With the increasing number of people carrying concealed firearms, there has also been a rise in the ways to carry them. While some people give a lot of thought to where and how to carry their primary firearm; fewer give the same consideration to a secondary gun.

1. Location, Location, Location

If you are going to carry a secondary firearm a big consideration is where to carry it. A concealed ankle holster is the most obvious choice, however, you could also consider a pocket holster or an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster. It comes down to the size of your backup gun and ease of accessibility. You have to be in very distinct positions to pull a gun from an ankle holster while having your backup firearm in an IWB holster allows you to draw from the upper half of your body, just as you do with your primary weapon.

2. Size Matters

Carrying a secondary concealed firearm in a pocket holster or ankle holster means you’ll be carrying a significantly smaller gun than you can if your carry IWB. Smaller and lighter means the gun is going to fire differently than your primary weapon. These locations also require a gun that is discreet and won’t be evident through your clothing.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

If you decide carrying a secondary weapon is for you make sure you spend time practicing with both guns. It does no good to have a backup firearm if you aren’t comfortable shooting it. Ideally, you would be as proficient with your backup gun as you are with your primary. Be sure to practice accessing the secondary gun as well.

There is a lot to say for the peace of mind that comes with carrying a secondary firearm if you carry concealed, but ultimately it comes down to accessibility of the weapon and proficiency with it.