My CCW permit (called CHP here in CO) should be here soon and I will start to carry. So, everyone had to have there first day/week/month when it was all new to you. I figure I'll start with the 642 in my Desantis Nemesis or Uncle Mike's pocket holsters and then later try the 60 in my Lobo belt holster.

How did everyone feel when they first started carrying? Take a while to get used to it or no problem at all?

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Bud

Hi Bud:

While I was waiting for my CHL to arrive, I started acquiring holsters, belts, cover gear, etc. I fully anticipated carrying, at a minimum, a K-framed S&W revolver in .357 Magnum at all times -maybe a .40 semi-auto when I was feeling more "modern", or perhaps on a sunny day and in a good mood, a 9mm semi-auto. For back-up, that was easy - a .32ACP Seecamp semiauto in the off-side pants pocket. I didn't own, nor anticipate owning a J-frame revolver at the time. I was shocked beyond belief to learn a J-frame revolver in .38 Special slipped into a pant's pocket worked just fine. I now own 5 J-frames and it's very rare to find me without at least one on my person at all times. In fact, I was getting ready to walk the dogs around the block one day when the wife spotted me putting a Model 60 inside my pocket. She rolled her eyes and asked: "Do you really think that's necessary?" My two word reply took care of her question: "pit bulls".

Best of luck,

Dave

In a word _ AWARE.

Thinking ahead of where I would be going, Federal bldg's, doctor office, shopping, church, work areas, ball games, home situations, dentist chair, driving, to name just a few events in daily life that require thinking ahead and being aware of weapon concealment, how much ammunition, where to store the ammo for fast access.

Another word _ SAFE(R).

Its great to feel in control the best you can.

felt heavy ... way back in the day my sidearm was an 8 3/8" 629

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it just needs more voltage

Never really gave it much thought. I started packin' when we moved to AZ. at the age of 18, it was open carry and a '58 Remington Cap n' Ball repro.

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S&W M642-2,
ATI 1911a1, 4.25"

That was a long time ago. Almost 27 years ago, when I was all of 20 years old. I felt like EVERYBODY was gonna know I had a gun on.
With a M60 that was unlikely. Feeling went away quickly. Now I literally forget I have a gun (or two) on.
Jim

That's the nice thing about living in an Open Carry State like AZ. when you first start out. After a short while you learn not to give a hoot,LOL.
I remember getting a laugh at the Snow Birds(mostly folks from British Columbia, Canada) that'd come down to Phoenix, AZ. for the winter time. I'd be standing at the magazine rack in the local grocery with my Ruger Super Blackhawk or M29 S&W in a Crossdraw holster reading the recent gun rags and they'd give me a look like I was about to eat a baby or something. It was priceless.

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S&W M642-2,
ATI 1911a1, 4.25"

I live in NC, in an area where open carry is common.

I carry a 5" Model 27. No one even gives it a second glance.

A little self conscious at first wondering who might be noticing the slight lump on my hip when I sat down and what they might think it was. That went away pretty quickly after sitting at the local pizza joint with cops sitting at a couple of tables and no one saying a word.

I have a grocery bag full of holsters and concealed carry junk that I bought when I first started carrying. You will do that too. The NRA fanny pack, the cheap gun show shoulder holster, the concealed carry T shirt, the "shoot me first" tactical vest, the cheap holsters than looked cool in the store or on line. By the time you do find what works, you'll have a grocery bag-o-junk too.

packing a massive 44 mag with success took care of that paranoia LONG before I transitioned to something a "little more practical" which encompasses nearly everything

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it just needs more voltage

I got my CCW about 2 years ago. I remember feeling nervous and self-conscious for the first week or so. Now I feel uncomfortable even walking the dog or getting the mail without carrying a pistol. It feels as natural as my watch or wallet.

I really never gave it any thought.

I have been carrying a weapon since I went on active duty in the Air Force at age 18.....

I do it as a matter of fact. It just comes naturally.

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Take your time..quickly.

