As the temperature rises, so do the challenges for everyday carriers. Shorts replace jeans, T-shirts replace jackets and suddenly that full-size pistol doesn’t conceal easily. This is where you, the gun store owner or dealer, step in—not just to sell, but to guide folks into summer concealed carry.
Your customers rely on you to help them carry confidently all year, and summer is the perfect opportunity to start meaningful conversations about gear, comfort and preparedness. Here’s how you can help them make smart decisions for summer concealed carry.
Recommend the Right Summer-Friendly Handguns
Size and weight matter in hot weather. Many customers are looking to downsize when layers come off. Be ready to showcase:
- Subcompact and micro-compact pistols like the SIG Sauer P365, Glock 43X, Springfield Hellcat and Ruger Max-9.
- Highlight models with optics-ready slides and 10+ round capacities that don’t sacrifice performance for size.
- Offer comparisons with customers’ current carry guns to illustrate benefits.
Tip: Keep a few unloaded models with popular holsters on hand so customers can test how they feel in the waistband or pocket.
Sell the Full Summer Concealed Carry Setup
Help customers think beyond the pistol. You can upsell—and serve them better—by walking them through an entire EDC system that’s summer-optimized:
- Holsters: Push slim-profile kydex IWB or appendix rigs with sweat guards.
- Carry belts: Emphasize gun belts that support weight without bulk.
- Clothing tips: Offer brochures or advice cards on summer concealed-carry clothing options like untucked button-ups, lightweight overshirts or athletic wear compatible with belly bands.
This positions your store as a full-service resource, not just a retail counter.
Talk Maintenance and Materials
With sweat, comes corrosion. Use this as a sales and education opportunity:
- Recommend stainless or polymer pistols for durability.
- Push non-leather holsters that handle moisture better.
- Stock and promote gun wipes, CLPs and cleaning kits, especially travel-sized ones for glove boxes or range bags.
- Remind customers to wipe down their firearm daily if it’s riding close to the body.
Encourage Summer Training & Accessories
Summer is also a chance to promote skills and safety. Offer or partner on summer concealed-carry courses, focusing on drawing from light clothing and dealing with summer-specific challenges.
Recommend snap caps and dry fire tools for at-home practice. Stock spare mags, mag carriers and compact lights to round out the summer setup.
Conversation Starters for the Sales Floor
- “What’s your carry setup like in this heat?”
- “Have you thought about switching to a smaller summer gun?”
- “Want to try out a few holsters for warm-weather comfort?”
- “Let me show you something that’s perfect under a T-shirt.”
Final Word
Summer concealed carry is more than just switching guns—it’s a mindset and a system. As a dealer, you’re not just helping customers stay armed. You’re helping them carry smarter, safer and more confidently through the hottest months of the year. And if you do it right, they’ll come back every season.
