It doesn't matter if you are a "beginner" or an "advanced shooter", these safety principles should never be compromised...

 -Always treat all firearms as if they were Loaded!

-Never point the muzzle at anything you Do Not Wish to Destroy!

-Keep your finger straight and Off the Trigger until you are Ready to Fire!

-Always be aware of your Target's Foreground & Background!

 To properly clear a pistol: keep your finger straight and off the trigger, assure that it is pointed in a safe direction, remove the magazine, rack the slide to clear a possible round in the chamber and visually/physically inspect the chamber to confirm that it is clear.

Should I Carry?

There are many reasons one would choose to arm themselves as they go about their daily life.  Focusing on the civilian aspects of carry, it all boils down to the individual choosing not to be a victim. Any other reason should be heavily analyzed prior to the continued use of this privilege. Firearms are never to be used for intimidation. That weapon should never be introduced unless you are in fear for your life or that of others ("or that of others" is a whole other story) and you have committed to lethal force.  There is NO place for EGO when that sidearm is in your possession. If you have any interest in carrying a concealed weapon it is your responsibility  to understand and abide by the laws in your area.  Lastly, are you ready to accept the aftermath of the situation? Even if you are "justified" in a shooting, it is important to prepare for the psychological and legal ramifications.

What Skill sets do I need?

Too often an individual will make a purchase, put a few rounds down range sparingly throughout the year, and trust that if the time comes they'll be ready to defend themselves and their loved ones. Well, if someone were to simply purchase a grand piano, play it just a few times without professional aid, would they be ready for a recital when the "time came?" Of course not! The same logic applies here. If you make the decision to bear arms it is imperative that you educate yourself in the matter.

Mindset: Perhaps the most important factor of them all. Always be aware of the situation. That does not mean be a paranoid mess; it simply means to be vigilant  of your surroundings. The best fight is one that doesn't need to be fought. Again, there is NO place for EGO here. If it comes down to it and the situation dictates lethal force, you must stay focused and in control of your emotions and demeanor. IF you decide to deploy lethal force, COMMIT to it to the end.

Marksmanship: Being able to place a 1" group at 25 yards is certainly an example of quality marksmanship, but can this be done with variables in play? Stagnant targets would be a luxury in a crisis situation, but are rarely available. You must be able to place combat effective hits down range under the presented situation. You are liable for EVERY round that leaves your firearm. Always be aware of your target's Foreground and Background. Collateral damage is very real and very serious.

Manipulation: Have you ever picked up a firearm and found yourself fiddling with it to operate the safety mechanism, mag release, etc? You must be proficient with your chosen firearm but also have a general understanding of what's out there. Fortunately the principles are similar for the majority of platforms available but it is important to educate yourself. If a reload is required under stress, how efficiently can you execute it? Can you perform it one handed if your support hand is injured? Or what if you are required to defend yourself with just your off-hand? Malfunction clearance is also essential to your success if it presents itself. This knowledge along with the ability to manipulate systems other than your own will bear weight in your favor when needed. That is why we choose to run the walls of our system at a thickness of .093.

How should I Carry?

There are many methods in which one could properly conceal and carry a weapon. As long as the laws are obeyed this is solely personal preference. Is one better than the other? Sure.......for me, you might have a different opinion. Here are just a few popular types:

Inside the Waist (ITW):  The firearm is carried inside the pants and usually under a shirt or outer garment.

Outside the waste (OTW): The firearm is carried outside the waist and concealed under an outer garment.

Small of Back (SOB): The firearm is carried in the small of the back at a cant and is concealed under a shirt or outer garment.

Appendix Carry: The firearm is carried inside the pants in between the users centerline and hip, and is concealed under a shirt or outer garment.

Ankle Holster/Rig: The firearm is carried against the reaction side ankle and is concealed under the pant leg.

Why did Frost Modular Systems, LLC choose to use Kydex? 

There are many good durable platforms in use today but after years of transitioning from the good old comfortable leather holster to rugged kydex, we found the solution. Leather was very comfortable and did well in keeping the firearm good and clear of holster wear. Many kydex platforms were either too large to practically conceal, or were just shy of "durable enough".  When our systems were designed much consideration went into the fact that every bit of gear you choose is a factor in your life support. If your firearm needs a good basis to smack that slide back into battery, your holster or mag pouch will provide that structure. The same goes for the other weapon manipulation scenarios. That is why we chose to run the holster walls at a .093 thickness. 

What's the difference between Printing and Brandishing?

Always check with your local laws for the details and bylass associated with concealed carry. "Traditional" Printing would mean that the imprint of your firearm is visible through your garment. ie. If you were to bend over to pick something up and the handle of your firearm created an outline that protruded from your hip. There is no intent in "showing". Brandishing is "typically" when one highlights the fact that they are in possession of a weapon (not just a firearm) with the hopes of intimidation. There are just too many examples to explore, but the bottom line is the weapon doesn't even have to be showing to gesture a threat to another individual. Don't do it! The road rage thing + brandishing usually makes for an interesting traffic stop with guns drawn in your direction.

Do I really need professional training?

Can you learn to drive a car without LIVE Instruction?

How does bearing the weight of Lethal Force compare to driving a car?

Videos and Print can relay exceptional information, and should not be overlooked, but there is NO replacement for one-on-one instruction. Training and guidance are highly recommended if you are looking to carry a firearm. A quality course will help refine your skills in the foundations of Mindset, Marksmanship, and Manipulation. Very much like the scenario of the piano and the recital. Having instruction is always positive reinforcement to the skills that you already possess. These are extremely perishable skill sets. If one opts to carry a firearm, it is their responsiblilty to maintain their highest level of proficiency. Today there are a multitude of quality tools (videos, books, articles, etc.) to strengthen your fundamentals, but should never be the sole source of training. Live instruction is Paramount in avoiding training scars and injuries. 

The information provided is solely for the purpose of reference and is not represented for legal / training advice.