Tips for Moms Who Concealed Carry a Firearm – Expert Panel Advice

As a mom, there’s a lot on your plate. Being a protector is one of them. Part of our job is to protect our children when they cannot protect themselves.

I’ll never tell anyone that they must carry a gun, though I highly advise it. I was concealed carrying a firearm long before I had kids. What changed, however, was my mindset. I was no longer just defending myself, I was also defending these little humans who can’t defend themselves. Continuing to carry as a mother was a no brainer to me.

Many moms might be put off by the idea of concealed carrying because a lot changes when you become a mom. You’re chasing them around, they’re grabbing all over you, they have no filter, they’re curious about everything, etc. I understand these worries, trust me. However, we should work with those worries and figure out solutions, instead of hiding from them.

Let’s dive right into the concealed carry tips for moms:

If you need a license in your state to conceal carry, then get it.

Get to know your firearm intimately.

Clean it, take it apart, put it back together, load and unload your magazines, etc.

Choose a firearm that’s right for you.

Feel the gun in your hands and if you don’t feel like it’s the gun for you, then don’t get it. You must feel comfortable with your choice of firearm, otherwise you’ll never want to use it.

Find a holster that’s right for you.

On body carry is ideal and there are plenty of options out there. An IWB holster is a classic and works great. You might also consider a belly band holster. If you find yourself wanting to carry off person in a purse or backpack, make sure to be extra vigilant with a lot of training and make sure it’s secure inside the bag. Also make sure to keep attached to your body at all times, this helps to ensure you always have access to your firearm, it’s safely away from curious kids hands and it reduces the chances of being stolen.

Train realistically with your firearm through live and dry fire.

How do you normally go about your day? Are you regularly holding one of your children in your arms? Then you’ll need to practice like that. Don’t hold your baby while you practice, but instead hold a doll while you practice one handed draws. Get creative with scenarios. Of course, always be aware of firearm safety at all times.

Teach firearm safety and understanding to your kids.

Teach them early and often. Let them see your firearm, let them see you clean it, let them go to the range with you (with proper ear and eye protection, of course), take away the curiosity. There are some great firearm safety books for kids.

Secure your firearm.

If you’re not in the market for a large safe or don’t have the room, there are plenty of small safes such as the Vaultek Lifepod and there are also trigger locks.

In addition to the above advice, here’s some solid advice from well-known and respected moms in the firearm and outdoor industry:

Beka Garris:

My number one thing I tell other women (not just moms) is to carry on their person, not in a purse. That way you know where it is at ALL times. If you’re constantly carrying a little one, small of the back or a belly band holster are my go to. Also, baby wearing hides any gun print.

Beka Garris https://www.instagram.com/bekagarris/?hl=en

Tacticool Mom

When carrying with small children, it’s paramount to have a secure holster and belt combination. When little hands reach to be picked up they will also grab whatever is closest to them, your shirt, pants and yes, even the grip of your gun. If/when that happens you want to be confident the gun will not be accidentally pulled out.

Never underestimate your child. Their toys consist of buttons and switches to figure out. Your gun also has buttons and “switches”. A safety does not make your gun safe. Keep your gun securely in your control or locked in a safe.

Tacticool Mom https://www.instagram.com/tacticoolmom/

Mil-Spec Mom

Just because you’re female, doesn’t mean you need different equipment than men. If you’re unsure on what equipment to use or carry, start by looking at what gun-carrying professional do and carry. Emulate them, get training, then deviate if your lifestyle dictates.

Mil-Spec Mom https://www.instagram.com/milspecmom/

Julie Golob

As a mom especially, function is more important that being fashionable when carrying a firearm.  Not only are you defending more than just yourself, you have to find what works best with the demands of being a mom. 

Off body carry requires extreme vigilance to ensure your bag is under your control and can only be accessed by you at all times. On body carry requires a holster that properly secures the handgun and covers the trigger guard. Though moms may be tempted to carry in a purse because it seems to be the easier method and it can be more convenient, on body carry truly is best. Your firearm is on you and in your control, plus you’re hands free to address all kiddo needs. 

Exploring holster positions and where on the belt you carry is an important step in finding what works for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different positions each day. You can do this an inert blue gun or even without a handgun at first to narrow down what feels most comfortable. For moms with young kids, think of how you carry your children too. You may need to make adjustments. 

For me, carrying in the appendix position with the firearm located between my naval and hip bone works best. A thin undershirt adds comfort and I use a thin but sturdy belt offset in the buckle to make it less bulky around my waste. 

Julie Golob https://www.instagram.com/juliegolob/

You want to feel confident in everything you do, especially when it comes to the protection of yourself and your family. Don’t rely on others to be there to save you or your children. Accept the kindness of strangers, but in the end, you are the only one responsible for your own safety and the safety of your kids.

If you ever want to talk about concealed carry tips and options, contact any of the ladies above or feel free to reach out to me.