The GMW Concealed Carry Gun Pack. Now available now on Amazon.com. BUY NOW
The GMW IWB magazine holster with built-in neodymium magnets. Now available now on Amazon.com. BUY NOW
I’ve been approached several times this month to write an article about concealed carrying for the disabled. Concealed carry tips for people with disabilities are very important for an often-overlooked part of our population – because people with disabilities are often not as able to fully defend themselves due to physical disabilities, they are at a disadvantage if accosted/attacked by a bad guy. Concealed carrying is one way to protect against such circumstances.
I have many friends are disabled. However, their disabilities did not stop them from excelling in various fields. They were great in basketball, in academics, and in other areas. And some of them, like you, are gun owners as well. While being disabled while concealed carrying is a bit harder, there are many techniques and accessories that can help concealed carrying for the disabled. Please read on for our full guide on concealed carry tips for disabled people.
The Challenge of Concealed Carrying for the Disabled
Concealed carrying for the disabled can be a little tricky. Being in a wheelchair or crutches will change the way you carry firearms. For instance, you may opt for a weapon with lighter recoil and an ergonomic grip, for easier use and firing. Choices of holsters might also vary – IWB and other kinds of holsters may not work as well for gun owners who move around in wheelchairs. This leads to a big question – what kind of CCW/gun accessories should you go with to match your needs?
Gun Recommendations for The Disabled
Picking the correct CCW to work best with your disability is crucial. Here are some concealed carry tips for disabled to help you decide on the right firearm:
Ruger LCR
The Ruger LCR is a good firearm for people who have disabilities that affect the use of their hands. It is very reliable and has a lightweight trigger pull. This handgun is easy to use and one of the best concealable firearms in the market today.
Beretta Tip Up Barrel
This handgun is also recommended for a people with disabled/weaker hands. You can manually load it by simply tipping up the barrel when unlocked. Just a flick of a lever will let you know if there is still a bullet in the chamber. This is a perfect wheelchair concealed carry option.
Walter CCP 9mm
The Walter CPP 9mm features technology that reduces recoil. The trigger pull is light and has a magazine capacity of 8 rounds. The slide is also easy to rack, perfect for people with disabilities affecting upper body strength.
Glock 17
The Glock 17 was designed with simplicity in mind. It’s a striker-fired gun with no hammers to worry about. It has a full auto feature that may seem intimidating but more controllable than what other people think. For concealed carrying for the disabled, simple is the most important thing to have in emergency situations.
Tips for Disabled Concealed Carry
On vs. Off-Body Carry
One of the most debated issues concerning wheelchair concealed carry options is carrying on vs. off-body. While there are benefits and limitations with each method, off-body carry falls short in two vital aspects, namely accessibility and control. Traditional concealed carry tips for the disabled put heavy emphasis on the importance of accessibility and control. If your firearm is mounted to the wheelchair, contained in a bag, basket, or slung over the chair back and/or arm rest, your quick access to reach your firearm in an emergency situation is cut off. On the other hand, carrying your concealed carry on-body may not be convenient depending on your disability.
For Gun Magnet World, we recommend mounting a holster on your wheelchair’s leg rest, and covering it slightly with cloth for concealment. In case of emergencies, you’d just have to reach down, in a similar motion to drawing your firearm from an ankle holster.
Carry Purse/Fanny Pack
The most common way to concealed carry for persons with disabilities is via carry purses or fanny packs for concealed carry. These are quite popular among people in wheelchairs who concealed carry. But while they satisfy in areas of practicality and mobility, both methods fare poorly in accessibility. Both carry purses and fanny packs require the use of two hands to access your firearm which may not be ideal for the user’s abilities and the situation. But as we always say in our blog posts, practice can help address this issue.
For concealed carry purses, any purse large enough to conceal a firearm will suffice. Most carry purses have a built-in holster or some other methods of storing a gun that keeps the trigger and safety mechanism covered. Some carry purse designs feature a reinforced strap to prevent slashing to keep purse snatchers from grabbing your purse. However, there are two general caveats you should keep in mind when using concealed carry purses: first, the holster or pockets should be free from all other items. This will allow more clear access to your firearm should the need arise and reduce the risk of negligent discharge. Second, the purse must remain under the your physical control at all times.
As for the fanny pack, there are serious flaws and legitimate benefits as well. With a fanny pack, a disabled individual can effectively conceal any number of handguns regardless of what they are wearing. One disadvantage of this type of concealed carry, however, is that it has a tendency to “muzzle” the non-firing hand/arm and the legs when drawing the firearm. To improve accessibility of this wheelchair concealed carry option, keep it in front and loosen the retention strap.
