A Beginner’s Guide to Concealed Carry: Understanding Different Positions
June 30, 2026Posted by derrek.sigler
The way you carry your concealed weapon is just as important as using the weapon itself. Most new shooters start off thinking concealed carry as simpye as carrying a firearm tucked into their waistband. But oh, how wrong they are! Here's the basics of concealed carry options you have to consider when getting started.
Carrying a concealed weapon involves far more than just tucking and going. It's a thoughtful process that requires consideration and practice. The first step is choosing the right concealed carry position. This will promote comfort, accessibility, and most importantly, safety.
Concealed Carrying with a Suppressor
We've talked about how to conceal carry your firearm -- let's talk about how to conceal its sound. Did you know you can conceal carry with a suppressor? Yes, we're serious. Let's talk advantages: it's an excellent choice for those who want to minimize noise and recoil.
The drawbacks? As you can probably guess, the added bulk can make it difficult to conceal the firearm effectively.
how do you carry concealed with a suppressor?
Well, let's put it simply - you need the right holster and a fair bit of strategic wardrobe planning. A holster designed specifically for suppressed carry, with a sleeve to accommodate the suppressor, is non-negotiable. As for your attire, opt for looser clothing with longer hemlines. An untucked button-up shirt or a jacket can be your best friend in this scenario. Remember, the key is to strike a balance between concealment, accessibility and comfort.
What to Consider When Choosing a Concealed Carry Position
Before you start concealed carrying, you should know how and where you are going to carry your firearm. There are a few factors you need to consider when choosing a concealed carry position. This decision may seem minor but can drastically impact comfort and ability to draw your firearm effectively when it matters.
Comfort: Nothing will make you abandon concealed carry faster than discomfort in your side every time you sit down. The position you choose should be comfortable for long periods, whether you're standing, sitting, or moving around. If a holster chafes your skin or digs into your hip, it's not the one for you.
Accessibility: Your firearm is no good to you if you can't get to it quickly and efficiently. Consider how easy it is to draw from various positions and how natural the motion feels. If reaching around behind you to a back holster feels awkward, try a different position.
Concealment: The key to concealed carry is having your firearm concealed and being aware of 'printing'. This is when the outline of your firearm shows through your clothing. Choose a position that hides your weapon well. If your firearm prints through your clothes when you bend over, you need a better position.
Choosing a concealed carry position isn't just about what looks cool or what's popular. It's about what works for you. Remember, the choice is highly personal and depends on your body type, clothing style, and daily activities. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different positions. Find the one that fits like a glove, or, in this case, a holster.
Hip Carry
The Hip Carry is a popular concealed carry position. It involves carrying your firearm on your dominant side. That is usually at the 3 o'clock position for right-handed shooters and the 9 o'clock position for left-handed shooters.
Pros
Easy Access: With your firearm resting on the dominant side of the body, you are able to smoothly draw. The firearm is easy for you to access. The location of the holster also significantly reduces the risk of your firearm falling out or being taken.
Natural Position: The hip bone is a natural resting place for the hands. This makes it easy to carry for extended periods of time without discomfort.
More Clothing Options: The firearm can be easily concealed under a jacket, sweater, or loose-fitting t-shirt. This makes it a versatile carry position for different weather conditions or occasions.
Cons
Uncomfortable While Sitting: The hip is a natural resting place for the hands. If you are going to be sitting for extended periods of time, you may want to choose another position. The pressure of the holster against your hip bone can cause discomfort and even bruising.
Not Suitable for Tighter Clothing: Hip carry requires you to wear thicker or looser clothing. Because of its placement, the bulge of the gun can be more noticeable and may print through your clothing.
Not Ideal for Larger Firearms: If you are carrying a heavier gun, the weight of the gun can cause the holster to sag or shift. This can be uncomfortable and make it more difficult to draw quickly.
Back Carry
The back carry position is a popular concealed carry option. Some prefer to have their firearm out of sight and out of the way. This position involves carrying the firearm on the back, either horizontally or vertically..
Pros
Ease of Access: Unless you are lying down (which you definitely shouldn't do with a firearm attached to you) concealed carrying on your back offers easy access to your firearm.
Concealment: Yes, every concealed carry position offers a level of concealment, however, with back carry you are much less likely to print through your clothes.
Comfort: With the proper holster, back carrying is normally one of the more comfortable concealed carry positions. Some holsters are designed to distribute the weight of the gun evenly across your back, which can help prevent discomfort or back pain.
Cons
Possible Drawing Difficulty: If you are in a standing position, drawing your firearm can be difficult because you may need to twist your body to access your gun, which can slow down your response time.
Fall Risk: Carrying on your back can be dangerous if you fall or are pushed onto your back, as this can cause serious injury to your spine or internal organs.
Discomfort While Sitting: Carrying a firearm on your back can be uncomfortable, especially if you are sitting for long periods of time. The pressure of the firearm against your back can cause discomfort or even pain.
