When discussing everyday carry (EDC), the conversation often begins with the firearm itself. People want to know which handgun is best, how many rounds it holds, which optic to use or which accessories to add. Those are all valid considerations, but everyday carry involves much more than choosing a firearm.
A reliable concealed carry setup should function as a complete system that includes the firearm, magazine capacity, holster, wardrobe, storage, training and, most importantly, the individual carrying it. As a firearms instructor, I encourage shooters to look beyond what is popular and instead focus on what they can safely, confidently and consistently incorporate into their everyday lives.
Consistency is one of the most important factors when selecting a firearm to carry concealed. A handgun may offer excellent features, capacity and performance, but if it is uncomfortable or impractical enough that you regularly leave it at home, it is not serving its intended purpose. The goal is to balance shootability and concealability.
Smaller firearms are often easier to conceal, but they can also be more difficult to shoot well because of shorter grips, reduced weight and increased recoil. Larger firearms may offer greater capacity and improved control, but they can require more thought about concealment and your wardrobe. Slimline pistols help bridge that gap. The right choice ultimately depends on the shooter’s body type, clothing, preferred carry position and ability to operate the firearm confidently.
Magazine capacity has traditionally been a compromise with slimmer concealed carry pistols. In 2026, GLOCK introduced a factory 15-round SLIMLINE magazine for the G43X and G48. The metal, double-stack magazine works with the factory magazine catch, giving shooters more capacity while maintaining the platform’s slim profile.
For shooters who prefer these pistols’ dimensions, the added capacity offers another option without requiring a move to a substantially larger firearm that may be harder to conceal or carry comfortably. That matters because greater capacity has historically meant accepting more size or width, which isn’t always the best choice for every carrier.
The holster is another critical part of an everyday carry system and deserves the same level of consideration as the firearm. Finding the right holster may require some experimentation. What works well for one person may not work for another. It depends on factors such as your body type, clothing and preferred carry position. A quality holster should securely retain the firearm, stay stable during normal movement and allow the shooter to establish a consistent grip when drawing. Comfort is extremely important. If your carry setup is uncomfortable, you may avoid carrying the firearm altogether, which defeats the purpose of an everyday carry system. At the same time, comfort should never come at the expense of safety.
Wardrobe is especially important for women because clothing choices can vary significantly from day to day. A carry method that works well with jeans and a belt may not work as effectively with athletic clothing, fitted clothing, or a dress. Rather than building your everyday carry setup around one outfit, evaluate your carry options with the clothing you actually wear.
An easy way to test your setup at home is with an unloaded firearm. Sit down, stand up, bend over, reach above your head, and get in and out of your vehicle. Pay attention to whether the firearm remains secure, whether your clothing interferes with access, whether anything rubs against your body and whether you feel the need to constantly adjust the setup. Repeatedly adjusting a firearm in public should be avoided whenever possible. If you need to adjust it, find a private location, such as a restroom with a lockable door, before doing so.
Responsible concealed carry goes well beyond the time the firearm is physically on your body. Every carrier should have a plan for secure storage at home and for situations in which carrying is prohibited. Firearms should also be protected from unauthorized access, especially by children. Firearm and concealed carry regulations vary by jurisdiction. Responsible ownership requires staying informed, while not assuming the laws are the same everywhere. Storage, transportation and carry requirements should all be considered part of an overall everyday carry plan.
Training should reflect the equipment you actually carry and rely on. If you add a new magazine, optic, holster or other component to your carry setup, spend time getting familiar with it before relying on it. Test new equipment for proper function and reliability with your specific firearm and ammunition. You don’t need hundreds of rounds for a training session to be effective. A focused range session using fewer rounds can be extremely valuable when you deliberately work on grip, presentation, trigger control, accuracy, reloads and safe firearm manipulation. Training with a purpose will always provide more value than simply firing rounds without a clear objective.
Build everyday carry around the person carrying the firearm, not what is currently popular or promoted as the standard. Your equipment should support your preparation, not replace it. Choose your firearm and supporting gear intentionally, become proficient with what you carry and continue developing the skills necessary to use it safely and responsibly. A good everyday carry system should feel comfortable, function reliably and fit the reality of your everyday life.
Avery Skipalis is the owner of Skip’s Tactical Solutions, an organization that focuses on empowering women, men and children to make sure that no one else becomes a victim. She gained her firearms experience from the military where she’s been a military firearms instructor for 10.5 years. She’s also a certified NRA rifle and pistol instructor and Glock Advanced Armorer since 2015. She’s attended Sig Sauer Academy, FNH, Special Operations Command Armorers courses as well as multiple Advanced Shooting Schools across the United States. She resides in Florida with her husband and 2 kids. She’s currently serving in the United States Air Force and loves sharing her passion with others. She thinks it’s important that women also feel like they’re in control of their own safety. View all posts by Avery Skipalis
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