Got the CCW license this week
- Thread starter motorhead0922
- Start date
riggins_83
New member
Bank: Use the drive up
Post Office: Go after hours and use the automated machine
Liquor Stores: I refuse to drink.. espec if I'm going to have a firearm
Work: I'm lucky to be encouraged to carry at work
Post Office: Go after hours and use the automated machine
Liquor Stores: I refuse to drink.. espec if I'm going to have a firearm
Work: I'm lucky to be encouraged to carry at work
What's the big deal about a bank? If they don't have a sign feel free to carry.
That reminds me, during my last physical the doc felt my pistol(yes the one I need a CCW for perverts
) and said "Is that a gun?" I said yep and she said "you're not supposed to carry in a medical facility" I mentioned that that wasn't in the CCW class and she said, "Oh I guess that's alright then" jeez
Edit to include: It only took 8 days for mine to arrive after dropping off the forms at our DPS location.
That reminds me, during my last physical the doc felt my pistol(yes the one I need a CCW for perverts
) and said "Is that a gun?" I said yep and she said "you're not supposed to carry in a medical facility" I mentioned that that wasn't in the CCW class and she said, "Oh I guess that's alright then" jeezEdit to include: It only took 8 days for mine to arrive after dropping off the forms at our DPS location.
Doc Intrepid
New member
Comments about "early days"...
Things that new guys may want to consider:
* Guys new to concealed carry often need to touch the firearm for one reason or another. Learn to stifle the impulse...
* If its really, really, really well concealed (think T-shirts with armpit pockets, belly bands, etc.), it is conversely more difficult to draw rapidly (not to mention reholster). The reverse is also true - if you can draw it fairly rapidly, concealment can be more problematic.
* Even good holsters on good belts obey the laws of physics - outside the belt their weight can shift around more than if held inside the belt. Weight can be more of a problem for daily carry than many guys think. Not always, but often...
* Think about wind. If you live where it gets windy, that "button down shirt hanging un-buttoned and un-tucked" routine works until the first gust of wind blows your shirt up around your neck.
* Think about little people. A detective friend was standing in line at a McDonalds one day next to a lady with a 3 year old holding her hand. He heard a little high voice say "Mommy that man has a gun" and nearly fell over trying to spin around to see who in the restaurant had the gun. He was tall enough that the little kid - looking upward - could see up under his sport jacket, and the "man with the gun" was him. It was not his best day.
* Think about access. Carrying a piece at 4 o'clock IWB beneath a sport jacket works fine while you're walking around. Sitting in your vehicle with your seat belt on, getting to that piece is going to take some gymnastics. If you spend most of each day sitting in a vehicle, perhaps a shoulder holster begins to make more sense.
* You'll probably find that you may buy slightly larger sportcoats. While they conceal well, most guys wear sportcoats tailored enough that pistols tend to print. Getting a larger sport jacket - even if you have to have the sleeves shortened an inch or so - avoids that. Benefit of sport jackets or coats is that if you wear a heavier outdoors jacket or coat and go inside, you look like a dweeb if you don't take the coat off. If you wear a sport jacket and go inside, it doesn't stick out so much that you're wearing a sport jacket indoors.
* You also may want to consider one made of a heavier fabric with a sturdier finish. One that has worked well for me is from these guys (sort of a sportcoat in heavier canvas material). They make great stuff:
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/...n-jackets-blazer/24501.aspx?feature=product_1
Bottom line is that you need to find a rig that allows you rapid access to the firearm, securely holds the firearm under nearly all conditions without weight or motion altering the position of the firearm relative to your body (so you won't be constantly adjusting the damned thing), yet allows you to ensure that the firearm is completely concealed 100% of the time.
It takes some experimenting and experience, and thats why lots of people who routinely carry concealed often have a drawer full of holsters they don't use much anymore... You'll figure it out. Just remember that the cardinal rule for civilians carrying concealed is that the pistol must remain concealed. Otherwise it can get you into nearly as much trouble as it can get you out of, if it is suddenly discovered by the wrong folks at the wrong time.
