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Old 10-04-2018, 05:17 PM
R22 R22 is offline
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Default First time concealed carry

I just got a 9c 2.0 3.6. I mainly got it for carrying on the way to me deer stand, but I am also wanting to start carrying when I go to town, and have something to protect my family at home.

I got a Vedder Lightuck IWB. I've carried it around the house and to work the last couple days. I'm a little worried its a bit big to conceal on my small body (5'9" 140#)...especially in the summer when I don't wear sweatshirts.

Do I just need to get used to it more?

Would a different holster conceal it better?

Maybe I should've went with the shield 2.0, even though I would have less rounds...

Thoughts?

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Old 10-04-2018, 05:27 PM
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R22....

I'll leave the holster question to others more knowledgable than I, but I wanted to welcome you to the forum. It's good to see younger folks taking up an interest in firearms, personal protection, shooting in general.

Best Regards, Les
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Old 10-04-2018, 05:31 PM
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My advice is wear it for a week or 10 days .......... no; everyone around you doesn't have x-ray vision..... most could care less!!!!

Personally I like Milt Sparks leather holsters..... since 198something!

Wear a loose fitting cover garment and you are good to go...... oh ya.... ditch the "holsters" T-shirt!!!!!!

Last edited by BAM-BAM; 10-05-2018 at 06:43 AM.
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Old 10-04-2018, 05:49 PM
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Boy I wish I had hips that small again. Oh well. You'll do fine. I have that holster for an XDS and it's nice for sure. However, I still prefer the leather ones. Milt Sparks makes great fitting holsters. I have one for a service XD. Also have a leather from R. Grizzle for the Xds and use this mostly. Just feels better.

You'll have to play around with where you carry it. You'll find a spot where the grip pulls into you. Then cover with a shirt and go for it.
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Old 10-04-2018, 05:51 PM
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As Bam Bam said, most people won't notice. You are still self conscience of it so you think people are looking at you, they probably aren't. The more you carry the less you care about printing.
As for which holster, only you can figure what works for you. Prepare to have a drawer full of holsters before you get the right one. I've gone through several holsters but finally decided IWB carry doesn't work for me, I'm strictly OWB or pocket carry now.
As a new concealed carrier, do yourself a solid and make sure you know, understand and follow the laws where you are, you don't need to get jacked up on a technicality. Carrying today is a minefield of dos and don'ts.

Last edited by hostler; 10-04-2018 at 06:18 PM.
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Old 10-04-2018, 05:55 PM
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R22,
It takes wearing a gun and holster some time to feel "comfortable" doing so. It helps if the holster/gun combination is also comfortable, but you will be very self concious for a time about carrying. It's a different thing and a different mindset. Your cover garment always makes some difference. Best ones are dark colored and perhaps thicker in texture or with a patterned print. You may find that your regular sized shirts are a bit snug around your waist and that a slightly fuller cut shirt, especially a pull over shirt that's fairly thin in texture will be better and less revealing.
However, since you are so concious of carrying now, if you have someone you trust to watch you and give you information, that can help you get used to doing so. I've been carrying a very long time. There are certainly times when someone may be able to see that there is "something" underneath your cover garment even standing straight up, but most regular folks never really pay much attention as long as your actual weapon is not exposed or seen underneath a form fitting or stretchy garment. Even so, if you bend over far enough and stretch that outer garment tightly across your carry gun, it can become more obvious. Learn to bend your knees and keep your upper body more straight up with your butt as opposed to bending from the waist. A cover garment that's not buttoned or fastened down tightly all the way the bottom works better both for access to your piece as well as pulling tightly. You will learn how to control the amount of "showing" what that lump actually is. As long as your lump is pretty rounded without sharp corners sticking out, and is long enough not to pull up too high, you'll be good. Be careful getting up after sitting to make sure your cover garment is not caught up by the butt of the gun.

I have and use often the Veddar Light Tuck holsters and find them to be about the best IWB method of carry that I've used. You have a great holster. Just take the time to get used to carrying, being careful along the way not to get so comfortable doing so that you quit thinking about doing so at all. That's easier to do than you might think!! Looks good to me!
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Old 10-04-2018, 06:03 PM
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Hate to throw a you-know-what in the pool. My first carry piece was a Gen 1 9c and I like it fine. However, I found it to be too bulky in shorts & t-shirt weather, even IWB. Wound up getting a Shield for the summer months. Being the size you are, you might be able to pull it off by wearing a larger t-shirt.

