kazanski612
New member
Well said. 
How do you know if someone is carrying?
- Thread starter Phoebe
- Start date
you go through the newbie stage for about a month or 2. I literally would ask the GF at the time if she could tell. then after that, she would ask if i was carrying and couldn't tell. it was the gear to be honest. once I picked up gear I was comfortable with, I would sometimes forget I would carry it was so nice. gearing as in holster/belt.
but take it from me when you carry around you will always have it in the back of your head. I always will anyway. You aren't really supposed to forget something like that. its more of the being aware thing. You look around more, you notice small things, you start thinking like a bad guy would to see where and when you are vulnerable. you should really check out
nononsenseselfdefense.com
but take it from me when you carry around you will always have it in the back of your head. I always will anyway. You aren't really supposed to forget something like that. its more of the being aware thing. You look around more, you notice small things, you start thinking like a bad guy would to see where and when you are vulnerable. you should really check out
nononsenseselfdefense.com
Talked to my gun club people today about CCW. They seem to think I'd pass the qualifier already. 
(My dry fire practice is making a huge difference. I confess I'm surprised.)
But then I started talking to them about nuts and bolts and I'm dismayed at what I'm hearing.
"Dress for the gun."
Maybe I need to take this over to the women and guns board. Or maybe there are no good solutions for me that won't feel like I'm compromising myself.
I like to dress how I like to dress. And it seems like the best choices for clothing while carrying, are masculine. I almost never even wear jeans, let alone anything else that lends itself to carrying. But I'd really like to figure something out.
Per the guy at the gun store:
female + fanny pack leaves you in much danger of having the bag taken from you.
Behind the back, he feels, leaves you at risk of paraplegia.
He said something bad about the cross carry bags, but I don't remember what.
He feels the only safe, reasonable thing to do is owb or iwb.
He also suggested I look at galco.
Despite improving marksmanship, I can't see any of this being an issue for anything sooner than 30 days from now. But I'm trying to understand: 1) what I want to do; 2) how to move forward if I do want to conceal carry.
(My dry fire practice is making a huge difference. I confess I'm surprised.)But then I started talking to them about nuts and bolts and I'm dismayed at what I'm hearing.
"Dress for the gun."
Maybe I need to take this over to the women and guns board. Or maybe there are no good solutions for me that won't feel like I'm compromising myself.
I like to dress how I like to dress. And it seems like the best choices for clothing while carrying, are masculine. I almost never even wear jeans, let alone anything else that lends itself to carrying. But I'd really like to figure something out.
Per the guy at the gun store:
female + fanny pack leaves you in much danger of having the bag taken from you.
Behind the back, he feels, leaves you at risk of paraplegia.
He said something bad about the cross carry bags, but I don't remember what.
He feels the only safe, reasonable thing to do is owb or iwb.
He also suggested I look at galco.
Despite improving marksmanship, I can't see any of this being an issue for anything sooner than 30 days from now. But I'm trying to understand: 1) what I want to do; 2) how to move forward if I do want to conceal carry.
Willie Lowman
New member
The fanny pack *can* be the worst give away for packing a gun. I have spotted a few through the years, usually middle aged white guys that are wearing the pack on their strong side (like a regular holster) sometimes making the mistake of walking around with their hand on the gun like some cops do.
Those guys did not put one single thought into what they were doing.
There are *other* people that look for folks carrying guns and they aren't on our side. I know a dumbass that didn't conceal his baby .45 very well and was robed for his carry gun. But I don't know all the details of that story because the afore mentioned dumbass won't talk about it and the guy that robed him is in jail...
Kayla,
It can be done, and you do NOT need to dress like a boy.
See http://web.mac.com/mj_lauer/iWeb/RangeDiary/Welcome.html for some ideas. From there you can follow links to her YouTube channel, and I think I remember that she had quite a few helpful videos there.
On Cornered Cat, read the "holsters" section mostly, esp the articles titled "How Do I Hide This Thing" and "Straight Talk About Curves" - and I think I've also got something at http://www.corneredcat.com/Practical/fashionable.aspx that might help a bit.
Oh, re the fanny pack?
Concealability depends on which pack you choose! -- and also how you dress around it. See http://www.theconcealmentshop.com/aepacks.html and note the beautiful tapestry designs, the practical nylon color designs, and the handcrafted leather designs. I can tell you from experience that these packs hold up very well and (because they come in different color and design options) they can fly quite well beneath the radar for concealed carry. Just stay away from plain black leather, and choose the smallest bag that will accomodate your firearm.
