Disabled But Not Disarmed: A Practical Guide to Concealed Carry

Concealed carry is a highly personalized experience. No two everyday carry setups are the same, nor should they be. Every person has unique needs and preferences, and if you have a disability, you may find it’s even more important to find a system that works for you.

This can be easier said than done when the majority of concealed carry gear and resources are designed for non-disabled people, despite the fact that 1 in 4 Americans are living with some form of disability. 

So, where are you supposed to start? 

If you have a disability, you’ll need to tailor a self-defense plan that works with, not against, your individual needs and abilities. Finding the right concealed carry gear, setup, and training routine is critical to ensure you’re ready in the event you need to protect yourself. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the best gun, holster, and accessory recommendations for people with various disabilities, according to experts with firsthand experience. 

The Reality of Self-Defense When Living With a Disability

According to the CDC, over 28% of Americans are reported to have a disability. This represents a wide range of individuals, including those with cognition, mobility, vision, hearing, independent living, and self-care challenges. 

The unfortunate reality is that this demographic is far more likely to be targeted by criminals who view them as an easy mark. In fact, people with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be victims of violent crime than those who don’t, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. 

“I can personally attest to this fact being a reality,” Rafal Rybak, a concealed carrier with Cerebral Palsy, wrote in an article for Maxon Shooter's Supplies. “At now almost 35 years of age, through absolutely no fault of my own, I have twice survived an aggravated assault and nearly been the victim of a home invasion. … There is no denying that in some ways my physical abilities in the way of self-defense are limited. Thus, a firearm for me is a force equalizer, just as it is for anyone else.” 

This isn’t meant to sound fear-mongering. But it’s important to understand the reality of the situation, as terrible as it may be. Criminals, often wrongly, perceive people with disabilities as vulnerable and unable to defend themselves. This is why it’s all the more important to have a self-defense plan in place. It’s also true that a criminal’s misconceptions about your abilities may actually work against them. If a bad guy underestimates you because of your disability, you will have the element of surprise when you draw your weapon and stop them in their tracks. 

Omar Chung, a Deaf assistant NRA instructor in the Washington DC area, says that despite the assumptions of many that Deaf people are less capable of defending themselves, they may have an advantage over hearing people in some unique ways. 

“A common misconception is that Deaf individuals can’t be effective shooters or situationally aware because they don’t rely on sound,” he shared. “I counter that by demonstrating my capabilities and those of my students. Deaf individuals often have heightened visual awareness and adaptability, which are just as critical — if not more so — than auditory cues in many scenarios.”

All of this is to say that no matter what your individual abilities are, you are more than capable of defending yourself and should be prepared to do so. Still, that doesn’t change the fact that many people with disabilities will have different considerations than those without when putting together an effective carry system. 

Kalen Reese, a content creator who goes by WheelchairShoota, emphasizes the importance of developing a personalized carry system that reflects your specific needs.

“Go step by step. Figure out what you’re carrying for (reason), what gun you want to use (size, capacity), how you want to carry that gun (IWB, OWB, carry bag), while keeping your disability in mind,” he said. “Everyone’s disability is different from one another’s, so what works for me might not work for you. So figure out what works for you best. Your life depends on it!” 

In the following sections, we’ll help you do just that. Let’s explore some recommendations and considerations for finding the right handgun, gear, carry style, and training for you. 

What Is the Best Handgun For Disabled Concealed Carriers?

The first thing you need to do when crafting an everyday carry setup is to choose a pistol that suits you. Finding the right gun is, of course, a highly individual experience that may require some trial and error. Before you commit to one, we strongly suggest going to a range that allows you to test different firearms through live-fire, or at the very least, going to a gun store and looking at a few to see what feels good in your hand and what features you like. 

That said, with so many options on the market, we’ve got a few features to look out for to get your search started. 