Last edited by Donn; 10-04-2018 at 06:05 PM.
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Old 10-04-2018, 06:15 PM
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Be careful getting up after sitting to make sure your cover garment is not caught up by the butt of the gun.
The "Picard maneuver"
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Old 10-04-2018, 06:49 PM
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You really can not tell anything until you cover the gun up. I am 5-10/185#, I can conceal a 1911/iwb with untucked polo or button down shirt. For a T, I need a smaller grip like my G26.
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Old 10-04-2018, 06:51 PM
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It'll take some getting used to. You may have to waste some money on holsters until you find what works for you. You may have to adjust your wardrobe a bit, aloha. If you find you don't carry your gun because it's too uncomfortable or hard to conceal then you should have gotten the Shield. Mow the lawn in that shirt or work in the garage in it or use it for a cleaning rag or give it to your wife for a night shirt.
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Old 10-04-2018, 07:05 PM
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First step: Official Wally world walk.
Rules for the "Wally Walk"

So you got your CHL.

We assumed that you have already chosen a proper holster, mag pouch (or suitable combination of substitutes) and cover garment and played dress-up in front of a mirror a couple of hundred times. But now, it is time to go live in the real world. It is time for you to go to WalMart!

1) You must park your vehicle at least 50 yards from the entrance of a regular WallyWorld (75 yards for a SuperCenter.) As you head for the entrance, you must perform a scan of the area including checking under parked vehicles for BG’s (Bad Guys.) Remember, grandma in an electric wheelchair is not a drive-by threat.

1A). Upon exiting car, surrepititiously adjust sidearm. Now don't touch it again unless your pants are about to fall off. Then tighten your belt

2) You MUST drive the shopping cart. No substitutes are allowed. Negotiating aisles full of screaming kids dropping cans of Chef Boyardee while Mom is on the cell phone and trying the latest Rosie O’Donnell Makeup & Fragrances is a good test of patience and self-control.

3) No quickies! Your stay at WallyWorld must last no less than 45 minutes. You can hang out in automotive and even double check the Rapala lures to see what’s new to kill an allotted rest time of 10 minutes. The rest of the time you must be on the move. An exception is made if you are with your significant other and she goes for the White Sale madness. You must park, wait and be ready to back your mate if things get hairy with the pillow throws or allergenic bedspreads.

4) You are gonna buy stuff so pick items from the top and bottom shelves to test your cover garment. Your mate can assist you and point out any deficiencies. If you are alone and store security or the cops have not arrived by the time you check out, you passed this test.

5) Check out: make sure you choose the busiest register. People will stand in close proximity and you must bear it with patience and avoiding contact. Beware of the people suddenly remembering a forgotten item and sending their mates to fetch it. They usually will brush against you on the way to get it.

6) Meal Time! If your WallyWorld serves Nachos, go ahead and get yourself a big serving of the suckers and wash it down with a Sam’s cola. If McD’s is the choice at the premises, get fries, onion rings, apple pie and a large Coke. ALL MEALS MUST BE CONSUMED ON SITE! No To-Go’s or you will be disqualified.

7) When you leave, repeat the scanning of the parking lot. Remember that now you are also dealing with a shopping cart that rattles like and old train and wants to go right all the time. Do not lose track of your surroundings because of this. If you have a car, open the trunk and introduce all your bags while facing outwards. Pick up Trucks: lower the tailgate and do the same. Keep scanning, you never know where the BG’s might be.

8) REMEMBER: Yellow lights = WallyWorld Security. Red Lights = Cops.

