First time to carry

W

willrussellville

New member
Ok, I got my CCW carry license this past weekend. I bought a pocket holster today and carried a some today. I went in a couple of stores looking for some small items. It feels strange! How long will it take me for carrying to feel natural? Will I get so used to carrying that I will forget I have it and go in some place I'm not supposed to? Funny, I really didn't anticipate this awkward feeling..
 
That depends on you.

Most folks get used to it fairly quickly, and the chances of you carrying it where you aren't supposed to are equal to your individual level of responsibility.

Good luck, and stay safe.
 
As mentioned before, it depends on what feels comfortable [to you] for optimal, possibly daily use? Some considerations may be: What type of clothes do you wear? Tight or loose? Which holster are you using? How is the weapon/holster configuration oriented? What are the dimensions of the weapon you are carrying? What body type are you? So forth and so on...


Keep in mind, given the many styles of holsters, along with varying body types, habits, clothing preference, weapon choice, etc., it is not unusual to go through many iterations in order to reach an optimal solution for CC.

Either way, strapping a relatively heavy piece of metal to your body will indeed feel awkward at first. After all, CC is not for everybody as it does require certain adjustments. Give it some time and try various methods of carry and if needed, various holsters. Eventually, if you insist on carrying, you will arrive at a comfortable solution.
 
Last edited:
I've been carrying for about a month now, and now I feel weird if I DONT have my gun with me. Its now just as normal to put it on as it is to grab my wallet and phone.
 
I've been carrrying about a year and a half. Took about a month to feel natural. It's become 2nd nature to me to look around the entrance of places to check for signs. Most businesses around here are not posted. The ones prohibited by statute are easy to remember. Banks, government offices, courthouses, schools, establishments serving alcohol, events with admission charges, funerals. Only other places I've seen posted are hospitals and doctors' offices. I think hospitals are still covered by public statute too, but an unposted doctor's office would be OK.

Make sure to read up on your laws and stay aware of new ones being discussed. Watch for postings. Make sure your method of carry is secure; bad news if you have to scoot across a busy street and your gun falls down your pants leg, or you drop it in your workplace somehow.
 
since 1976

It can take a while, but superior gear makes the transition happen faster.
Do NOT skimp one iota on your daily carry gear; it is part of the 'system'.
 
I didn't know what "Wally Walk" was and did the search. I have to admit, it was some of the funniest stuff I have read. You know when people make fun of activities that you have been a part of and you can see yourself that is the funniest stuff. Any of you other first timers, here is the thread:
I see a Wally Walk in my near future . .
Sorry guys, I am too new here, don't know how to make the link.
 
these are range requirements in az, is it the same in arkansas?

What does the range handgun qualification consist of?

10 shots total. Minimum required distances are: 5 shots at Five (5) yards and five shots at Ten (10) yards, however, we at ADFT reserve the right to qualify our students from the 10 yard distance only. A TQ15 Silhouette target is used. Qualifying shots must be placed in designated area of target in order to be counted as a hit. A 70% (7 out of 10 shots) score is required for range qualification.
 
Yep, need a wally walk...

WallyWorldMap.gif
 
Took me about two months before I got used to it. Couple years before I wanted to leave it at home.:p

Want to really break in that feeling? Open carry sometime if you're allowed.
 
I love that Wally World map.......

Anyway, you'll get used to it pretty quick. It might take a few weeks or a few months, but the more you carry, the more you'll get used to it.

Additionally, I'm sure you felt that everyone was looking at you. That couldn't be further from the truth. 99% of people are mostly oblivious to every one around them.

Carry on. :)
 
I got my permit a few years ago, but I still recall how stange it felt to start carrying. I, too, was always a tad nervous, or atleast aware of the fact that I had a gun that everyone was looking at! Well, not really; people just don't notice things.

I didn't carry all the time, just a few times here and there each week, depending on where I was. I'd say it was atleast a month before I was comfortable enough to forget I was carrying, but I'm sure it could have been faster if I carried more.

Oh, and make sure you are comfortable with your gear for carry. A good holster/belt goes a long way. If you like your pocket holster, great. I don't care for them on anything but small autos.
 
seriously if you get a good carry setup you will forget its there. I have forgotten in the car, and wally world, and other places too. Just so used to it. I'll give you 2 months. I think thats when I started calming down
 
How long will it take me for carrying to feel natural?
Click to expand...

Anywhere from twenty minutes to a couple weeks would be the normal range, I'd guess. You'll soon feel naked without your gun, which is a good thing.

I take care never to forget I'm carrying. It's a responsibility. It's a right, to be sure, but there are no rights without responsibility.
 
It can take a while, but superior gear makes the transition happen faster.
Do NOT skimp one iota on your daily carry gear; it is part of the 'system'.
Click to expand...

It has been said in this forum before, but it bears repeating. The better your carry system, the more comfortable it will be and therefore feeling more comfortable carrying will happen sooner. This will always begin with a QUALITY belt. This can be equated to purchasing carpet. You can get away with a cheaper carpet if you start out with very good padding. Just think of your gunbelt as the "padding".
 
I did the Wally Walk after I got my CCW only because I go there about a mile from me every other day, but I didn't do it on purpose just to do the Wally Walk, it just worked out that way.:D

In fact I'm going to do the Wally Walk tonight, when it gets dark out.:eek:
 
Unless you live in a state where printing is an issue, don't get all worried about it. The average person walking down the street past you isn't looking at you. Anybody who is looking at you close enough to notice a bulge on your side probably is carrying a weapon as well. Think of it just like your wallet; it's a normal part of your attire. Put it on and get used to it. It'll be there when you need it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top