Will Your CCW Get You killed? 

I guess it could happen. But for me forgetting what gun you're carrying and where it's located on your body is like forgetting you left your kids in a hot car.

"Will Your CCW Get You killed?" No....but a Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot, range model air rifle will shoot your eye out.

Personally, I think the best preparation for concealed carry is to be thoroughly familiar with the handling and shooting characteristics of anything in your collection you might carry. You should know instantly what you have available and exactly how to grip it for best results. I typically carry either a Ruger SP101 or a Colt Defender 1911 and in either case I never have to stop and think about the manual of arms for either firearm. Familiarity breeds cohesiveness.

When going swimming at the pool, I always pocket carry my S&W Model 629 Deluxe 6.5" 44mag. It might take longer to draw when needed, but it's always been an ice-breaker with the ladies.

As a prior Defensive Tactics instructor, I certainly agree that under great stress, we certainly revert to our training. It's definitely saved MY life a few times!

Good presentation on the ways and why’s of CC, HR. Thanks. This covers two things that have been difficult for me over the years, we might need to change the way we prefer to dress, might need to change handguns we prefer. We have four seasons, very different weather around here. Seems like the hot season lasted six months, this year.

I had someone tell me one time that the way I was carrying at that time I couldn’t get it out quick enough. My comment was well it’s quicker than if I had to go home and come back and use it… Of course I wouldn’t come back.

Howard, you deserve a thumbs-up for the clothing changes! A lot of thought and planning went into this presentation. Thank you for some of the best firearm videos on the internet.

Reading about the Korean war I think you are right about reduced effectiveness in cold weather. Survivors for example of the Chosen Reservoir talked about surviving wounds due to bleeding being reduced by extreme cold.

I carry different guns in different methods, but always IWB. I will never have the automatic quickness that comes from continuity and practice, but I feel like I always know where my gun is. Great content!

I just came across your channel a few days ago and in that time I have learned so many things that never would have crossed my mind before. Just the section on fitting the gun and ammo one carries to the season respective of the type of clothing an attacker might be wearing was an eye-opener. Most people like me go to sites which just talk about the gun rather than situational topics that might save our lives. I pride myself (rightly or wrongly) on having a creative mind and I tend to be able to anticipate many things regarding conceal carry, but there is nothing like professional advice. Thanks so much for the excellent content I have seen so far and I am looking forward to watching many more of your videos.

This is the most comprehensive presentation on this topic I’ve seen. As a handicapped 75 y/o retiree I need a light/compact weapon. As such I tend to carry a 340PD, 442 Pro Series or the LCP in a variety of ways. Tonight we’re going to a community Halloween dance so the LCP in a pocket holster is the way to go.

to stay sharp on immediate action readiness before i leave the house i do a few draws with the way i carry, what this does is it reminds you if say you switched your carry method, think of it as a runner who stretches every morning getting ready to run, once you dress for the day take a little time to simulate draws on your main carry gun and a back up for a threat

Very Good Observations Sir ! The same things apply to shotguns. I had used a pump shotgun for so many years hunting waterfowl ,that when I switched to a semi-auto I found myself out of instinct trying to 'pump' the forearm .

A sport coat or blazer is my dirty little secret for ccw. If I have to be more dressy than an unbuttoned plaid shirt then I up my wardrobe game with a jacket. I can carry my glock 17 in either case just in different positions with different holsters.

Good video as usual. If anyone is going to carry a handgun maintaining the ability to adapt is important. All the way from clothing, the gun, when and where they go and maybe even who they go with. I guess the important thing is to think things through and and be willing to make adjustments. Thanks

Good thought provoking topic. For me, I carry a government sized 1911 in .45 acp year round here in New England where we have four seasons. In church on Sundays I wear a blazer so that works fine. The rest of the time, polo shirts or tee shirts untucked in summer and polo shirts with a sweater spring and fall work. I look for shirts that look good untucked with kakis, shorts or jeans. Basically cater my wardrobe around the 1911 in an IWB, strong side 3 o’clock. Working from a home office, this works for my situation. The situational awareness piece is key when outside the home. I see people walking through parking lots with their faces buried in their phones, more likely a fast moving SUV is going to ruin their day. Thank you Howard for all your good video content.

Excellent presentation Howard! I agree with everything you said. And sometimes, less can be more, depending on the variables.

