I was sure I was going to print and lose my privilege as fast as I earned it. I felt like everyone "knew" I was carrying. Took me a couple weeks to feel comfortable and I am still experimenting with gun/holster combinations. I have been carrying in Colorado for eight months now.
How did it feel when you first started carrying?
- Thread starter Bud11
- Start date
In Tennessee it's a Handgun Carry Permit (HCP). No need to carry concealed.
When I first got my permit I carried an M66 4" in an OWB holster. Next came the Colt Double Eagle Commander in 10mm in the Small Of Back holster. Now I carry, at minimum a 442 or 642 in the right front pocket and sometimes a Colt DS on the left ankle as a BUG.
When I first started carrying it was like I had a cinder block strapped to my belt or a boat anchor attached to my ankle. That sensation went away fairly quickly and now I feel "Necked As A Jaybird" if I don't have at least a 442/642 in my pocket.
Class III
When I first got my permit I carried an M66 4" in an OWB holster. Next came the Colt Double Eagle Commander in 10mm in the Small Of Back holster. Now I carry, at minimum a 442 or 642 in the right front pocket and sometimes a Colt DS on the left ankle as a BUG.
When I first started carrying it was like I had a cinder block strapped to my belt or a boat anchor attached to my ankle. That sensation went away fairly quickly and now I feel "Necked As A Jaybird" if I don't have at least a 442/642 in my pocket.
Class III
Very good points. Bud
Shooting Padre
US Veteran
After the first time out. I felt like a cigarette and a nap. Actually, I felt like I was back in the service again, I hadn't realized how much I missed that weight at my side. Not that I felt less secure without it, or more invincible with it, for it had been 40 years since I wore a sidearm. It was just like having an old friend back.
Last edited:
24spenser
US Veteran
x2 for me.
Check out the folks you encounter. See if you can guess which of them are carrying. Seems to me like I notice right off the bat when I encounter someone that is carrying. Then take that and put it into your own thought process of how you might carry.
novalty
Member
I started carrying over a year ago, and felt very awkward doing so for all the same reasons previously mentioned. Believe the biggest reason was due to inadequate gear. I have been working on purchasing more adequate belt & holster(s), hoping to carry again soon. I fully expect to be as nervous again about firearm being seen, hopefully it goes away quickly as others have mentioned.
jag312
Member
It was heavy in two ways. It was a heavy weight on my belt that I was not used to. It was heavy on my mind knowing that I was authorized to carry an instrument of life and death. It is a responsibility that I do not take lightly.
My primary carry gun is a S&W .44 caliber revolver. It is no longer heavy on my belt, but the responsibility is still heavy. Although I had been doing recreational shooting since I was 7 years old, my attitude changed when I was first authorized. That's when I realized that a gun is not primarily a recreactional object but a great responsibilty.
My primary carry gun is a S&W .44 caliber revolver. It is no longer heavy on my belt, but the responsibility is still heavy. Although I had been doing recreational shooting since I was 7 years old, my attitude changed when I was first authorized. That's when I realized that a gun is not primarily a recreactional object but a great responsibilty.
Mphstiger1981
Member
I felt like the whole world knew I had a gun in a holster under my sweater. Turns out they didn't. My own wife didn't know. Most of the time now even though she knows, she can't tell me where I'm carrying it. If she can't tell, who else is really going to care?
Aside from a good quality holster, the one other thing I would recommend to you would be a good book by Mas Ayoob "In the Gravest Extreme". Solid book about the moral obligations of carrying a weapon. I own it and read it at least twice a year to refresh my own memory.
Aside from a good quality holster, the one other thing I would recommend to you would be a good book by Mas Ayoob "In the Gravest Extreme". Solid book about the moral obligations of carrying a weapon. I own it and read it at least twice a year to refresh my own memory.
OK Hog Shooter
Member
I've been carrying for over a year. Daily carry is a M60-7 in my okie holster (back jean pocket). I've gotten used to it and sometimes forget it's there. On the farm I carry a 4006 and extra mag in Don Hume gear, on a dedicated gun belt. I've carried the 4006 since 2001 as a sidearm when hunting and now on the farm. Quite honestly I don't notice it and actually miss it when not carrying it.
Blessings,
Phil
Blessings,
Phil
Ogandydancer
Member
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.
papajohn428
Member
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.
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.
Six Dollar Dave
Member
it felt like a brick, only bigger and heavier, and it glowed in the dark.
Exactly how I felt.
Kavinsky
Member
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2011
- Messages
- 672
- Reaction score
- 33
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.
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.
snowman
Member
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 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.
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.
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)
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 hear you, as I recently moved from California. Bud
GTbob
Member
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
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
