SHOPPERS PREPARE FOR HOLIDAY CRIME

As the holiday season approaches, malls, other retailers, and grocery stores are more crowded than usual with busy shoppers. Our customers have been asking for advice on which is the best concealed carry gun for added safety and protection this holiday season, so we have put together some helpful tips to get you started on your search. It is important to be confident in your purchase and to have fun in process.

1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK
   Spend some time reading and researching which guns will be the best fit for your needs. There are a variety of options on the market so it would be wise to narrow down the features that are most important to you and compare products. The gun you choose may be the difference between life and death so you want to take some time and carefully understand the features and benefits for each gun.
2. PLAN AHEAD
   When looking at the vast selection of firearms, think about which caliber works best for you. There a many factors that go into choosing the right size, we recommend asking yourself a few questions to start out. Will I be able to afford to train with it? How often is that ammunition available in stores? Is there a wide selection of brands or defense rounds in that caliber? Can I easily find accessories and additional magazines for the gun I am purchasing?
3. DON’T TRUST “UNCLE BOB”
   Everyone has the family firearms expert, however, nothing is better than personal experience and first-hand knowledge. Do not rely on someone else to tell you which gun is the one you need. Your best option is to head to your nearest gun store and range to rent and test out different guns before you make your final purchase. Work with a professional instructor or range officer so they can walk you through the options available for your needs and budget. Many ranges including Memorial Shooting Center suggest to “try before you buy” and have a large selection of rentals available to shoot.
4. TRAINING
   Start with a Fundamentals class to learn how to safely draw from the holster. 360 Tactical Training also offers a Concealed Carry Tactics course that we recommend to all carriers and anyone thinking about obtaining their license. Knowing how to safely draw from concealment and protect the ones we love is critical. We strongly advise to practice drawing from your personal holster and to continue to refine those skills. You will need a license to carry in Texas to obtain your License to Carry visit our LTC class page.
5. FIND THE RIGHT HOLSTER
   Take some time to think about where you want to carry your new gun. There are different styles of holsters to choose from, some are geared towards a particular style of carry, and some are more universal. Less expensive universal holsters may be jack-of-all-trades, but they generally won’t be as comfortable, safe or concealable as a molded or custom fit holster. Everyone’s body and shape are different so it may take a while to find what is most comfortable. A quality concealed carry holster will be a balance between concealment and accessibility, but must also be comfortable enough to actually wear all day long.

Shop at Memorial Shooting Center’s online store and pick-up in store with $0 transfer fees.