Handling your concealed carry firearm on a daily basis without adhering to good practices can lead to unsafe habits and even accidents. One of the things I see in my classes frequently is that people do not handle their firearms safely and efficiently when they are administratively handling the handgun.
When handling your concealed carry firearm check the firearm to see that it is unloaded before handling. We all know that when we handle a firearm one of the key safety issues is checking the gun to see if it’s loaded or unloaded. Once you have determined the status you can proceed with your administrative handling. First, what direction are you pointing the firearm? Rule #2 (never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy). Is it a direction that will not harm anyone or damage property? Are you keeping your hand and fingers away from the muzzle? Poor handling practices include putting hands or fingers in front of the muzzle, or pointing the gun at yourself in your car while inspecting your firearm when the gun is out of a holster. Remember rule #1 all guns are always loaded! Do not get in the habit of handling your concealed carry firearm carelessly. I know with some of the small guns that are carried today our big hands can get in front of that muzzle. This is one of the drawbacks and hazards of carrying small guns. When carrying small shooters you have to be more careful than the rest of us when you are handling your concealed carry firearm.
When you go to the range and you do not want to shoot your expensive carry ammo, you unload it from your gun, and then when you are done with your range session you load it back into your concealed carry firearm. Did you know that every time you chamber a round it degrades that piece of ammo a tiny bit. I like to rotate my carry ammo and mark the headstamp area with a marking pen (see picture) to see how many times I have ejected and rechambered that piece of ammo. After 4 times for each round, I shoot it up and buy another box of carry ammo, and start the process over. A degraded piece of ammo might not work in a self-defense situation and that would not be good.
Handling your concealed carry firearm is all about having good habits. Practice good sound habits when you are handling your concealed carry firearm.
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