Share your personal evolution as a person who carries concealed.

I've carried a 1910 Browning .380 for better than 30 years.

It fits nicely in an inside the pants belt holster, but as of late I just carry it in my pants pocket and don't worry about the print since I live in an extremely gun friendly state now.

The 1910 is ideally suited for pants pocket carry since it doesn't have any sights, magazine finger rest floor plates, external hammers, or any angular sharp corners to snag on the way out.

I've had to pull it twice in the last 30+ years, but never had to actually pull the trigger; Each time, the situation defused very rapidly, thank God.
 
I've had my CCW for 9 years. I've gone up the capacity and size spectrum from 5 shot 38 to GP100 to 45 revolver, 1911, and back down again through Beretta 92, sig 226, Glock 17 and finally to Glock 19.
I've used OWB, IWB, fanny pack, and occasionally a shoulder holster when I ride my motorcycle. I carry off body when I ride my bicycle because nothing hides under spandex.
I have also learned that the belt plays a huge part in comfortable carry, that and the lay of the holster.
Bar none the worst experience I ever had was shopping for and trying on slacks alone when I was carrying a GP100 revolver in an IWB holster with snap loops. I had to put that heavy SOB on and off so many times, I hated it.
 
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I have just one thing to say to you, Playboypenguin:

;P

Seriously, it was all true. Plenty of Amnesty members in the San Francisco Bay area could confirm that I was deeply involved in the group for many years. Amnesty used to be a pretty diverse organization: people with all sorts of political beliefs and religious backgrounds were involved. That's become less the case over the years, unfortunately, and I got increasingly less involved with the organization. I finally severed ties with the group a couple of years ago for reasons unrelated to firearms and second amendment support, but I still send faxes and write letters to support prisoners of conscience and keep the spotlight on the bad guys. (If anybody else is interested in doing that, PM me -- I'm a shameless recruiter for the cause.) :-)

My politics are best described as a radical moderate with a noticeable bias towards small government. As a human rights activist I've worked with people with all sorts of political views, though. I daresay many in this forum would be amazed at how much support they would find among much of the "left" -- that portion of it that hasn't bought into the statist, big government model of fixing social problems. Anarchists and small-government "sustainable living" activists are by no means hostile to the idea that human beings have an innate right to self defense and should not be required to surrender that right. Neither are many feminists, notably among them Naomi Wolf, whom I've long respected although I don't agree with her on a lot of issues. Her views on second amendment rights are clearly evolving in the right direction, I would say. :-)

Best advice I can offer to those who take second amendment issues seriously (most of the people in this forum) is *not* to let old prejudices and old experiences keep you from recognizing an ally where you didn't expect to find one.
 
Very interesting. Most of you have FAR-more experience with handguns and carrying concealed than I. I've been a firearms enthusiast for about 40 years and have owned handguns (always revolvers), but I never owned a handgun as a hobby until early this year. My buddy, a former Navy SEAL, had some handguns stolen a couple years ago and decided early this year to buy a Glock 22 (40S&W). Interested in the process and just finished with a year and a half with 1000-yard-benchrest shooting, I and another friend who owned a couple Glocks went with. I found that the 22 fit my hands quite well but I thought it was a little short (front-to-back). The Glock 23 (compact-frame 40) was too short in the grip for me as it did not have room for all my fingers. His 26 (subcompact 9) was WAY too small for me. I bought a Glock 35, the long-barrel version of the 22 and started shooting casual practical-pistol matches locally. Over a couple months, I applied for and received my CC permit, bought my friend's Glock 23, 2 more magazines and 4 Pierce mag. extenders, some gun-specific bellybags (the type that 'rip' open), and my 1st Tommy's Gunpack* in large. I started carrying the 35 and now carry the 23 with Pierce mag extenders.

I do NOT like things inside my waistband nor hanging on it nor heavy things--such as a firearm--in my pockets, nor do I wear shirts outside my trousers. A bellybag--and especially the Tommy's pistolpack--works quite well for me, and I have several of different colors. My brother says he would never use one because they're so ugly, but to each his own. :)

I've developed some reloads using the excellent Hornady XTP and no-muzzle-flash powder** that is approximately full power and shoots very well in my 23. I carry 12 rounds in the magazine--none in the chamber--and an extra mag. My size-large Tommy's pistolpacks also contain a lite-weight LED flashlite, a small wallet of DL, CCs, CCP, etc., pencil, pen, pad, etc.