Ask the Right Questions to Find the Right Gun
While every gun owner aspires to find the right firearm, asking the right questions can be extremely crucial for disabled individuals. Here are some tips for disabled people on asking questions before buying a gun for concealed carry:
Can you hold the gun firmly to prevent limp-wrist problems? If you cannot hold the gun steady while firing, the brass may not eject properly, and your shots may go astray. If you have arthritis or other wrist problems, you may be better off with revolvers.
Can you pull the trigger? Double action triggers on revolvers or heavier triggers on semis may not work with a weak hand. Double/single action revolvers are recommended for people with arthritis or other problems that limit finger and wrist movement.
Can you hold the gun in the extended arm position? If no, you may need accessories that let you use the sights such as wrist braces or other tools that strengthen your upper body or help with mobility problems.
Can you shoot, draw, reload, and holster the weapon? A good solution for this will be to consider a different carry position or modify your holster.
Can you maintain the firearm? If you can’t, have a friend of family member do it for you.
Are there handicapped accessible ranges in your area for shooting practice?
Increase Upper Body Strength
If you are using a manual wheelchair, your upper body strength may be up to the task of using a firearm and being ready to use a firearm in an emergency situation. If not, you may need to lift weights or do other exercises for strengthening your upper body.
Practice Shooting
Impairments in the hands, arms, or shoulders don’t necessarily have to be obstacles in shooting well/firearm handling. There are some things you can do to optimize your firearm handling. For instance:
Invest in a universal speed loader.
Get an accessory to assist in racking your slide.
Choose the Right Holster
Choosing the right holster for disabled people is important because access to a gun if you are in a wheelchair can be difficult.
Fanny Pack Holsters. Fanny packs are useful if you fall or become separated from your walking aide. They will remain on your body wherever you go, and can also hold first aid kits, medication, tasers, knives, etc.
Shoulder Holsters. These holsters are best if you need to draw a gun while seated in a wheelchair. The key is to practice to make sure that you have the draw down.
Decide what’s best for you
No matter what tips we provide to you here, at the end of the day it will all boil down to what works best for you. Do not let someone else decide for you. Someone may recommend for you to carry a .45 but if your condition does not let you properly handle a .45, look for other options.
Practice
Time and again we have said in this blog that you should practice using your concealed carry. Once you have a suitable handgun, practice until you become more adept at handling your firearm given your condition.
Don’t Carry At All
If for any reason your disability does not allow you to draw or shoot your weapon – look to other options for defending yourself and those around you. Carry a taser, knife, or tactical flashlight instead.
Physical disability does not take away your right to defend yourself. With these concealed carry tips for persons with disabilities, you can ensure your safety during emergency situations.
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Concealed Carrying for the Disabled: Concealed Carry Tips for People with Disabilities
The GMW Concealed Carry Gun Pack. Now available now on Amazon.com.
BUY NOW
BUY NOW
I’ve been approached several times this month to write an article about concealed carrying for the disabled. Concealed carry tips for people with disabilities are very important for an often-overlooked part of our population – because people with disabilities are often not as able to fully defend themselves due to physical disabilities, they are at a disadvantage if accosted/attacked by a bad guy. Concealed carrying is one way to protect against such circumstances.
I have many friends are disabled. However, their disabilities did not stop them from excelling in various fields. They were great in basketball, in academics, and in other areas. And some of them, like you, are gun owners as well. While being disabled while concealed carrying is a bit harder, there are many techniques and accessories that can help concealed carrying for the disabled. Please read on for our full guide on concealed carry tips for disabled people.
The Challenge of Concealed Carrying for the Disabled
Concealed carrying for the disabled can be a little tricky. Being in a wheelchair or crutches will change the way you carry firearms. For instance, you may opt for a weapon with lighter recoil and an ergonomic grip, for easier use and firing. Choices of holsters might also vary – IWB and other kinds of holsters may not work as well for gun owners who move around in wheelchairs. This leads to a big question – what kind of CCW/gun accessories should you go with to match your needs?
Gun Recommendations for The Disabled
Picking the correct CCW to work best with your disability is crucial. Here are some concealed carry tips for disabled to help you decide on the right firearm:
Ruger LCR
The Ruger LCR is a good firearm for people who have disabilities that affect the use of their hands. It is very reliable and has a lightweight trigger pull. This handgun is easy to use and one of the best concealable firearms in the market today.
