How do you carry?

On workdays, I carry a pocket .380. I carry it to work. I carry it from work. I am not allowed to carry it at work. While in the work building, I secure my pistol in a small pistol safe that is concealed in and secured to the trunk of my vehicle. Why? It slips in and out of a pocket holster. It is easily concealed wearing business causal clothing when I go out for lunch or run errands before and after work.

On non-workdays or days I can work remotely from home, I carry whatever pistol suits my needs for the day. I prefer to carry OWB using a Kydex holster. I've finally found an IWB holster I find tolerable (Alien Gear hybrid Cloak Tuck 2). I've started to get comfortable carrying IWB for easier concealment during warmer weather.
 
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The first three years I had my CCW, I only carried on days I was not at work. They had very strong anti-gun rules, and I agreed to abide by them when I took the job. The neighborhoods I worked in were for the most part "High Crime". We employies were not allowed to have our weapons in the car on company property either (I think the law has changed on this). Since the day they let me go I have carried everywhere I go. I feel If my self defense gun isn't welcome, neither am I or the money I would spend. That being said; when I need to go to the Post Office or visit someone it the Hospital, I lock my hand gun in the vehicle. OR don't take it on that outing. The funny thing is, I feel my faith protects me when I'm carrying (guardian angles, sword of the Lord and that sort of thing). So I am comfortable, you will need to decide what is right for you, inside the Laws where you live. Ivan

I appreciate your share. I have now carried concealed 3 times since I got my permit. The whole ball of wax is still pretty overwhelming to me.. Your post reassured me of God's promises of protection. I'm searching for a thread to explore wether to carry loaded and chambered vs just loaded. I have dry fire practiced loaded and chambered, not much just loaded... anyway, th purpose of my reply is to thank you for yours... Sorry to ramble on...
 
Im not allowed to carry at work either. I lock my gun in a safe attached to a cable which is tied under my truck seat. Then lock the lock box in my console.

I agree with this. I carry at work. Of course, I own the place. Only have 9 employees but they are encouraged to do whatever makes them feel comfortable; legally.

BTW, I carry ankle, IWB or pocket. Depending on the mood and what I'm wearing that day.
 
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On the assumption of legality, so I do not have to qualify my short reply - and in my case I have permission at work - I have a CHL and I carry my 642 in my jeans/pants pocket, in a pocket holster, EVERY DAY.

That's the short answer.

Long answer is that I have a ton of guns and holsters and can carry an assortment of pistols or revolvers IWB, OWB, pocket, S-of-B, shoulder, or even in a holster in a briefcase. On occasion I change from my EDC 642 in my pocket to something else but the answer you wanted is the short answer above.

And I have no problem with leaving your gun in your car if you cannot bring it into your work. I do not consider that irresponsible gun ownership and, yes, many guns are stolen from vehicles but it's a risk I would take and do take without significant misgivings. I'm not in love with it but if it keeps a gun available to you when you're out/not at work then you do not have much choice. I disagree with the concept of not carrying it at all because work doesn't permit it.

Some caveats about carrying at work - if policy says if you do it you'll be fired, well, that's a serious risk. If you think getting caught will get you disciplined and told to not do it again it's a whole different risk level. If it's a crime, however, like if you work for the government, then I cannot advocate taking the risk because I cannot advocate the commission of a crime. That's totally different.

I do agree with this concept after consideration of the risks I mentioned above - If you decide to carry and your work does not permit it then carry concealed at work and take your chances. I did that for many, many years. In that instance I carried a tiny Beretta 950BS .25 ACP on the theory that any gun beats no gun at all and it was totally invisible. But the risk of discipline/termination must be remembered and, again, if it's a crime I cannot advocate that.

The risk is entirely your decision otherwise.
 
Why in the world would you leave a gun in the car? That is just irresponsible gun ownership.

Not necessarily, especially if you take proper precautions.

If you decide to carry and your work does not permit then you have two choices, one is not carry while going to work or carry concealed at work and take your chances.

There are other choices. Lock the gun in a secure carrier, then cable lock it to a seat bracket under the seat. Or lock it in a secure gun carrier, then put the carrier in the trunk, cable lock it to the spare or some secure fastener, then lock the trunk.

Most punks who steal from cars work in a smash-and-grab style. They most likely aren't going to spend more than a minute, maybe two minutes, going through a car looking for goodies. Just don't leave other tempting stuff out in plain sight in a locked car...stuff that would give someone an incentive to break in.
 
If its locked up, pretty low chance itll et stolen out of your car. If you get carjacked, that is more unlikely. Probably about the same chance as home being robbed. Are you going to ay that anyone who owns a gun in a home without a safe js irresponsible?
 