I agree with you on the method of Cary. Time of year clothing Inc sometimes dictates where you can carry. But asked if switching handgun types that’s a complete different story. Over 30+ years of training people and they use a firearms I have seen this so many times on the range. Somebody switch is from say a Glock to a Beretta or Sig or a manual safety firearm. Under just the stress of the range I’ve seen so many people fumble we’re trying to operate a different weapon system. I have seen professionals pull the trigger multiple times on a firearm that had a manual safety that was engaged. It’s not as bad when switching from a manual safety Gun or one with a decocker to a striker fired one. And remember most actual gun fights take place in mere seconds so anytime you add to being able to use your weapon as quickly as possible put you at a major disadvantage. The overwhelming vast majority of people have no idea how violent fast and overwhelming actual gun fight is. They walk around thinking that they’d be able to do it or practicing drawing in their living room in front of a mirror but in all reality that shit goes out the window fast as a blink of an eye!!!!

As always very informative, your channel is one of my favorites, thank you!!!

WOW!....what a workout on this vid with all the costume changes....dont think you'll have any worries when wearing the scary Hawaiian shirt....🤣....fun vid..

Great discussion HR. You're a good influence on this old man, and in more ways than just firearms. My usual is 2 Ruger LCRs. One in gun pack & one ankle. Not ideal, but it fits my lifestyle and occupation. At the gym or in formal attire the gun is in a Smart Carry pouch. I like that, because even in the sauna or on a treadmill it works.

Great video! Like the field jacket with all the pockets lots of room for extras like a larger knife or a backup gun . But weight is at a premium. All of your scenarios are definitely thought provoking. I really like the belly band and melted 380 for pocket carry. So many options but the main thing like you said " dont leave home without one" ! Best

All good points. I have over the years narrowed down the types and sizes of pistols that I carry so that I do not have to change the method or operating procedure of the guns. I personally do not carry guns with manual safety's . I have also narrowed my holsters down to strong side or appendix mostly.

Very helpful and I am sending this to a new shooter that I am training.

I have always demonstrated various ways to carry for my students and told them to use whatever works for THEM. I would also admonished them to avoid "straight line thinking" and be prepared for everything to not go according to plan. Being proficient in your chosen methods is always an advantage. It all boils down to options.

Great video HR. Thank you for your knowledge and experience. I appreciate you. Godspeed

👍👍Thanks HR, yeah I carry different guns in several different ways depending on the weather and how I’m dressed .It would be very hard to carry the same way year round.

I love how you’re always speaking in a practical way. Some of these other channels try to convince you that you need to be carrying a 15+1 on your hip and 45 extra rounds of ammo..just to go get the mail.

I think the NRA CLASS was very helpful on understanding CCW in many different ways...I have been shooting and hunting since I was 10...I recommend NRA class it will explain all aspects of basic shooting and I hope they still tell you about the legal part and responsibilities of having a CCW...I guess the person that helped made the law pass away in 2019 you can still get the book...alot of the laws stay kinda the same but you should know what you are aloud to do to defend yourself having a CCW...Why you need training and Knowledge...

Super. I have always thought that training the mind and using the mind to control the body to move in different angles in different situation is far more better than using blind muscle memory.

👍thanks great discussion great advice.

I use the Ankle Holster for Church. To many potential hugs or need to remove my suit coat to help around the church. I carry Walther PPK/S .380 ON THE ANKLE, low profile.

Great info as always, thank you & God Bless!

I carry openly at work, but of course do not want to "scare the horses" going to and from. So I have work polos a couple of sizes too big and wear them unbloused, draped over Mr. Glock. And just tuck them in at the job. No one yet has asked me about my carry gun. Now that it is cooler, I wear a jacket, unzipped, as a covering garment. If one cannot do as I do, you might want to carry a smaller version of your usual firearm. If you carry a G-19 you may want to look at a 43x. Other manfacturers have similar product lines. As far as carry ammo goes, I looked at tests between the 147+p and the 124+p versions of my carry rounds and decided on the 124+p as it penetrated further in testing...

Many Thanks, Great instructional video!

I've had lots of emergency vehicle operations training. None of it was in the exact same family cars/trucks/SUVs I've had. Still saved our lives.

I find food for thought in every one of your presentations, Boss. This was a smorgasbord!

