How did it feel when you first started carrying?

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. ;)
 
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 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

Fat B said:
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.
Click to expand...
 
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.
 
Bud11 said:
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?
Click to expand...



Compaired to what?

Like wearin long pants! :D

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

Su Amigo,
Dave
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
Click to expand...

I'm going to have to check out that Don Hume. 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.
 
Bud11 said:
How did everyone feel when they first started carrying? Take a while to get used to it or no problem at all?
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
Just got a phone message today saying my permit is ready to picked up. Guess I'll know soon how it feels to carry. Will let you know how it goes. Bud
 
What are you waiting for?! When they called me she said I could pick it anytime...blah, blah, blah..... I said I will be there in an hour!!!!

Bob

Bud11 said:
Just got a phone message today saying my permit is ready to picked up. Guess I'll know soon how it feels to carry. Will let you know how it goes. Bud
Click to expand...
 
I agree with pretty much everything said above. I felt like everyone could see it until I stood in front of a full length mirror in my bathroom and turned this way and that and realized it really was invisible.

Two thumbs up on the tip to keep your hands off it. If you're not fiddling with it, then nobody will notice.

Practical tips: Take care and think ahead:

Don't just plop down in a seat and then hear the thud of your CCW banging the seat back. Do sit smoothly and then lean back so that the grip doesn't hit.

Don't forget to notice if it's windy out and have a gust blow your cover shirt up. Do turn slightly or put your hand in your pocket as you walk to subtly pin your shirt down from flapping. Just look natural.

Bathrooms are probably one of the biggest things to plan for. Don't use the urinals. Go into a stall. Make sure the door is locked. CAREFULLY ensure your weapon is safe from falling out and clattering on the floor!!! I do not using a thumb break holster. I discovered at home that it WILL fall out if you just drop your drawers and sit down. Thankfully I discovered this in the privacy and safety of my own home. (It's also good that it was my Sigma and is completely drop safe). Since then, when I'm out, I always draw my weapon and place it where it will be 100% safe while I complete my business. Almost every stall has some flat on the toilet back, or on the paper holder. Or I use my lap. Be sure to safe it! After you are done, take care re-holstering and don't open the door until you are safe and your clothes are all in position. Take your time and use caution. You will read a story about a cop or citizen accidentally dropping their gun or shooting it by accident in a restroom a few times a year. That's because it is the only time all day that your weapon is dislodged. The other thing, even if your holster is a retention style, you don't want it flopping on the floor with your pants and either making a distinctive sound of metal or (especially) you don't want it visible underneath the stall. Just be careful and think ahead.

Also, watch for kids. Their eye level is pretty low and they can see up at you... That means they might see under your shirt/jacket from below, especially if you are going up stairs.

Good luck!
 
GTbob said:
What are you waiting for?! When they called me she said I could pick it anytime...blah, blah, blah..... I said I will be there in an hour!!!!

Bob
Click to expand...

I hear you Bob. Got the phone message while in Texas, so will be there bright and early this morning to pick it up.
 
This is all really great advice. Stuff I do and take for granted. Never thought to put it down into words quite like that.

Thanks for the great post!

bitstream said:
I agree with pretty much everything said above. I felt like everyone could see it until I stood in front of a full length mirror in my bathroom and turned this way and that and realized it really was invisible.

Two thumbs up on the tip to keep your hands off it. If you're not fiddling with it, then nobody will notice.

Practical tips: Take care and think ahead:

Don't just plop down in a seat and then hear the thud of your CCW banging the seat back. Do sit smoothly and then lean back so that the grip doesn't hit.

Don't forget to notice if it's windy out and have a gust blow your cover shirt up. Do turn slightly or put your hand in your pocket as you walk to subtly pin your shirt down from flapping. Just look natural.

