Deep Carry: The Imperceptible Handgun
Deep carry: When the grip of your concealed handgun sits at or below the waistband of your pants.
While deep carry provides phenomenal concealment on most body types, it's tricky to get right. Correct setup and technique are crucial to avoid sacrificing draw speed.
This video series teaches you how to deep carry, step-by-step, in detail. We'll cover everything from gun and clothing selection, to how to get a fast, fumble-free deep carry draw — every time you go for your gun.
The Imperceptible Handgun — 7-Episode Series
What is Deep Carry?
Welcome to Imperceptible Handgun, a series on Deep Carry presented by Rhett Neumayer of Demonstrated Concepts. In this series, you will learn the ins and outs of using the PHLster Enigma system to achieve a high level of concealment while maintaining rapid access to your concealed firearm.
Body Types
In the second episode of this series, Rhett takes a closer look at the unique challenges faced by those with “board” and “pear”-shaped body types when carrying their guns primarily below the waistline. He discusses common issues specific to these builds and offers practical solutions to help you tailor your concealment setup for comfort, consistency, and effectiveness.
Clothing Selection
In the third episode of this series, Rhett breaks down how Deep Carry differs from traditional AIWB methods—most notably by using the pants as the primary cover garment instead of a shirt. With this distinction in mind, he shares key considerations for selecting clothing and dressing intentionally to maximize concealment and maintain access to the deep carried pistol.
We recommend pairing this episode with Modifying Athletic Shorts for SAFE Deep Carry Practices for the best results.
Comfort and Access
In episode four of this series, Rhett explains how to position the Enigma Express for Deep Carry. Proper setup starts by finding the pubic symphysis, which helps you place the holster at the right depth for comfort and movement. Rhett also covers how belt height, grip position, and clothing choices affect concealment and access.
The Draw
In the fifth episode of this series you will learn how to begin mastering your new Deep Carry drawing technique. A true Deep Carry position will require a completely fresh approach to the draw than we are all taught when accessing a gun above the waistband. Be patient as you learn, and make sure to reference episode six for the most common mistakes you will need to avoid in order to get it right every time.
Draw Mistakes
In episode six Rhett covers common errors he has encountered in his own live and dry fire practice as well as with students on the range. This episode is extremely helpful for developing consistent Deep Carry pistol access.
Handgun Selection
In the seventh episode of Imperceptible Handgun Rhett breaks down why picking the right gun is a game-changer for Deep Carry. He dives into how your body shape, gun size, and clothes all play a role in comfort and concealment—and why pistols no greater than 55% of your hip width tend to work best.
Full Series Summary
To summarize and review this series we asked Mitch from Langdon Tactical Technology to join us after completing the Imperceptible Handgun course to share his overall experience and key takeaways from each episode.
Additional Deep Carry Resources
Modifying Athletic Shorts for SAFE Deep Carry Practices
Dakota Student Review | Imperceptible Handgun
Zero Signature Concealment | Student Review with Mitch
Frequently Asked Questions
What is deep carry?
Deep carry is a concealment method where the grip of your handgun sits at or below the waistband of your pants. Unlike traditional appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB) carry where the grip protrudes above the belt line, deep carry tucks the entire gun below the waistline, using your pants as the primary concealment garment rather than a cover shirt.
What equipment do I need for deep carry?
Deep carry works best with the PHLster Enigma system, specifically the Enigma Express. The Enigma's chassis-based design allows you to position the holster independently of a belt, which is essential for getting the gun low enough. You will also need a compact handgun and pants that fit properly for concealment.
Does deep carry work for all body types?
Yes, but with different considerations. Episode 2 of this series specifically addresses the challenges for “board”-shaped (narrow-hipped) and “pear”-shaped (wider-hipped) body types. Each body type has different concealment advantages and challenges, and Rhett provides specific solutions for each.
Is the deep carry draw slower than a traditional AIWB draw?
With proper technique and practice, a deep carry draw can be performed in under one second. The draw technique is fundamentally different from a traditional AIWB draw—you cannot simply apply the same mechanics. Episodes 5 and 6 cover the correct drawing technique and common mistakes to avoid.
What size gun works best for deep carry?
Episode 7 covers this in detail. As a general guideline, Rhett recommends a pistol no wider than 55% of your hip width for optimal concealment and comfort. Compact and subcompact handguns tend to work best, but the ideal size depends on your individual body shape and proportions.
Who is Rhett Neumayer?
Rhett Neumayer is the founder of Demonstrated Concepts and the instructor for this series. He developed the deep carry techniques taught in the Imperceptible Handgun course through extensive research, live-fire testing, and work with students of varying body types and experience levels.
Do I need to modify my clothing for deep carry?
In some cases, yes. Episode 3 covers clothing selection in detail. One important modification involves athletic shorts with drawstrings, which can cause safety issues during the draw. The supplemental video “Modifying Athletic Shorts for SAFE Deep Carry Practices” walks you through how to address this specific issue.