Basics of Handgun Concealment: Shape, Symmetry, Contrast

Article by: AP @Tradecraft USA

REAL handgun concealment is the act of making your firearm, intentions, and capabilities invisible to any knowledgeable and determined threat that is actively looking for each of these items.

Here is a brief overview of the basics that cause real handgun concealment:

1. Shape – THE HUMAN BRAIN HAS A TREMENDOUS ABILITY TO DETECT AND IDENTIFY PATTERNS

When interacting with the environment, human beings rely heavily on sight. The human brain is hard-wired to detect patterns and therefore, the shape or outline of an object is almost always the first factor that is used to identify it.

Key things to consider when applying the principle of shape include:

  • Firearms: Handguns are rigid objects with distinct shapes and outlines that most people are familiar with.
  • Human Body: Regardless of cover garments; when a rigid object such as a handgun; is placed onto a flexible surface that bends, twists, and rotates such as the human body; sooner or later some portion of the firearm (shape/outline/pattern) will likely become visible to others.
  • Detection: Depending on the context in which shapes appear, the human brain does not need to see complete patterns or full outlines in order to correctly identify objects.

2. Symmetry – SYMMETRY ESTABLISHES A BASELINE FOR EVALUATION FROM WHICH OTHER OBSERVATIONS, ASSESSMENTS, AND DETERMINATIONS CAN BE MADE.

A vast majority of natural and man-made objects are symmetrical, meaning that they can be cut or divided into two equal halves so that one half is a mirror image of the other. This correspondence of form and parts makes it easy for the human brain to draw comparisons and evaluate objects in order to determine whether anything is broken, missing, or out of place.

Key things to consider when applying the principle of symmetry include:

  • Firearms: Handguns are solid objects that have mass and occupy three-dimensional space.
  • Human Body: The human body is a bilaterally symmetrical object that can be divided along one longitudinal plane (sagittal plane) to create two identical halves that are essentially mirror images of each other.
  • Detection: If you add the mass (shape and volume) of a handgun to either one of the human body’s two symmetrical halves, the halves will no longer be identical.

3. Contrast – ANYTHING THAT STANDS OUT FOR ANY REASON WILL BE CONSPICOUS.

Contrast refers to a state of being noticeably different. When a person or object exhibits dissimilarities to other things that are in close association, it becomes obvious to the eye and alerts/compels the mind to investigate further.

Key things to consider when applying the principle of contrast include:

  • Firearms: Most people don't carry handguns.
  • Human Body: All people have observable characteristics and features.
  • Detection: The characteristics and features of an individual who is carrying a handgun are often noticeably different from those who are not.

When it comes to handgun concealment, there are no tricks or shortcuts. The secret to effective concealment is the application the basics. By focusing on the principles of Shape, Symmetry, and Contrast, you can significantly enhance your ability to carry a defensive firearm across a wide range of environments. The more proficient you become at applying these principles, the more consistent and reliable your concealment results will be.

**Note – The purpose of this article is to introduce you to the basics of handgun concealment. Techniques to apply them will be discussed in future articles. If you would like to be notified when the next article is published, type "NOTIFY ME" in the subject line and email us at admin@tradecraftusa.com**