I expect to receive my CCW permit within the next 3-4 weeks. I have neither military nor LEO experience, but fired a variety of handguns, rifles, and shotguns when I was younger, and have recently started shooting again.

I've never carried a loaded handgun in public before. While walking the dog this morning, I started to think about the first time that I'll actually strap on a handgun and tuck it under my shirt. I expect it's going to feel odd... for those of you who DO carry, did you also feel that way, and how long before that feeling faded?

I took a local group's handgun safety course to satisfy the VA state requirement, and will follow up with more in-depth courses to ensure I fully understand the ramifications of VA laws, etc. And I will continue to test fire various weapons until I figure out which is the best for me to carry. But, no matter what, I expect to feel just a little bit different the first time I wear a gun.