Size & Caliber: Choosing the size of your gun is a good place to start. The vast majority of people opt for a compact frame or smaller, as a full-size gun can be uncomfortable and difficult to conceal. This is an especially important consideration if you experience chronic pain, balance issues, or limited strength in your hands, wrists, or arms, or if longer muzzles dig into your leg while seated. But, keep in mind that smaller does not always equal “easier to handle.” As a rule of thumb, the smaller the gun, the stronger the recoil. So if you’re looking to carry the smallest gun you can, opt for something with a lower caliber and good recoil management like the subcompact Keltec P32, which is only 6.9 ounces and chambered in .32 Auto. 

Slide & Barrel: When you have reduced hand strength, racking the slide of a semi-automatic pistol can be pretty difficult depending on the design. Fortunately, there are plenty of models nowadays that aim to solve this problem. Pistols like the Smith & Wesson Shield EZ and FN Reflex XL MRD feature easy-to-rack slides, while guns like the Girsan MC 14T X have a tip-up barrel design that allows you to load and unload it without racking a slide at all. Beretta even has a whole line of mini tip-up pistols that are small enough to fit in your pocket. Revolvers are also a great option if you don’t want to deal with a slide and are a lot easier to load a chamber than a magazine. 

Grip: The grip of a pistol is a major factor in whether or not it will be easy to handle. This is especially true if you have hand pain or limited grip strength. So, the first thing to look for is significant stippling. The more grip texturing a gun has, the easier it will be to keep hold of when drawing and shooting. You also need to make sure to find a gun with a grip that fits your hand. If you have smaller hands, you may need a smaller grip to better get your hand around it. If you have larger hands, or just need a thicker grip to hold onto, you’ll want to look for a bigger one. If you’re not sure, choosing a pistol with a modular design, like the Springfield Armory Echelon, will allow you to swap out the grip and/or backstraps until you find the right size for you. 

Trigger: If you have limited hand strength, choosing a pistol with a light trigger pull will be important to ensure you can pull it all the way back if you need to. Guns like the M&P 2.0 Compact and Springfield Armory Echelon have lighter trigger pulls that don’t require a lot of strength to pull. On the other hand, though, if you have shaky or unsteady hands, this lighter trigger pull can actually be dangerous. To avoid an accidental discharge, look for a double-action pistol, which has a longer and heavier trigger pull to give you more control. 

Accessories: Aftermarket firearm accessories can be a great way to get a little extra support. For example, a weapon-mounted light is a great option for those with impaired vision to help you see better in lower-light situations. Red dot optics are also helpful for those with vision or mobility issues. A laser can be a valuable tool if you’re having difficulty keeping your gun steady, so you have a more visual indicator of where your gun is aiming. Suppressors are another accessory that can be helpful for those with physical disabilities or noise sensitivities. Magazine loaders are a helpful tool for loading mags if grip strength won’t allow, or even if you just struggle to get that last round in there like I do. There are so many gun accessories on the market today that make shooting more accessible — just ask the attendant at your local gun counter!

Choosing a Carry Position That’s Comfortable and Accessible

You can have an EDC setup with all the bells and whistles, but if you aren’t carrying in the right position, the discomfort and printing you’ll experience may discourage you from carrying at all. It may require a little trial and error, but by taking your needs and preferences into consideration, you can find the position that works best for you. 

Appendix Carry

Appendix carry, which is located at the 10-2 o’clock position along the waistline, is one of the most common carry positions across the board. It is often recommended for those with physical limitations, as it’s conveniently located at the front of your body, making it easy to access and more comfortable to carry. This is especially great for those who use a wheelchair or anyone with decreased range of motion. 

That being said, this option is not necessarily safe for everyone. An argument can be made against appendix carry because of the way it impedes your ability to bend your hips, forcing you to use your spine more than you should, Dr. Joseph Logar explains in an NRA article. 