Felt odd. There was this heavy thing on my hip that I wasn't used to and it was in a ****** holster. Thought everyone noticed it. Couldn't help adjusting it constantly. Now I don't even notice it. In fact I'm a little afraid if something happened I might forget I even have a gun

Started carrying when I was 21, my first was a model 37 and I carried in a good shoulder holster and it never bothered me. Of course I was always aware that I was doing so and really never had a problem. I've carried many different ways over the years and you get use to it and never really notice it.

I was hungry all the time.

In addition to what many of the others have stated, I also felt as if I had taken on a big responsibility. A responsibilty that if I messed up handling would have long term, serious, repercussions for not only myself, but for others.

I also understood that when I was handed my CPL (concealed pistol license) that I wasn't handed a Badge to go along with it. Meaning certain situations that I might find myself in weren't my responsibility to deal with, but were better left to the pros, those who do wear a Badge.

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Ogy

The guy that said 'aware' was right on with me. So was the guy that said self-conscious. I think one of the best pieces of adcie I got was- keep your hands off your pistol. It's only natural for us to keep reaching for it, touching it through our clothes- like, kinda making sure it's there, not falling out- or that it's not showing. The other advice was to remember, nobody is paying any attention to you, regardless of how you FEEL. They have no idea you have a gun, and you only need to resist the temptation to touch it.

My 1st time? It felt like my gun was sticking out about 5 feet away from my hip. Every time someone looked at me, it felt like they saw my gun and was talking about it. I tried to keep 3-4 feet away from people so people won't run into my gun. Every time I got out of my truck, I had to rush to cover my gun that was already covered.

That feeling went away a little bit after a few weeks. After more research and trail and errors, I no longer feel that way at all.

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Don't look, reload and shoot!

I can't remember and that's the way it will be with you after you carry for awhile.

It will become second nature and the only thing that will make you feel strange is when you leave home without your EDC, like forgetting your watch or wedding ring.

I was sure I was going to print and lose my privilege as fast as I earned it. I felt like everyone "knew" I was carrying. Took me a couple weeks to feel comfortable and I am still experimenting with gun/holster combinations. I have been carrying in Colorado for eight months now.

In Tennessee it's a Handgun Carry Permit (HCP). No need to carry concealed.

When I first got my permit I carried an M66 4" in an OWB holster. Next came the Colt Double Eagle Commander in 10mm in the Small Of Back holster. Now I carry, at minimum a 442 or 642 in the right front pocket and sometimes a Colt DS on the left ankle as a BUG.

When I first started carrying it was like I had a cinder block strapped to my belt or a boat anchor attached to my ankle. That sensation went away fairly quickly and now I feel "Necked As A Jaybird" if I don't have at least a 442/642 in my pocket.

Class III

Very good points. Bud

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Bud

After the first time out. I felt like a cigarette and a nap. Actually, I felt like I was back in the service again, I hadn't realized how much I missed that weight at my side. Not that I felt less secure without it, or more invincible with it, for it had been 40 years since I wore a sidearm. It was just like having an old friend back.

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Endeavor to persevere. <><

x2 for me.

Check out the folks you encounter. See if you can guess which of them are carrying. Seems to me like I notice right off the bat when I encounter someone that is carrying. Then take that and put it into your own thought process of how you might carry.

Oh yes you can...

I spotted 4 guys and 1 woman last Friday night at the Chinese Buffet when I took the wife out to dinner....

They, on the other hand probably had no idea I was carrying.

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Take your time..quickly.

I started carrying over a year ago, and felt very awkward doing so for all the same reasons previously mentioned. Believe the biggest reason was due to inadequate gear. I have been working on purchasing more adequate belt & holster(s), hoping to carry again soon. I fully expect to be as nervous again about firearm being seen, hopefully it goes away quickly as others have mentioned.

It was heavy in two ways. It was a heavy weight on my belt that I was not used to. It was heavy on my mind knowing that I was authorized to carry an instrument of life and death. It is a responsibility that I do not take lightly.

My primary carry gun is a S&W .44 caliber revolver. It is no longer heavy on my belt, but the responsibility is still heavy. Although I had been doing recreational shooting since I was 7 years old, my attitude changed when I was first authorized. That's when I realized that a gun is not primarily a recreactional object but a great responsibilty.

