Common Mistakes Licensed Concealed Carry holders make after getting their license to carry
After completing your Texas LTC Class Online and earning your License to Carry (LTC). You’ve passed the background check, learned the laws, and proved your proficiency on the range with your licensed instructor. But many new license holders make simple mistakes that prevent them from carrying consistently — and ultimately, from being prepared when it matters most.
Observations from a licensed Concealed Firearms Instructor certified to teach the Texas LTC and the Utah CFP
I am a retired law enforcement officer and have been a licensed concealed firearms instructor since 2020. One thing I noticed as a police officer was that hardly anyone carried their concealed handguns on a regular basis. This information came up in interviews frequently on crime victims. Since 2020, I have trained well over 1000 students in concealed carry classes. Most of these student’s desire to carry on a regular basis but few achieve that level of “comfort” needed to do so. Here is my take on what these mistakes are.
1. Failing to Carry Daily-If you leave your gun at home, or in your car, while you are away, your gun is not available for your personal defense.
One of the most common mistakes is not carrying your handgun regularly. Many people go through the effort of taking their Texas LTC Class Online, with a desire to carry “all the time” but only to leave their firearm at home. Consistent carry builds familiarity and confidence. If you only carry occasionally, your habits and awareness fade, making you less prepared to respond under stress. License holders must achieve a level of “comfort” in doing so; usually, if not always this is the problem.
2. Choosing the Wrong gun, or holster-Again comfort
After completing your Texas LTC Class Online, you might rush to buy gear without proper research. A poor-quality holster or uncomfortable setup often leads to frustration, printing (when your gun’s outline shows through clothing), or even leaving your firearm behind. The solution? Invest in a quality holster that fits your body type, lifestyle, and firearm. Comfort and concealment should always work together.
True story: A female student with very small hands brought a Standard size Glock 17 to class.
She said her husband bought her the gun and brought it home, the grip on the gun was way too big for her small, tiny hands couldn’t lock the slide back, and her thumb could not reach the magazine release, big problem.
Solution:
Had she rented the gun or at least tried holding it and knew what to look for she could have noticed the problem before spending 600.00! A Glock 42 subcompact would have been a better option for those small hands. Can you imagine that tiny lady, trying to hide a full-size duty gun on that small body?
3. Not Practicing Enough-Firearms proficiency is a perishable skill if not practiced regularly
Passing your Texas LTC Class Online doesn’t mean your training is finished, it’s just the beginning. Many license holders fail to practice regularly. Dry-fire drills, range time, and drawing from concealment should all be part of your routine. Shooting skills fade quickly without repetition, and practice helps you stay proficient and safe. When I worked for the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s as a Deputy Sheriff, our firearms unit would give off duty deputies a box of 50 rounds every month to come to the range and shoot; rarely officers would do this and they were police officers!
Solution:
Visit the range at least once per month with at least 50 rounds to stay in shape with your skills. IF your range allows, practice drawing from the holster and shooting as would occur in a real-life scenario. Train same as you carry, for example, if you do not carry one in the chamber, then on the range you must practice drawing, then loading and shooting. If you use a mechanical safety, you will need to turn the safety to fire position after loading. Keep training consistent, this engrains these tasks in muscle memory, so it’s automatically recalled under stressful conditions.
Semi Annual Qualifications:
At Gun Class Utah, we offer to our Texas LTC and Utah CFP Students for them to make a range appointment once or twice annually to qualify on their handguns as they did the first time. Their scores are recorded so that you can see if you are improving or not. We also offer ongoing training to suit your needs and you have full support from your instructors in your CCW journey
4. Ignoring Changes in Laws
Texas and Utah firearm laws evolve. It’s the student’s personal responsibility to stay current on laws. A judge will tell you later that pleading ignorance is not a defense and that YOU should have known what current laws were. After your Texas LTC Class Online, stay informed about legislative updates and legal interpretations. Many license holders unintentionally violate laws simply because they didn’t keep up with changes — such as new location restrictions or signage requirements.
solution:
Take a refresher course either in person, or online by a licensed and competent instructor that him/herself has stayed current on laws, not all instructors stay current on laws. Ask them if their curriculum has laws current to the year training you are seeking. Take The Texas LTC online class here that is current here https://TexasLTCtrainingacademy.com/schedule/#online-course
Utah classes must be taught in person go here to see our current Utah schedule https://TexasLTCtrainingacademy.com/schedule/#slc our Salt Lake Classes are held at Lee Kay shooting Center for a reasonable fee.
5. Overconfidence and Complacency
Some individuals feel overly confident after getting their LTC. Carrying a firearm is a serious responsibility. Regularly reviewing your Texas LTC Class Online materials and continuing education keeps you sharp and mindful of the safety principles that protect both you and others.
Final Thoughts
Getting your Texas LTC Class Online is an important first step — but staying prepared requires ongoing effort. Avoid these common mistakes by maintaining your skills, keeping your gear reliable, and carrying consistently. The goal of concealed carry isn’t just to have a license — it’s to be responsibly ready, every single day.
Sign up today to take the Texas DPS approved online course here in the comfort of your home an on your own time frame, it will take four hours https://TexasLTCtrainingacademy.com/schedule/#online-course
The author Phil Snyder is a Certified Concealed Carry Instructor both in Texas and in Utah and is a retired Utah police officer.