During the winter months I carry a full size M&P 40 in a Safariland ALS OWB In the summer I carry a M&P shield in the same type holster I like having some type retention built in my holster. I use Hornady critical duty ammo to insure expansion in heavy clothing I do have other handguns all without manual safeties

You are right. Situations and clothing and carried gun changes. I carry a S&W 637 about 6 months, a G43 3 months, and a G19 out of a year. That is based on AVERAGE temps and places I go and time of year. That said, most days, I am at the ranch in S. Tx and the G19 really gets worn the most. Adjust the mind as you adjust the clothing, and remind yourself what you are carrying, etc.

Good video. In S FL it is mostly a sweatbox. I can carry a .380 pocket pistol or just carry a snubbie or model 26 and not care if I print. But we have no open carry so options are limited. Shorts and a T are normal for me. Just wear the T shirt outside the waist ban and use an in the waist band holster. It works for me. As for carrying limited capacity a speedloader for a J frame or extra .380 mag is easily concealable.

Excellent and analytical breakdown of carry for self defense. Sometime I'd like to see your commentary on the why of those seemingly anomalous situations where we do something in the heat of a self defense situation we've never trained to do and instinctively we react and do it.

Great video as always. Worth getting up a 5 AM I'm the People's Republic of Washington for! Thank you, Sir!

Good comprehensive look at carry methods. I agree it's not practical to only carry one but I do try to keep the different ones as similar as possible like a Shield Plus for pocket & some belt carry, a Glock 26 or 19 when I can & my back allows & a Kahr MK9 or CM40 for deeper pocket carry. Shoulder holsters don't work for me though I wish they did. As for the hollow points plugging in cold weather I've been looking at the Lehigh(or Underwood) xtreme defender & like what I've seen of the testing so far. The 135 grain 45acp might do well in one of my 1911's, XD or Glock 30. Just have to see where it groups compared to what I use now & how reliable it is. But for now I like Critical Defense because the plastic nose plug is supposed to still perform after going through heavy clothing & the testing I've seen supports that.

Good morning HR. Another thoughtful video. There's an old saying, Beware the man with only one gun because he knows how to use it very well. But my philosophy has been to be familiar and proficient with different guns. You may have to use something else some day. I'm looking forward to the video on hammers. Let the argument begin, claw or ball peen!😀

Thank you. Living in Minnesota, it's much like Ohio in that we also have 4 seasons. Last evening my Pastor and I went to a rather formal event and we both carried small .380's in our suit jacket pockets. Thanks for your very helpful presentation.

I always appreciate a voice of reason and common sense especially when it's coming from a retired LEO from Ohio who vacations in Hawaii.

Great video,very informative..Like you I have many handguns but I carry a Glock 43 loaded with 124gr.+P Speer Gold Dots all year round in a inside the waist ban holster on my strong side hip..Two extra magazines with +2 extensions in my front left pocket and I also carry a SOG Spec Elite 1 clip knife in my right front pocket .My wife carries a G26 with a extra 15 round G19 magazines(same ammo) in her front left pocket and a SOG Spec Elite 1 clip knife in her right front pocket..We always have situational awareness when we leave the house. My dress is blue jeans and a polo type shirt that covers the G43 . My wife carries her G26 in a appendix carry holster and her shirt covers her G26 no matter if she is wear pants or shorts. We live in the south so we really don't worry about cold weather.We only go out in the daytime and never go in warzone areas that we see on the evening news.. Again great video👍👍

Excellent review. I carry a wide array of handguns both pistol and revolver configurations. I pack them in various manners and use different holsters. When in charge of Bank Robbery Investigations I used a shoulder rig. Great for office and vehicle as well. Today I seem to do IWB strong hand primarily. It's just a matter of practice even under extreme stress and obviously if you have to deploy a firearm to defend yourself or others, you will be under stress. Training and practice mitigate the stress by having this muscle memory established so it's an automatic response. I'm not and never have been a fan of ankle holsters but have used them and if that's all you can use to carry a defensive weapon, then practice with it and deploy the system.

