With the popularity of concealed carry growing, more Americans are lawfully carrying firearms than ever before… and that’s a good thing.

Still, the vast majority of concealed weapons AREN’T carried by law-abiding citizens. If you doubt that, well, you’re living in fantasy land.

The truth is that the vast majority of all burglars, muggers, petty thieves, drug dealers (even petty dealers), etc. know that they’re in a dangerous line of  work… one in which a weapon will eventually be required if they want to live another day.

So my question to you is, wouldn’t you carry a weapon if you were one of these folks? Of course you would.

Spotting Hidden Weapons

You already know that new laws will not affect whether or not these criminal elements carry or not. Criminals don’t follow law, by virtue of them being criminals…

So the best way to protect yourself is to train yourself to judge whether or not a potential adversary is carrying.

These are signs the police are trained to look for when scanning for a concealed weapon (legal or illegal):

• Irregular, asymmetrical gait – If the suspect is walking with a limp, or has one arm that doesn’t swing naturally during the course of walking, it may be a sign they’re packing. The arm on the weapon side will typically have an abbreviated swing, as if the person is worried about the weapon falling out.

• Upper body shift – An armed person instinctively shifts when approached, turning their hidden weapon side away from the person they’re addressing. They may also hold their arm up awkwardly, keeping their hand near their weapon subconsciously, not because they plan to use it.

• Frequent adjustment of clothing – Those carrying hidden weapons will typically have to reposition the heavy object inside their clothing every once in a while, in order to remain comfortable. This is a common tell.

• Unseasonal clothing – Clearly, bulky insulated jackets in July should raise an eyebrow. If you see clothing that instinctively raises your suspicions, look for these other tells in order to confirm your suspicions. However, there are several clothing lines designed to look “normal” and be compatible with concealed handgun holsters.

Can You Typically Spot a Concealed Weapon in Public? What do You Look For?