“Chronic overload in the lumbar spine is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States as well as one of the top 10 reasons people visit emergency rooms every year,” he writes. “The appendix carry position can block hip flexion (and increase spinal flexion) by placing a rigid object across the natural fold at the pelvic girdle. … This is not to say that appendix carry isn’t a viable option. The objective is to make you aware of some possible issues — and potential remedies — with this popular carry method.”

While he explains that carrying a smaller pistol, using a high-ride holster, and carrying directly at the 12 o’clock position can help mitigate these issues, if you’re already dealing with back pain, this placement may not be for you. 

Strong Side

Strong side carry, which includes any position in the 3-5 or 7-9 o’clock region, can be a great option for some, and a terrible option for others. If your range of motion is limited, carrying right on your hip at the 3 or 9 o’clock position can make your firearm easy to access. However, it can be a bit difficult to get to if you use a wheelchair or crutches. 

The 4-5 or 7-8 o’clock positions probably aren’t the best choice for those with a limited range of motion, as this can be a difficult area to draw from in general. It’s also not recommended for those who use a wheelchair or sit a lot throughout the day, as having a firearm pressed between your back and backrest can get uncomfortable quick. 

Small of Back 

There is one concealed carry position that we will absolutely not recommend for anyone, ever. Small of back carry, or the 6 o’clock position, has been popularized by movies and media, and at first glance looks like a great way to carry. And although it is admittedly a comfortable method, it also comes with some serious drawbacks. 

Not only is six o’clock an extremely difficult position to reach and draw from, but it’s also dangerous. If you happen to fall or be pushed into the wall or ground, that solid hunk of metal against your spine can result in a very serious injury. 

If you’re considering trying this concealed carry position, you may want to rethink it. To learn more, check out our article on small of back carry here. 

Pocket Carry

Pocket carry is a highly effective way to conceal a pistol, especially if you prefer not to carry around the waistline. These holsters are designed to be carried in the front pocket of your pants, jacket, or vest. This allows for convenient access and comfortable carry, which is great if you have limited mobility or find carrying along the waistline uncomfortable for any reason. 

Other On-Body Options

If you’re having a hard time finding a waistband carry position that works for you, but don’t want to carry off-body, there are plenty of other options to choose from. 

A shoulder or chest holster, for example, is a fantastic choice for anyone who uses a wheelchair or crutches, or who has difficulty reaching behind them. That said, keep in mind that many chest holsters are designed for open carry, not concealed carry, and may not work for everyone. 

Ankle carry may also work well for you, depending on your range of motion. This isn’t the fastest position to draw from, but it can be relatively comfortable as long as you carry a light gun.

A bellyband or concealment belt is one of the best off-waistband carry options for most people. This allows you to carry higher on your torso anywhere from your hips to just under your chest. It’s also one of the more flexible options as far as positioning your weapon, plus it’s comfortable and super easy to conceal.

Off-body

Although we always advocate for on-body carry whenever possible, there are some situations in which this is not a practical solution. Off-body carry in a purse, backpack, or other bag can be a great way to conceal carry if wearing a holster on the body is too uncomfortable or difficult to draw from. 

If you are going to use this method, it’s important to do it right. We strongly recommend using a crossbody bag or fanny pack that is specifically designed for concealed carry so that you can keep your gun properly secured and accessible on the front of your body. 

Carrying your gun in a bag that is not secured to your body may be convenient, but it also poses some serious risks. For example, if you use a wheelchair, it can be tempting to keep your pistol in a bag secured to your chair. Problematically, this will leave you without a weapon if you are out of your wheelchair, or in the event that you are knocked out of it by someone with nefarious intent. Keeping your gun in a bag firmly secured to your body eliminates this problem, while still being comfortable and easy to access. 

What to Look for in a Holster

Using the right holster can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and concealment when carrying a gun. While it’s impossible to recommend one holster that works for every person, there are some general features to look out for. 