I used to carry a suicide vest, but realized that it would not save my life. 😳🤣

Very smart thinking great video as always. I always look forward to your videos extremely well explained common sense firearms knowledge

Another excellent presentation. I will say personally the biggest problem I've always had with IWB is first I need to buy pants with a bigger waist and second is having the pistol pressing on my sciatic nerve just makes it miserable for me personally. So I usually go pocket carry in the summer with a 442 J frame and OWB in a paddle holster carrying a P30 or 43X the rest of the time.

The more i watch you the more i think your videos are of the better education type, i appreciate what you do brother. I love the no rambling off subject and no annoying noise alot of the others have. I hate the videos with blasting crap music.

Great video, very informative! For what it's worth in relation to weather affecting bleed outs, my understanding is it cuts both ways. You bleed faster and more profusely if you're hot, BUT, while you bleed slower when cold, clotting occurs more slowly (sort of. Blood gets thicker but not enough to actually stop flowing), making a bleedout from wounds you might otherwise survive more likely, it just takes a little longer. According to an EMT I spoke to, there's also a saying in the emergency medical community that goes along the lines of "you're not necessarily dead until you're warm and dead", because someone who was in below freezing temperatures might be revived more easily if they haven't lost too much blood. This actually happened in Denmark about 10 years ago, a group of teenagers were killed in an accident where they lost half their blood, but because they were submerged in icy water and went hypothermic, six hours later they were resuscitated. That all being said, apparently it's not a big difference normally and may or may not apply to defensive shooting scenarios (more likely in Alaska than the Midwest where we're from unless we're ice fishing or something) but it's interesting nonetheless

I’m a little late to the party in watching this video but it’s an interesting topic. When going through the academy years ago, our instructors hammered in the importance of muscle memory when drawing a firearm. However, for the reasons mentioned in this video, I’ve had to learn how to carry in different ways. For the past few years, I only carry firearms that do not have an external/manual safety. This removes some variables and just works for me at this stage in life. Outstanding Hawaiian shirt and great video. Thank you!

Great presentation and ideas HR!

Great video. I agree with you and have offered similar opinions to other people over the years. One reason I switch to carrying a full size in winter, is due to the lack of dexterity from the cold. In my opinion, from personal and professional experience, it is much easier to function a full size vs compact or subcompact in extremely cold environments. Thanks again for a great presentation.

Excellent video as always. I also subscribe to the idea of 45 for winter.

Great video as usual HR. My thoughts, the only time I carry a .38spl J-frame is as a back-up gun on duty at work. Still going and I’m on year #32 and always with 2 guns on me while at work. Off duty, no way am I carrying a wheel gun. It’s not enough, even with speedy loaders and faced with more than one zombie. I live near and work in L.A. and a semi auto is the only way I fly. 😜

Damn good quick draw Mr. HR.

I agree with you about different styles of weapons with one caveat. I separate my weapons into "immediate action" and all others. I have guns that are just plain fun to shoot and those that I carry for self defense. My self defense weapons are immediate action weapons. I want to be able to draw and fire without having to remember how to operate the safety or anything else. The army got me started on the 1911 when I was 20 years old and I have had several over the years. The manufacturer changed - Colt, Springfield Armories, Rock Island - but they were all 1911's. I've fired other .45 ACP pistols that were accurate and fun but different (or no) safety or different grip angle or something that required me to think about my technique rather than use the weapon. My exceptions are revolvers that I started shooting when I was 8 years old (my momma taught me to shoot a revolver at that tender age) and the two are just never confused and a KEL TEC P11 pocket backup. I prefer .357 or .45 Colt for my revolvers and in bear country I carry bear loads. In RVN my M16 went click when it had to go bang, my 1911 worked and I lived. I trust that weapon. I agree about carbines for home defense as well.

In central AZ the Untucked shirt is the most common concealed carry appeal. Cooler weather a sport T-shirt with untucked & unbuttoned outer shirt sports shirt is common. Thus, the HellCat with expanded magazine capacity is the best all year around concealed carry.

Good video! In the beginning of carrying I was definitely in the mind set of "one gun same carry all the time." It just is not practical. I make sure to carry a handgun I am capable of concealing and can handle well. If I change carry location from say appendix to strong side in the waistband then I just practice a few draw strokes and mentally rehearse where I would draw from.

I think the key here is to train with every carry method you employ.

Interesting topic. I know that even Elmer Keith suggested using a shoulder holster in the winter. He used an open carry belt rig while hunting and concealed carried his big revolvers in town . So yes it only makes sense. But I have always heard that axiom of same gun in the same place all the time. Never really ascribed to it though.

