By The Intrepid in PDW — 17 May 2025

Three Ways to Carry…

…That Might Land You in Jail, the ER, a Viral Fail, or All Three

Carrying a gun for self-defense isn’t about looking cool—it’s about staying safe and staying legal. For regular folks like us—non-tactical “muggles” who just want to protect ourselves—how you carry matters. Bad choices can turn a justified defensive act into a District Attorney’s dream case, especially if your gun’s been modified with a fancy trigger or custom parts. In this Personal Defense Writing piece, we’ll discuss three carry styles that seem slick but could send you to jail, the hospital, or the internet’s hall of shame.

Spoiler: the time to experiment isn’t when your gun’s loaded, and the place isn’t your back, armpit, or pants with no holster.

1. Small of the Back (SOTB): Your Spine’s Worst Enemy

Tucking your gun at the base of your spine feels sneaky, like you’re in a spy movie. But here’s why it’s a terrible idea for muggles:

Slow to reach: Getting to your gun takes extra time and awkward twisting—time you don’t have when seconds count.
Easy to steal: Someone behind you at the grocery store could grab it before you notice. Good luck explaining that to the cops.
Dangerous draw: Pulling it out risks pointing the barrel at yourself or the poor cashier nearby. That’s called “flagging,” and it’s a safety fail.
Spinal disaster: Fall on wet pavement or get tackled, and that gun becomes a brick against your spine. One real case saw a guy paralyze himself after slipping on ice.

Legal trap: If you use your gun in self-defense, a DA will love this. “So, you carried a modified Glock in a way that endangered everyone?” Add a custom trigger, and they’ll argue you were reckless before you even fired. SOTB isn’t stealth—it’s a mullet: looks okay in front, pure liability in the back.

2. Shoulder Holster: Not Your Miami Vice Moment

Shoulder holsters look badass in old cop shows, but unless you’re a limo driver or stuck in a suit all day, they’re trouble:

Jacket or bust: No jacket? Your gun’s on display. Raise your arms to grab something at Walmart? Oops, now everyone sees it.
Risky draw: Pulling the gun across your body often points it at people nearby—like the parent next to you at a school event.
Clunky under stress: Drawing while sitting in your car sounds great, but in a panic, you’ll fumble unless you’ve practiced a lot.

Legal trap: A DA could paint you as a wannabe action hero who endangered bystanders. Pair this with a modified gun, and they’ll say, “You customized your firearm and carried it like a cowboy?” It’s not cool—it’s cosplay with courtroom consequences.

3. No Holster Carry: A One-Way Ticket to Trouble

This method—often called "tuck and hope" carry—involves stuffing a loaded gun in your waistband with no holster. It’s like driving without a seatbelt, but worse. One guy shot himself in the groin and tried blaming a homeless man—true story.

Trigger exposed: Nothing protects the trigger from your belt, fingers, or a rogue car seat. One snag, and you’re bleeding.
No grip security: Your gun can slide out while you’re chasing your kid at the park. Imagine it hitting the ground in public.
Draw disaster: Pulling it out risks shooting your leg or worse. Your femoral artery isn’t a fair trade for “quick access.”
False comfort: It feels light and free—until it falls down your pant leg at the gas station.

Legal trap: This is a DA’s jackpot. No holster screams “irresponsible,” and if your gun’s modified, they’ll argue you were a walking hazard. One real case saw a guy charged with reckless endangerment after his unholstered pistol fired in a store. You’re not tough—you’re a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Modified Guns: The DA’s Favorite Cherry on Top

Here’s a muggle truth: modifying your gun—think hair triggers, laser sights, or custom grips—can make you look like a reckless hobbyist in court. A stock firearm is easier to defend as a tool, not a toy. Pair those mods with risky carry methods like the ones above, and you’re gift-wrapping a case for the DA. They’ll argue you were itching for trouble, not preparing for defense. Stick to factory settings unless you’re ready to explain every tweak to a jury.

The Smart Muggle’s Carry Plan

Ditch the Hollywood fantasies. Here’s how to carry like a responsible muggle:

Get a holster: Choose one that covers the trigger, stays secure, and works with your daily life (e.g., appendix or hip carry). Brands like Vedder or CrossBreed are muggle-friendly.
Use a sturdy belt: A good gun belt keeps your holster steady, like a seatbelt for your firearm.
Practice safely: Train at a range to draw smoothly and keep your gun pointed away from people.
Keep it stock: Avoid modifying your gun unless you’re ready to justify it in court.

These basics keep you safe, legal, and out of the DA’s crosshairs.

The Real Flex? Staying Smart.

Personal defense isn’t about swagger—it’s about clarity and responsibility. For muggles like us, that means admitting what works in real life, not what looks cool in the mirror. Small of the back, shoulder holsters, and no-holster carry aren’t just risky—they’re invitations for legal and physical disaster, especially with a modified gun.

Choose a proper holster. Keep your firearm stock. Train like your life depends on it—because it might. Stay safe. Stay legal. Welcome to PDW.