Style

The style of holster you choose comes down to what feels comfortable for you. While inside the waistband holsters are best for deep concealment, some people find that outside the waistband holsters are more comfortable for them, especially when experiencing chronic pain. Both styles work great for concealed carry, but if you choose OWB, you may need to wear a cover garment to keep it concealed. There’s no wrong answer here, just what works best for you! 

Material

Although it may seem inconsequential, the material of holster you wear makes a big difference. Kydex holsters are considered the best choice for concealed carry. These holsters are heat molded around a specific firearm for a precise, customized fit. They are often the most adjustable and secure, and are surprisingly comfortable. If you find that you need more flexibility, a hybrid holster with a secure Kydex shell and comfortable leather backing may be the best option. 

Adjustability

An adjustable holster makes all the difference when trying to fine-tune a carry system. Adjustable cant, for example, allows you to change the angle your firearm sits at, which is extremely helpful in finding that “sweet spot” of comfort, concealment, and ease-of-draw. Adjustable ride height allows you to customize how deep or high your holster sits on your waistline. Finally, adjustable retention lets you personalize how tight or loose your retention is set, so you can make it easier to draw or more tightly secured, depending on your needs and preferences. 

Customization

If your gun has any aftermarket accessories or modifications, you’ll need to find a holster that can accommodate these changes. At Vedder Holsters, we handcraft all our holsters to order, so if you have any sort of lights, lasers, optics, or other additions, we can create a holster that works for you. 

Accessories

If you need some extra support to make your rig more comfortable or to keep it closer to your body, holster accessories are really helpful. Accessories like our Holster Wedge and Holster Claw work by bringing the grip or slide side of your gun closer to your body, which greatly reduces printing. For extra comfort, the HolsterPad adds a cushioned layer between your body and holster, and can even be wrapped around the muzzle end to prevent your gun from digging into your leg when carrying in the appendix position. 

Finding Accessible Training

The importance of training and education when learning to conceal carry cannot be overstated. There’s no point in carrying a gun if you don’t know how to use it safely and effectively. In fact, carrying a gun without proper training can put you in an even more vulnerable position than you would be otherwise. 

Depending on your disability, you may need to do some extra research to find classes and training facilities that can accommodate your needs. While many standard courses and ranges aren’t intentionally discriminatory, they don’t always have the resources or setup people with certain disabilities need — something Chung is advocating to change in his local community. 

“Representation matters. As a Black, Deaf, gay instructor, I’ve seen how powerful it is for people to see someone who reflects their own experiences. My goal is to create spaces where everyone, regardless of their identity or ability, feels empowered to learn and grow,” Chung said. “What motivated me most [to become an instructor] was seeing how often people in the Deaf community were left out of critical conversations about safety and firearms training. I knew I could help bridge that gap.”

For Reese, the biggest challenge he has faced in his training is the lack of resources and information online about shooting from a wheelchair. Since he began training, he’s been working to bridge this gap by creating educational content for his YouTube channel, The Wheelchair Shoota. 

“If you can shoot a gun in general, then it doesn’t really matter if you’re sitting or standing. You just have to take into account that you’re at a lower position sitting than standing, so you’ll have to adjust your aim a little higher to hit where you want with distance,” he said. “There are no videos or information on the web that I can study and learn to shoot from others in wheelchairs, so everything I know I learned and figured out on my own and am still figuring everything out!” 

Resources such as the NRA’s Adaptive Shooting Program and the USCCA’s course search feature are great tools for finding classes and instructors designed to accommodate people with disabilities, like those with sign language interpreters and visual aids for people in the Deaf community. Looking online for nearby instructors and groups that are accommodating is another option, as is networking with people at local shooting ranges. 

Something else to note is that even if you live in a state with constitutional carry laws, obtaining a concealed carry permit is strongly recommended anyway, especially when you have a disability. The reality is that even if you are 100% justified in defending yourself, your intentions and abilities will be put under a microscope, and having a permit goes a long way in demonstrating your credibility and ability to safely and legally use a firearm. 

