New to Carrying

[Bman505]

Anybody new to carrying concealed? What are your thoughts? Do feel like people can tell your armed?

[marshakiehl]

My son was visiting us a month ago and after we had been out and about for a couple of days, he informed me that he had been carrying conceal weapon. I was so shocked. He just acted normal and didn't show any signs of this. If his Mother couldn't tell, I doubt any one could. :)

[Garcia]

From what I have seen, people new to carrying a concealed handgun feel like the whole world is staring at them. After a while, they get over that feeling. Eventually they realize that most of the world is not very onservant and does not have a clue what is going on in their environment.

Just remember, if your handgun is properly concealed, then no one should be aware that you are carrying.

[Bman505]

I couldn't agree more. I have been carrying concealed for about 7 months now and I still find myself every once in a while thinking that some one will see my gun. It has gotten a lot easier the more I carry.

[Scooter]

I've only been carrying for a few weeks and I ALWAYS feel as though people can tell. I'll be at the store and ask my wife if it's noticable, or i find myself checking that my shirt is down far enough and hasn't bunched up. When I'm around friends, I don't think about it because if they were to notice I wouldn't be as concerned; yet not one of them has yet to notice or at least say anything. The biggest thing for me is I still haven't found a holster that I am entirely comfortable with yet.

[JDingman]

Is it more difficult for women to carry concealed? Maybe it's a clothes issue? Any women who have carried for a length of time have any tips on this? I'm still searching for a comfortable holster for my Glock 26 and am considering a SmartCarry - anyone have any experience with this type holster?
Thanks, JD

[Colt 45]

When I first started carrying I felt that everyone was looking at me too, and knew I was carrying. I got over that fairly fast though, and I feel naked now when I'm not carrying.

Max

[GoatRoper]

To Marshakiehl, I know your son and with those love handles that rolls over his belt, no one would ever know that he is carrying a consealed weapon.

[Bman505]

Maybe you haven't seen her son in a while:D

[Descreet38]

FWIW - I have been married for 25 years and even my wife cannot tell for the most part when and when I am not carrying. That is the principle behind concealed carry.

We went out last Saturday night shopping, then to dinner and then a movie. I was in jeans, long sleve shirt and a light jacket (unzipped). She didn't notice I had a full size Beretta 92FS on my right side a little past 3 until we left the theater and she wrapped her arm around my waist as we were walking to the car. She put her hand right on the grip which is the only part above the waistband with a Milt Sparks VM2. Even she was surprised to learn I had on a 92.

This is the art of carrying concealed. No one should know.

[Bman505]

Thats the way it is most of the time with us to. She doesn't even know most of the time when I am carrying. She does though assume that I am carrying all the time:p

[tblt44]

I always take extra care when I carry so I dont expose my gun,unless I have my LCP in my pocket then I dont worry to much

[Bman505]

It worries me all the time that I will show it. I pulled up my shirt today trying to grab my phone and exposed my gun in the restaurant. I know no one saw, but it freaked me out.

[rtuck77]

I've been carrying since july 08 and at first it was like everyone was looking at me but here tn it is also open carry and when I took my carry permit class they had handgun carry badges and it looks like a real cop badge and when I carry open I wear it and people look at me and dont thank about me carring a gun but it is I still worry about who knows Im carrying and why do they know and how they found out when Im carry conealed but when I carry open I just make sure that I keep myself alert to who is close to me

[Descreet38]

Original Post edited - when I took my carry permit class they had handgun carry badges and it looks like a real cop badge and when I carry open I wear it and people look at me and dont thank about me carring a gun

rtuck77 - only an opinion here and a couple of facts. LEO's do not appreciate the CCW badge for exactly what you are implying above. People see you and consider you an officer. While there is no hard data on the books I would estimate that 99.9% of CCW permit holders would never own or wear a CCW badge. Even if you are mistook for an officer this would at the least give you some issues to deal with when the real ones show up.

Look at any of the other gun forums concealed carry portion and you will find this same topic and the same opinions.

Don't want to burst any bubbles here but you should consider all of the alternatives. MN permits do not distinguish between concealed and open but it is truly more of a personal choice and I respect both but as a former LEO I do have issues with the badge thing. I have carried a gun for over 30 years legally and have never worn a badge of any type when I'm not on duty and have never had a single issue, Just my 2 cents worth.

[PPK]

I agree. I'd never wear a Concealed Weapons Permit badge. The idea of concealed carry is so no one has to know. Why wear a badge that defeats the purpose? Count me as one of the 99.9% that holds the badge in total disdain. Besides, I'm not a cop wannabe.

