Fresh off the CCW Course? Just entering the market for a concealed carry jacket?
Not all are created equal, so don’t just buy anything. Hopefully this short guide will help you make a wise choice.
Avoid Buttons!
Buttons may look snazzy, but they are something you will want to avoid on a concealed carry jacket at all costs.
The reason? They compromise your access to your weapon, and that can seriously put a life or death limitation on the utility of your jacket.
First and foremost, the jacket should enable easy, effortless access to your weapon, period. All other features, functionality, and fashion come as secondary characteristics.
What you want is a jacket with a zipper. It might not look as slick as a button-up jacket, and yes, zippers can jam, but they are much easier and more intuitive to use than buttons.
Shop a Size Up
The thing about a concealed carry jacket is that no single jacket can literally do it all.
You can either get a really heavy jacket that will keep you warm in the winter, but which will be burdensome to wear the rest of the year – or you can get a jacket that’s comfortable in the summer but too light for the other seasons.
Our recommendation is to get a three-season jacket. One that’s ideal for fall and spring, and not too heavy for summer.
But here’s the catch – you have to order a size up. That way, you’ll have enough room underneath for layering.
It solves the seasonal dilemma, and it also ensures comfort without compromising access to your weapon.
Look for One with More Than Enough Room
Naturally, any concealed carry jacket that you seriously think about buying should have more than enough room for your holster or a dedicated pocket
But that’s not good enough. Look for a jacket with additional pockets for magazines or other tools, or, if it becomes necessary, one that’s simply big enough to add a utility belt or something else underneath.
One thing is imperative. This jacket has to make your lifestyle easier, not complicate it, and oftentimes one of the most important things is access to the gear you need.
Don’t Try to Do Too Much at Once
Last but not least, don’t try to do too much with this jacket. It’s your first purchase. Don’t expect it to be perfect.
It just needs to be comfortable, provide you with easy access to your weapon, and protect you against the elements.
You’re never going to get the perfect jacket – for instance, as covered previously, one that’s going to work in all seasons. You’re going to have to make compromises somewhere.
Just don’t make compromises on any of the pointers in this article. Make sure there is support for your weapon, room for accessories (notably spare mags), and avoid buttons.
Anything else is in your wheelhouse. And remember, you’re allowed to get more than one! If the first jacket you get isn’t all you’ve ever dreamed of, relegate it to another role and get a new one. It’s as simple as that.
Where to Get Your Next Concealed Carry Jacket
Looking for a new, high-quality concealed carry jacket? Check out what’s in store at Fatigues Army Navy. Not only do they carry a wide range of jackets and shooting accessories, they also represent the top brands, like Rothco.
Check out their catalog today and see if there’s anything in there that appeals to you. There more than likely is and it’s just waiting for you to discover it.
