I have a concealed carry permit but not sure what's the best way. Do I have a round in the chamber ready to go, or do I only load that chamber if needed. I have a M&P 380 EZ. I worry about accidental discharge or if I should be stopped in my car for a violation & I don't want to cause undo alarm with the officer. I don't carry much at all so I am having trouble getting use to the idea of a chambered round, but on the other hand, not having a chambered round can be a major problem in the event of an actual threat situation. MY carry preference is holster OWB. Any opinions are welcome. Thank you.
Nervous about Concealed carry
- Thread starter Green855
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I have a concealed carry permit but not sure what's the best way. Do I have a round in the chamber ready to go, or do I only load that chamber if needed. I have a M&P 380 EZ. I worry about accidental discharge or if I should be stopped in my car for a violation & I don't want to cause undo alarm with the officer. I don't carry much at all so I am having trouble getting use to the idea of a chambered round, but on the other hand, not having a chambered round can be a major problem in the event of an actual threat situation. MY carry preference is holster OWB. Any opinions are welcome. Thank you.
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Do not know where you live but with those questions you should find a good local instructor and take some courses.
You can check in at gun clubs and gun stores and they will help you find experienced teachers!
You can check in at gun clubs and gun stores and they will help you find experienced teachers!
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
First, a good holster that covers the trigger, and care in holstering will avoid accidental/negligent discharge.
Ideally, chambered is the way to go for self-defense, but nervousness is natural at first, so carry whichever way your comfortable. It may not take long for you to develop more confidence, and in the meantime, your unlikely to find it necessary to use it.
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blues7
Member
NYLakesider is correct.
You should avail yourself of some training, and in the meantime do a bunch of reading on the topic of concealed carry, and familiarize yourself with your weapon via handling, dry fire, holstering / un-holstering in a safe environment, with a completely empty firearm and no ammo in the same room.
It is normal to feel a bit uncertain when you start out...but you'll soon be able to put that in the rear view mirror.
Once you are comfortable and adept, I would recommend carrying your firearm with a round chambered. Under the worst of circumstances, you might not have the opportunity to do so.
You should avail yourself of some training, and in the meantime do a bunch of reading on the topic of concealed carry, and familiarize yourself with your weapon via handling, dry fire, holstering / un-holstering in a safe environment, with a completely empty firearm and no ammo in the same room.
It is normal to feel a bit uncertain when you start out...but you'll soon be able to put that in the rear view mirror.
Once you are comfortable and adept, I would recommend carrying your firearm with a round chambered. Under the worst of circumstances, you might not have the opportunity to do so.
My preference is to have a round chambered. If I need it, I am probably going to need it on very short notice, so I want my pistol ready to go when I draw. But I have been carrying concealed since 1964, so I have no issues of familiarity or discomfort with a chambered round.
So, let's get back to basics; the need for training, drilling, and practice. Since you are uncomfortable carrying with a chambered round, the immediate need is for getting completely up to speed on safety procedures. These rules are intentionally redundant, in the hope that violating one rule will be offset by compliance with others, so that a potential disaster is avoided.
In my teaching, the one I most emphasized was keeping the finger off the trigger (and thus outside the trigger guard) until ready to shoot. This is a tough one when the adrenaline is pumping. Countless shooters have wounded themselves because they violated this rule when drawing. The natural inclination, when grasping a handgun, is to close the entire hand, but if the forefinger is on the trigger a discharge will result. This happens even when there is no stress, except perhaps from the clock. This habit can be trained out, and it is critical. If the trigger finger is alongside the slide when drawing, it can't close.
From there the student needs to be taught the fundamentals of shooting, including (among other things) target acquisition and trigger control, all the while being constantly reminded of the safety rules, and the need to always maintain presence of mind. These can be tough lessons, but they are necessary. This is the training element, because this is where the the most learning takes place.
Once the student has grasped these fundamentals, the next step is to practice them, thus reinforcing them, under the supervision and coaching of the trainer(s). This is the drilling element. But the student is still learning, because learning should never end.
The last step, which never ceases, is independent practice doing these same drills. Practice has to be accompanied by self-discipline. This is not recreational plinking; each shot must fired in pursuit of the objective of using the firearm in a defensive situation.
This can be a long road. The sooner you start the sooner you will get to your destination.
So, let's get back to basics; the need for training, drilling, and practice. Since you are uncomfortable carrying with a chambered round, the immediate need is for getting completely up to speed on safety procedures. These rules are intentionally redundant, in the hope that violating one rule will be offset by compliance with others, so that a potential disaster is avoided.