Bathrooms are probably one of the biggest things to plan for. Don't use the urinals. Go into a stall. Make sure the door is locked. CAREFULLY ensure your weapon is safe from falling out and clattering on the floor!!! I do not using a thumb break holster. I discovered at home that it WILL fall out if you just drop your drawers and sit down. Thankfully I discovered this in the privacy and safety of my own home. (It's also good that it was my Sigma and is completely drop safe). Since then, when I'm out, I always draw my weapon and place it where it will be 100% safe while I complete my business. Almost every stall has some flat on the toilet back, or on the paper holder. Or I use my lap. Be sure to safe it! After you are done, take care re-holstering and don't open the door until you are safe and your clothes are all in position. Take your time and use caution. You will read a story about a cop or citizen accidentally dropping their gun or shooting it by accident in a restroom a few times a year. That's because it is the only time all day that your weapon is dislodged. The other thing, even if your holster is a retention style, you don't want it flopping on the floor with your pants and either making a distinctive sound of metal or (especially) you don't want it visible underneath the stall. Just be careful and think ahead.

Also, watch for kids. Their eye level is pretty low and they can see up at you... That means they might see under your shirt/jacket from below, especially if you are going up stairs.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
 
bitstream's post reminded me of something- saw a post a while back about using a public terlit, and this guy said that one time he sat his pistol on the toilet paper holder, and forgot it- had to run back in and get it. Ever since, he puts it in his drawers as he sits- said if he forgets now, soon as he pulls up the pants he gets a cold, hard reminder.
Also a tip on hugging- yep, hugging- sometimes a woman will want a hug, and she could put her arms around the waist (especially if she's shorter than you) and feel the weapon there. I try and always get my right arm UNDER hers, so I can raise MY arm up a little, and keep hers away from the belt area.
 
Last edited:
Saw this today and thought I'd bubble this thread back up to the top. This is one of the things I warned about:

Mesa police: Man's gun goes off in Walmart bathroom stall

Again, a public restroom is probably the single most dangerous thing you'll likely do when carrying concealed. The likelihood of you actually facing a thug is extremely tiny; the statistical likelihood of you needing to make a pitstop while carrying, however, is nearly 100%.

Take Care. Be Careful. I heavily recommend a careful draw, safe the weapon, put it where it will be safe while you do your business, and then get yourself back together and carefully reholster. Double check yourself before leaving (be sure your shirt is positioned, etc.).
 
I have only been carrying since legal in wisconsin (permit issued in nov.) I knew cc was going to pass so I started to prepare before I recieved my permit. I started by carrying in my house with a IWB holster, gun unloaded. This got me used to the weight of the gun and the holster. After a short while I forgot about it. Next step carrying with gun loaded in the house, just for the fact I felt uneasy at first but I got used to it. After my permit arrived I started to carry everywhere all the time, however at first on the street I carried with an empty chamber. I knew an empty chamber was not the way to fly, so after much more practice at home on reloading, malfunctions and a couple more handgun classes its on me all the time ready to rock and roll with a full clip and one in the tube. I was carrying for a very short time without a back up mag, anymore a back up mag is with me, needed for malfunctions and hopefully never for more rounds but I have them if needed.
Now I feel like I am naked without my gun coming with me, along with my spare mag. The main thing is concealed carry means just that, conceal the fact you have a gun. Most my friends don't even know I have a permit. A friend call just Monday to see if I wanted to go to lunch with him. We went to a place we hadn't been to for a long time and he drove, when we got there the no guns allowed signs were on the door. I didn't want to let him know I had a gun and I also didn't want to leave it in his car, so we walked in had lunch and no one was the wiser. Now if I had driven I would have said I left my wallet or something in the car and put my gun in the safe thats cabled to the seat. this safe is for the fast break a window and get what you can real fast type of safe and I would not leave a gun in it overnight or for a long time. I am not saying you should break the law and carry where its not allowed however sometimes its the safest and best thing to do.
Also you will hopefully see your mind set change to always be aware of what the hell is going on around you. You will more then likely drive better, not wanting to have any conflict with the BG or LEO.
" Always carry never tell" has become a favorite line for me
Cracker57
 
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