Don't believe misogynists who would rather have you NOT carry at all than to have you carry in some feminine way. Yes, purses can be snatched. However, a bag attached securely to your body (as a fanny pack is) is not likely to result in a snatching.
pax
It can be done, and you do NOT need to dress like a boy.
See http://web.mac.com/mj_lauer/iWeb/RangeDiary/Welcome.html for some ideas. From there you can follow links to her YouTube channel, and I think I remember that she had quite a few helpful videos there.
On Cornered Cat, read the "holsters" section mostly, esp the articles titled "How Do I Hide This Thing" and "Straight Talk About Curves" - and I think I've also got something at http://www.corneredcat.com/Practical/fashionable.aspx that might help a bit.
Oh, re the fanny pack?
Concealability depends on which pack you choose! -- and also how you dress around it. See http://www.theconcealmentshop.com/aepacks.html and note the beautiful tapestry designs, the practical nylon color designs, and the handcrafted leather designs. I can tell you from experience that these packs hold up very well and (because they come in different color and design options) they can fly quite well beneath the radar for concealed carry. Just stay away from plain black leather, and choose the smallest bag that will accomodate your firearm. Don't believe misogynists who would rather have you NOT carry at all than to have you carry in some feminine way. Yes, purses can be snatched. However, a bag attached securely to your body (as a fanny pack is) is not likely to result in a snatching.
pax
Last edited:
Pax, I was all over corneredcat again last night.
I confess that the first time I looked at that site, it merely made my eyes glaze over. Too much info, too soon.
But re-reading last night was good. And, in fact, it's that site that got me thinking about a lot of new things, including realizing that I think I do want to conceal carry, but can't figure out how I can be comfortable.
I look forward to seeing the pointers you've given me.
I confess that the first time I looked at that site, it merely made my eyes glaze over. Too much info, too soon.
But re-reading last night was good. And, in fact, it's that site that got me thinking about a lot of new things, including realizing that I think I do want to conceal carry, but can't figure out how I can be comfortable.
I look forward to seeing the pointers you've given me.
Trashcan-man
New member
Kayla,
Yes you have to "dress around the gun." I live in FL where if I am caught carrying it means loss of my cwp and most likely jail time...even if I print too much this can happen so I am very familiar with dressing for the gun. I'm not a woman so I cannot tell you what options you have for gender specific carry. I can suggest you look at the thread about the smart carry holster/thunderwear which are good and comfortable. I know it sounds funny but both are worn like a fanny pack but under your pants. I just ordered mine and I'm sure there are others that can speak for these types of holsters. Other than that....I seem to remember crossbreed holsters has some purses that have a built in holster...in any case check their website they have GREAT holsters and offer a 2 week trial period and a lifetime guarantee.
As far as the gun counter guy goes...most people will tell you that its better to have a gun than not. It doesn't matter where on your person you carry as long as it works for YOU. If you can't carry iwb or owb then don't. If the best you can do is in a fanny pack then its better than leaving it home. Just remember, once you start carrying the one time you leave it at home is the one time you're gonna need it. Murphys law.
Yes you have to "dress around the gun." I live in FL where if I am caught carrying it means loss of my cwp and most likely jail time...even if I print too much this can happen so I am very familiar with dressing for the gun. I'm not a woman so I cannot tell you what options you have for gender specific carry. I can suggest you look at the thread about the smart carry holster/thunderwear which are good and comfortable. I know it sounds funny but both are worn like a fanny pack but under your pants. I just ordered mine and I'm sure there are others that can speak for these types of holsters. Other than that....I seem to remember crossbreed holsters has some purses that have a built in holster...in any case check their website they have GREAT holsters and offer a 2 week trial period and a lifetime guarantee.
As far as the gun counter guy goes...most people will tell you that its better to have a gun than not. It doesn't matter where on your person you carry as long as it works for YOU. If you can't carry iwb or owb then don't. If the best you can do is in a fanny pack then its better than leaving it home. Just remember, once you start carrying the one time you leave it at home is the one time you're gonna need it. Murphys law.
Lost Sheep
New member
Dress for the gun - it's natural
Kayla,
Dressing to camoflage too-skinny legs or to enhance shapely shoulders is not so different than dressing to camoflage a gun.