9) - Make test fall on floor in busiest area - near register or anywhere crowded. See if concealment can still be maintained. If you lose that, then return to GO and Do NOT collect $200

10) Restroom break (even if you don't have to go), go through the motions, figure out what your going to do with your gun, while sitting on the commode





That gun has a bigger waist than you do.
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Last edited by Iggy; 10-04-2018 at 07:14 PM.
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Old 10-04-2018, 07:52 PM
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Oh yeah, that commode thing is a problem.
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Old 10-04-2018, 08:12 PM
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Oh yeah, that commode thing is a problem.
If you have to use it in a Walmart it's already a problem. Sheesh!!!
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Old 10-04-2018, 08:14 PM
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Welcome and thank you.
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Old 10-04-2018, 08:20 PM
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I weighed more than 140 in high school. Eat something.
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Old 10-04-2018, 08:36 PM
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Get rid of the extra magazine.

Get a different t shirt (one without a gun theme).

Get and a loose, button shirt and wear it untucked and unbuttoned.

Don’t fiddle with your gun.

Your self consciousness will diminish over time as you come to realize nobody notices you’re carrying.
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Old 10-04-2018, 08:41 PM
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I carry a 1911 full sized IWB. A good belt/holster combo makes all the difference. Usually I wear a simple button down short sleeved shirt or a flannel button down in the winter . Summer months I usually go to a 642 in a pocket holster. Far easier to hide with just a t-shirt.

As far as people noticing,you will feel like people are watching you at first. They aren't. Just do your normal thing and no one will be any the wiser. Avoid constantly adjusting your gun and make sure that your belt is tight enough that it will hold up your pants WITHOUT constantly having to pull them up.

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Old 10-04-2018, 08:51 PM
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Shirts with prints, will help break up the outline. Practice your 2 hand rip method to get the cover shirt out of the way during the draw. If you dress around the gun you can carry anything short of a flame thrower. If you are going to carry, fashion only goes so far as "does this holster make my butt look big? "
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Old 10-04-2018, 09:33 PM
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The Vedder LightTuck is a nice kydex Holster. You won’t find anything slimmer or better to IWB carry. With an untucked shirt, or even tucked covering the gun, most people won’t notice a thing. I think everyone who first carries thinks everyone will notice you have a gun, they don’t.

Having said that, I carry a Shield in a Vedder LightTuck with a spare mag in a Vedder mag holster on the weak side front pocket. I just don’t want the weight a bigger gun + ammo on my belt. I did start out with a full size Glock because that’s what I used at work.

Good luck and carry, always.

Last edited by SATX; 10-04-2018 at 09:35 PM.
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Old 10-04-2018, 10:27 PM
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The thing about carrying is you have to dress for it. Step one - ditch the t-shirts.

I wear button up shirts that fit and can conceal large revolvers, which is my preference.

This is my 4" S&W M29.

First time concealed carry-m29-concealed-2-jpg

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Old 10-04-2018, 10:45 PM
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Welcome to the forum.

I'm scrawny, 30" waist. I carry a J-Frame AIWB.

I can carry a semi at 4:00, with a cover garment, but it needs to be long enough I can do the top shelf at Wally World with out showing. A 1" thick semi on my side is a large percent of my girth.
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Old 10-04-2018, 11:24 PM
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Wow! Thanks for all the replies! I didn't think I'd get that much action..lol.

I'll try to reply without quoting everyone.

The tshirt...I was wearing it as my undershirt since the 2.0 grip isn't the greatest for my tender skin. First time concealed carry

The Wally world walk was such a great read! Bahahaha!

I do have a Hanks gun belt, so I know that helps steady it. It probably is more self conscious thinking, so yes I will continue to wear it and practice.

Thanks again for all the responses. I am very much looking forward to learning more and becoming more familiar with my m&p.

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Old 10-04-2018, 11:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hostler View Post
As Bam Bam said, most people won't notice. You are still self conscience of it so you think people are looking at you, they probably aren't. The more you carry the less you care about printing.
As for which holster, only you can figure what works for you. Prepare to have a drawer full of holsters before you get the right one. I've gone through several holsters but finally decided IWB carry doesn't work for me, I'm strictly OWB or pocket carry now.
As a new concealed carrier, do yourself a solid and make sure you know, understand and follow the laws where you are, you don't need to get jacked up on a technicality. Carrying today is a minefield of dos and don'ts.
Thankfully (I guess), North Dakota is now a Constitutional Carry State. No permit required.

Although I am planning on getting a class 1 license so I can carry on road trips (through certain states).

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Old 10-04-2018, 11:31 PM
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I weighed more than 140 in high school. Eat something.
Haha..I do! High metabolism.