* http://www.tommysgunpack.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=1

** Hodgdon Universal. See http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BTT/is_190_31/ai_n27380935/
 
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I've been around guns all my life and started collecting, seriously, in 1976. I now have over 50 total. A majority are Winchester 73's, 76's, 86's, 92's, 90's and 62A's. NRA Lifer.

I always had several handguns that I just bought at gun shows but I never actually carried one on my person. I would always have one in the car, though.

Three months ago I applied for a CW permit in Florida (I'm a VN Vet so no course needed) and am waiting for approval. It just seemed like the right thing to do with the way things are in the world today and especially now that we have a socialist government in the making.

I'll probably carry my old SW Model 36 Square Butt because it's small and reliable and hope to God that I never have to use it but swear to God I won't hesitate to kill if I have to.

Good post and I enjoy reading all your advice and experiences.
 
Been CCW just under two years.

Started with a Bersa Thunder .380 in a Bianchi leather IWB with a metal clip (made for a PPK, close enough). Carried that while off work, where tucked in shirts were required. For carry there, pocket carried a SW637 in a Uncle Mikes pocket holster.

About a year ago, kept the Bersa but bought a G27 because I like Glocks lots more and my double stack .40SW Glock with 9 rounds is thinner in the grip than my 7 shot .380 Bersa (go figure). Bianchi holsters didn't like my G27, so I got a Galco IWB with a plastic clip. Works beautifully, conceals under polo shirts and tshirts no prob.


Carrying at first was scary. I was way too paranoid about being made. I started off using open jackets and big sweatshirts to conceal my little .380 IWB. I'd spend about 10 minutes in front of a mirror to ensure it didn't print at any angle, readjusting til it didn't. After about 2 months, carry because second nature and I stopped looking in the mirror. I also stopped leaving my house without a sidearm, just won't do it. I'm confident now, rarely checking the mirror at all because I know exactly how my gun fits into my love handle and know it's fine.

My latest evolution was purchasing a Blackhawk leather dress belt. It has a plastic stiffener in it, and has made carry 1000 times more comfortable. I thought other belts (Dickie's work belts) were stiff enough, and didn't realize how much the gun was moving and flexing my belt as I walked and did my daily stuff. A quality belt is BY FAR the best investment for CCW. I can tumble down a hillside and my pistol won't leave it's place.
 
I began carrying 4 years ago. But my first handgun for personal and home defense and general purpose was the venerable must have S&W 686 .357 Magnum L Frame in 3 inch. It could be OWB but I have never done so. I would like to get a holster for it though, just cuz. ;)

My first run at pocket carry was a misgit, I went low price, a BERSA BT .380. aka Walther PPK size. Too large and too heavy. I still have it and have about 800 flawless rounds through it. With a 11 round capacity I take it on trips, throw it in the console, suitcase, boat trips, etc. A SA/DA decocker with a safety beater.


Next came a Kahr PM9. Much lighter and pocket carryable in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. It did have the Kahr growing pains which were worked out with one trip back to Kahr. In my view it is worth any effort getting them up and running and is the ultimate in pocket nines. I would rather it than a R9.

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I just had to try a J Frame though and the first was a 642-2. It just happened to fit in the DeSantis Nemesis the Kahr would ride in. Nope, too heavy for the pocket, but I liked the form factor, almost better than the PM9.
Put a set of Crimson Trace 405 grips on it and in a Uncle Mikes OWB. It resides in a night stand with an LED light, and bear spray.

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My growth remainded stunted and enamoured with pocket pieces. An exotic metal J Frame became the next quest. Sci/Ti, very light and accused of being a brutalizer but just in time came the S&W M&P 340, 13.3 ounces of DLC coated Sci/SS, XS night sighted, Crimson Trace gripped and in .357 to boot. It remains today my most carried favorite pocket gun. It will run .38 spl, plus P and .357, very versatile. Best Pocket Carry System? Columbia Lander pants, M&P 340 in a Mika Roundcut Holster.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...selected=tech&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=

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The 340 is great in casual weekend clothes but it was a bit large for dress events and travels where a handgun was unlikely need, but you never know do you?

Time to get really small but only to the point of nothing less that .380
Today that quest may have ended with Ruger LCP, but two years ago it terminated with a Seecamp LWS .380. A Semi-auto, stainless steel art object. 10.7 ounces empty, add a mag and 7 Rounds of JHP in a DeSantis Nemesis and it comes in at about 13 ounces total. Talk about not knowing its there, and that is the point. No one does.

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The pocket quest is over it ran almost two years. I am now living in an open carry State and ready for some .40, or maybe a high cap .45. :D
Imagine the possibilities.....