Since I am now retired my LCP goes everywhere in my coat pocket, winter carry mode.;)
If I'm carrying my 36 or my Glock 27 it's OWB under my coat or sweater, sometimes the LCP is IWB! :)
But I no longer have to worry about securing it or not carrying into my office any longer because I no longer have an office!:D
 
I carry my model 60 pro iwb everyday. my job is plumbing heating and a/c. so I get the extremes of all temps. I had to learn fast how to conceal good with my job. working out side in a ditch or running heavy equipment is easy, its when the homeowner is trying to fallow you under her kitchen sink to see what your doing is when you start worrying if your printing. im waiting on the day when a homeowner starts screaming because I have a gun.
and yes, God is the one that protects us. but I do thank Him everyday for the gun on my hip
 
A zillion variables , and ultimatly have to make your own decisions.

Is it actually illegal ? Against company policy ? Automatic termination or lesser offense , or generally overlooked ? Or not adressed in policies , but concerned about causing attention to yourself ? Are you "trapped" by being close to retirement , or it being a unique position , or are you profesional skills easily transferable ?

Is possesion in parked vehicle adressed ? Is off site parking an option ? Is the predominate mode of vehicular related crime thefts FROM vehicles , or thefts OF vehicles ?

What is the actual threat level at work , or on your commute ? I don't want to overdo a cliche , but there is a grain of truth to ; * You have to be alive in order to get suspended * .

We can't know all of your variables , or interpet them in exactly the same manner as you would.
 
My work has nothing to do with guns or LEO or even gov field however their view on CC is... whatever....as long as you aren't waving it around or twirling it on your fingers. Otherwise carry 15 guns if you like. That being said I work in a not so good area and I border a state that's anti gun and the closest city....4 miles away...is a ghetto. Sometimes I have to go to that state. When that happens I field strip my gun, leaving half in my desk and the other half I hide....just in case. If I'm in my state and find myself having to go to a gov building or any place where a gun is prohibited by law I leave it in the car. You can leave the gun in the car you just have to know the area. Only you know if the area is safe enough to do so
 
I carry everywhere I go, once I leave the interior of my home, including out in the yard. The only places I do not carry are the areas which restrict firearm possession to only those persons who have special authorization to carry there, such as government building and property, large venue sporting events, and places of worship. All the restricted places are specified on the back of my license. I also avoid any business which posts "no firearms" located in plain view before I enter. (In that case, I just go patronize another business with my money.)

Am searching for a good car mounted lock box for my new car so I can securely store my guns if I am going onto a restricted zone on mandatory business, such as VA Hospitals for appointments, and must park in a lot off the property.

The handgun I normally carry is a Beretta BU9 Nano 9mm with extended magazine in an IWB holster. It lays flatter than a revolver, and is not heavy and bulky, so it doesn't intrude on my personal comfort and movements. The size compares with a snub nose .38 Spl., and I get two more shots before I have to switch mags.

I also often carry a second handgun, usually a revolver, just in case the semi-auto pistol fails at a critical moment for whatever reason or cause.

Have never had anyone spot my pieces thus far. Have also never had to use them other than to practice at the range. Don't know if any of my remarks help you, but here they are.
 
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Tough choices to make and depends on how bad you need the job and their policies.
I worked for a company that didn't allow carry at work or even in parking lot before Michigan deemed that illegal. For the longest time I took my chances and kept my S&W Model 37 in my truck while at work. At times when I got called to another store in a bad area I did pocket carry into that store too.
Later when I got closer to retirement I had more to lose and left my gun at home for a period until Michigan made it illegal to prevent you from keeping a gun in vehicle on company property.
Now that I'm retired I carry most anywhere it is legal and even at home.
You'll have to weigh the risks for yourself and do what you're comfortable with. Good luck and hope the discussion here is of some help.
 
I walk my kid to school everyday and pick him up the same way a few days a week. The stupid "School Gun Free Zone Act" means I carry only a "common pocket knife" instead. That needs changing.
 
How I carry depends on what I carry. I either carry one of a few different 1911s or I carry one of a couple different S&W J frames. If I'm carrying a 1911 it's OWB about 330 with a pair of spare mags opposite, my cover garment depends on where I'm going, what I'm doing, and the weather. If I'm carrying a snubby, which is only on occasions that a 1911 won't work with my wardrobe, it's either in a pocket or and ankle holster.
 
I have been most comfortable doing appendix carry. I have tried 3 o'Clock and I like it, but it is a bit too tight (unless I start getting one extra size pants)
Just got a leather holster this last week, which I was intending to use at 11 o'clock, since I carry more often in my car, but have read that drawing from that position is not too efficient outside of vehicle situations. I am waiting for a Crossbreed (had one when I had my full size 9mm and liked it a lot) I am going to try 2, 3 and 4 o'clock when I get it and see what feels more comfortable
I wanted to try 5 o"Clock (small of my back) as I understand the concept that it is more difficult for an assailant to get to it at close combat, but, normal carry is cumbersome as in waiting in line at burger joints and such...
Anyway... Thanks for hearing me ramble...
 
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When I worked for any companies that disallowed, I did as I felt I needed to do!
My well being was more important than their job or policies! I figured I could always get another job but I couldn't get another life. ;)
I am also not one for leaving a weapon locked in a vehicle unless I am close by and it is a very short period of time! :)
 

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