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Old 10-04-2018, 11:32 PM
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You'll go through a lot of modes of carry before you find the best mode for you.
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Old 10-04-2018, 11:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dr. mordo View Post
The thing about carrying is you have to dress for it. Step one - ditch the t-shirts.

I wear button up shirts that fit and can conceal large revolvers, which is my preference.

This is my 4" S&W M29.

First time concealed carry-m29-concealed-2-jpg

First time concealed carry-m29-concealed-4-jpg

First time concealed carry-m29-concealed-3-jpg
I wouldn't have guessed that thing was under there. Nice job!

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Old 10-05-2018, 12:07 AM
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Welcome aboard.

You'll soon realize that most people are too absorbed in their mobile devices to pay any attention to whether you are armed. The ones that aren't probably aren't that observant. Then your comfort level will be much better.
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Old 10-05-2018, 07:16 AM
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Everyone goes through the same thing you are right now, thinking everybody they meet knows they are carrying, don't worry about it, they don't. Right now it feels uncomfortable to carry, in no time it will feel natural and even strange if you aren't carrying. Loose fitting shirts, long tails, hands off firearm and act as you normally would. Enjoy your new adventure and welcome to the forum.
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Old 10-05-2018, 11:30 AM
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Not to worry , that slim trim waist phase of your life will soon be over.
I can remember looking like that...once... a long time ago .
Stop wearing tight tee shirts and slim cut anything . Start wearing baggy clothes , they "conceal" guns and later in life excess body.
Dress more like you live in Hawaii .
Gary
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Old 10-05-2018, 11:38 AM
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I might mention that after becoming very comfortable with carrying, it will be important to remember to uncarry before you enter those places where any carry is prohibited. It's an unnecessary feeling to be already inside one of those places and then realize that you have forgotten to unload. As they say, familiarity can breed contempt (or just forgetfulness which is unintentional but may have the same outcome!) Carrying a handgun is indeed a serious responsibility!
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Old 10-05-2018, 12:15 PM
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First, good to see a fellow leftie ccw. My first experience dates back to 1968 when I was a rookie cop and revolvers ruled. I purchased my Colt Cobra new for $85 and a clamshell style holster for another $10 (still have both) and strapped up under my untucked shirt. It felt like an anvil on my hip and I was certain everyone could see the gun, but no one really did and I’ve been EDC ever since.
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Old 10-05-2018, 12:40 PM
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After 40 years of Concealed Carry I don't even think about it anymore.

From my 3" 66 to a to a PC Shorty-9 or 3913 (my general EDC) up to a Beretta 92 Centurion or Compact........ya I do have smaller gun for suits or shorts....it's no big deal!!!!!

But I do like a t-shirt between me and my gun's butt!!!!!



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Old 10-05-2018, 12:50 PM
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I carry a full size 1911 OWB and have no trouble concealing it. It really is all about the shirt and how you wear it. I carry at 9 o'clock because I'm a lefty, but you might consider 3 o'clock. The reason for this has to do with bending over. With the gun back as far as you have it in the pics, the grip will poke out when you sit or bend over. Just something to think about.

More importantly is the spare mag position. Move it over to the left more. I carry mine directly opposite the gun, but it can be more forward if you like. The reason for this is ease of manipulation. Do you insert the mag with your right hand? Probably not. So, put it where your left hand can get it easily.


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Originally Posted by Old cop View Post
First, good to see a fellow leftie ccw.
He's not a lefty, the pic is backwards. It was my first thought too because I'm a lefty as well.
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Old 10-05-2018, 12:57 PM
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Pick up a "Bernie 2016" hat from the thrift store. No one will suspect a thing.
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Old 10-05-2018, 01:08 PM
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I think everyone has covered the basics. When I first started carrying I thought EVERYONE could tell. But they can't. Now I don't even think about it. While I'm not as slim and trim, I do carry a S&W 5906. One key is larger, looser fitting shirts. Form fitting shirts will print. While I think your holster is just fine, I carry in a Mr. Softy holster from High Noon Holsters that rides very low, for better concealment.
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Old 10-05-2018, 01:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Pig Hunter View Post
Shirts with prints, will help break up the outline. Practice your 2 hand rip method to get the cover shirt out of the way during the draw. If you dress around the gun you can carry anything short of a flame thrower. If you are going to carry, fashion only goes so far as "does this holster make my butt look big? "
Also dark colors conceal better than light colors.
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Old 10-05-2018, 01:32 PM
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Pick up a "Bernie 2016" hat from the thrift store. No one will suspect a thing.
Hahaha

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Old 10-05-2018, 01:34 PM
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I just got a 9c 2.0 3.6. I mainly got it for carrying on the way to me deer stand, but I am also wanting to start carrying when I go to town, and have something to protect my family at home.