I felt like the whole world knew I had a gun in a holster under my sweater. Turns out they didn't. My own wife didn't know. Most of the time now even though she knows, she can't tell me where I'm carrying it. If she can't tell, who else is really going to care?

Aside from a good quality holster, the one other thing I would recommend to you would be a good book by Mas Ayoob "In the Gravest Extreme". Solid book about the moral obligations of carrying a weapon. I own it and read it at least twice a year to refresh my own memory.

I've been carrying for over a year. Daily carry is a M60-7 in my okie holster (back jean pocket). I've gotten used to it and sometimes forget it's there. On the farm I carry a 4006 and extra mag in Don Hume gear, on a dedicated gun belt. I've carried the 4006 since 2001 as a sidearm when hunting and now on the farm. Quite honestly I don't notice it and actually miss it when not carrying it.

Blessings,
Phil

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Isaiah 55:8-9
Phil. 4:13

A good holster and a good belt are key to the situation. To your direct question, it was awkward at first for awhile but after you start to get used to it you most likely won't even remember you are carrying.

There was a great thread on THR several years ago about doing the, "Wal-Mart Walk". In essence, all the people with new CCW permits went to WallyWorld to get used to being out in public with a hidden gun. Stroll around, get some nachoes, take your time, and realize that NO ONE is paying you the slightest bit of attention.

About ten years ago, not long after I started carrying a handgun as a civilian, I saw a guy in Wal-Mart who was clearly up to something..........he was looking around furtively, and acting really hinky. I was pretty sure he was stealing something. But as I watched him from around an endcap, it finally dawned on me had had a hidden gun on, and it was driving him crazy. I ambled closer and whispered, "If you'd keep your bloody hands away from it, no one would ever know you have it!" His eyes widened, and he shoved his hands in his pockets, mumbling that he was new at this. Then he looked over at me, studying my clothing, and trying to figure out where mine was. "Whatcha packin?" "1911." "Jeez.......WHERE?"

I wandered away, and whispered back over my shoulder, "You can't tell, because my hands aren't all over it!"

I remember the feeling when I first started carrying my 4" 686 off duty..........it felt like a brick, only bigger and heavier, and it glowed in the dark.

Exactly how I felt.

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Lang May Yer Lumb Reek.

so the moral of the story is treat it like a watch, get used to the weight of it on your hip or sholder, get a good holster and keep your damn hands away from it while walking in public!

hell probably could negate some of the learning curve by just practicing having it on in the house, get used to it on your own turf basically.

It felt awkward at first, but I don't think it took too long to get used to it.

I pocket-carry a Ruger SP101 in a Mika holster. Once in awhile I'll catch strangers looking at the lump in my pocket. Do they know what it is? Maybe some do; I don't know. But since open carry is legal here, I'm not concerned.

If I can lose about 20 lbs. it will help -still working on that.

Andy

I felt very strange at first. I've been handling firearms since I was small yet for some unexplainable reason I didn't want to keep one in the chamber while carrying. It took some getting used to.

We just got our permits in Wisconsin so bulky clothes are the norm for us this time of year. Maybe in the summer time I'll notice more people carrying. Good luck seeing anything through my wool jacket, sweatshirt and t-shirt. Then again I still have yet to figure out a good plan because it's hard for me to get to it when I'm sitting in the car.

will let you know how it feels to CCW..............once we are free from bondage.

I felt real comfortable after I got my CCW permit.
Because I carried without it for over 20 years.
Many times I had to hike my jacket or shirt to expose my gun so I didn't have to worry about a concealed weapons charge.(OPEN CARRY WAS LEGAL)

I hear you, as I recently moved from California. Bud

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Bud

I don't wear a coat in the car, no matter how cold outside, that's what the heater is for. I have no problem geeting to at least one of my carry guns. I wear a .40 Sigma strong side in a Galco Cop 3 slot, and a Ruger LCR .357 cross draw. I can certainly get to the LCR with no problem! I also unbutton my cover shirt and untuck it from the seat belt when I get in.