Best,
Doc
Things that new guys may want to consider:
* Guys new to concealed carry often need to touch the firearm for one reason or another. Learn to stifle the impulse...
* If its really, really, really well concealed (think T-shirts with armpit pockets, belly bands, etc.), it is conversely more difficult to draw rapidly (not to mention reholster). The reverse is also true - if you can draw it fairly rapidly, concealment can be more problematic.
* Even good holsters on good belts obey the laws of physics - outside the belt their weight can shift around more than if held inside the belt. Weight can be more of a problem for daily carry than many guys think. Not always, but often...
* Think about wind. If you live where it gets windy, that "button down shirt hanging un-buttoned and un-tucked" routine works until the first gust of wind blows your shirt up around your neck.
* Think about little people. A detective friend was standing in line at a McDonalds one day next to a lady with a 3 year old holding her hand. He heard a little high voice say "Mommy that man has a gun" and nearly fell over trying to spin around to see who in the restaurant had the gun. He was tall enough that the little kid - looking upward - could see up under his sport jacket, and the "man with the gun" was him. It was not his best day.
* Think about access. Carrying a piece at 4 o'clock IWB beneath a sport jacket works fine while you're walking around. Sitting in your vehicle with your seat belt on, getting to that piece is going to take some gymnastics. If you spend most of each day sitting in a vehicle, perhaps a shoulder holster begins to make more sense.
* You'll probably find that you may buy slightly larger sportcoats. While they conceal well, most guys wear sportcoats tailored enough that pistols tend to print. Getting a larger sport jacket - even if you have to have the sleeves shortened an inch or so - avoids that. Benefit of sport jackets or coats is that if you wear a heavier outdoors jacket or coat and go inside, you look like a dweeb if you don't take the coat off. If you wear a sport jacket and go inside, it doesn't stick out so much that you're wearing a sport jacket indoors.
* You also may want to consider one made of a heavier fabric with a sturdier finish. One that has worked well for me is from these guys (sort of a sportcoat in heavier canvas material). They make great stuff:
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/...n-jackets-blazer/24501.aspx?feature=product_1
Bottom line is that you need to find a rig that allows you rapid access to the firearm, securely holds the firearm under nearly all conditions without weight or motion altering the position of the firearm relative to your body (so you won't be constantly adjusting the damned thing), yet allows you to ensure that the firearm is completely concealed 100% of the time.
It takes some experimenting and experience, and thats why lots of people who routinely carry concealed often have a drawer full of holsters they don't use much anymore... You'll figure it out. Just remember that the cardinal rule for civilians carrying concealed is that the pistol must remain concealed. Otherwise it can get you into nearly as much trouble as it can get you out of, if it is suddenly discovered by the wrong folks at the wrong time.
Best,
Doc
Cheapshooter
New member
FIRST Show him your Concealed carry permit, then if hes asks say yes, I am carrying.
Just the term "I have a gun" can be a psychological red flag to a police officer.
Various states restrict carry differently, only a few forbid bank or financial institution carry. Just be certain how your state handles it, and in most states businesses can restrict carry on their own authority if they wish, with different laws on what is require to do that and how violations are handled. I have not looked into medical facilities as a function of state law, but they could post as private businesses, if it is not explicitly banned in a state law.
Cornered Cat has good information on how to conceal at the doctors.
http://www.corneredcat.com/Social/doctor.aspx
Banks in Missouri
In Missouri banks are not on the "restricted by law" list but can post just like any other business. Hospitals are on the "restricted by law" list but other medical buildings are not.
Now according to my ccw instructor and my research, the "posted by business signs" are similar to No shirt, no shoes, etc.. If you forget and carry into one of those businesses, it isn't a legal violation....... just a "sorry didn't see the sign" and leave thing.