Beretta Tip Up Barrel
This handgun is also recommended for a people with disabled/weaker hands. You can manually load it by simply tipping up the barrel when unlocked. Just a flick of a lever will let you know if there is still a bullet in the chamber. This is a perfect wheelchair concealed carry option.
Walter CCP 9mm
The Walter CPP 9mm features technology that reduces recoil. The trigger pull is light and has a magazine capacity of 8 rounds. The slide is also easy to rack, perfect for people with disabilities affecting upper body strength.
Glock 17
The Glock 17 was designed with simplicity in mind. It’s a striker-fired gun with no hammers to worry about. It has a full auto feature that may seem intimidating but more controllable than what other people think. For concealed carrying for the disabled, simple is the most important thing to have in emergency situations.
Tips for Disabled Concealed Carry
On vs. Off-Body Carry
One of the most debated issues concerning wheelchair concealed carry options is carrying on vs. off-body. While there are benefits and limitations with each method, off-body carry falls short in two vital aspects, namely accessibility and control. Traditional concealed carry tips for the disabled put heavy emphasis on the importance of accessibility and control. If your firearm is mounted to the wheelchair, contained in a bag, basket, or slung over the chair back and/or arm rest, your quick access to reach your firearm in an emergency situation is cut off. On the other hand, carrying your concealed carry on-body may not be convenient depending on your disability.
For Gun Magnet World, we recommend mounting a holster on your wheelchair’s leg rest, and covering it slightly with cloth for concealment. In case of emergencies, you’d just have to reach down, in a similar motion to drawing your firearm from an ankle holster.
Carry Purse/Fanny Pack
The most common way to concealed carry for persons with disabilities is via carry purses or fanny packs for concealed carry. These are quite popular among people in wheelchairs who concealed carry. But while they satisfy in areas of practicality and mobility, both methods fare poorly in accessibility. Both carry purses and fanny packs require the use of two hands to access your firearm which may not be ideal for the user’s abilities and the situation. But as we always say in our blog posts, practice can help address this issue.
For concealed carry purses, any purse large enough to conceal a firearm will suffice. Most carry purses have a built-in holster or some other methods of storing a gun that keeps the trigger and safety mechanism covered. Some carry purse designs feature a reinforced strap to prevent slashing to keep purse snatchers from grabbing your purse. However, there are two general caveats you should keep in mind when using concealed carry purses: first, the holster or pockets should be free from all other items. This will allow more clear access to your firearm should the need arise and reduce the risk of negligent discharge. Second, the purse must remain under the your physical control at all times.
As for the fanny pack, there are serious flaws and legitimate benefits as well. With a fanny pack, a disabled individual can effectively conceal any number of handguns regardless of what they are wearing. One disadvantage of this type of concealed carry, however, is that it has a tendency to “muzzle” the non-firing hand/arm and the legs when drawing the firearm. To improve accessibility of this wheelchair concealed carry option, keep it in front and loosen the retention strap.
Ask the Right Questions to Find the Right Gun
While every gun owner aspires to find the right firearm, asking the right questions can be extremely crucial for disabled individuals. Here are some tips for disabled people on asking questions before buying a gun for concealed carry:
Increase Upper Body Strength
If you are using a manual wheelchair, your upper body strength may be up to the task of using a firearm and being ready to use a firearm in an emergency situation. If not, you may need to lift weights or do other exercises for strengthening your upper body.
Practice Shooting
Impairments in the hands, arms, or shoulders don’t necessarily have to be obstacles in shooting well/firearm handling. There are some things you can do to optimize your firearm handling. For instance:
Choose the Right Holster
Choosing the right holster for disabled people is important because access to a gun if you are in a wheelchair can be difficult.
Decide what’s best for you
No matter what tips we provide to you here, at the end of the day it will all boil down to what works best for you. Do not let someone else decide for you. Someone may recommend for you to carry a .45 but if your condition does not let you properly handle a .45, look for other options.
Practice
Time and again we have said in this blog that you should practice using your concealed carry. Once you have a suitable handgun, practice until you become more adept at handling your firearm given your condition.
Don’t Carry At All
If for any reason your disability does not allow you to draw or shoot your weapon – look to other options for defending yourself and those around you. Carry a taser, knife, or tactical flashlight instead.
Physical disability does not take away your right to defend yourself. With these concealed carry tips for persons with disabilities, you can ensure your safety during emergency situations.