Carrying a defensive sidearm serves several purposes. Mainly, it exercises a human right to self-defense and provides for improved personal security. Although most people treat carry of a sidearm seriously, I have observed numerous dangerous or counterproductive practices. Many of these foibles result from influence of product or training course advertising, others from a carefree attitude towards carry.

One of the most common errors is in the selection of a sidearm. Some people start out with a weapon that they cannot reliably conceal or carry comfortably. After the initial period of enthusiasm wanes, the service-size sidearm stays behind. The converse of that practice is placing excessive emphasis on comfort and selecting a handgun that is inadequate for reliably stopping a human-sized threat. In cases where deep concealment is of paramount importance, mouse guns have a place. For most people, tiny weapons are not a very good choice due to the limitations of their performance. Thus, realistic assessment of wardrobe and carry options is important. I have observed a person who could have carried a full-size handgun carry a Beretta Minx in .22 Short on a whim. While doing so makes of the Constitutionally acknowledged right, it does not provide for useful defense from any real threat. One way of accommodating different situations is using multiple weapons to fit the c circumstances. That solution, however, may lead to the next potential problem: "gun of the day" syndrome.

Carrying a Desert Eagle one day, a Glock the next, and a CZ52 the next day invites trouble should the weapon be actually needed for defense. Users of multiple sidearms should take care to avoid using designs that require drastically different manuals of arms. An M1911 requires a downward swipe to disengage the safety. Consequently, a person acclimated to that design is likely to re-engage the safety on a Beretta 92 or a S&W autoloader. A user habituated to using a Glock would find a Sig decocker lever where the slide stop was expected. In general, it is best to use different versions of the same line of handguns, such as compact, medium and large frame double action revolvers. Similarly, it is a good idea to stick to a consistent holster type and carry location. Forgetting which pocket contains the weapon, or neglecting to disengage a thumb-break on a holster could have fatal consequences.

Weapon malfunctions are surprisingly frequent in actual fights. Stress, poor weather and visibility, debris accumulation in the weapon, ammunition breakdown from temperature fluctuations or lubricant contamination are among the causes of malfunctions. Malfunction clearance should be an integral part of realistic training. For example, a double action revolver can be disabled after a single shot if the user's glove sticks between the trigger and the frame. An autoloader may fail to cycle if the lubricant thickens. Practicing in cold weather would bring such potential problems to light in time to develop an ingrained response. It is a very poor idea to carry a weapon just purchased but untested, or a gun that returned from a gunsmith. The handgun may not be functional, or may have sights not corresponding to the point of impact. One person I've observed carried a .45LC derringer for a week before learning that the gun was extremely inaccurate and that the trigger was so heavy that both hands were required to press it.

Practice, in addition to competent and realistic instruction, requires that the carry gun be comfortable enough to shoot at least occasionally. A person using a steel-frame .38 Special revolver can easily fire a hundred rounds during a range session. Despite greater weight, such a weapon is likely to be more effective in a real fight than a titanium-frame .357 Magnum, despite the theoretical advantage. Ultra-light weapons firing powerful cartridges have painful recoil and discourage regular practice. Similarly, arms chambered for common cartridges can be fed inexpensively, an important consideration for regular training. Uncommon cartridges or exotic ammunition are often prohibitively expensive for regular practice or even mechanical function testing. Their theoretical advantages are seldom worth the logistical drawbacks. Conversely, using the cheapest ammunition available for practice and carry is also a losing proposition. Cartridges intended for defensive uses tend to have less muzzle flash and better quality control than plinking fodder.

Realistic and extensive training is essential for safe and effective deployment of the sidearms. In seeking training, it is wise to avoid “miracle workers”, trainers who promise quick and overwhelmingly effective results through mastery on a single technique. Proper training mixes multiple methods of presenting and firing the weapon, and includes instruction in tactics as well as marksmanship. Competitive events, such as IDPA shoots, are useful for learning to function under stress. They are not necessarily good for developing personal tactics but excellent for getting used to operating the sidearm under time constraints. Time and finances permitting, get basic training in related techniques, such as unarmed combat, use of baton or pepper spray. In addition to expanding your skill set, such training will provide a better understanding of the capabilities of the potential opponents.