In Missouri banks are not on the "restricted by law" list but can post just like any other business. Hospitals are on the "restricted by law" list but other medical buildings are not.
Now according to my ccw instructor and my research, the "posted by business signs" are similar to No shirt, no shoes, etc.. If you forget and carry into one of those businesses, it isn't a legal violation....... just a "sorry didn't see the sign" and leave thing.
sonnylee77
Inactive
I understand how you feel about carrying. You have a permit now so there's nothing they can say. I carry to where I'm gonna shoot with out a permit and it scares the hell out of me when I see a cop gets behind me. That's totally unloaded. I can see where carrying a fully load gun in public would scare you. Like they all said, the more you do it the easier it will be. Do you think that criminal cares if you got a permit or not when you start firing. The life that you could save by having it could be your own kin. GUNS DON'T KILL PEOPLE, THEY PROTECT US LIKE A WELL TRAINED DOG. CARRY EVERY DAY AND PRAY YOU WONT NEED IT.
and..........
while you're walking around WalMart, constantly adjusting your piece, looking around like you just stole some candy and generally making the security cameras lock onto you like a junebug on a skeeter....remember eventually you're gonna work up a trip to the bathroom!
While in there, just remember to take everything with you when you leave that you arrived with (well almost everything!). Nothing worse than whistling away as you cross the parking lot after your seemingly successful "first carry" adventure and realize your piece is sitting back in the store on the toliet paper rack or worse, that hook on the back of the stall door!
You WILL NOT be invited back!
while you're walking around WalMart, constantly adjusting your piece, looking around like you just stole some candy and generally making the security cameras lock onto you like a junebug on a skeeter....remember eventually you're gonna work up a trip to the bathroom!
While in there, just remember to take everything with you when you leave that you arrived with (well almost everything!). Nothing worse than whistling away as you cross the parking lot after your seemingly successful "first carry" adventure and realize your piece is sitting back in the store on the toliet paper rack or worse, that hook on the back of the stall door!
You WILL NOT be invited back!
Flatfoot 1
Inactive
I've been carrying for 30 yrs. now and have been retired for 10 of them and it has been my experience that many (I won't say most but its close) want to be noticed. Its not the civilian public you have to worry about most of them wouldnt notice if it was exposed! Its the LEO's you need to worry about. We know what to look for (AND BELIEVE ME WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING) ! And these are the people whose attention you don't want to attract. Also the new recruits with little experience and who tend to be a bit over zealous and anxious to "get into it" could be your worst nightmare. If your gonna carry concealed KEEP IT CONCEALED! Don't constantly adjust it, check it position it or you will be noticed. Good luck and be safe.
About 6 months here. Glock 33 IWB. I'm to the point now that I feel "naked" without it. For the few times I have to tuck I've got an LCP with a pocket holster, but that's not often. Those first few times you certainly feel awkward and keep looking at yourself in every mirror and glass you walk by. But just stop and think, how many people have you EVER looked at and asked yourself if that itty bitty bulge was a gun? NO ONE will notice.
Here in Houston , we get a rash of bank robberies from time to time.
I only go inside if need to.
Drive through work fine for me or on line banking even better wehn possilbe.
I carry so much now , it is just routine with putting my pants & belt on.
Enjoy having your permitt , hope you never have to use your firearm other than for nothing but practice & pleasure.
If you do in self defense , shoot fast & straight.
I only go inside if need to.
Drive through work fine for me or on line banking even better wehn possilbe.
I carry so much now , it is just routine with putting my pants & belt on.
Enjoy having your permitt , hope you never have to use your firearm other than for nothing but practice & pleasure.
If you do in self defense , shoot fast & straight.
motorhead0922
New member
Did the walkaround...
at Walmart and did some shopping. I wore my bomber jacket this time which I discovered has a very nice inside left pocket that holds the PPK nicely. I left the jacket open, as I normally do when it's not cold.