Refernces:
Columbia Lander Pants.

Two front pockets!! One zippered and deep. One regular.

Favorite Pocket Carry Flashlights.
Fenix and 4Sevens.
http://www.4sevens.com/
I have been carrying a L1T V2.0 1XAA 70 lumens. That's a bit weak by todays form factor standard. Time to upgrade.

Favorite Pocket Carry Knife:
Gerber FAST Draw.
 
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One of my favorite PBP comparison photos.

S&W J Frame and a Seecamp.

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Photo Courtesy of Playboy Penguin
 
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i started carrying a beretta 21a (the only gun i had) during the 1992 riots in los angeles. it was illegal, but i did it anyway. after a couple of weeks i stopped.

in the late 90's a pocket carried a walther ppk at work. i also had a beretta 92 that i kept hidden in the store.

after obama was elected i celebrated by getting my az ccw. i carry either a sig p6 or a walther ppk.
 
i started concealed carry with a sig 226, in a homemade IWB holster. i then changed to a G22 in a homemade pancake, which i replaced with a galco IWB, ayoob rear guard, which i really did not like. i had a short stint with a G30 in a sidearmor IWB. i loved the holster, but the gun's grip was too girthy for my stubby fingers. then i went to a G27 in a sidearmor IWB...PERFECT!!!!! this has been my primary carry rig for several years now. when i ride my motorcycle, i carry a 1911 kimber in a thigh pack made by saber gear.
 
My first handgun was a 1911 bought on the streets of Saigon in 1966. Many others followed, . . . but I never got the 1911 all the way boiled out of my being.

During the intervening years, . . . on occasion, I followed the law of necessity Ohio used to have for carrying concealed, . . . never unless there was a fully justified "need".

After I got my CHL, . . . I tried a Colt Det Special .38, . . . a Ruger P89 9mm, . . . and later on a .380 Bersa Thunder (all of which I still have), . . . but never felt "armed" like I felt in Viet Nam with my 1911.

Back to the 1911, . . . with an appropriate all leather custom IWB and gun belt, . . . and I am both comfortable and comforted by that arrangement.

May God bless,
Dwight
 
40 years of experience

Friends,

What an interesting thread.
Here is my experience.

I have a CCW permit.

Forty years ago, I carried a .45 LW Colt Commander under my coat in a belt slide holster above my right hip pocket.
I had to respond to a direct threat once during this time, but did not need to display the pistol.

I photographed a lot in remote areas during this time.
I kept a S&W M36 and later an M640 in an athletic sock in my camera case.
I could pick up the revolver and fire without removing from the sock.
I never had to pick up the revolver.

Next, I carried a S&W M57, 4 inch barrel, in a canvas Land’s End(™) briefcase with half a dozen speed loaders.
If threatened, I carried the briefcase over my shoulder and walked with my right hand on the revolver.
I had to respond to two threats during this phase, threat one, a two on one, and threat two, a four on one.
I drew the revolver for each threat.
Seeing the gun, each time the individuals rapidly retreated.

Later I replaced the M57 with a M21 Glock.
I had no need to display that pistol.

In my car now, I have a Taurus Judge(™) with Crimson Trace(™) Laser Grips in a The Wilderness SafePacker(™), with the first two rounds of #4 shot followed by three .45 Colt rounds.
I have not had to respond to a threat with this revolver.

In my pocket now, I carry a Ruger LCR(™) with Crimson Trace(™) Laser Grips in a RKBA Leather & Holsters pocket holster.

I had to respond to a threat last month.

I parked my car on a road in a rural area to take some photographs.
I saw no one around.
I heard only birds.
I saw no farm houses.
I set the camera on a tripod about 50 feet from my car, preparing for a long series of exposures.

I heard two big farm dogs came running across the field behind me.
They first barked, then snarled with ears laid along side their skull, hair up on the back, and lips curled, showing their canines.
It looked to me like classic attack posture.
Had I turned my back, they would have gone for my legs immediately.

I drew the LCR and lased their eyes.
They each stopped, then backed away, barking.
I walked backward to the car, got out the Taurus, and finished the photography.

Any of the weapons I have carried over a 40 year period would suffice, either for car or personal carry, but my needs have changed.

I worry now about close-up aggression, so I match my current revolvers and CCW carry methods to my ability to deal with threats in the seven to 14 foot area.