I got a Vedder Lightuck IWB. I've carried it around the house and to work the last couple days. I'm a little worried its a bit big to conceal on my small body (5'9" 140#)...especially in the summer when I don't wear sweatshirts.

Do I just need to get used to it more?

Would a different holster conceal it better?

Maybe I should've went with the shield 2.0, even though I would have less rounds...

Thoughts?

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WELCOME TO THE FORUM. ITS NICE TO SEE SOME YOUNG BLOOD....

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOUR CHOICE OF A WEAPON OR HOLSTER. ITS MORE YOUR MODE OF DRESS. THAT NEEDS TO BE MODIFIED....

YOU COULD GET AWAY WITH A LOOSE FITTING, UN-TUCKED T-SHIRT. OR YOU COULD COVER WHAT YOU ARE WEARING IN THE PIC WITH A LOOSE UN-TUCKED, BUTTON FRONT SHIRT. JUST THE UNTUCKED BUTTON FRONT SHIRT WOULD BE PERFECT---EVEN IN HOT WEATHER.....

I FAVOR BRIGHT FLORAL HAWAIIAN SHIRTS, WHOSE RANDOM PATTERNS BREAK UP THE OUTLINE OF ANYTHING THAT THEY COVER. WINTER IS A PIECE OF CAKE, FOR DRESSING IN LAYERS....

OBSERVE AND NOTE WHAT PEOPLE AROUND YOU, THAT ARE YOUR AGE ARE WEARING, AND TRY TO BLEND IN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, WHILE CONCEALING YOUR WEAPON. YOU WILL BE LESS OF A TARGET FOR SCRUTINY....
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Old 10-05-2018, 01:58 PM
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My first time or two carrying, I got stuck in a grocery store check out line at 2 a.m. with a uniformed cop right behind me. Seems like we stood there forever while the checker fixed a problem. My Taurus 605 felt like an elephant in my right front pocket.
After getting through that I've been very comfortable carrying. My town government is very gun friendly and I can't think of a single local business that has a No Guns sign.
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Old 10-05-2018, 02:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BAM-BAM View Post
My advice is wear it for a week or 10 days .......... no; everyone around you doesn't have x-ray vision..... most could care less!!!!

Personally I like Milt Sparks leather holsters..... since 198something!

Wear a loose fitting cover garment and you are good to go...... oh ya.... ditch the "holsters" T-shirt!!!!!!
I have to totally agree with EVERYTHING stated!
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Old 10-05-2018, 02:30 PM
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I'm 5' 10" at 155#-160#. I have both a 9c 1.0 and a 40c 1.0.

Notice how the grip of the pistol tucks into the small of your back? I find mine ride the same way. That won't be that noticeable under a shirt. I wear a loose shirt over the T-shirt and what actually sticks out more is the rear corner of the slide and the rear sight. (wait til you smack your elbow on it )

As others have said wear dark cover garments or ones with patterns on them.

Not sure if anyone has said it yet, but out in public people don't look at your waistband. (Can you recall looking at anyone's today?) Besides, if someone asks, what's that, tell them it's your cell phone. If they ask about the cell phone in your hand tell them one for work, one for me. Lie to them.

Bill
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Old 10-05-2018, 02:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CA Escapee View Post
I'm 5' 10" at 155#-160#. I have both a 9c 1.0 and a 40c 1.0.

Notice how the grip of the pistol tucks into the small of your back? I find mine ride the same way. That won't be that noticeable under a shirt. I wear a loose shirt over the T-shirt and what actually sticks out more is the rear corner of the slide and the rear sight. (wait til you smack your elbow on it )

As others have said wear dark cover garments or ones with patterns on them.