Great points. 👍

Thanks for doing this video, Chief. IMO, it's hard to beat a quality shoulder rig, but only if your wardrobe or environment will permit it.

Recently discovered your channel. New subscriber! I really like your use of cross-draw holster for its multi-size pistol use and comfort in most situations. I only heard negatives about cross draw holsters up to now, you do it with such ease, I suppose it is due to hours of practice. Most people are critters of habits. I appreciate this video and channel encouraging people to adapt and embrace change in a very subtle and well spoken manner.

I agree with you that under stress we can still adapt to the situation. When I’m carrying a pocket pistol, I’m well aware that there is a handgun in my pocket. When I carry larger semi autos IWB appendix carry, I am again aware that I have a handgun against the front of my body. In an emergency I don’t believe I would be so disoriented that I wouldn’t remember where my pistol is. That being said, I practice drawing and shooting from both of my preferred carry methods. Thanks HR!

I love this channel. That model 19 carry comp is one sweet piece.

As a retired LEO myself, I started to carry an appendix style. I was also trained to think about "what if" situations and how would I need to react to different scenarios. I still will carry at 4 o'clock in certain situations.

I've had my CCW for over a decade and carry everywhere. I can honestly say that my perception about carrying met reality. You have to be adaptable. Traveling by car for hours with your seat belt on, that Glock starts to hurt your strong side. Do you have to go into the office for the day? My company is not pro 2A. Do you have to climb a ladder or bend over? Over time you will come across situations like these and will have to make decisions about how and what you will be carrying. One size does not fill all.

Well, I certainly hope not 😂 .

Should be interesting so will stand by.

Nice one hrfunk, thank you. I wonder if the instructors who insist on "same carry, all the time" POV are maybe being jaded realists, thinking their students will not practice much, and therefore a diverse skill set isn't likely to be pursued. Basic fail-safe instruction for people who aren't likely to train, in other words. Most of my pistol shooting is from a competition holster/belt setup, but about 5 weeks ago I shot a concealed carry match, using my P-10C from appendix, inside the waistband. Cover garment was a sweatshirt. Most folks who ran concealed were using standard IDPA style photog vests with close-riding OWB holsters at 3 or 4 o'clock. I noticed a difference in my draw time, mainly because of the decreased number of reps drawn from AIWB concealed.

After many years carrying concealed, the only two methods that allow consistency no matter where I'm going, what I'm doing, or how I'm dressed are the Smartcarry, or pocket carry. Of the two, I prefer pocket carry. It's more comfortable and allows me to pre stage my hand on the gun in an iffy situation while still appearing casual. I do think consistency is important, as much as possible. I recall reading of a plainclothes officer who carried differently depending on dress, and in an officer involved shooting, he had to pat himself down to find his gun. He was saved by his partner. So, I almost exclusively pocket carry. To mitigate some of the drawbacks to this, I actually dual pocket carry. This allows ambidextrous access, while also addressing the lower capacity of typical pocket guns. It's also very discreet, no concerns with hugs, pats on the back, or bumps passing in the hallway. Those situations have happened to me several times carrying on the hip or shoulder holster, fortunately without social fallout. Obviously, the "full size fighting pistol" (sic) crowd would not approve, but it works for me. Good topic sir!

Bianchi's Law based on Army veteran, sworn LE officer 👮🏻 & holster designer, maker: John Bianchi is: Carry the exact same gun, the exact same way, in the same holster/style of holster, all the time. Bianchi knew a LOT about police gear, 🚔 & tactics.

Excellent video H.R. I think another reason why instructors like the NRA, etc. continue teaching only one method of carry is safety, knowing that their students are probably new shooters. I may be wrong. I know that after the initial evaluation of each student, and demonstrating all carry options, if they are safe I let them carry how they are most comfortable with. Personally, I only carry a small backup pistol in the small of my back or ankle, but that is when I know that I/we are going into a more dangerous area/assignment. And like you said, carry location is a personal choice, based on experience, weather conditions, etc.

I have a glock 19 and a glock 23 same model, just a different caliber. Pretty easy to switch between them. If I threw a 1911 in there, you can guess that manual of arms would be different and well as many other factors. Peace and Grace and may we never need them for the intended purpose and just for fun and training.