Q
 
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MQP: +10 on matching the gun and ammo to the expected threat level. I haven't got anything like your level of experience; I'm a rank amateur newbie. However, I have done my research, and everything I've read in books, online, or heard talking to people who should know confirms that your approach is what they recommend.

In my case, though, I picked a decent compromise instead of going for a whole gun safe's worth of perfect guns to solve discreet problems. Never did want to become the neighborhood armorer. ;-)
 
My experience (abbreviated version)-

At first, I thought carrying a .45ACP (either 4" or 5" barrel) would be choice. However, at least 9 months out of the year, aside from deep winter where heavy/long coats are the norm around here, I found such a weapon impractical for every day carry. Hence, my choice of going with sub-3.5" barreled weapons (along the "lighter weight" calibers of 9mm and/or .40 S&W).

In addition, another thing I have encountered is the seemingly endless "rethinking" associated with particular ways of carrying a particular weapon. I have found that there is no such thing as a "for all occasions" type method of carry [for me at least] as there are too many variables to consider. Of course, there is also the preferred weapon-ready state to consider ("chambered vs. unchambered").

Frankly, I dislike conceal carry. Unless you own a true "pocket gun" and keep it in, well...your pocket, CC seems a hassle no matter what. But, I prefer to carry anyway vs. not and hence do what I can to manage.

As of now, I tend to keep a sub-3 1/2" barrel semi-auto within a "Smartcarry" holster. Its not quite as fast as I would like, but it is certainly appropriate given my current needs.

I only wish my home state allowed for open carry as this would suit me much better. Oh well...maybe one day.
 
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Reply to Sakeneko

Sakeneko,

Thank you.

I was taught not only to match the firearms to the expected threat level, but also conceal weapons in plain sight.

Like orionengnr, I have had spinal surgery.
I walk carefully and slowly.

I could not retreat from a threat to save my life.
I must be able to confront and deal with threats.

Words and humor are my first line of defense with people.
With words comes proximity, and my present weapons work better at close range.

A seriously stout walking stick or heavy duty umbrella, not a cane, constitutes my second line of defense.
Most people fail to comprehend these as defensive weapons.

Pepper spray comes in third, a far third, because I do not have the spray at hand as I walk.

The Ruger LCR falls to the bottom of my priority list.

I got a Utah CCW permit so that I could legally carry in a large number of states.
When I travel by air, I put the revolvers into an aluminum case.
I put the case into a well used, old duffel bag to go through airline transfer.
Not only does the duffel look too old to hold anything of value, I put in a couple of pillows to bulk it up and make it easier for me to see it as baggage comes out on the conveyer belt.

When I travel by car, I carry the revolvers in a locked case in the trunk.
If stopped, I want to be able to declare my CCW status and assure the officer that I cannot reach any firearm.

In California, I cannot bring the guns or spray.
So, in addition to the stick, I also bring an old bat, well worn first-base glove, and dirty baseball.
When I walk along the beach in the morning, I wear a baseball hat, drop the ball and glove in a net bag for all to see, and carry the bat.

Even the dogs stay clear.

In regard to the choice of firearms, I bought each one for a specific purpose.
My favorite remains the Model 57 S&W in .41 Magnum.
In the day I could accurately hit targets at 50 meters.
Those days are gone, but sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Q
 
I carry my trusty Bersa .380

I've had my permit here in Kentucky for over 10 years but rarely ever carried it on me, but instead had one in the night stand and one in the glove box of my car. But with all of the random shootings in about every place imaginable, I began carrying when in public about a year ago.

I typically dress business casual or jeans and a tucked polo and didn't want to change my whole dress code to carry, so choosing a gun and holster became a real issue. I had bought a Bersa model 95 7-shot .380 years ago and really liked it for how compact and lightweight it was. I had an old cheapy nylon IWB holster than I started using inside my waistband right above my right front pants pocket. The problem was that the I couldn't tuck my shirt in where the clip clipped onto my belt. I saw the Desantis Tuck-This II and decided to modify my nylon holster to have a tuck flap on it. My father-in-law happens to work for a place that sells sewing machine parts and he has access to commercial sewing machines. So, with his help, we made a leather strap that we installed a clip on, then sewed that to the holster near the bottom of the strap, giving me about 2-1/2" worth of "tuckable" area on the holster (see pics below). While redesigning the holster, he also sewed a mag pouch on the front of it. It works perfectly!!! I keep it in the console of my car and can slip it on in a matter of seconds when I want to.