In my teaching, the one I most emphasized was keeping the finger off the trigger (and thus outside the trigger guard) until ready to shoot. This is a tough one when the adrenaline is pumping. Countless shooters have wounded themselves because they violated this rule when drawing. The natural inclination, when grasping a handgun, is to close the entire hand, but if the forefinger is on the trigger a discharge will result. This happens even when there is no stress, except perhaps from the clock. This habit can be trained out, and it is critical. If the trigger finger is alongside the slide when drawing, it can't close.
From there the student needs to be taught the fundamentals of shooting, including (among other things) target acquisition and trigger control, all the while being constantly reminded of the safety rules, and the need to always maintain presence of mind. These can be tough lessons, but they are necessary. This is the training element, because this is where the the most learning takes place.
Once the student has grasped these fundamentals, the next step is to practice them, thus reinforcing them, under the supervision and coaching of the trainer(s). This is the drilling element. But the student is still learning, because learning should never end.
The last step, which never ceases, is independent practice doing these same drills. Practice has to be accompanied by self-discipline. This is not recreational plinking; each shot must fired in pursuit of the objective of using the firearm in a defensive situation.
This can be a long road. The sooner you start the sooner you will get to your destination.
You should have SIX rounds chambered, in a simpler gun. And you should still take a course and learn the rules, and practice them.
1sailor
Member
I've been stopped twice while carrying. Both times I informed the officer I was legally carrying and both times they really didn't care. One asked what I was carrying and that was about it. Bare in mind that if you rarely carry it is likely you will eventually stop carrying all together.
Training and practice and total familiarity with your firearm are the three keys and from what I read above you have been told this so, as we say, get-r-dun!
For the inexperienced concealed carrier, a pistol without a round chambered is a club. Jus' sayin'....
For the inexperienced concealed carrier, a pistol without a round chambered is a club. Jus' sayin'....
John Patrick
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I hope this helps:
Chamber your round, insert the magazine, holster the gun and then place your holster on your belt. Once the trigger is protected by the holster the pistol is safe.
If you feel the need, and in conformity with your state’s regulations, inform the officer stopping you that you are legally carrying a concealed weapon and that you have the appropriate license. Do this with your hands on the wheel or otherwise not in a position to draw the weapon.
Chamber your round, insert the magazine, holster the gun and then place your holster on your belt. Once the trigger is protected by the holster the pistol is safe.
If you feel the need, and in conformity with your state’s regulations, inform the officer stopping you that you are legally carrying a concealed weapon and that you have the appropriate license. Do this with your hands on the wheel or otherwise not in a position to draw the weapon.
BrovoEchoSierra
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easier as time goes by
You will get more comfortable with CCW as time goes on, or at least I know that I did.
Not very many who carry will endorse carrying a gun without a round in the chamber.
If you ever need it, chances are you wont remember to rack the slide or have the time to do so.
So, a revolver may be the way to go for you, but they are thicker, and harder to hide.
When I got my permit and a new M&P shield, I too was worried about accidental discharge.
As was already mentioned, a quality holster that covers the trigger is the first step.
All I can tell you is to do whatever is comfortable for you, and hope for the best.
There were many things that I had to warm up to when I started packing a gun, on an every day basis.
I had to become comfortable with safely handling a gun every morning and night, and to properly store it when I took it off, for the day.
I had to be aware of the fact that I was packing, that there were places, that I could not take it, and to never forget where those places were.
One of the hardest things I had to get comfortable with, was bringing a gun into our Church, or to some ones home. It just felt awkward, and uncomfortable.
Over the last 12 or so years, a gun has became part of my daily attire, like my pocket knife and my wallet, and I dress around the gun.
My state is very gun friendly, and our law does not make it a penalty if our guns shows or prints. That said, I have got comfortable with the fact that once in a while it might show.
The one thing that I never have became relaxed on is safety. Its a real burden to be responsible for a gun every day, and I wish the world was safe enough that I did not feel the need to carry a gun.
Lots of luck to you, and remember that an empty gun is not even as good as a club...
You will get more comfortable with CCW as time goes on, or at least I know that I did.
Not very many who carry will endorse carrying a gun without a round in the chamber.
If you ever need it, chances are you wont remember to rack the slide or have the time to do so.
So, a revolver may be the way to go for you, but they are thicker, and harder to hide.
When I got my permit and a new M&P shield, I too was worried about accidental discharge.
As was already mentioned, a quality holster that covers the trigger is the first step.
All I can tell you is to do whatever is comfortable for you, and hope for the best.