Heavy winter clothes are a pain. I simply can't draw fast. But on a day to day basis, the odds of me needing a fast draw are miniscule compared to the certainty of freezing my butt off. That's just real life.

2:13 I had a defensive encounter once; late at night, just got off work.. walked out back, looking around then this huge thing about as big as one of those larger beach balls rolled out from around my lawnmower box. This thing was alive! I had a flashback to the original gremlins movie right after they learned you shouldnt feed them after midnight or they turn into monsters. In the span of

I personally pocket carrying 90% of the time. My Smith & Wesson 342 airlite ti centennial. 11 oz unloaded I installed full size rubber hogue monogrips on mine and it still fits in my pocket no problem.. I do carry it in a DeSantis Superfly pocket holster with velcro on flap to prevent printing. I could easily fit this in my pocket and draw no problem... The other pistol that I pocket Carry my Taurus TCP 380.. which is drop Dead reliable and accurate out to 50 ft.. first time at the range after I purchased it new out of the box 400 continuous rounds without any stoppages! .

Interesting thoughts on cold weather bleeding. Great Video!

Standing by

Great topic and presentation.

I've only ever carried 357 when I knew I was not going indoors that day like hiking in bear country. 9mm again mostly outdoors in cold weather to defeat heavy clothing. I mostly end up carrying standard velocity .38 Spl. or 380 ACP and I'll give you my reasons. First, if a threat occurs it will not be in a manner of my pick and choosing. I don't go looking for trouble. I would want to stop a threat without fear of over penetration. The wall behind a bad guy could be solid brick or could be sheet rock. I'm not going to get to choose. Secondly, I don't EDC wearing hearing protection and likely am not going to get the chance to insert ear plugs. I want to stop a threat without long term damage to hearing if possible.

Great video H R, I tend to carry IWB strong side except when riding my motorcycle where I carry my pistol inside my vest. One thing I don't see too many people talking about is extra ammo be it magazines or speed loaders. Extra magazine for my pistol is carried in my left front pocket.

Very good Presentation I am generally doing what you are showing. again living In a four Season State...Semper Fi

An excellent video, you cover the topic very well.

I've had a bit of a change of heart about what I carry these days, and it has been related more to a change not only in employment, but a change in setting. This is not exactly what you had in mind perhaps, but I'm aware that you are no longer in law enforcement. I made that transition only a few years before you, and it sort of changed everything for me. Prior to retirement, I lived in a small community where I also worked. We didn't always have an officer on duty, and I drove a take home police car. I could be expected to have to take law enforcement action on little to no notice, so I insisted on carrying a duty grade weapon, typically a Glock 19, at least one spare magazine, a flashlight, restraints and a cell phone. These came in handy a number of times. I only resorted to a "little gun" when I was out of my jurisdiction. This load out was pretty easy to do because there was no problem if someone saw my duty pistol. It wasn't like anyone in my town didn't know I was a town cop. But then I retired and moved to another state where hardly anyone knew me. For a while I still insisted on my larger, combat capable handgun as inconvenient as it might be at times. I was still thinking like a cop. Then I had a very good conversation online with my friend, Claude Werner, who has researched well over 7,000 shootings, and he took the position that for me, and for him too, the "mission" had changed, and so had our "enemy" He said that as a private citizen with no police duties, I no longer had to win a fight with a criminal, defined as taking one into custody, and especially not one hardened enough to willfully attack an armed police officer. Rather, he said, I'd be more likely facing an opportunistic criminal who, if he knew I was armed, would just as soon skip the attack, which would be an ambush, and go pick on someone else. He suggested that my job, as a private citizen would be to "break contact" perhaps using my firearm, and the type of threat I'd be facing could be managed with a smaller and more convenient handgun. I've been trying this on for size, and as an old retired guy sunning myself down here in south Florida, I think he might be right. So the duty-sized Glock is sort of in retirement now and serving as a home defense weapon. While I couldn't bring myself to carry a mouse gun, I do carry a much smaller 9mm, on the order of either a Kahr P9 that I've had for years, or one of the original Shields which I also like a lot. Truth be known I'd probably be okay with my 2.5 inch Model 19 or even my Model 49 with a couple of reloads. For me, I think it is more important to stick with the same manual of arms in what you carry and keep the number of locations where you carry your handgun to a minimum. Of course that is easy for me to say now that I live in a place where there is one season and everyone dresses casually. Given that I am no longer a cop, and I know quite a bit about private citizen shootings, I truly don't care that much about high capacity as I do an easy reload. My Kahr holds 8 rounds and my Shield holds 9, and I'm fine with either and always carry an extra mag or two. Both guns are light and super comfortable, it is just at the moment I don't know which I like better. I do have a standard that any gun I carry these days, I can shoot well out to 25 yards (defined as hitting an 8.5X11 piece of paper under time pressure). This isn't because I think I'm going to have to shoot at that range, but I'd like to be good at half that distance in the real world. I guess what I'm saying is that I have had to "recalibrate" my mission parameters since I'm not a cop anymore, but rather just a grumpy old man.

