CCW Minute: Can Off-Body Carry Be Efficient & Effective?

Shooting Illustrated's Kevin Creighton offers some tips ... in just about a minute!

by
posted on March 12, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

When it comes to concealed carry (CCW), you have two basic options: on-body carry, and off-body carry. Most self-defense instructors recommend on-body carry, e.g., holstered on your hip, at the small of your back, in an ankle holster, and so on, and there are lots of good reasons for that. But that's a CCW Minute for another time!

Keeping that in mind, there are some situations in which on-body carry is difficult (especially if your defensive firearm is medium-sized or larger). What's more, there are lots of excellent off-body carry products like messenger bags, backpacks, and purses that are designed to maximize safety and ease of access. In this great CCW Minute from Shooting Illustrated's Kevin Creighton, you'll learn more about off-body carry ... as well as some excellent commands to use in a possible defensive situation. 

Latest

Savage Proof Testing Lede
Savage Proof Testing Lede

What Is "Proof Testing"? Savage Arms Demonstrates

When a company tells you their firearms have been "proof tested," here's what they mean ... and how it's done!

What the "21-Foot Rule" Means for Self-Defense

In a defensive situation, things can happen very quickly. How fast? This fast.

NRA Family Columnist Serena Juchnowski Partners with SIGHTRON

Competitive shooter and outdoor writer Juchnowski won our writing contest 11 years ago, and she's just getting started.

Video Review: Kimber KDS9c

Many double-stack 1911-style pistols are a bit hard to conceal ... but not this one!

3 CCW Ideas for Active Lifestyles

Hiking, biking and horseback riding ... with the right concealed-carry setup, safety and comfort go hand-in-hand.

First Impressions: Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE Rifle Series

Created for suppressed shooting, these four 5.56 NATO rifles look sharp and shoot with scalpel precision.

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.