There were many things that I had to warm up to when I started packing a gun, on an every day basis.
I had to become comfortable with safely handling a gun every morning and night, and to properly store it when I took it off, for the day.
I had to be aware of the fact that I was packing, that there were places, that I could not take it, and to never forget where those places were.
One of the hardest things I had to get comfortable with, was bringing a gun into our Church, or to some ones home. It just felt awkward, and uncomfortable.
Over the last 12 or so years, a gun has became part of my daily attire, like my pocket knife and my wallet, and I dress around the gun.
My state is very gun friendly, and our law does not make it a penalty if our guns shows or prints. That said, I have got comfortable with the fact that once in a while it might show.
The one thing that I never have became relaxed on is safety. Its a real burden to be responsible for a gun every day, and I wish the world was safe enough that I did not feel the need to carry a gun.
Lots of luck to you, and remember that an empty gun is not even as good as a club...
The part of the OP that really concerns me is the third sentence where the OP is apparently worried about a traffic stop.
IF you are stopped (patrol vehicle behind you with flashing lights) by LE, do the following:
If you can't pull over safely where you are, turn on your 4 way flashers to let them know you're aware they're back there and proceed to a place where it's safe to pull over. If you're approaching an LE check point (looking for impaired drivers), you can skip this.
Lower the drivers side window, if it's dark, turn on the interior lights, turn the sound system down or off and place both hands on the wheel and keep them there. Be polite.
Inform the officer about being lawfully armed-especially if you don't wear your wallet where you can get to it without flashing your gun-which you should do. Follow their instructions. If you keep your registration/insurance paperwork in the glove box, NEVER keep a gun there. Advise them if you have to reach there and ask for permission to do so.
DO NOT start a frantic search for your registration/insurance, license etc. while the officers are behind or approaching you. It looks an awful lot like someone hiding contraband or reaching for a gun. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT get your gun out or wave it around to show it to them! People have been justifiably shot for that sort of thing.
IF you are stopped (patrol vehicle behind you with flashing lights) by LE, do the following:
If you can't pull over safely where you are, turn on your 4 way flashers to let them know you're aware they're back there and proceed to a place where it's safe to pull over. If you're approaching an LE check point (looking for impaired drivers), you can skip this.
Lower the drivers side window, if it's dark, turn on the interior lights, turn the sound system down or off and place both hands on the wheel and keep them there. Be polite.
Inform the officer about being lawfully armed-especially if you don't wear your wallet where you can get to it without flashing your gun-which you should do. Follow their instructions. If you keep your registration/insurance paperwork in the glove box, NEVER keep a gun there. Advise them if you have to reach there and ask for permission to do so.
DO NOT start a frantic search for your registration/insurance, license etc. while the officers are behind or approaching you. It looks an awful lot like someone hiding contraband or reaching for a gun. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT get your gun out or wave it around to show it to them! People have been justifiably shot for that sort of thing.
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Lee in Quartzsite
Member
A few questions
1. What State are you residing in?
2. Are you familiar with your State's gun laws"
3. Have you applied for a Concealed Carry Permit?
4. Have you had any formal training?
It take awhile to feel comfortable carrying. There is nothing that can help more than professional training as well asking lots of questions..
1. What State are you residing in?
2. Are you familiar with your State's gun laws"
3. Have you applied for a Concealed Carry Permit?
4. Have you had any formal training?
It take awhile to feel comfortable carrying. There is nothing that can help more than professional training as well asking lots of questions..
I've been stopped exactly once with a concealed weapon. The officer was clearly paying attention as I removed my driver license from my money clip, because he saw (and recognized) my carry permit underneath. He asked if I had a gun with me, and responded to my affirmative response and my offer to show it to him by declining the offer-----"No problem, I don't need to see it."
Actually there was a problem---the 73 mph in a 55 mph zone cost $270----never mind I was simply keeping up with the surrounding traffic. Oh well----------
Ralph Tremaine
Actually there was a problem---the 73 mph in a 55 mph zone cost $270----never mind I was simply keeping up with the surrounding traffic. Oh well----------
Ralph Tremaine
I have not been stopped by a police officer in a very long time but I admit it used to be a somewhat frequent occurrence. I guess I drive better now (read slower). Only once did an LEO ask to see the pistol and that was in the early days of Texas concealed carry, wherein he asked me to step out of the car, LITERALLY assume the famous position (first and only time ever!), and he retrieved the weapon and tossed it into the car. As I was headed to a cowboy action match I revealed that behind me I had four more guns in the truck and that started a gun show right there on the highway. He had a great time! 
