EDC comfort is often overlooked, made fun of and poo - poo'd. Sometimes people try in intimidate EDC-er's.

[HamBoneZ]

City folks are funny with their "summer dress". Here it's always jeans, cowboy boots, t shirt, short sleeve shirt, cowboy hat. Regardless of temp outside.

So going out fancy like means getting on the ostrich boots, long sleeve dress shirt with the cowboy tie, and the stetson, now that's fancy. Pinky out guys!
I bring out the shadow 2 or a Shiney colt to match while I sip my tea.

 

[45Smashemflat]

Due to extremes in weather, I do rotate what I carry. Also, my plans may drive a need to carry "more," meaning I dress around the load out.

Normal day, hot weather, that will be a J frame or 380 auto. As weather cools, and I can hide a larger gun, I'll change to a 5" 1911 or CZ P01. That said, if the situation is knowingly taking me into a more risky situation/location, I dress around a larger gun and extra ammo.

As the old infantry adage goes, "terrain dictates."

 

['79 Magnum GT]

Well I was born into it. There's a plan in place to live somewhere else August 2027. Already own the property. Met with builder that we're going with Saturday. Can't wait

Excellent!!!! I've lived in NY all my life. First in E. Irondequoit (just outside of Rochester) most of my life and then moving out to the country in 2001. NY is not my first choice but I'm staying. I don't like change and at 69 I like it even less. I applaud you, Bald1! Do what you need to do!
ps, keep a good look out for those ransom notes from Colorado

Rick

 

[smithman 10]

I certainly get your point but having been involved in an off duty shooting where my family was present, has a tendency to change one's philosophy on what and how you carry. At least it did for me. Had I not been carrying what I did may have changed the outcome for me and my family. I do not find it hard to dress around a full sized pistol and I don't wear clothing that is "stand outish" or wrong for the season. A good holster, of course, helps because I don't carry a pistol because it's comfortable. I carry one that I consider effective, from my point of reference, based on past experience as a cop and firearms examiner. Your mileage may vary, but mental comfort is more important to me than physical comfort, but the fact is, I don't notice any discomfort carrying a full sized (Commander) pistol. Folks have to do what is best for them and I certainly realize that and what works for me isn't a revelation. As the old saying goes, " the best gun for a gunfight is the one you have with you".

If you are willing I'm sure folks would like to hear more - trust you and family came out okay.

For some folks like myself, with some miles on us, most times I'm out it is just me. Or me and the dog taking a walk. Wife is semi-housebound and when we do step out it is usually for lunch nearby or some other relatively safe place.

If I were younger and it was the wife, son and myself I would think of carrying something more than a J-frame. I do get the point about mental comfort being as much or more important than mere physical comfort. Protecting the family and children is always the highest priority.

 

[majick47]

Observing the common handguns carried by many US civilians since 1900 I would say pocket size revolvers/pistols would be the most common. The S&W Chiefs Special and Colt Detective Special popularity continues today as they also fit the bill for practical LE off duty handguns. The modern versions of the Colt 1903/1908 should be included for those that choose pistols. Unless faced with unusual circumstances an N frame or 1911 is unlikely to be justified due to weight and size.

 

[Gryff]

If I were younger and it was the wife, son and myself I would think of carrying something more than a J-frame.

LOL. My wife carries also. I actually have worried (only a little) about getting in an argument with her over who engages first should the need ever arise.

 

[rug357]

I have been carrying concealed almost every days since 1988. I used to carry in church service when people thought that was crazy paranoia. I started with a model 38 Bodyguard in a Bruce Nelson IWB holster. I used to drive a lot back then so I added a second model 38 in a Galco ankle holster as it was faster to get it out than from IWB when I had the seat belt on. Finally I added a model 13 in the center consul as that was quick to access. A year or so later I didn't have to drive everyday so I decided to look for something a little larger and that's when I discovered H&K P7 pistol. I thought it was great pistol because most people didn't know how to operate this pistol...in case it got away from me. Few year later I moved on to larger pistols...various 1911, Hi-power, Glocks, CZ 75, etc. Most of the time people don't pay any attention to you so you don't have to try hard to conceal it. Most important thing is to practice and train with your carry gun and learn to draw from concealment. Shoot while moving and from concealment. Make training as realistic as possible.

 

[chief38]

No Way I'd even GO THERE. Been Southern by-choice for about 50 years, & recommend it.
I do feel your pain though.

We escaped 4 years ago and have not gone back - not even to visit! Most of my friends and relatives had moved out as well, but the few that remain always have an open invitation to come down and stay here with us for a week or so.