I would love to carry a larger caliber, but two things strongly affect my choice for a CCW gun: thickness and weight. My Bersa is rather comfortable to carry, quickly and easily accessible, very accurate and is so easy to conceal (I'm 5"10" and 165lbs). I recently was searching hard to find a 9mm to upgrade to, but have realized that the Bersa is the gun that suits my needs best at this time.

I would make a few observations for those contemplating concealed carry. First, carrying a gun will not be comfortable unless you're going to keep it "off person". You will always know it's there. You just have to figure out how much comfort you're willing to give up to be armed. Second, if carrying "on person," your standard mode of dress will dictate your options for size of gun and position of holster. Before carrying, I never wore an untucked shirt. Now, I will consider it and do quite often when not at work. An untucked shirt covers a lot. But there are many times when I'm dressed business casual when an untucked shirt is a no-no. So how you dress, or how you are willing to dress, will play an important role as well. In the end though, the recent news stories have certainly proven that it is possibly a life-saving decision to be armed. I certainly never want to have to shoot, much less kill, anyone. However, I refuse to be a defenseless victim.

If you're considering carrying a gun, learn your gun well, learn how to carry and handle it safely, and especially, be proficient at shooting it. And good luck on finding what suits you best!

Robert

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Short version: Been carrying for about 15 months, carry a Glock 29. Starting carrying in the fall and heading toward a midwest winter, wasn't too worried about being able to conceal, beyond the normal "worries" of a new guy carrying... but I did worry about how I would hide this fat-as-hell pistol in the warmer months. Then spring came, then summer, and it feels like a part of me and instead of looking for some kind of "summer carry", I just keep carrying this one and I'm still thrilled with how well it does for me.

The long version follows and I'd recommend you skip it because it's too long to read. But no "evolution" for me can be shortened to fit in a certain space.
......................................

VERY interesting thread and it's easy to see how we answer the question in our own way. For some, it's this gun to the next to the next to the next, for others who haven't carried for many years (like me!), it's a different kind of answer.

My "evolution" was a mental one. I've been shooting for more than 20 years and the guns I've accumulated in that time have been mostly handguns. But carrying? Never really occurred to me. As a younger guy (kid?) I didn't have internet access nor the energy or care to actually try to learn what the laws were... I could only go with what I "heard" and that was that concealed carry permits were only issued to folks who were credentialed, knew someone or had some occupation that qualified them.

So the handguns I kept accumulating were larger in size, to make for quality shooting on the range. That was the only reason I owned them. To defend the home, certainly, but a 6-inch revolver can handle that perfectly well.

A holster? I think I owned one... I know I never used it. It was a cheap nylon belt holster. Point being was that I was a total gun guy, reloader, I was literally shooting 5 days out of every 7 day week. Smallbore 4-position rifle, skeet twice a week, and handguns just for recreation. But carrying a concealed handgun wasn't even part of my mindset.

Would have loved to, mostly because I enjoy guns and I enjoy having one with me. But I "knew" I'd never "qualify" to be issued on of those mystical carry permits.

I moved to Ohio in 1990. Ohio was late to the concealed carry party in this country... and I was even later than Ohio was. When our carry laws were first put in place, it was very poorly written and pushed through-- got sliced and diced and there were so many hoops and holes in it, it was almost a joke. When it was first enacted, I went to a local gun show that promised a lawyer that would speak and teach us about the newly enacted CHL and the laws around it. It was all doom and gloom. I won't go in to all the problems and you'd be bored to read it... but it was better than IL and WI are right now, but just by a bit. I walked out of the gun show with some ammo and no desire to get the new Ohio CHL.

These days, after many small changes over time, it's still one of the more poorly put together states as far as concealed carry, but I warmed up to the idea of it. I finally went and got my carry permit some 15 or so months ago. Got my Florida also. My bro-in-law and sister (in another state) both got theirs a couple years previous, and it made me put more thought in to getting it myself.

When it was time to consider a carry gun, I simply didn't own one. All too large. So I had to buy. And I've been a by-stander in the caliber wars since the late 80's. I knew all the .45 guys wouldn't ever, EVER carry anything smaller. I knew that the 9 guys were under gunned back in the 80s, but that ammo tech these days has leveled the playing field a bit. I also knew that I had been JEFF COOPERED in to fantasizing about the 10mm for years.. and though my 1006 was too big (IMO) to carry, I wanted to scratch the itch and skip the caliber wars and just carry what I wanted to carry.

And I wanted to carry a 10, so I bought a Glock 29 and put Pearce Grip extensions on it and dremeled off the hook on the front of the trigger guard. I shoot it well, shots go right where I want, a thousand plus rounds through it with no failures and not even a hiccup. Recoil isn't painful or troublesome, but it does slow me down for follow-up shots, no doubt about that.

