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2 min read
If you're just starting out on your concealed carry journey, you are really in luck—there is so much good information out there about self-defense and carrying concealed!
There's just one downside to that availability of information—it's pretty easy to get overwhelmed with new words, terms, and acronyms that you've probably never seen before.
AIWB...CHL...DAO...CQB.
OMG, what do all those letters mean?
We've put together a handy list of some of the most popular acronyms associated with self-defense and concealed carry. Bookmark this page and feel free to refer back to the list any time you get stumped!
These are all plays on the same thing - it seems like just about every state has named their concealed carry license/permit something just a little bit different.
CHL - Concealed Handgun License
CPL - Concealed Pistol License
CCW - Concealed Carry Weapon (Permit)
CFP - Concealed Firearms Permit
CCP - Concealed Carry Permit
CWP - Concealed Weapons Permit
CPL - Concealed Pistol License
most holster acronyms have something in common - they usually refer to the position or location of the holster on your body.
IWB - Inside-the-Waistband
OWB - Outside-the-Waistband
AIWB - Appendix-Inside-the-Waistband
SOB - Small of Back
MOB - Middle of Back
These terms aren't limited to the concealed carry world, but you're bound to bump into more than one of these when learning about self-defense.
DAO - Double Action Only
SAO - Single Action Only
FTF - Failure to Feed or Failure to Fire
PCC - Pistol Caliber Carbine (Rifle)
LOS - Line of Sight
COF - Course of Fire
COM - Center of Mass
AD - Accidental Discharge
ND - Negligent Discharge
MOA - Minute of Angle
FMJ - Full Metal Jacket (Bullet)
JHP - Jacketed Hollow Point (Bullet)
LRN - Lead Round Nose (Bullet)
TMJ - Total Metal Jacket (Bullet)
While these acronyms aren't exclusive to concealed carry, you'll see them a lot in concealed carry and self-defense information.
LE - Law Enforcement
LEO - Law Enforcement Officer
ROL - Rule of Law
AOW - Any Other Weapon
FFL - Federal Firearms Licence
GCA - Gun Control Act (of 1968)
NFA - National Firearms Act (of 1934)
RTKBA - Right to Keep and Bear Arms
2A - Second Amendment
EDC - Every Day Carry
BUG - Back Up Gun
CQB - Close Quarters Battle
CQC - Close Quarters Combat
We hope this non-exhaustive list helps you navigate the sea of self-defense and concealed carry related terms. If you run into an acronym that's not on our list and want to know what it means, feel free to contact us so we can help!
4 min read
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Discover essential tips for concealed carry beginners from experienced carriers. Learn practical advice on training, mindset, and responsibility.
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