considered could land you in hot water. You may also want to be aware of lawyers in your area that would help you, should the need ever arise.
There's probably a great deal more to the art of concealed carry than most new gun owners consider, but for your safety and protection, you should think of every angle, and whether the law requires it or not, a certified gun safety course is another good idea. Handling guns, whether you ever use one for self-defense or not, is a serous responsibility.