THE SPICE OF LIFE

Should you rotate your carry gun?

- RICHARD MANN

Many believe you should rotate your carry gun based on the season or the situation. For example, during the winter months, when you typically wear one or two outer layers such as a vest and a coat, this will allow most folks to easier conceal a larger handgun. When spring comes, you’re typically still wearing a coat and the same can be said for the fall. It’s the summertime that makes concealing a large, or sometimes any, handgun harder. Often, when the weather is hot, some will transition to a smaller handgun in order to make carrying easier and more comfortable.

Is that a good idea?

It could be argued that carrying different handguns at different times isn’t a good idea because when you need to employ that handgun the action needs to be, well, almost instinctive.

There’s some logic to support this. If you carry a full-size 1911 from the fall through the spring, and then switch to a Diamondback DB9 during the summer, under the stress of a violent encounter you might fumble with the grip of the smaller handgun or possibly forget to disengage the safety on the larger. Either could be disastrous.

On the other hand, if you insist on carrying your full-size 1911 during the summer, you might have to wear extra clothing and be uncomfortable—or even look out of place. And, too, you might forego the carrying of that big pistol during times of oppressive heat to be more comfortable. None of this is good, and all of this can be more complicated due to the lifestyle you live.