Carrying a firearm for self-defense isn’t just about owning a gun; it’s a whole system. And getting that system right… well, that makes all the difference. Your holster and belt are the unsung heroes, and your practice, especially dry-fire, builds the skill. Let’s get into it.
Choosing your everyday carry holster
Picking a holster feels like a big deal, cause it is. You want something that keeps your firearm secure, protects the trigger, and lets you get a good, consistent grip. Comfort’s a big one too – if it ain’t comfy, you won’t carry it.
Most folks start with Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) holsters. These tuck between your pants and your body, making them pretty concealable. Appendix Inside-the-Waistband (AIWB) is a popular IWB spot, right up front. Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) holsters are often more comfortable but harder to hide without a good cover garment.
Materials matter… a lot.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
| :——- | :————————————- | :————————————— |
| Kydex | Great retention, durable, thin | Can be less comfortable, may wear finish |
| Leather | Comfortable, molds to body, quiet draw | Can soften, may need break-in |
| Hybrid | Kydex shell, leather/fabric backer | Best of both? Sometimes bulkier |
Look for:
- Full trigger guard coverage – super important.
- Good retention – your gun shouldn’t fall out.
- A design that allows a full firing grip while the gun’s still holstered.
Why a good gun belt matters
Think your regular ol’ department store belt will cut it? Think again. A proper gun belt is the foundation of your carry setup. Without one, your holster and firearm will sag, flop around, and just generally make your life difficult. It’s not just about keeping your pants up; it’s about stability.
A sturdy belt designed for carrying a firearm does a few key things:
- Supports the weight: Your gun and loaded magazine have heft. A good belt distributes that weight evenly.
- Prevents sagging: No one wants their pants pulled down or their firearm printing because the belt can’t handle it.
- Ensures a consistent draw: When your holster stays put, your draw stroke can be smooth and repeatable. If the holster moves with the gun… not good.
Look for belts made from thick leather, reinforced nylon, or even scuba webbing. Some have an internal stiffener. You want something rigid enough to prevent twisting and flexing under load. It’ll make carrying more comfortable and way more effective. Seriously, don’t skimp here.
Safe and effective dry fire practice
Dry firing is practicing firearm manipulation without any live ammunition. It’s one of the best ways to build skill, and you can do it almost anywhere, anytime. But safety… safety is absolutely paramount.
First, the unbreakable rules:
- ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED. Treat them that way, even when you “know” they’re empty.
- NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY. Pick a safe backstop.
- KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET.
- BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEYOND IT.
For dry fire, add these:
- NO LIVE AMMUNITION IN THE ROOM. None. Nada. Zip. Remove all magazines and loose rounds from your practice area. Double check. Triple check.
- Use a dedicated, distraction-free space. Tell anyone else in the house what you’re doing.
- Visually and physically inspect the chamber and magazine well. Make sure they’re empty.
- Consider using dummy rounds or snap caps. They can help protect your firing pin on some firearms and give a little more realism.
Taking these steps every single time builds safe habits. There’s no room for shortcuts when it comes to firearm safety, even in dry practice.
Basic dry fire drills to start
Once you’ve got your safe practice area set up, you can begin building those fundamental skills. Remember, perfect practice makes perfect. Go slow and smooth; speed will come later.
Here are a few drills to get you going:
- The Draw Stroke:
- Start with your hands at your sides or in a neutral position.
- Clear your cover garment (if practicing concealed).
- Establish a firm grip on your pistol while it’s still in the holster.
- Draw the pistol straight up, then rotate the muzzle towards the target.
- Bring your support hand to meet your firing hand, establishing your two-handed grip.
- Extend your arms, align your sights on your chosen safe target, and simulate pressing the trigger.
- Follow through, then slowly re-holster, being careful and deliberate.
- Trigger Control (Wall Drill):
- Unloaded firearm, safe direction.
- Align your sights on a specific point on a blank wall.
- Press the trigger so smoothly that the sights don’t move when the striker/hammer falls. This is all about isolating that trigger finger movement.
- Sight Alignment/Sight Picture:
- Pick a small, safe target across the room.
- Practice bringing the gun up from a low ready or compressed ready position, focusing on getting perfect sight alignment (front sight centered in the rear sight, top edges level) and placing that aligned sight picture on your target. Repeat.
Do these for 10-15 minutes a few times a week. You’ll see improvement, trust me. Consistency is key.