2.6 Your Complete Beginner’s Guide to Concealed Carry- Without the Sugarcoating

Nov 26, 2025

Feeling overwhelmed about concealed carry? Discover essential steps to get started, from defining your mission to choosing a firearm that suits you. Learn the importance of hands-on training and dry fire practice. The discussion dives into realistic training methods, including grappling and striking, while highlighting the significance of fitness for self-defense. Explore hybrid carrying options and tools beyond firearms like pepper spray. This guide is all about building genuine skills and confidence for a safe approach to self-defense.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Buying A Gun Isn’t A Fix

Sofia bought a gun during recovery thinking it would magically make her safe, but quickly realized a firearm is not a talisman.
That experience opened her eyes to how few people actually train with their firearms despite the responsibility involved.

ADVICE

Start With A Clear Mission

Define your goal for owning or carrying a firearm before taking any next steps.
Ask whether your priority is personal defense, family protection, or home defense to guide choices.

ADVICE

Vet Your Instructor Carefully

Take a vetted professional firearms course and check instructor credentials before committing.
Prefer instructors with apprenticeships, advanced training, or a documented training lineage over only basic certifications.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Ready to start carrying but overwhelmed with where to begin? This episode breaks down the real path to getting started with concealed carry, the way that actually builds skill, confidence, and responsibility.

I walk you through the entire process from square one: defining your mission, choosing the right training, selecting a firearm that fits your needs, and building a training plan that goes beyond “stand and shoot.” We talk dry fire, live fire, holster work, carry positions, and what it means to be brutally honest about your ability to access your tool when it counts.

You’ll also learn where to start with non-lethal tools like pepper spray, why striking and grappling matter for every concealed carrier, and how physical fitness ties into your long-term safety. I break down hybrid carry options, the realities of fanny pack concealment, and how to expand your training into realistic, pressure-tested environments like ECQC.

This episode is packed with actionable guidance, vetted recommendations, and a long-term roadmap for anyone ready to take self-defense seriously.

This episode is sponsored by Right to Bear.
Right to Bear is a membership, not insurance, and provides benefits like a 24/7 attorney-answered hotline and psychological support following a self-defense incident. Use code "FIT4FIA10" for 10% off your membership.

If you’re ready to carry with intention, build real competency, and approach self-defense like a lifelong skillset, this is your starting point!

Episode Resources & Ways to Support the Show

🎥 Watch this episode on the She Shield YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@sheshieldpod
🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.
🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.
⭐ Rate & review the podcast: this helps the show reach more people who can benefit from self-defense education.
📲 Follow on Instagram: @sheshieldpod for episode highlights, behind-the-scenes, and episode updates. Check out your host Sofia @fit4fia.

To learn more about Sofia and or to train with her, visit fit4fia.com