“Scrutiny applies to me as a person with a disability just as it applies to anyone else – as it should. In fact, because you are disabled, expect your life to be investigated far more if you ever use your pistol in justifiable self-defense. There will be those that will doubt your ability to safely handle a gun; they will question why you even have one. If you are in any way physically disabled, it will also be automatically assumed that you are mentally deficient as well,” Rybak writes. 

As discriminatory and uneducated as this is, it’s the unfortunate reality that many people with disabilities face when they find themselves in a defensive scenario. Taking the extra step of getting your CCW permit is just another way of protecting yourself. 

Can a Disability Disqualify You From Getting a CCW Permit? 

In many states, a concealed carry permit is required (and certainly recommended) to legally conceal a firearm. If you’re just starting to look into this option, you may be wondering if your application could be denied because of your disability. 

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. The short answer is that yes, certain disabilities can disqualify you from obtaining a concealed carry permit. The long answer is that whether or not you will qualify for a concealed carry permit depends on your specific condition and the state that you live in. 

Federally, the ATF’s Gun Control Act [18 U.S.C. § 922(g)] prohibits those who have been “adjudicated as a mental defective” or “committed to any mental institution” from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing firearms or ammunition. By definition, the term “mentally defective” means that anyone who has legally been determined to be a danger to themselves or others, lacks the mental capacity to conduct their own affairs, is considered “insane,” or is found not guilty or incompetent to stand trial “as a result of marked subnormal intelligence, or mental illness, incompetency, condition, or disease” is ineligible to have a firearm, let alone a CCW permit. 

Okay, this addresses some mental disabilities, but can a physically disabled person get a gun permit?

Again, it depends on where you live. While the ATF does not prohibit issuing concealed carry permits to those with physical disabilities, some states do. Every state has its own set of laws regarding concealed carry, and may disqualify individuals with certain mental and physical disabilities from getting a carry permit. 

For example, Florida law states that those who have a “physical infirmity which prevents the safe handling of a weapon or firearm” are not eligible for a CCW permit (which is broad to say the least). Laws in other states, like Arizona, say nothing at all about physical requirements to get a concealed carry permit. 

But what about states with constitutional carry laws? If you don’t qualify for a permit, can you still conceal carry? 

This is an excellent question, and probably the easiest to answer. To legally conceal carry without a permit, most, if not all, states require you to meet the same criteria as you would for a license to carry. So, no. If you do not qualify for a CCW permit in your state, you probably don’t qualify for permitless carry either. 

Because the regulations vary so drastically from state to state, the best way to find out if you qualify for a permit where you live is to consult your state laws or reach out to a local attorney. 

If you happen to be in a situation where carrying a gun isn’t possible for you, it’s time to consider other self-defense alternatives. Everyone has the right to defend themselves, and whether or not you can carry a firearm shouldn’t stop you from that. 

Summary

Learning how to conceal carry while living with a disability may feel like a daunting task, but with the right resources, training, gear, and game plan, you can be prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

“It’s important not to let society make you feel helpless because of your disability. There are plenty of ways to go about learning how to defend yourself while having a disability,” Reese said. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way! Don’t let your disability define you!”

Chung echoes this sentiment.

“Start small and don’t let fear or misconceptions hold you back. Seek out instructors who are willing to adapt to your needs and create a supportive environment. Remember that self-defense is a personal right, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. You are capable, and there is a community out there ready to welcome and support you,” he said. “To the Deaf community, I want to say: You are strong. You are capable. And together, we can break barriers.”

No matter where you’re at in your self-defense journey, effective concealed carry starts with a holster that’s tailor-made for you. Visit our Holsters by Gun Model page to find Kydex holsters tailored to your firearm. Plus, explore our Resources Page for gear recommendations, concealed carry guides, and exclusive content to elevate your carry system.