As I set my clocks back an hour recently, besides being grateful for the extra hour of sleep, I usually relate the process to winter arriving very soon. If you, like me, live in a state where winter months could bring unpredictable and challenging conditions, you should think of preparation.
As a firearms and tactics instructor, I’ve trained both law enforcement and responsible civilians, and I can tell you, carrying a handgun in real life, through long days, unpredictable weather, and daily routines, is very different from a clean, well-lit range. With winter coming, new permit-to-carry holders face unique challenges that require planning, discipline, and the right mindset.
Let’s talk about how to adjust to cold-weather carry, maintain readiness, and stay confident while balancing safety and comfort.
Cold weather usually means more layers, jackets, sweatshirts, gloves which can either help or hurt your ability to carry effectively. The extra clothing makes concealment easier, but it can also make drawing your firearm slower and more complicated. Before heading out, safely practice clearing your cover garment in front of a mirror (with your gun unloaded, of course). Pay attention to how your jacket, zipper, or hoodie affects your draw. If you carry inside the waistband (IWB), make sure you can access your firearm when buried under layers of clothing. You may need to adjust your carry position slightly in the winter, for example, making slight adjustments to strong-side hip carry, ensuring you can draw safely with bulky outerwear. Test these setups before you go out in public, to prevent surprises due to cold hands and tight coats.
Your firearm, ammunition, and accessories also react differently in low temperatures. Cold weather can affect some pistol optics and may cause condensation. Keep your firearm clean, lightly oiled, and protected against moisture. Use lubricants made for firearms and rated for low temperatures to prevent thickening or sluggish action.
As for gloves, find a pair thin enough for trigger control, but warm enough for prolonged exposure. Practice your draw, disengaging your safety if applicable, and trigger press while wearing them and training on the range. Many new carriers don’t realize how much gloves change their grip until they try it.
Carrying for long hours can be uncomfortable, especially when you’re bundled up and seated in vehicles or public spaces. But comfort shouldn’t come at the expense of control. Your holster must do three things: retain securely, protect the trigger, and allow a consistent draw. If it shifts when you sit or bends your belt awkwardly under winter clothing, make adjustments. Comfort comes from proper fit and placement, not from loosening your setup. You’re now responsible for a lethal tool every time you step out the door. That responsibility doesn’t go away just because the weather is inconvenient. Take the time to find what works, responsibly.
Many new permit holders think the hardest part was passing the class or shooting qualification. In reality, the mindset is the ongoing discipline. Carrying every day means carrying the responsibility that comes with it. It’s not about ego or bravado, it’s about awareness, restraint, and readiness.
Cold weather brings shorter days and reduced visibility, which means situational awareness becomes even more critical. Keep your head on a swivel when fueling up, walking to your car, or entering dimly lit areas. The goal is to recognize and avoid problems, not react to them. Owning a gun doesn’t make you safe, your decisions do. Carrying is a lifestyle, not a convenience.
Your permit preparation gave you the basics, but ongoing training is where proficiency is built. Real-world conditions change everything: clothing, temperature, stress, and even your physical endurance. Get to the range when it’s cold. Train in your winter gear. Practice clearing heavy jackets, reloading with gloves, and using your flashlight in low light. These details matter. The fight won’t wait for fair weather.
Dry-fire practice at home (with all ammunition stored away in another room) builds increased neuromuscular control (“Muscle memory“) and keeps your skills fresh. Even 30 minutes a week can make a difference.
Every state has specific laws about where and when you can carry. Keep up with local updates, especially around schools, government buildings, or places serving alcohol. Ignorance of the law is never a valid excuse.
Also, remember carrying a firearm doesn’t make you a law enforcement officer. Your job isn’t to chase suspects or “be the hero.” It’s to protect yourself and your loved ones within the law.
Humility is a core part of the armed citizen mindset. If you carry a gun, you also carry the weight of every decision that might follow its use.
As a new permit holder, winter gives you the perfect opportunity to build good habits. You’ll learn to adapt to your gear, your mindset, and your tactics to the environment, just like professionals do. The cold doesn’t have to limit your readiness; it can sharpen it. Stay consistent, train smart, and remember, confidence doesn’t come from the gun you carry, it comes from your preparation, awareness, and discipline.
Carry safe. Carry smart. Carry with purpose.
Proper Repetitive Practice Builds Automatic Permanence!