[Bman505]

Shoot, I have even gotten flack over the badge in my graphic. The person who designed it put it there and I didn't really think much about it. That is until people started pointing it out to me.

[rtuck77]

I see your point and when I frist got it I thought it was a good Idea,but after a few months and now the it is cold and I wear a coat most of the time it just stays in the coat pocket,but when it warms up I might wear again,but thats only when I feel like it is an absolute need to thing.Also it only says handgun carry premit on it. It is only something to keep down the panic at the store from the little old ladies that see a gun get all upset. Like I said I see and understand your point of view and now I will think more before I put it on.

[Bman505]

Next month will be one year since I took the class to get my CCL. I am much more comfortable carrying now than I was. My instructor told me that in time I would feel more comfortable. I think I get a little nervous sometimes that my shirt may rise over the but of the gun every now and then, but that is about it.

[MrReady]

I think it depends on the holster mine wont ever (never say never though) be exposed. I have a "SmartCarry" holster. It is in the front inside my waist band. I would have to be wearing a small shirt and be reaching up or something. I dont worry about the imprint at all because many people are oblivious to thier surroundings anyway.

[Jizzle]

the world is blind. most of the time they don't even notice when I OC. and I OC Full sized sometimes with aftermarket 6in barrels... even when I have a jacket on and have to wear my thigh holster.. not so perseptive.

[Redz]

Been concealed for about 5 months now. And yeah at first it was a constant drag.... would anyone notice, what would they do, yada yada. Well that does wear off after a couple a months. Now I just make sure I'm concealed and most people are oblivious to their surroundings (kind a scary actually), so I don't worry. I'm still on the great holster hunt, I've gone through about 4 holsters so far and still looking for the perfect one. :D Nothing new there.

[Descreet38]

Redz - what are you carrying and which holsters do you have? We should start a holster swap. I have several from over the years that I do not use.

[Redz]

Redz - what are you carrying and which holsters do you have? We should start a holster swap. I have several from over the years that I do not use.

I carry a SA Micro Compact Loaded Operator (3" w/rails,match grade w/Trijicon sites) chambered for .45 cal. sheesh... what a mouthful. :D

I use a Galco L719 WC (OWB) in the winter, a Ross shoulder rig when I go on long trips on my motorcycle and am currently using a Galco WB 286 (IWB) which is actually made for the Glock 26, but works for me. I have a KNJ belly band which I wore about a week and would not recommend to anyone except the CIA as a possible torture device.

My problem is my gun (specifically the rails), while by know means is it unique, it's not a really common carry weapon (Like Glock) so the aftermarket is pretty lean. I've been thinking about calling HBE and having a custom job made.

The holster swap ideas great, because I'm positive I'll be adding to both my collections of weapons and holsters. ;)

[Bman505]

Post some pictures of your SA Micro Compact Loaded Operator if you don't mind. I would like to see it.

Also, post your holsters you do not use in the Want to Sell section of the site. Its better than leaving them stashed away in a box at the top of the closet!

[Redz]

Got pictures, can't figure out how to download them. Need a little help please.:o

[Bman505]

There is a picture of a mountain with a moon or sun in the tool bar. Click that and upload the picture. Let me know if you need further help. Good luck!

[Redz]

http://sites.google.com/a/wildblue.net/redz/
http://sites.google.com/a/wildblue.net/redz/_/rsrc/1238232164649/Home/SA%20.45%20Loaded%20Operator.JPG?height=315&width=420
Don't know if this will work.

Did'nt, I keep getting a message for a URL.

So try this.

http://sites.google.com/a/wildblue.net/redz/

[Bman505]

A little bit of help there!;) Great looking piece! It is beautiful.

[Jizzle]

ya, i love 1911s and compact 1911s. they are so sexy.

[Redz]

A little bit of help there!;) Great looking piece! It is beautiful.

ya, i love 1911s and compact 1911s. they are so sexy.

Thanks.

Yeah, gotta love a 1911. Feed em right, keep em clean and they'll never let you down.

[Bman505]

One of these days I will add a 1911 to my collection. Not sure which one yet!

[BuffCyclist]

I recently got my CCL after a mere 36 day wait. My first day of carrying (Saturday) involved taking my dog to the dog park and then afterwards a trip to WalMart. At the dog park, I was a bit nervous at first to remove my jacket for fear that someone would notice. I realized that after bending, stretching, twisting and contorting my body in front of the mirror that if I couldn't notice it and I was looking for it, others wouldn't be able to either. I took off my jacket and felt more comfortable (as it was a bit warm), but was hesitant to sit down at a bench, which I later did after a little reservation. Walked into WalMart and even though I knew I legally could CC there (as they only sell alcohol for offsite consumption), I felt somewhat like a criminal for carrying a firearm into a store. The feeling went away after a little longer in there, but I still feared everyone knew I was carrying. I carried again yesterday at the dog park with LOTS of people and felt more comfortable with it. I was a bit more concerned with someone noticing on Sunday though because there were a bunch of young kids as well and I'm sure parents wouldn't like knowing someone is carrying a loaded firearm around their children. As such, I was a little hesitant to bend down and pet someone else's dog or throw a tennis ball.