It was a piece of cake. It's still different, but I realize that, as you all have said, no one's looking. Actually, it seemed less like "carrying", and more like "being prepared".
Stopped at a sandwich shop on the way home for iced tea.
I'm off work today, so it's time to look at holsters!
Thanks for the kind words and sage advise.
at Walmart and did some shopping. I wore my bomber jacket this time which I discovered has a very nice inside left pocket that holds the PPK nicely. I left the jacket open, as I normally do when it's not cold.
It was a piece of cake. It's still different, but I realize that, as you all have said, no one's looking. Actually, it seemed less like "carrying", and more like "being prepared".
Stopped at a sandwich shop on the way home for iced tea.
I'm off work today, so it's time to look at holsters!
Thanks for the kind words and sage advise.
Justice06RR
New member
Great thread.
I'm new to concealed carry also and have learned quite a few things from other people's post. Plus, its jacket season even down here in Florida so its much easier to conceal.
I'm new to concealed carry also and have learned quite a few things from other people's post. Plus, its jacket season even down here in Florida so its much easier to conceal.
Misssissippi Dave
New member
Carrying in a shoulder holster may be comfortable but it is in my opinion the hardest to draw from. The only thing worse to me is trying to draw from a pocket holster while being seated. For long road trips I find a good cross draw holster is the most comfortable. I prefer in the waist band holsters. They conceal easier for me. Jacket season makes things much easier for cover clothing.
I know many start with the Wal-Mart walk to check things out. It is nice to have a spouse check to see if you can keep it concealed while shopping. Now my wife tends to bump my side is she wants to know if I'm carrying. The more you carry the less it becomes a concern. Finding what works for you is trial and error. I have found I can carry without worry even in the summer tee-shirt and jeans weather. Most people don't notice if you carry or not. They just don't look. Trained people may be quite different.
The law here says, you must inform the police when contacted such as speeding ticket. The easy way is when asked for your driver's license you also hand your permit to them at the same time. Normally I found no more words need to be exchanged at that point.
Practice at the range, if allowed, drawing from concealment and firing at 7 yards and under. It is best if you can do this without having to think a lot about it. You may never need your firearm to save your life and I hope you don't. It is nice to know it is an option and training will normally save the day for you if needed. We tend to do things by reflex when under extreme stress. Plenty of training will tend to put the odds more in your favor.
Trying to draw from concealment on someone that has a gun pointed at you is normally a loosing situation. Sure it works often in the movies for the good guy but, in real life it is a different thing.
We all had to start some place to carry concealed at least those that do. You have done the right thing in doing it legally. It is a journey to learn to be able to do it the best way for you. At least you made a good start. I only wished more people did the same.
I know many start with the Wal-Mart walk to check things out. It is nice to have a spouse check to see if you can keep it concealed while shopping. Now my wife tends to bump my side is she wants to know if I'm carrying. The more you carry the less it becomes a concern. Finding what works for you is trial and error. I have found I can carry without worry even in the summer tee-shirt and jeans weather. Most people don't notice if you carry or not. They just don't look. Trained people may be quite different.
The law here says, you must inform the police when contacted such as speeding ticket. The easy way is when asked for your driver's license you also hand your permit to them at the same time. Normally I found no more words need to be exchanged at that point.
Practice at the range, if allowed, drawing from concealment and firing at 7 yards and under. It is best if you can do this without having to think a lot about it. You may never need your firearm to save your life and I hope you don't. It is nice to know it is an option and training will normally save the day for you if needed. We tend to do things by reflex when under extreme stress. Plenty of training will tend to put the odds more in your favor.
Trying to draw from concealment on someone that has a gun pointed at you is normally a loosing situation. Sure it works often in the movies for the good guy but, in real life it is a different thing.
We all had to start some place to carry concealed at least those that do. You have done the right thing in doing it legally. It is a journey to learn to be able to do it the best way for you. At least you made a good start. I only wished more people did the same.