Why Every Concealed Carrier Should Compete

Published on June 1, 2026
Duration: 6:23

This video argues that all concealed carriers should participate in competitive shooting to significantly improve their defensive capabilities. The instructor, a concealed carry instructor and occasional competitor, highlights that most concealed carriers lack advanced skills due to insufficient training beyond permit classes. Competition offers a practical environment to develop crucial skills like shooting under stress, moving and shooting, engaging targets at distance, and making complex decisions, effectively serving as a 'practice gunfight' that better prepares individuals for real-world threats.

Quick Summary

Concealed carriers should participate in shooting competitions like USPSA or IDPA to significantly enhance their defensive capabilities. These events provide a practical environment to develop crucial skills such as shooting under stress, moving and shooting, and making complex decisions, effectively serving as a 'practice gunfight' that better prepares individuals for real-world threats.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Concealed Carriers vs. Competitive Shooters
  2. 00:27Why Concealed Carriers Need Competition
  3. 00:30Stereotypes and Realities
  4. 00:59Instructor's Background and Perspective
  5. 01:15The Hard Truth: Lack of Training
  6. 01:36Limitations of Concealed Carry Classes
  7. 02:19Concealed Carry Starter Kit Promotion
  8. 02:23What Competitive Shooters Actually Know
  9. 02:48The Undeniable Skill of Competitors
  10. 03:01Every Gunfight is a Competition
  11. 03:19Benefits of Competition for EDC
  12. 03:32Pushing the Concealed Carry Community
  13. 03:59Conclusion: Get Out and Compete

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should concealed carriers participate in shooting competitions?

Concealed carriers should compete to develop critical skills beyond basic proficiency, such as shooting under stress, moving and shooting, and making complex decisions. Competition provides a practical, high-pressure environment that simulates aspects of a real gunfight, significantly enhancing defensive readiness and confidence.

What are the common shortcomings of concealed carry training?

Many concealed carry classes offer minimal training, often just a basic safety course with low shooting standards. This leaves most carriers unprepared for the complexities of a real-world defensive encounter, as they typically don't practice advanced skills like shooting from cover or engaging moving targets.

How does competitive shooting differ from a real gunfight, and why is it still beneficial?

While not identical, every gunfight is a competition. Competitions like USPSA and IDPA train shooters to perform under pressure, move, shoot accurately, and make decisions quickly. These skills are invaluable in a real gunfight, where you don't know the 'stage' or 'par time' and the consequences of failure are severe.

What specific skills can competitive shooting develop for concealed carriers?

Competitive shooting hones skills such as rapid target acquisition, accuracy at various distances, shooting while moving, utilizing cover effectively, engaging moving targets, and complex decision-making under stress. Practicing with your everyday carry gear in competition makes these skills directly applicable to self-defense.

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