Every time I think about adding a carry gun, I don't do it. This one works well. I can conceal it without issue. And open carry is legal, so it's not a matter of law if somehow, I print. I read and read and read about mouse guns and I still don't want one. While I realize that some folks MUST hide it at all costs and need something tiny, I don't find myself in those situations. The only place I'd feel the need to HIDE it would be if I carried it somewhere that's not legal -- which I won't even consider doing.

I personally think that folks with mouse guns carry the mouse guns all the time because they are easier to carry. Well, I don't find my G29 difficult to carry-- and I love to carry, every-dang-where that I legally can carry. And if I'm carrying, I don't want a .380.

Other folks? I'm thrilled that they are carrying. THRILLED. Means a heap to me, even if they only have a .22 mini revolver buried in their gym socks. But I don't see me carrying a little popper when I am I allowed to carry. It's going to be my 10mm.

Sorry for the length.
 
I had some evolution today to add to my previous post in this thread.
Ive got some serious work to do about IWB.Today i put my subcompact .45 on IWB and my bug in my back pocket and got in the car.The .45 was poking,pinching and stabbing me so bad i couldn't wrestle it off fast enough and i snapped the clip off while doing it.
Being in Ohio it is imperative i get IWB to work for summer months.This summer wasn't too bad as i was new too ccw and discomfort was easy to overlook when i was just joyful to carry.
Its already been decided last week my full sized 1911 will not ever doing IWB carry unless i can make a holster that makes it comfortable.
Buying one would be expensive with no guarantee id like it,so i will build what i need.

Back to today and the SC .45
I replaced the clip i broke and pulled out my Kholster i bought a while back and quit using due to bulk,but im finding that "bulk" is what makes a largish gun comfy IWB.
So once again i now have an IWB holster i can carry my main in when needed,but you can be darned sure they will be in a nice OWB pancake when possible.
I promise to you guys i wont give up on trying to get that big 1911 under my waistband once again,just this time im gonna apply what ive learned and can borrow from others to do it.

Whats funny was when i ripped that holster and gun off my belt in the car i was in the midst of taking my older mother to a DR appointment.She's like "what good is your gun in the glove box?" i said "Don't worry,thats why i carry a back up!" :)
She supports my efforts and even wants her permit also,even tho she dont leave the house without me.But i have left my bug in the car with her if i have to leave her alone and go in a store,as its too hard for her to get in and out of the car a lot.And you can rest assured she knows how to use it and safely at that.
 
MQP -- you can use pepper spray in California. I bought mine there, while living there -- my husband and I moved to Nevada just a year ago. What you can't do is take pepper spray *on a plane*, I think even in carry-on baggage, because it's in a pressurized container. The last thing anybody needs is for one of those puppies to pop under pressure while you're in an enclosed space like an airplane cabin. (I admit I haven't tried it.)

I'm with you on layers of defense. My first defense is -- if I expect there to be trouble somewhere, I don't go there. I'm not a police officer; nobody is paying me to walk into dangerous situations. I've also got words, pepper spray, etc. I don't have your mobility problems, but do have a limited field of vision (just one good eye) and therefore make it a point to look around and remain aware of what and who is in the area.

Almost anybody with a functioning mind can do things to make themselves safer.
 
Great topic...

Well, first things first, I grew up in a racially volatile town with the population divvied into thirds of the following---native american, white, and black.

Carried a pocket knife when not in school, then moved up to a clip-style. Pepper-spray in car.

Turned 18, a 12 gauge was always in the car except when in school.

Time passes. I moved to SC, got my CWP. Tried (and still have a Kel-Tec .380)--I use this only for deep carry. With some light smithing and internal upgrades, it is reliable. Spare clip in a Texas Hold 'Em cell phone case.

Next and current, S&W .38 Spl. airweight snubby--the bodyguard model in front right pocket (big guy here). Desantis Nemesis pocket holster. Carry a Bianchi speedstrip in the same cell phone case mentioned earlier. If I can't do it with the first five or the next five as backups, I haven't guaged my surroundings well enough, and when I pull it out, it better shoot. Critical Defense loads and a lot of practice. Besides, the carry gun just gets me to my house or my vehicle if needed.

Luckily, I've never needed any of the above. But I was also trained on situational alertness from birth. If I have to travel through or to an area that evokes my hackles, a SIG P6 IWB...
 
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