Dressing to disquise a gun is not something girls learn growing up in this country, but if you are going to carry, it is something you should not resist. Think of it as just part of the holster.
Lost Sheep
Kayla,
Dressing to camoflage too-skinny legs or to enhance shapely shoulders is not so different than dressing to camoflage a gun.
Dressing to disquise a gun is not something girls learn growing up in this country, but if you are going to carry, it is something you should not resist. Think of it as just part of the holster.
Lost Sheep
Dr Raoul Duke
Moderator
I was a police officer for 10 years and became quite good at spotting people carrying weapons. What I see first is not the weapon, it's the general unease, that (what we used to call) "hinkey" quality. It's kind of a "I'm not doing anything specifically wrong, but I don't fit in" look. I occasionally spot someone who is also carrying (I have a CCW and carry 24/7), and it is usually because they have acquired some kind of carry "hitch". If the piece is in his waistband, you'll see him "hitch up" after getting out of a car, or do a do a "tuck" check to make sure it's still covered. Shoulder holster wearers will also hitch at straps, and straps will occasionally show. MTB carriers almost always show when they bend over. Ankle holsters can slide down or show when the user crosses his legs. I carry a pretty small pistol, a SA XD40 SC in a Milt Spark's Summer Special 2 holster, and between a flabby belly and big flappy shirts it would be hard to find it. I would asay that as a general rule the longer someone has been carrying, the more relaxed they become, and the harder it becomes to spot.
Dr. Raoul Duke
Gonzo Forever
Dr. Raoul Duke
Gonzo Forever
The wife does the same, and she carries daily. All of her (purses) bags are made for carry. Most have come from www.coronadoleather.com. She has a job where dressing up is a must. So holster wear is out of the question. This method of carry will solve the problem of having to dress a certain way in order to carry. My personal experiences are that most of the general public are in what we call (condition white) totally oblivious to there surrounding and will never notice you are carring. Most people that carry and as to your question are in (condition yellow) aware of what is goin on around them.
I have sat at a table next to 2 police officers having breakfast and afterwards realized that I was printing and neither of them noticed.
Don, the question of carrying aside, I've realized you're right.
Part of what is feeling like a life-changing experience, is realizing that most people, including me, walk around in a bit of a daze. We walk around talking on our phones, or daydreaming, or otherwise off in lala land. And we have no clue what's going on around us.
It has surprised me to find out there is an alternative between being checked out and being hyper alert and paranoid.
I'm starting to develop a relaxed awareness.
Who just walked past me?
What cars are in my neighborhood on a regular basis vs a car I haven't seen before?
I'm about to step out of my car. Who's around me?
etc.
Right now, it scares me to realize how oblivious I've been.
I hadn't heard condition white vs yellow before. But yellow is becoming my lifestyle (down from orange.)
Part of what is feeling like a life-changing experience, is realizing that most people, including me, walk around in a bit of a daze. We walk around talking on our phones, or daydreaming, or otherwise off in lala land. And we have no clue what's going on around us.
It has surprised me to find out there is an alternative between being checked out and being hyper alert and paranoid.
I'm starting to develop a relaxed awareness.
Who just walked past me?
What cars are in my neighborhood on a regular basis vs a car I haven't seen before?
I'm about to step out of my car. Who's around me?
etc.
Right now, it scares me to realize how oblivious I've been.
I hadn't heard condition white vs yellow before. But yellow is becoming my lifestyle (down from orange.)
Great, today is not wasted, you have learned something as the saying goes. As far as conditions go, white (oblivious-la-la land) as you stated and I like that. yellow (having a grip) and finally condition red. This being the threat is seen and action is most probably forth comming. As many will state be comfy with you method of carry and you WILL carry all the time when legal to do so. Being uncomfy with the method of carry will mean your gun will spend more time at home than with you ( not good ) And when you deside on a method of carry practice, practice and practice on the draw. Proficientcy will come with practice as well as confidence. Welcome to the world of guns and Conceal Carry
eclipsetactical
Moderator
Definately
Most people are unaware of everything that is going on around them at all times. They are off in thier own world. Now when you are around somebody that has tactical training or combat experience you will notice that they know everything. What is behind them, what the guy behind them is wearing. What is to both sides of him or her. Where the nearest exit is, where the nearest cover is. Weird thing about it is most soldiers bring that home from the battlefeild with them and it stays with them for years if not life. You will find many that have been in combat dont like people standing behind them at all....If they are going to be in a place talking for a few minutes most will possition themself witht hier back to a wall or other object so they have a full feild of veiw in front and side of them. They may also be listening to you while you are talking but they are also constantly scanning everyone and everything around them.