Then there was the time when I did the required thing and handed my driver's license over and my CHL and the officer said, "I don't need to see that. Every car in this town has a gun in it!".
So, to reiterate:
Absolutely.
Follow the advice above and GET TRAINING!!!!!!!!!
First, as a general rule, they do not care. Second, you're probably required to show the permit so show it and keep your mouth shut. It's the LEO's job to ask questions, not for you to blabbermouth like a child. Third, go back up above and read what someone wrote about behavior when stopped by police while you're driving. Read it. Read it again. Memorize it. Read it again because you didn't memorize it yet. Now you've got it.
Get used to it. Get training. You drive a 5000 pound lethal weapon every day. You got used to it after you were trained to drive. Same thing.
Then there was the time when I did the required thing and handed my driver's license over and my CHL and the officer said, "I don't need to see that. Every car in this town has a gun in it!".
So, to reiterate:
Absolutely.
Follow the advice above and GET TRAINING!!!!!!!!!
First, as a general rule, they do not care. Second, you're probably required to show the permit so show it and keep your mouth shut. It's the LEO's job to ask questions, not for you to blabbermouth like a child. Third, go back up above and read what someone wrote about behavior when stopped by police while you're driving. Read it. Read it again. Memorize it. Read it again because you didn't memorize it yet. Now you've got it.
Get used to it. Get training. You drive a 5000 pound lethal weapon every day. You got used to it after you were trained to drive. Same thing.
luvsmiths
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Get a revolver.
Lots of good advice, Green855.
I agree with carrying your EZ with a round in the chamber. A lot of accidental discharges happen when folks are re-holstering, so be really careful and take your time when doing this. Be sure you have a good holster that covers the trigger and keep your finger off the trigger. You should be good to go.
By the way, don't feel badly that you are not an expert at this point. Especially if you are totally new to firearms, it takes a while to get comfortable. Hang in there.
I agree with carrying your EZ with a round in the chamber. A lot of accidental discharges happen when folks are re-holstering, so be really careful and take your time when doing this. Be sure you have a good holster that covers the trigger and keep your finger off the trigger. You should be good to go.
By the way, don't feel badly that you are not an expert at this point. Especially if you are totally new to firearms, it takes a while to get comfortable. Hang in there.
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It’s been a long time, but I still remember how nervous and self-conscious I felt when I first started concealed carry. Partly because I stopped carrying and am in the process of getting back in the habit of making it normal again.
My first suggestion is to carry an unloaded gun around your house. Get used to it - how it feels when you’re walking around, sitting down, standing up, etc. Go to the bathroom with it (no I’m not joking) and figure out how you would deal with needing to use a public toilet. Then try a loaded magazine but gun in Condition 3 (empty chamber). The weight will be different so you need to get used to it. If possible, have someone else watch as you squat down to pick something off the floor and you stretch to get something off the top shelf. No - not that hand - use the other one. (You’ll understand after you try it.)
Get some training. 1 on 1 if at all possible. Carrying a firearm is a huge responsibility, and it is our duty to do it safely.
Expect that you’ll be nervous at first. You will think everyone knows you have a gun. They don’t. They are oblivious and don’t care anyway.
Oh and don’t carry a gun unless it is ready to deploy NOW. Otherwise you will be a danger to yourself and others around you.
I sincerely hope that helps.
Chip
My first suggestion is to carry an unloaded gun around your house. Get used to it - how it feels when you’re walking around, sitting down, standing up, etc. Go to the bathroom with it (no I’m not joking) and figure out how you would deal with needing to use a public toilet. Then try a loaded magazine but gun in Condition 3 (empty chamber). The weight will be different so you need to get used to it. If possible, have someone else watch as you squat down to pick something off the floor and you stretch to get something off the top shelf. No - not that hand - use the other one. (You’ll understand after you try it.)
Get some training. 1 on 1 if at all possible. Carrying a firearm is a huge responsibility, and it is our duty to do it safely.
Expect that you’ll be nervous at first. You will think everyone knows you have a gun. They don’t. They are oblivious and don’t care anyway.
Oh and don’t carry a gun unless it is ready to deploy NOW. Otherwise you will be a danger to yourself and others around you.
I sincerely hope that helps.
Chip
flintsghost
Member
A pistol without a round in the chamber is a large non aerodynamic brick that is very inefficient for it's intended purpose. If you are afraid of your weapon to the point of not putting a round in the chamber then you are better off leaving it at home and not carrying at all. However, the alternative is to spend lots of time at a range, take some classes and get used to it and accustomed to it. Then you won't be afraid of it.
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