How do you feel when you CC?

R

Red Dog

New member
I'm new to CC but I got to say I was nervous and felt like everyone knew I was carrying. I actually went to the vehicle and took it off. :eek:
 
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You'll get over it,,,

I felt like I had a neon sign on my forehead,,,
"Packing Heat" was flashing in big green letters.

After a while you get used to it.

Aarond

P.S. You should probably put this post in the General Handgun or Tactics and Training forum before this one gets closed by the moderators.

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That's normal. You get used to it. Keep doing it and pretty soon you won't even think about it, except that you'll feel naked without it.
 
I carry on the job all the time so I'm used to it. Just don't let it go to your head if a sketchy situation comes along. Only do what you would do if you didn't have a gun unless a deadly threat occurs. A cell phone with 911 is nearly as effective!

I can understand your thought process though. I felt weird when I first started carrying for my job.
 
Don't worry about it. We all went through the carry jitters. I'm a fairly new HCP holder & still getting used to double checking the places I go into for "gun buster" signs. As long as it's legal for you to CC, it shouldn't matter if a few people notice you have it. :)
 
I honestly don't remember ever feeling self conscious about it or anything. But it's been a while since I started carrying. I do feel naked without it though, I can tell you that.

The only thing that makes me uncomfortable when I carry is when I'm in social situations where folks get "huggy". Birthdays, family gatherings, etc. My immediate family all know I carry, no big deal, but some of my wife's family (not all of them are "gun folks") don't know I do, and I'd hate for someone to hug me and get the butt of a 1911. I try to avoid the hugs.

Jason
 
I started carrying in april this year and I know how you felt. I also felt like I was always printing and that everyone knew I was packing. After a while I just got used to it. As soon as I get out of the shower and get dressed, I have a routine of putting my guns on even If I'm not leaving the house.

Hell, I'm sitting at my computer desk and I have my Glock 22 and my Armscor .38 special on me. You will get used to it and eventually feel naked without it/them.
 
This, too, shall pass...

As I remember, it helped me to run various "what if" scenarios through my mind during alone quiet time. If my mind has familiarized itself beforehand with what concealed carry is and how it might affect my actions, any nervousness is greatly reduced... It's sort of like making sure I memorize my lines REALLY good if I'm acting in a play... That's the main thing and everything else just flows pretty easily... Like, I'm not going to be WAY surprised by anything. Of course, each possible SD situation is unique but they all have some basic themes. If I know those basic themes... no worries.
Reading books and articles about carrying didn't hurt me either.

I, too, feel MUCH MORE RELAXED carrying than not carrying.
 
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OC has allways been legal in AZ so that's how I carried for 35 years. When CC without permit passed a year ago I started wearing XL shirts untucked. Still feels 'wrong' to be hiding it, as that used to be a crime. I still pause at mirrors to see if I am printing. Did start carreing my wallet weak side so as to not flash everytime I paid for something.
 
"...went to the vehicle and took it off..." You have the training. Do you practice with your carry ammo? Builds self-confidence.
 
I always worry that I am printing, and that some cop or security guard is going to see the outline and hassle me about it.

I also feel like I'm a lot more capable to handle what comes my way, be it bear or thug. Feels good.

- Chris
 
Like most everybody else here, I had the feeling that I was printing all the time and people knew I was carrying. I started to open carry and realized most people didn't notice my open carried pistol, so why would they notice a concealed one? It gets more comfortable and eventually you feel odd without your pistol.
 
I started concealed carrying in a state where open carry is legal so maybe because of that i was less stressed about it. I did feel a bit odd at first though now its just part of my wardrobe :).
 
I actually went to the vehicle an took it off.
Click to expand...

It's actually normal to feel that way at first. It quickly passes however. The more you carry, the more you'll see that no even will give you a second look.
 
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