I did have to make an alteration to my IWB holster after the first day of carrying. When I got home, I decided to take out my pistol and relax a bit. When I did so, the magazine fell out and I noticed that during the day, the leather of the holster must have pressed against the magazine release. I ended up cutting a notch in the leather that touches the magazine release and have since tried as hard as possible to drop the magazine while it's holstered and it won't. Even with sticking something in the notch I made, the leather around it acts as a magazine release safety so-to-speak.

I know it's going to take some time to fully get used to carrying concealed with my Glock 23, I'm eventually going to get a Glock 27 (hopefully sooner than later). I'm sure I'll feel more comfortable carrying a Glock 27 as I feel like my biggest concern at the moment about the Glock 23 is the butt of the grip sticking out too far for my body type (frame size). So far I've only been wearing button up shirts that drape loosely, untucked but I'm considering venturing out today with the polo I'm wearing at work. I know I'll be more hesitant about it, but wonder if anyone would even approach me about it if they DID notice I was carrying. Perhaps I should ask a few friends if they can tell, or take some pictures of myself from various angles and post them up to see if anyone here can tell.

Like everyone says, at first you feel like everyone notices, and I'm definitely hoping that goes away! But even while talking with people, I can't help but thinking what would they think if they knew I was carrying a loaded firearm. Would they be as comfortable with me, would they stand a little farther back or walk away entirely.

Oh, and by the way, I carry my Glock 23 with a round in the chamber and a topped off magazine. I am not carrying an extra magazine yet, but will definitely consider doing so when I get my Glock 27. I was carrying this morning on my drive to work, but then left it in a Secure-It pistol security box (that is locked with a cable to the driver's seat frame). I do not feel like it is necessary to carry up here at work as there are so few of us on site all the time, plus I'm always climbing on or around the telescope and it would definitely be exposed at one point or another. Once the cold weather REALLY hits us, I might consider carrying sometimes, but we'll see.

[NMDawg]

Like most that have posted, I too felt like the world was looking at me and my weapon. I was so self conscious that my wife noticed that I was even walking kind of stiff.

So I started paying closer attention and she was right. I started to relax and now three years later I feel pretty comfortable. I found a holster and clothing combo that I like but I still check from time to time to make sure I am concealed. I don't want to get so comfortable as to be complacent.

Like you Descreet, my wife can't tell I am carrying unless she puts her arm around my waist. I carry everyday and everywhere I can legally. I wear two hats at work technician and salesman. I am face to face with people all day. Haven't yet had an incident were I was discovered. Well, that's my two cents worth.

[rtuck77]

It's just something that you have to get used to but always keep an eye on yourself so that you dont have that moment when someone says hey are you carrying. I still feel the world is looking at me when I carry but most are looking at my face not where my gun is.

[crzyjarmans]

It does get more relaxing after awhile,was talking with a couple af police officer a few years back,and when i told them i was carring a concealled weapon,one officer said ""really"" i can normally tell when someone is carrying,i replied then there not carrying it properly,conceal means conceal,and he kind of chuckled and said your right

[BigRedCCDually]

I recently got my CCL after a mere 36 day wait. My first day of carrying (Saturday) involved taking my dog to the dog park and then afterwards a trip to WalMart. At the dog park, I was a bit nervous at first to remove my jacket for fear that someone would notice. I realized that after bending, stretching, twisting and contorting my body in front of the mirror that if I couldn't notice it and I was looking for it, others wouldn't be able to either. I took off my jacket and felt more comfortable (as it was a bit warm), but was hesitant to sit down at a bench, which I later did after a little reservation. Walked into WalMart and even though I knew I legally could CC there (as they only sell alcohol for offsite consumption), I felt somewhat like a criminal for carrying a firearm into a store. The feeling went away after a little longer in there, but I still feared everyone knew I was carrying. I carried again yesterday at the dog park with LOTS of people and felt more comfortable with it. I was a bit more concerned with someone noticing on Sunday though because there were a bunch of young kids as well and I'm sure parents wouldn't like knowing someone is carrying a loaded firearm around their children. As such, I was a little hesitant to bend down and pet someone else's dog or throw a tennis ball.