As to how it felt once I got my CHP.... Well, I had been carrying for months prior and actually got used to making sure it was covered and that helped. I always wear a large cover shirt. Yes, some may realize why I wear an oversize shirt, but they can't see it so they just wonder. Now... After I started carrying it dawned on me why all my Brothers were wearing oversize untucked shirts, that was a DOH moment! So I guess prior to carrying I didn't give it a second thought! Now when we see eahc other we just do the eye contact confirmation that we are carrying, so we know who to count on if SHTF! Of course I always, always carry.... If I am awake, I am carrying!

Bob

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SW40VE AF
2000 rounds so far

I started in 1968 when I began my LEO career. The one piece of advise I wish someone had given me was: Start carrying around the house as much as possible. It will give you an idea of how to dress, how to carry and how inconvienient it can be. Your J frame is a great conceal carry gun and this Forum is packed w/good hints.

One more thing. Get a copy of Mass Ayoob's "Gravest Extreme." While a bit dated it provides a perspective few outside of law enforcement ever have.

Get ANYthing Ayoob wrote- the man is the premier expert on many issues. No, he's not related.

Compaired to what?

Like wearin long pants!

Best I recall kinda no different from carrying my pocket knife, a pair o' pliers or anyother tool.

Su Amigo,
Dave

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

I don't know if this has been touched on or not, but one thing the newbies might want to think about is where you carry any of your other "tools" while carrying concealed.

What I try to do is to wear my flashlight, if carried on my belt, or carry my pocket flashlight, cell phone etc. in a pocket easily accessible with my "non gun hand." Technically speaking both hands should be your gun hand, but if you're like me, one will be considered your "primary gun hand" and the other could be called, for this discussion, your "off hand."

If, for some reason, you had to pull your gun and keep it out, then call 911 you should be able to do so without reaching across your body, switching your gun to another hand etc.

I also apply the same rule when carrying any bags or packages out in public, or to & from my van at home so my gun hand is always free and available.

The only exception to this rule applies to my keys because they could serve other purposes. For years, prior to carrying concealed, I relied on them as a weapon and now they could also be used as a distraction if the right opportunity arose. This simply means that if anyone ever approached me with ill intent I may be able to drop, or toss them off to the side and draw their attention away from me for a second or two. It's just an option.

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Ogy

Things are so much easier now to conceal. 30 years ago when a LEO and poor, I carried my 28-2 tucked in the back of my pants under my shirt when off duty. Only gun I owned. A retired Atlanta PD friend of the family gave me a M36 and there wasn't anything known as a concealment holster then so I wore it in a leather holster that clipped on my belt. Later I'd tuck a Colt lightweight Commander in the back of my pants. Of course that was the days of tight jeans and long Tshirts.
Now its so easy to drop my P238 in my front pocket and forget about it. When dressed and not wanting the weight in my pants, it rides in a
Don Hume ankle rig and I can't really tell its there.

I'm going to have to check out that Don Hume. Bud

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Bud

Just wanted to add a note to ogilvy's good info. As you probably know you must have your permit with you any time you are carrying. I, and many others do this and it's something to think about. I am right-handed so my pistol is on my right side, so I keep my wallet- my permit- on my left side. This way if you're stopped by police, you can say "I have a concealed carry permit, my pistol is on my right hip and my permit in my left pocket. What would you like me to do officer?" Of course, this is with both hands on the steering wheel until he tells you otherwise.
I keep a photocopy of my drivers license and permit in a cheap little card wallet over my visor. Just in case I'm dumb enough to forget my wallet.

I was 28 years old at the time.

It felt like I was assuming a huge responsibility. It felt like I needed to be more reasonable, more careful, more courteous, more aware and more mature. It felt like I needed to think further ahead and make different choices than I might otherwise have made.

I hope it feels the same to you.

It felt heavy. It was nice to have my best friend in my M7/M9 shoulder holster. It took alittle getting used to.

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Just the opinion of a kid

For me, it just felt awesome. Waiting for the letter to come, I was thinking it might seem weird to walk around with a loaded weapon. But when it came, and I went to the DMV for my license, after it was all said and done, it felt natural. Never gave it another thought.

I never had the urge to tell anyone, even though I was excited about it. Just a little rewarding to feel that much free'r than I was before I had my permit.

I told myself, once I get it, I'll buy myself a little something in the way of a new pistol, but so far that hasn't happened.