What Is “Mexican Carry” — and Why It’s Strongly Discouraged

Nationwide CCW Mexican Carry way

“Mexican carry” is a slang term for carrying a handgun tucked directly into the waistband (usually inside the pants, sometimes under a belt) without a holster. It’s often portrayed in movies or pop culture as a quick, minimalist way to conceal a firearm—but in real life, it’s widely considered unsafe, impractical, and often illegal.

Below is a clear, responsible explanation of what it is, why people attempt it, and why experienced instructors strongly discourage it.

What Mexican Carry Looks Like

• The handgun is placed inside the waistband (IWB) or appendix area.

• No holster is used—no trigger guard coverage, no retention.

• The belt or waistband is relied on to “hold” the firearm in place.

  
  

Why Some People Attempt It

People sometimes choose Mexican carry because they believe it:

• Reduces bulk or printing

• Is faster to put on or take off

• Avoids buying a holster

• Feels more concealable for short trips

These perceived benefits, however, are outweighed by serious safety and legal risks.

Why Mexican Carry Is Strongly Discouraged

1. Exposed Trigger = Serious Safety Risk

A holster’s most critical job is covering the trigger guard. Without it:

• Clothing, belt edges, drawstrings, or fingers can enter the trigger guard

• Accidental or negligent discharges become far more likely

• Many documented injuries occur during re-holstering or movement

This risk is especially severe with modern striker-fired pistols that lack external manual safeties.

2. No Retention or Stability

Without a holster:

• The firearm can shift, tilt, or fall

• Sudden movements (bending, sitting, running) can dislodge the gun

• A dropped firearm in public creates both danger and legal exposure

A proper holster provides passive or active retention to keep the firearm secure at all times.

3. Unsafe Draw and Re-holster

Mexican carry makes:

• Establishing a consistent grip difficult

• Drawing under stress unpredictable

• Re-holstering especially dangerous (often requires pointing the muzzle toward the body)

Professional training universally teaches:

If you can’t re-holster safely, you shouldn’t be carrying that way.

4. Increased Risk of Self-Inflicted Injury

Because the firearm sits close to:

• The femoral artery

• The groin and pelvis

• Vital nerves and organs

An unintentional discharge can cause catastrophic or fatal injuries within seconds.

5. Potential Legal Consequences

Depending on jurisdiction:

• Carrying without a holster may be viewed as unsafe or negligent

• A firearm falling or being visible could be considered brandishing

• After an incident, prosecutors and civil attorneys may argue reckless carry practices

Even if carrying is otherwise lawful, unsafe methods can undermine your legal defense.

Why Responsible Instructors Oppose It

Professional firearms instructors, CCW courses, and law-enforcement standards consistently require:

• A proper holster

• Full trigger coverage

• Secure retention

• Safe draw and re-holster mechanics

Mexican carry fails all four criteria.

Safer Alternatives to Mexican Carry

If concealment or comfort is your concern, better options include:

• Quality inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters

• Appendix carry holsters designed for safety and comfort

• Minimalist holsters that still fully cover the trigger

• Belt-mounted or tuckable holsters for discreet carry

Modern holster designs offer excellent concealment without sacrificing safety.

Bottom Line

Mexican carry may look simple, but it introduces unnecessary danger to the carrier and everyone around them. Carrying a firearm is a serious responsibility, and how you carry matters just as much as whether you carry legally.

A proper holster is not optional—it’s essential.