Appendix Carry
The appendix carry position is one of the most popular concealed carry positions. This position involves carrying the firearm in a holster positioned in the front of the body, near the waistline, typically at the 1 o'clock or 2 o'clock position for a right-handed shooter and the 10 o'clock or 11 o'clock position for a left-handed shooter.
Pros
Optimal Concealment: The position of the firearm in this position makes it difficult for others to detect, even when wearing more fitting or lighter clothing.
High Retention Level: Since the firearm is located in front of the body, it is easier to keep control of the firearm in the event of an attempted gun grab or physical altercation.
Natural Draw Motion: Since the firearm is located in front of the body, the draw motion is more similar to the natural motion of the arm. This can make it easier to draw the firearm quickly and accurately in case of an emergency, and can also help to reduce the risk of printing or accidentally exposing the firearm.
Cons
Discomfort: Depending on your body type, this position can be more uncomfortable than others. In addition, because of the nature of the position, in a seated position the holster and firearm can dig into the groin.
Risk of Injury: The proximity of the firearm to the femoral artery and other vital organs means any discharge could have serious consequences.
Ankle Carry
The ankle carry position involves carrying a firearm on the inside of the non-dominant leg. This position is typically used for backup firearms or those who cannot carry a firearm in other holsters due to physical restrictions or clothing limitations.
Pros
Quick and Easy Draw: The ankle concealed carry position allows for a quick and easy draw, especially when seated or in a confined space.
More Clothing Options: This position is particularly helpful in business attire, where tops tend to be tucked in or slimmer fitting.
Alternative to Hip or Back: For those with hip or back problems, this position is ideal as it eliminates the need for a heavy firearm to be carried in a problem area.
Cons
Adjustment Time: Learning to walk with a firearm holstered to your ankle can take some time. Not only that, it may be quite uncomfortable in the early stages.
Pants are a Must: Unlike other concealed carry positions, the ankle carry only works if you are wearing pants or a long dress or skirt.
Decreased Mobility: In the event you need to run or move quickly, the ankle carry could impede your movement and slow you down.
Bag/Purse Carry
More popular with women, this concealed carry method involves carrying a firearm in a designated compartment within a bag or purse.
Most concealed carry bags and purses are designed with safety in mind and feature a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized access to the firearm. Some bags even have a separate compartment for the firearm, which is accessible from the outside of the bag for quick and easy access.
Pros
Increased Comfort: Concealed carrying in a bag or purse can be a good option for those who prefer not to carry on their person. It allows for a more comfortable and convenient way to carry a firearm, especially for those who wear clothing that does not easily accommodate a holster.
Special Firearm Compartment: Purses designed for concealed carry often have a separate compartment with a holster. This is to keep the firearm secure and easily accessible. This can provide peace of mind for the carrier
More room: Purses often have more room, allowing concealed carry with a suppressor
Cons
Requires a Special Bag for Optimal Safety: To most safely and effectively concealed carry using a bag or purse, it's important to choose one that is specifically designed for concealed carry.
Easier to Be Taken: Carrying a firearm in a bag or purse requires a high level of responsibility and awareness. The carrier must always be aware of the location of the firearm. This is to ensure that it is not accessible to unauthorized individuals. It becomes a bigger deal if your purse is stolen while there is a firearm inside.
Choosing the Right Concealed Carry Position for You
Choosing the perfect concealed carry position is like choosing your favorite ice cream flavor; it varies based on your personal taste, lifestyle, and the outfit of the day. Okay, maybe it’s a bit more serious than that, but you get the gist, right?
The decision on where to carry your firearm should not be taken lightly. It impacts your comfort and ease of access, and most importantly, it can mean the difference between life and death in a critical situation.
Ready to add a suppressor to your pistol?
It has never been easier to buy a suppressor, and with all the innovation going on within the industry, there are new suppressors coming out all the time, including some which may fit your concealed carry plans. As always, follow the laws for not just where you live, but when you travel, too.
It depends on local laws whether or not you need to inform a police officer that stops you if you are concealed carrying a firearm. In most cases, you should, while you have both hands visible, and inform the officer where the firearm is. The last thing you want is to make the officer nervous, so just communicate and be upfront.
As long as you can do it comfortably, sure, there is no state that allows for concealed carry and suppressor ownership that says you can't do both at the same time as long as you are legal.
It is totally dependent upon which state you live in whether or not concealed carry permits are easy to obtain. Some states require special training and a permit process, while others consider it part of gun ownership and the Constitution
The BANISH 9K is only 4.1 inches long, so it can be concealed. Will there be shorter cans on the market? We suspect there will be.
Having a concealed carry permit currently has no impact upon your ability to get a suppressor.
While many suppressors can be used on several different caliber firearms, we have some specific models that can make your shooting more enjoyable. Pick the caliber that you have in mind. If you don’t see your caliber, pick one close to it to see our recommendations.
