Yes. There's really nothing more to say.
Nervous about Concealed carry
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Yes. There's really nothing more to say.
fatcat3
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I absolutely believe in a round in the chamber. " Israeli Commandos Don't carry with a round in the chamber" 1: I don't know that to be true and 2: I'm not a I.C. and I strongly suspect that you are not either. HOWEVER I am not comfortable with a halfcocked sticker fired no safety recycled Tupperware, soulless firearm no matter how reliable. Even after 10 years of carrying one on duty. So I don't carry one. If you must carry the 380 EZ then carry without a load in chamber until your comfortable doing so. Every night insect your gun and see if the sticker has been released, if not then that day you would have been just fine with a load in the chamber. It will not take long to realize that your gun and equ. is just fine. Or you could do what I did and say screw it and just get a bleeping revolver already 
Back in the day, 1948 specifically, because the IDF/Haganah received so many different types of handguns, pistols particularly for this discussion, in order to train all members the same way, the training included NOT carrying a round in the chamber. That way, whether they trained with single action pistols or double action pistols, everyone trained the same way.
Whether they still train that way today I am uncertain but in 2015 I watched members of the IDF demonstrate fighting terrorists using Beretta Model 70 S .22s, a single action .22, and drawing from the holster, racking the slide, and firing happened so fast and so accurately that I suspect they continue with this method. It's only 7 years ago.
The Mossad used this very same weapon for assassinations. You can look it up.
The point being, however, that they train and train and train and the IDF members are FAST. So if you want to carry a pistol in Condition 3 it behooves you to train until you're exhausted.
I don't recommend it for most of us.
Bill Lear
Member
Your post is exactly WHY you should be carrying a revolver!
Consider how many times in your life you've been in a deadly shootout? How many times have you been robbed? How many times have you been beaten by some bully on the side of the road? I dare say your answers to these questions is "never." We "carry" based on a simple axiom that having ANY gun when needed, beats NO gun when needed! Then, like everyone does when buying a new car, we start getting sold on options and upgrades, many of which we convince ourselves are "mandatory" regardless of how little they'll matter in real use. Same goes for carry guns. We now live in the age of the semiauto and there is a pervasive notion that to be truly prepared one MUST carry an autoloader with all the strappage and special carry rigs, plus spare mags that entails, not to mention the special clothing choices - just getting ready to go to the store takes 30 minutes of prep getting our "rig" just right!
Then comes the inevitable "chambered versus not" question. IF you had enough knowledge and experience you'd already know the answer! But even then, that still might not be the best answer!
A 5-shot lightweight "snubbie" of any brand tends to be inexpensive, reliable, SAFE to carry, and you can SEE it's loaded! IF it fails to go boom, a natural pull of the trigger brings up another round! NO auto can beat that! You don't need a trigger covered holster, nor even a holster as lightweight snubbies are easily pocket-carried, though of course you can choose to strap up to carry one! You can overcome the deficiency of only 5 shots by carrying TWO - 10 shots on tap, though the non-internet-influenced TRUTH is the odds of you ever needing to shoot ONE shot is statistically unlikely.
Internet banter gives the impression that everyone who carries has been in a "gun fight" - just the way posters speak (write) creates a perception that they have made their choices based on real-world, defensive shootings and so they "know" the right answers. The truth is, VERY FEW have ever even pulled a gun let alone pumped out rounds! Yet they pontificate about how "necessary" it is to have a certain gun that holds 7 shots, or 10 shots, or a semi-auto with half a dozen spares as if they're combat vets in the know!
I've given and am about to reiterate the best advice you'll ever get. Dump the semiauto and buy a sub-compact, uber-lightweight revolver and then focus on your employment tactics!
You can shoot a revolver from inside your coat, and in hard contact with a perp. You can use a revolver as a "fist strike" weapon with an extra impact "punch." In every single metric save CAPACITY and reload speed, the revolver is the BEST choice for concealed carry - more compact, lighter, more reliable, no need for a strong grip, or proper hold technique.
It's probably too late. You'll just find yet another rationalization for why you MUST carry that auto you fear to even chamber!
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John Patrick
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I’m relatively new to concealed carry but have decades of experience with all manner of firearms. When I boil it down, the revolver comes out as the simplest handgun to use, including to carry concealed or open.
I agree with the members suggesting a revolver, at least until you become more familiar and comfortable with your Shield. An Airweight J frame is an easy to carry option. A steel J frame isn’t hard to carry either.
And, fwiw, if I must put a gun in a holster I’m already wearing, I am very careful to ensure that no clothing interferes. For IWB concealed carry, I almost always put the gun in the holster and then the holster in my pants, wether semi auto or revolver.
I agree with the members suggesting a revolver, at least until you become more familiar and comfortable with your Shield. An Airweight J frame is an easy to carry option. A steel J frame isn’t hard to carry either.
And, fwiw, if I must put a gun in a holster I’m already wearing, I am very careful to ensure that no clothing interferes. For IWB concealed carry, I almost always put the gun in the holster and then the holster in my pants, wether semi auto or revolver.
Sounds like you are new to carrying a defensive firearm and possibly new to firearms in general. I highly, highly, highly recommend that you go to a reputable firearms instructor and learn about firearms, carrying lawfully, and when you are justified in using a firearm. If you are really uncomfortable with a fully loaded pistol, then trade/sell it and buy a revolver.
Being new to carrying, your reticence is understandable. Most of us were like that at first. Regarding condition one carry. Your EZ has a grip safety. Don't know about yours, some also have a thumb safety. Point is, there has to be conscience effort on your part to disengage the safeties and discharge the weapon. It won't go bang on it's own.
