Are CCW License holders more aware of others who CC?

[AC_32]

I went by Bud's Gun Shop recently, & noticed myself evaluating others who conceal carry. Quickly noticing they were carrying. Mind you, I was at a gun range so it was easier. It got me thinking though....

I've been trying to figure out pocket carry for my 638 for some time now. I can't seem to find the best pocket carry method for me. Is this because I'm more self-concious of carrying a firearm & tend to notice others who do? I'm wondering if I'm over thinking my pocket holster, printing more than it actually is.

What do you think? Currently, I utilize an Uncle Mike's #3 for pocket carry, but still feel that it prints easily in khakis.

 

[sipowicz]

Absolutely...I went to Knotts berry farm last month with a friend of mine and our boys for police and fire day...all first responders and a guest got in free...so I pointed out all the cops to him...he was amazed at how easily I spotted the cops...not just because of their guns printing or their fanny packs, but their type of shirts (oversized button downs) and the general way they carried themselves...

 

[GTbob]

Absolutely.... once I started carrying it was like the light bulb went off.... OH, that's why he dresses that way sort of thing!

 

[DesertZig]

I find this all sort of ironic. I only started CCW a couple of years ago and now CCW whenever I can. Prior to that I shot mostly at the range and open carried while camping, hiking, backpacking, etc. So, I was not even aware of CCW dress techniques. Nonetheless, I still used a waist pack (because I hate things in my pants pockets), wore hiking vests (Columbia or REI type things for the same reason), and wore larger than necessary Aloha shirts because I like the shirts and just like loose fitting clothes. So, I apparently was dressing for CCW even before I knew there was such a thing. I wonder how many thought I was carrying when I wasn't?

 

[venomballistics]

Ive played the age old game of "is he packin'" long before the days of legal CCW.
"if im packin, who else is?" is a natural question

 

[Bud11]

Desantis Nemesis gives a little better cover than the Uncle Mike's. Have both and each are better in certain circumstances. Desantis is a little thicker and wider.

 

[rilkil23]

How long have you been carrying? Took me a couple months to "forget" about having a gun on my person. I have experimented with multiple guns and carry styles to finally realize that no one is concerned with what I have going on in my belt or my pocket. My 637 rides in my front pocket and seems to hide very well.

 

[AC_32]

I've been carrying for about 2.5 years now. My work involves a lot of sitting, but not behind a desk. I primarily carry in a Galco Ankle Glove. Ive had trouble getting past my 638, & on occasion my LCP, printing while sitting.

 

[G.T. Smith]

I think I was more aware of others carrying concealed for a little while. I never could really tell. I live in a very sparsely populated area and there probably ain't very many folks that CCW. With all the baggage that people have on them these days it would be hard to tell the difference between a weapon and a large electronic device. I used to carry a Raven .25 auto in a little case made for a Sony camera, so I gave up even looking to see if someone else is packing.
Peace,
gordon

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

I wear my shirts untucked more often than not... my M60 rides in my left rear jeans pocket in an Uncle Mike's holster... sometimes without the holster. The hawaiin print shirts work well, too. It's fun people watchin and seeing which ones may be carrying. Ah... ain't this a grand country?

 

[thndrchiken]

I think it's more to the point that you are more aware of how printing looks and recognize it on others. I know myself that I am more aware of who is and isn't carrying when I'm out and about. Like Sip said, he is able to spot things by general body language more readily than most others would. It's conditioning, if you know what to look for, you see it more often. I had it happen to me in the supermarket, in the checkout line the guy in front of me was printing slightly and apparently so was I. We caught each other noticing it about the same time, gave a chuckle and a nod and all was cool.

 

[oldman45]

The good thing about open carry is you know who is carrying right away. The bad thing about concealed carry is there is little way of knowing who is carrying , the good guy or the bad guy.

 

[photoman]

I notice two yesterday at church yesterday. Many that CCW don't take it very serious and do a poor job of truly concealing.

 

[GRP17]

With cell phones holsters and the size with the blackberries and smart phones it can be a little deceiving. That print or bulge can be a gun or it might not be.

 

[Catalysis]

I'm wondering if I'm over thinking my pocket holster, printing more than it actually is.

Ugh I HATE that. Everytime me and the girlfriend get ready to go out to dinner or a friend's house, I'm usually the last one ready. I must repeat "How about now?" while turning complete circles about 15 times each time, making sure I'm not printing.

I've found a semi-fix to this in my personal wardrobe. For cooler/cold weather I wear jeans or cargo pants, whatever shirt, and a Carhartt jacket that is really tough and rigid. I carry my M&P.40 in a Raven Concealment holster OWB at about 4 o'clock, with the jacket covering it.

For my .38 snubby airweight, I either carry it in a Blackhawk Serpa at the same 4 o'clock OWB or in the inside jacket pocket, without any holster (I'm one of those who are confident that 12 lbs triggers don't like to AD). The way the jacket is made really breaks up any bulk or outline. I carry two speedloaders, or one magazine, on my reaction side belt. It took me over a year to find this setup.

But now my issue is how to carry in the sweltering summer heat! I may just stay indoors

 

[Catalysis]

I have experimented with multiple guns and carry styles to finally realize that no one is concerned with what I have going on in my belt or my pocket.

That's pretty much what I recently realized. The general mass of society is so plugged into their own stuff whether it be headphones, a cell phone, etc that they're completely oblivious. And as long as you're not blatantly printing/brandishing, an officer isn't going to detain you over a bulge in your jacket or for having your hands in your pockets the entire time you're waiting to be seated at a restaurant.

 

[GunsOfMassEffect]

I am an officer, and I carry my off duty weapon all the time in various situtations, and I wear many different types of clothing and if you don't know me personally you would never know that I am carrying whatsoever, or even the fact that I am an officer, so clothing has nothing to do with carrying a weapon of any kind, you just need to experiment with what works best for you when carrying in a CCW capacity. I sometimes carry my fullsize duty weapon M&P 9mm, badge, flashlight, knife and a pair of handcuffs, wearing jackets, hoodies, polo shirts, suit clothing, and even summer clothing ie shorts, polo or T shirts. and my weapon or any other gear I carry ever prints. Good luck on finding what works for you.

 

[beemerrider]

Pocket carry for your 638

I too have a 638 and like it a lot, the biggest factor being I can shoot it single action if I really need to. It's also accurate and very reliable, with manageable recoil. I use Federal .38 Hydrashoks. I've had a Kramer pocket holster for about 15 years and like it the best of any I've tried. it's design doesn't shout "Gun"; it looks like you've got your wallet in your front pocket, and I have never had the holster come out with the gun; a most disconcerting event I'd imagine. Mine is made of horsehide, which lasts forever. Kramer is in Tacoma WA and they have a great selection of holsters and a nice web site.
Check them out; I'm confident you'll like them.