 

[chief38]

Excellent!!!! I've lived in NY all my life. First in E. Irondequoit (just outside of Rochester) most of my life and then moving out to the country in 2001. NY is not my first choice but I'm staying. I don't like change and at 69 I like it even less. I applaud you, Bald1! Do what you need to do!
ps, keep a good look out for those ransom notes from Colorado

Rick

I lived there all my life up until 4 years ago when we moved South. I don't have many regrets over my lifetime however one I do is that we did not move out sooner! I have not felt comfortable living there in 40 years but I owned my own businesses and was not in the position to move then. I retired at 55 (17 years ago) and should have busted out way sooner - it took me many years to convince my wife! Finally she agreed to get out and I now realize I should have pushed harder earlier on. What a different world it is down here!

Well, after living in NY for 68 years and now living in FL for 4 years I can tell you there is such a drastic difference even I had a hard time believing it for quite a while. Not just the gun laws (which are polar opposite), just life in general, people, attitudes and beliefs. NY is a "Nanny State", FL will let people make many of their own lifestyle decisions - I guess you could call it common sense decisions. After moving here and meeting many many people and neighbors from around the Country I have found out NY is not unique. We have many here from MN, WI, PA, IL, and even some from VA, CT and MA. They are just like NY we have come to realize - restrictive, Nanny States. We are happy to be here and no looking back! The only thing I miss about NY is sitting around my fire place in the crisp Fall, Pheasant hunting, snow around Christmas time and of course some of my favorite restaurants - but I am getting over that the longer we live here. Our Winters here are magnificent in their own right and I must say I don't miss my snow thrower - lol! Although it's harder to find really high quality restaurants here, we have been fairly successful.

I could sit here and tell you about some of the stupid, ridiculous laws, rules and regulations in NY but half here would simply not believe them! I wouldn't have either had I not lived there most of my life! Stupid has now caught up with NY and many have now seen the light!

 

[Bald1]

City folks are funny with their "summer dress". Here it's always jeans, cowboy boots, t shirt, short sleeve shirt, cowboy hat. Regardless of temp outside.

So going out fancy like means getting on the ostrich boots, long sleeve dress shirt with the cowboy tie, and the stetson, now that's fancy. Pinky out guys!
I bring out the shadow 2 or a Shiney colt to match while I sip my tea.

For me it's more to do with climate than rural vs suburban vs urban. 90 in summer. -10 in winter. That changes things

 

['79 Magnum GT]

For me it's more to do with climate than rural vs suburban vs urban. 90 in summer. -10 in winter. That changes things

OOOO!!!! That it does! I'll take the 90's over the negatives any day of the week. I hate cold and snow but I don't seam to mind it quite as much since I moved out into the country and even a bit less since I retired.

Rick

 

['79 Magnum GT]

I lived there all my life up until 4 years ago when we moved South. I don't have many regrets over my lifetime however one I do is that we did not move out sooner! I have not felt comfortable living there in 40 years but I owned my own businesses and was not in the position to move then. I retired at 55 (17 years ago) and should have busted out way sooner - it took me many years to convince my wife! Finally she agreed to get out and I now realize I should have pushed harder earlier on. What a different world it is down here!

Well, after living in NY for 68 years and now living in FL for 4 years I can tell you there is such a drastic difference even I had a hard time believing it for quite a while. Not just the gun laws (which are polar opposite), just life in general, people, attitudes and beliefs. NY is a "Nanny State", FL will let people make many of their own lifestyle decisions - I guess you could call it common sense decisions. After moving here and meeting many many people and neighbors from around the Country I have found out NY is not unique. We have many here from MN, WI, PA, IL, and even some from VA, CT and MA. They are just like NY we have come to realize - restrictive, Nanny States. We are happy to be here and no looking back! The only thing I miss about NY is sitting around my fire place in the crisp Fall, Pheasant hunting, snow around Christmas time and of course some of my favorite restaurants - but I am getting over that the longer we live here. Our Winters here are magnificent in their own right and I must say I don't miss my snow thrower - lol! Although it's harder to find really high quality restaurants here, we have been fairly successful.

I could sit here and tell you about some of the stupid, ridiculous laws, rules and regulations in NY but half here would simply not believe them! I wouldn't have either had I not lived there most of my life! Stupid has now caught up with NY and many have now seen the light!

Chief, can I ask where abouts in NY you lived?

Rick

 

[Norton 750]

I have to admit it is getting easier to carry with modern materials and designs. Look at these photos comparing my 1911 to a modern SIG P365 XL. With a proper holster and belt, the SIG basically vanishes, both in terms of spotting it and wearing it. I still shoot the 1911 better, but I shoot the SIG "close enough" to the 1911 and it does carry SO easy. The SIG is my city gun. With the same downward swipe safety to fire as my 1911. Muscle memory matters.

 

[Bald1]

I lived there all my life up until 4 years ago when we moved South. I don't have many regrets over my lifetime however one I do is that we did not move out sooner! I have not felt comfortable living there in 40 years but I owned my own businesses and was not in the position to move then. I retired at 55 (17 years ago) and should have busted out way sooner - it took me many years to convince my wife! Finally she agreed to get out and I now realize I should have pushed harder earlier on. What a different world it is down here!