As to possible interactions with law enforcement, it's been covered above by others. Do a little research and see what the laws are in your state. That way, should anything happen, you'll know what to do. Good luck.
As to possible interactions with law enforcement, it's been covered above by others. Do a little research and see what the laws are in your state. That way, should anything happen, you'll know what to do. Good luck.
9mmPatriot
Member
Everyone is nervous at first. It fades quickly if you let it.
Obey the laws concerning CC.
Carry every day.
Practice your draw (unloaded) from concealment until it becomes second nature.
The overwhelming majority of people you encounter every day aren't going to be looking at you to see if you are printing.
Act like it isn't there.
Obey the laws concerning CC.
Carry every day.
Practice your draw (unloaded) from concealment until it becomes second nature.
The overwhelming majority of people you encounter every day aren't going to be looking at you to see if you are printing.
Act like it isn't there.
One problem with empty chamber carry is that you need two hands to prepare to shoot. In the real world you might be doing something else really important with that other hand. Just something to think about.
Consider an "intermediate" step. A traditional DA/SA auto. I carried a 6906 for 27 years (safety off) and transitioned to a CZ P07 about a year and a half ago. Been working since 1988 (carried mouse guns before Fl "liberalized permitting). Apologies for the pic location, mirror also backward. Be at ease, that's the point of carry. Joe
max503
Member
My very first time carrying I got stuck in a super market checkout line at 1 a.m. with a cop right behind me. I felt like a dog crapping peach pits.
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^^^^This.
I came here to post this and he’s covered it.
I usually have my wallet on the seat next to me or in one of the recesses in the center console as sitting on a wallet doesn’t do your back much good.
As such it’s easy to just slowly and smoothly get it and out it on top of the dash while the officer is bejhidn you running your plates.
Mr. Moore is spot on that digging around looking for insurance and registration looks like you are hiding contraband - or worse, arming yourself.
I keep my insurance and registration in the little plastic pocket on the visor.
With vehicle turned off, window down, interior lights on, radio/music off, hands on the wheel, and documents in plan view and easy to reach you are half way home.
You’ve also done about as much as you can to make the officer as comfortable as possible during the stop. He or she will still be using the door post for cover and will be ready to shoot if you present a threat, but your actions to that point and polite demeanor will defuse that initial defensive response.
Regardless of whether it’s required by state law, I do advise I have a concealed permit and that I am carrying. If the officer asks I’ll advise where it’s located, all while keeping my hands on the wheel.
I’ve been stopped twice while carrying and both times the officer’s have responded more or less like I used to respond when I was an LEO in South Dakota (where concealed carry was and remains common). My response with a concealed carry permit holder was that as long as they left their gun in their holster, I’d leave my gun in mine. If the person appeared to have an appropriate comfort level and sense of humor I’d tell them exactly that.
However, I have had friends get stopped in other states where concealed carry is less common, and or with a new officer.
If an officer isn’t familiar with or comfortable with concealed carry in traffic stops the officer is more likely to make the huge mistake of wanting to confiscate and control the firearm during the stop.
The only way to do that with any degree of safety is to have the concealed carry permit holder exit the car so that the officer can remove the weapon from the car or the person - rather than having the person handle the gun. Either way it poses far greater risk to the officer than just letting the usually well vetted concealed carry permit holder just keep his or gun gun in its holster.
Concealed carry permit holders are a safe bet as they invest time and money in getting the permit and act in ways that ensure the get to keep the permit. Studies in several states t have shown concealed carry permit holders to be 6-7 times less likely to commit felonies or misdemeanors than police officers (who in turn are three times less likely to commit crimes than the general public).
Unfortunately we have constitutional carry arising in many states and over time (and potentially negative experience in traffic stops) constitutional carry may change that dynamic. In those constitutional carry states the person stopped is not well vetted. The person may potentially be a yahoo with poor judgement who has not (yet) been convicted of a crime that bars possession, and who this who can both possess a handgun and also conceal carry a handgun. Sprinkle on some “but mah rights…” attitude and stir in some alcohol and you’ll have a problem with a conceal carry handgun.
To early to tell, but that may change how officers choose to address concealed carry traffic stops.
I suspect even more emphasis will be placed on the lack of any suspicious behavior, keeping your handson the wheel with the window open, interior lights on and displaying a respectful demeanor.
Bring some attitude and you’ll be far more likely to be out of the car assuming the position.
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
LOL!! That surely conveys the typical feelings of the moment.
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For a while , I was worried that somebody might see that I'm carrying. Then I thought " Who cares " ? I have a permit and I'm not in a prohibited place . As long as it stays in the holster they can just get over it . I make every effort to conceal my weapon but sometimes it can peek out or " print " . I have stopped being concerned about it .
fatcat3
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JUST SO IT CAN BE READ AGAIN. Big thumbs up
Most folks let their (varied) experiences inform their opinions; not everyone needs to agree.
I would suggest that you spend some time at handgunlaw.com and learn the specific rules and regulations for your state. Gary, a member here, does an admirable job of keeping up with the changes in each state. If you ever plan to cross a state line, you can see what that state requires before you get into trouble for doing something that’s legal back home.
I finished up a bike ride, was carrying my 642 IWB and a cycling shirt over it. Those shirts fit tight, so I know I was printing.
There were a few neighbors out playing with their dogs, a local officer was chatting with them. I pulled up to chat too. Probably went on for 30 min or so. No one noticed (or at least said anything).
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