I did have to make an alteration to my IWB holster after the first day of carrying. When I got home, I decided to take out my pistol and relax a bit. When I did so, the magazine fell out and I noticed that during the day, the leather of the holster must have pressed against the magazine release. I ended up cutting a notch in the leather that touches the magazine release and have since tried as hard as possible to drop the magazine while it's holstered and it won't. Even with sticking something in the notch I made, the leather around it acts as a magazine release safety so-to-speak.

I know it's going to take some time to fully get used to carrying concealed with my Glock 23, I'm eventually going to get a Glock 27 (hopefully sooner than later). I'm sure I'll feel more comfortable carrying a Glock 27 as I feel like my biggest concern at the moment about the Glock 23 is the butt of the grip sticking out too far for my body type (frame size). So far I've only been wearing button up shirts that drape loosely, untucked but I'm considering venturing out today with the polo I'm wearing at work. I know I'll be more hesitant about it, but wonder if anyone would even approach me about it if they DID notice I was carrying. Perhaps I should ask a few friends if they can tell, or take some pictures of myself from various angles and post them up to see if anyone here can tell.

Like everyone says, at first you feel like everyone notices, and I'm definitely hoping that goes away! But even while talking with people, I can't help but thinking what would they think if they knew I was carrying a loaded firearm. Would they be as comfortable with me, would they stand a little farther back or walk away entirely.

Oh, and by the way, I carry my Glock 23 with a round in the chamber and a topped off magazine. I am not carrying an extra magazine yet, but will definitely consider doing so when I get my Glock 27. I was carrying this morning on my drive to work, but then left it in a Secure-It pistol security box (that is locked with a cable to the driver's seat frame). I do not feel like it is necessary to carry up here at work as there are so few of us on site all the time, plus I'm always climbing on or around the telescope and it would definitely be exposed at one point or another. Once the cold weather REALLY hits us, I might consider carrying sometimes, but we'll see.

I carry a Glock 23 IWB using a Crossbreed Supertuck holster. It's very comfortable and totally discreet. Here is a link to a video of a lady using one and it is impossible to see her pistol even with a white top.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bfFunO7dyw&feature=related

[Bman505]

Love my CrossBreed!

[anie]

I always keep with me these things: Flashlights, Key-chain Pepper Spray, recorded police siren

[Twoglocks]

I've started pocket carry about 2 months ago with no problem. When I wear Glock G36 in OWB holster I'm just trying face people if possible but otherwise I doubt if anybody would notice it.

[jljbtm]

K, new guy here - is the whole idea of concealment for no one to notice? i mean is that what they teach in the class? Can someone have a ccw license and wear a six shooter (exposed) in public like the old western movies? or is that a different license? sorry for all the questions.

[Colt 45]

It depends on where you live. Here in New Mexico, you can open carry without a license as long as you have not been convicted of a felony and are of legal age.

Yes, with proper concealment you are the only one that knows you are carrying.

Max

[Bman505]

There are some places that open carry is appropriate in my opinion and then there are some that requires you to conceal. Me personally, I never open carry unless I am hiking or camping.

[deuce]

I am 5ft 9 1/2 inches tall about 200lbs and I am about a new/used handgun for concealed carry and am wondering about the g23 or g27 and or the g19 or g26. I should say the my first pistol i ever bought was p226 in 9mm was great for the home not so much for cc and the 2nd one was baby eagle 40. i also like to further that i liked the 40 over the 9mm, but am not sure due to my wrists that i can handle the recoil from the 40. Something else I am wondering about is stricker fire vs hammer for cc.

[BigRedCCDually]

deuce,

I am the same physical size as you described and carry a G23 in a CrossBreed Supertuck daily. While the .40 S&W is snappy I don't feel the recoil is excessive with 165gr Winchester Ranger defensive ammo. "Your mileage may vary" as the saying goes but I find the simplicity of the Glock, simply point and shoot, no safety to worry about etc. plus the fact that they are reliable as attested to by the sheer numbers of police departments that adopted the Glock, makes it the one I chose. I was a revolver fan before.

[jljbtm]

I live in Ohio were its called a concealed carry permit, so by this they are saying go ahead and carry just don't let the public know. And yes camping I always have/had one (you never know when you might meet a bear)

[SKYLANDS]

Hi everyone I am new to the forum and from the state of NJ. I have recently been getting a lot of people expessing interested in getting carry permits. Could anyone tell me where to get started in finding resources for non resident carry, maybe people who provide services for groups. Thank You for any help you may provide

[Bman505]

Are you looking to get your license? Or training?