Well, after living in NY for 68 years and now living in FL for 4 years I can tell you there is such a drastic difference even I had a hard time believing it for quite a while. Not just the gun laws (which are polar opposite), just life in general, people, attitudes and beliefs. NY is a "Nanny State", FL will let people make many of their own lifestyle decisions - I guess you could call it common sense decisions. After moving here and meeting many many people and neighbors from around the Country I have found out NY is not unique. We have many here from MN, WI, PA, IL, and even some from VA, CT and MA. They are just like NY we have come to realize - restrictive, Nanny States. We are happy to be here and no looking back! The only thing I miss about NY is sitting around my fire place in the crisp Fall, Pheasant hunting, snow around Christmas time and of course some of my favorite restaurants - but I am getting over that the longer we live here. Our Winters here are magnificent in their own right and I must say I don't miss my snow thrower - lol! Although it's harder to find really high quality restaurants here, we have been fairly successful.

I could sit here and tell you about some of the stupid, ridiculous laws, rules and regulations in NY but half here would simply not believe them! I wouldn't have either had I not lived there most of my life! Stupid has now caught up with NY and many have now seen the light!

Chief you took ALL the words right out of my mouth. While I live in western NY (Buffalo area) not NYC area, the state has always been bad. But in the last decade it has gone completely bonkers. Like you we have a place in SWF. (Naples/Marco Island area). We'll spend 4-5 months there and the rest of the yr on top of a mountain in WVa. My wife and I have a few favorite restaurants here. But Marco Island has some of the best I've been too. From steak at Marco Prime to lobster rolls at Gypsy Cafe. Not to mention the Snook Inn. And if I'm craving pizza. Joeys has got me covered.

 

[sousana]

I'm frequently razzed about not carrying Enough Gun. I don't care - I'm NOT wealthy - can't think of any enemies - I don't argue or wisecrack, & I will walk away from trouble. I could always carry bigger - if I thought it necessary.
I don't even carry often, living in low crime area ( North Georgia Mountains )
my favorite Concealed Carry option photos.

You carry what your comfortable with, to he'll what others say. The ONLY opinions that count are immediate family. That said, I got my cwp in Virginia back in the mid 80s when you had to go before a judge and justify it. Started carrying a Colt 1911, that same Colt is still in my rotation, these days I carry a full size in a galco shoulder and officers model in ankle holster. 2 spare mags under opposite shoulder and two on left hip, all 4 Pachmyer 8rd or Remington 7rd mags. Only my wife and the hospital administrator knows I carry, and him because I needed permission to bring it onto hospital property. Before heading to the ER, I drop it off in the security office. Here in VA. You are not required to disclose your carrying to LEOs unless asked, as to entering a business that's posted? Not against the law here, the merchant, IF THEY FIND OUT, can have you trespassed, that's it. 40yrs concealed no one's found out. If a cow chooses a Beretta 84f then that's his/her choice. It's not the gun that counts, it's shot placement. At the gunshot not long ago, a young show off came in showing off his concealed weapon, a desert eagle 50. Said nothing but the owner had the same look on his face as I did.

 

[HamBoneZ]

For me it's more to do with climate than rural vs suburban vs urban. 90 in summer. -10 in winter. That changes things

Working outside on the poultry farm or any farm for that matter you don't have a choice really. Your animals/ crops depend on what you do everyday. You need durable clothing while you work regardless of temps. Construction workers, road workers, that clothing protects you in that heat. My son still learning this lesson as he will work in shorts and no shirt but will complain if he gets sun burn, poison ivy, etc...
i always have a undershirt on and a sweat guard on the holster, if you don't.... well that's a blister real quick. Thankfully I've only had to draw a handful of times in the past 5 years on the 4 legged variety.
Anyway just got my turkey coup painted yesterday, got to work on putting perm fence up after the rain today.

 

[chief38]

Chief, can I ask where abouts in NY you lived?

Rick

Suffolk County, LI

 

['79 Magnum GT]

Suffolk County, LI

Ahh, ok. Thanks

Rick

 

[jmorris]

Well written!

I choose my carry based on what I am wearing on any particular day, and many days that might mean carrying a .380 in a pocket holster of some sort (I use a different one for front versus back pocket or suit pocket). If I am dressed more casually, carrying a larger 9mm IWB works just fine. And if it is winter and I'm wearing an untucked shirt or coat, I've been known to carry a full size pistol OWB. But I am not going to try and carry that same full sized firearm in all situations.

 

[Smoke]

If it is too much of a hassle to throw it on for a quick trip out to the grocery store, it is the wrong gun.

When I get dressed in the morning I put my gun on. When I switch to house clothes after dinner I take it off.

You need a gun that will get you through an encounter with a mugger.

This has got me through more encounters with muggers than any gun I ever carried