Just getting your CCDW will give you some what of a hightened sence of what people are doing and what they could potentially be carrying. Sometimes you also find yourself profiling people by the way they look or act. Now the way they act part tells you alot more than the way they look. Looks can be very deceiving as we all know. Actions are a much stronger thing to look at to determine what a person is capible of or thinking about. Ticks, constant grabbing of waist line or reaching in pocket, eye movements. It all comes in to play.
BTW hope you stay safe Kayla, I kinda talked to you the other day through PM. Really hope that guy quits harrassing you, no woman or man for that matter deserves to be afraid of sitting in thier own home and not being safe. Best of luck to you sweetie.
Most people are unaware of everything that is going on around them at all times. They are off in thier own world. Now when you are around somebody that has tactical training or combat experience you will notice that they know everything. What is behind them, what the guy behind them is wearing. What is to both sides of him or her. Where the nearest exit is, where the nearest cover is. Weird thing about it is most soldiers bring that home from the battlefeild with them and it stays with them for years if not life. You will find many that have been in combat dont like people standing behind them at all....If they are going to be in a place talking for a few minutes most will possition themself witht hier back to a wall or other object so they have a full feild of veiw in front and side of them. They may also be listening to you while you are talking but they are also constantly scanning everyone and everything around them.
Just getting your CCDW will give you some what of a hightened sence of what people are doing and what they could potentially be carrying. Sometimes you also find yourself profiling people by the way they look or act. Now the way they act part tells you alot more than the way they look. Looks can be very deceiving as we all know. Actions are a much stronger thing to look at to determine what a person is capible of or thinking about. Ticks, constant grabbing of waist line or reaching in pocket, eye movements. It all comes in to play.
BTW hope you stay safe Kayla, I kinda talked to you the other day through PM. Really hope that guy quits harrassing you, no woman or man for that matter deserves to be afraid of sitting in thier own home and not being safe. Best of luck to you sweetie.
Madcap_Magician
New member
My wife is better at sniffing out people with guns than I am- she's truly uncanny.
But generally, the bulging clothing, unseasonal clothing, 5.11 gear or similar clothing, fanny packs, photographer vests all signal to me that someone is CCWing.
Bulges at the abdomen or small of back, with someone continually touching or adjusting the area, suggest someone illegally carrying to me, which is done predominately without holsters, so you see people adjusting the gun a lot more.
But generally, the bulging clothing, unseasonal clothing, 5.11 gear or similar clothing, fanny packs, photographer vests all signal to me that someone is CCWing.
Bulges at the abdomen or small of back, with someone continually touching or adjusting the area, suggest someone illegally carrying to me, which is done predominately without holsters, so you see people adjusting the gun a lot more.
Madcap, constant touching might also just mean "beginner who is worried."
I think I'm going to try Galco's under wrap. Wish places had some kind of return policy if something doesn't work for you.
Now I'm also trying to figure out if I need a small gun. The XD9 seems gigantic for carrying (for me.) Tried a little Kel-Tec 9mm yesterday but had a hard time controlling it.
I think I'm going to try Galco's under wrap. Wish places had some kind of return policy if something doesn't work for you.
Now I'm also trying to figure out if I need a small gun. The XD9 seems gigantic for carrying (for me.) Tried a little Kel-Tec 9mm yesterday but had a hard time controlling it.
Kayla,
Over on the W&G boards, in a sticky at the top of the forum, there's a thread titled "Does size matter?" started by Gila Hayes. The thread itself is worth reading, but if you can get your hands on the W&G article it references, you'll find some truly excellent advice about finding the balance between shoot-ability and carry-ability when selecting a firearm.
Oh, btw, I think you'll like the Underwrap. Be obsessively careful about safety when placing the gun into the belly band and you should be fine.
Kathy
Over on the W&G boards, in a sticky at the top of the forum, there's a thread titled "Does size matter?" started by Gila Hayes. The thread itself is worth reading, but if you can get your hands on the W&G article it references, you'll find some truly excellent advice about finding the balance between shoot-ability and carry-ability when selecting a firearm.
Oh, btw, I think you'll like the Underwrap. Be obsessively careful about safety when placing the gun into the belly band and you should be fine.
Kathy