Hot weather small guns. Cold weather big guns. Absolutely.

its about practicing ENOUGH w/ what you have and prioritizing movement when drawing seems imminent

Options can be good, but keeping your process as streamlined as possible will always be preferred.

Great presentation, I have a CCW from Alabama. I have two firearms I use for CCW. I have a Glock 43x mos with a 407K Green Dot. I use Shield Mags which gives me 15 rounds in a small package. I also have a CW380 for pocket carry. I am new to CCW having moved from CA. Thanks for the great video.

Thank you for another great video. It's an interesting subject; a lot of folks get really wrapped up in shot times, quick draws, and the like ("If you can't that first shot off in 1.3 seconds or less, you won't win the fight"). I have always tried to look at it realistically, and I think, as you said, it gets overblown way too much. Like you, I carry and train with different guns and calibers, and select my firearm and method to suit my needs at the time. Even what side I carry on, depending on how my back is feeling that day after having had a couple of surgeries (I shoot ambi). Could I beat a lot of the speed shooters in competition? Probably not. Am I defended adequately? I believe I am. There is one thing I do for myself, though… for the most part, my guns all have a similar manual of arms. I am a Glock guy, and as boring as many find them, one thing I really like is that no matter which one I carry, they still feel and shoot pretty much the same. From the biggest to smallest, no matter what caliber, the experience is very similar amongst all of them. So, I just train lots of different ways with different guns, and do the best I can for me. It's still better than carrying a pointed stick, no matter how you look at it. 😊

As a former Doc and current medical worker, when it comes to your opinion for winter carry of heavy calibers, there is a direct correlation of shock happening quicker in colder environments, especially if the person shot is not wearing appropriate winter gear. However, on the off chance you get people like me and other Chicagoans who wear full wool peacoats, those heavy calibers are still a safer bet to carry simply to get proper expansion of hollow point ammo.

Great video and enjoyed your commentary about situational awareness. Something to consider is wearing a seat belt. In that case, cross draw would be the most convenient. Also, as a retired law enforcement officer, you have more leeway in carrying CCW than most civilians.

While there will certainly be exceptional circumstances, I think I'm already in a fairly exceptional circumstance when I need to fire a shot in self defense. Philadelphia is just up the street from me, so I'm not saying that lightly. Shootings are also just about a daily thing in the greater (ha!) Philadelphia area. Based on my personal habits, I've gone to a simplified carry approach where I'm just packing a S&W M&P340. It's a five shot J-Frame just like your 342Ti. It's perhaps a shade heavier as it has the steel cylinder. I can "comfortably" handle light magnums, although 38Spl+P is a heck of a lot more comfortable to shoot! In my mind, it will handle most situations. Also it is just one firearm to maintain proficiency with. Most importantly, it is just super easy and comfortable to carry in all seasons. Apart from the five round limitation, I would say the biggest issue is avoiding walking through metal detectors because it is just that comfortable. 🤣

Great video HR! Alot of food for thought!

Your body will sense by weight and movement where your firearm is.also depends on if you are a civilian. I usually pocket carry, but there are situations where you may need to alter that. Being seated in a car and worrying about car jacking would make me carry, usually a 2 inch Colt d frame in a Bianchi 9r , with a hammer shrouded version in my pocket. No worry there. I can fit a Glock 26 in a pocket holster in the right pants.I probably threw more rounds downrange from sa Colt or Clone, but don’t think I would try to fan the Glock or the Colt D frames because I forgot what I was carrying