Not sure if anyone has said it yet, but out in public people don't look at your waistband. (Can you recall looking at anyone's today?) Besides, if someone asks, what's that, tell them it's your cell phone. If they ask about the cell phone in your hand tell them one for work, one for me. Lie to them.

Bill
I find the only people that look at waistbands are gun people. If I see a shady looking dude in my public space, I look at his waistband.
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Old 10-05-2018, 03:32 PM
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Default Will anyone notice?

In this country (New Zealand) handguns are very uncommon and Police are generally “unarmed” (G17 in lockbox in passengers footwell, M4 in lock tray in the vehicles boot (trunk). Even the sight of a soft air pistol or some toys in public elicit emergency calls from the public.

About 6 weeks ago a gang related shooting death saw all police in our district armed. For the first few days I felt conscious of the Glock on my hip. Getting in and out of the car several dozen times a day and walking through doors (the issue holster cants the butt out so much I can fit my clenched fist, thumb towards body, between my belt and the inside of the guns grip). After I got used to carrying and adapted my movements I just didn’t think about the Glock on my hip except at start and end of duty when I attached and detached the holster from the backing plate on my duty belt.

More importantly no-one seemed to notice it. They certainly didn’t comment on it.

I was working near my home so calling in 3 times a day for meals and breaks. It took my step-son 3 days to notice it and my wife another week. I went into the bank to pay my credit card and joked around with the tellers. They never said anything about it. No driver I stopped durin the 3 weeks we carried openly said anything, yet some still comment in the bright yellow taser on the other side of my belt.

My guess is that no-one will notice you carrying unless you draw attention to it yourself. The advise above comes from experience, so take it all in.
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Old 10-05-2018, 04:05 PM
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I, and others, have sanded the 2.0 grip lightly with fine sandpaper without blemishing the frame. It’s much better on the love handles. I’ve done this to two guns and no one can tell. Just sand lightly, you want to take the tip off the pyramid, not remove the pyramid. I sanded all the way around so it would protect my skin on one side, and keep my shirt from riding up the other side.
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Old 10-05-2018, 04:14 PM
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I remember my first week carrying concealed. I was thinking everyone noticed I was carrying. I only carry owb with any gun I carry. Just a loose fitting shirt works well usually. The butt of any gun is what is hardest to conceal.

A gun printing is not illegal and for the most part people seldom pay attention to other people to see if they are carrying. I believe we that do carry are more aware of whether someone is carrying concealed. We know that a bulge in a shirt or pants is more than likely a gun.

Now that TX passed open carry for licensed to carry citizens I have less worry of my gun accidentally showing or printing.
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Old 10-05-2018, 04:17 PM
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Honestly nobody will notice. Anyone who does is probably carrying too.

Open carry is legal here. I usually see somebody open carrying once a week or so. Nobody around them freaks out. Most don't even see a gun in plain sight.

On a tangent - yesterday I noticed two open carriers in one day. That's a first for me (other than cops, of course).
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Old 10-06-2018, 12:46 AM
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I will echo what others have said; keep working on it. I have been carrying for about 30 years. I DO remember how difficult it was at first.

You are thinking, you will do fine. Don't be afraid to try other holsters and ask friends. Different things work for different people. Some things that work great for one guy ; don't for another. Also, some holsters just plain SUCK. I have a few that were never worn more than one day.
The biggest thing for a "new guy". STOP playing with and adjusting it, and checking that it's there ( I still do it). When you do, try to make sure you are out of site.

And thanks for looking out for your family and becoming a concealed carrier. Nice to see another one.
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Old 10-06-2018, 01:31 AM
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I like the Vedder Lightuck IWB. With cooler weather around the corner, you’ll be able to use a heavier cover garment. You’ll get comfortable soon enough.
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Old 10-06-2018, 04:54 AM
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Congrats you doing just fine
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Old 10-06-2018, 02:02 PM
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Get rid of the gun shirts and hats .. go with a square tail snap up front shirt .. snaps so they can be ripped open to get to the pistol if necessary ..

Practice drawing at home with a UNLOADED pistol !! Takes practice to raise the shirt to clear your belt line to make your pistol available to draw ..
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