Carrying Right Means Carrying Smart

Carrying a handgun is about responsibility as much as it is about defense. The mistakes we’re highlighting – poor trigger discipline, inaccessible carry positions, lack of training, improper concealment, and all the rest – are avoidable with the right mindset and habits.

At the end of the day, carrying a firearm isn’t just about being armed. It’s about being prepared. Prepared to act quickly, safely, and responsibly if the unthinkable happens. That preparation doesn’t stop with buying a gun – it continues with training, awareness, and constant vigilance.

Here are ten of the most common mistakes we see at The Range LA—and how you can sidestep them.

1. Poor Trigger Discipline

This one tops the list for a reason: bad trigger discipline is the fastest path to an accidental discharge. Too many carriers let their finger rest on the trigger or inside the trigger guard before they’re truly ready to shoot.

Rule number one: finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you’ve made the decision to fire.

Think of your trigger finger as a built-in safety. Good discipline keeps you and everyone around you safe. Bad discipline turns a routine situation into an emergency. If you take nothing else from this article, remember this: safe hands start with your finger placement.

2. Choosing the Wrong Holster

Not all holsters are created equal. Some are cheaply made, collapse after drawing, or fail to fully cover the trigger guard. Others simply don’t fit your body or clothing style.

A quality holster should:

• Fully cover and protect the trigger
• Provide firm retention without being impossible to draw from
• Ride comfortably in your chosen carry position
• Be made of durable material like Kydex or high-grade leather

Your holster is just as important as the firearm it carries. Invest wisely—your safety depends on it.

3. Leaving Your Gun Unsecured

A gun that isn’t on your body should still be under your control. Leaving it unsecured in a glove box, purse, or nightstand is a recipe for disaster.

Think about kids, guests, roommates, or thieves. All it takes is one careless moment. Responsible gun ownership means responsible storage: quick-access safes, lockboxes, or other security measures that keep your firearm available to you but inaccessible to anyone else.

Leaving your gun unsecured is more than a mistake—it’s negligence.

4. Ignoring Firearm Maintenance

A firearm is a mechanical tool, and like any tool, it needs care. Dust, dirt, sweat, and lint from daily carry can all work their way inside and cause malfunctions.

If you carry daily, clean and inspect your gun weekly. Look for:

• Proper lubrication
• Wear and tear on moving parts
• Magazine integrity
• Ammunition quality

A clean gun isn’t just pride of ownership—it’s the confidence that when you need it most, it will perform.

5. Not Understanding Your Firearm’s Safety Features

Every handgun is different. Some have thumb safeties. Others have grip safeties or trigger safeties. Too many carriers don’t fully understand how their specific firearm operates.

Some forget to disengage their safety when drawing. Others don’t even realize their pistol has one. This lack of knowledge can be deadly under stress.

Before carrying, spend time learning your firearm inside and out. Read the manual, dry fire with care, and practice disengaging and re-engaging safeties until it’s second nature. When your adrenaline spikes, muscle memory is what saves you.

6. Skipping Stress Training

Shooting targets here at the range is valuable… and fun—but it’s not enough. Real-world defense situations don’t happen under calm, well-lit conditions with stationary targets.

At The Range LA, we encourage members to practice drawing from concealment, shooting while moving, and making decisions under stress. Training under pressure builds confidence and conditions your body to perform when it matters.

If you’ve only ever shot standing still in perfect conditions, you’re training for the range—not reality.

7. Dressing Without Concealment in Mind

It’s LA—we know most of you care about fashion. However, many carriers opt for clothing that makes concealment nearly impossible. Tight shirts or lightweight fabrics can cause printing—where the outline of your firearm is visible.

You don’t need to dress like you’re in a tactical catalog. Instead:

• Choose structured fabrics that break up outlines
• Layer smartly—light jackets, overshirts, or vests work wonders
• Balance comfort with function

Great carry means looking natural. You should blend in, not stand out.

8. Fidgeting or Adjusting in Public

Nothing gives away a concealed carrier faster than constantly tugging at a shirt or adjusting a holster. Trust your gear. If you’ve chosen the right holster and carry method, your gun will remain secure without requiring constant attention.

If you need to adjust, step into a restroom or somewhere private. Fidgeting in public not only draws attention but risks exposing your firearm entirely.

9. Forgetting Situational Awareness

Too many carriers fall into the trap of thinking, “I have my gun, so I’m safe.” Wrong. A firearm is not a substitute for paying attention.

Situational awareness—scanning exits, noticing unusual behavior, and keeping your head up—is your first line of defense. Your firearm is the last resort, not the first.

Stay alert. Stay present. Your awareness will solve problems long before your pistol needs to.

10. Over-Relying on Your Gun

A gun isn’t a magic shield. It’s a last-ditch tool when all else fails.

The truth is, most conflicts can be avoided or de-escalated before they become dangerous. Yelling, posturing, or showing off your firearm is not defense—it’s recklessness.

Carrying smart means using your brain first, your training second, and your firearm only if absolutely necessary.

Carry Smarter, Carry Confidently

Avoid these ten mistakes, and you’ll not only be a safer carrier but also someone who treats the responsibility of armed defense with the seriousness it deserves.

Our team is here to help our members carry with confidence, not complacency. That means training hard, staying sharp, and never taking the responsibility lightly.

Because carrying right means carrying smart.