The first day out the door with a CCW

Walmart Shuffle
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Wally World Walk
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LOL, I have a friend whom I may convince to get a permit just to do this with me. He'd have a blast.

If you like it, if you dig it, if it feels groovy... Then I say you're a natural warrior.
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I'm not so sure about past lives, maybe just a few too many viewings of The Expendables and The Good The Bad and The Ugly. A childhood full of Doom and Metal gear Solid probably didn't hurt either. But I'll take the compliment anyway. :D
 
+1 on the don't buy cheap (taurus, s&w sigma, etc.)
+1 on the bending and printing (6'6" here)

if you do plan to carry, a reinforced holster belt and a good holster go a long way.

as to my personal carry, my tried and true is an hk p7 psp, but i occasionally carry others such as a glock 19, colt defender, keltec pf9, and s&w j frame. others have populated that list in the past, and others are likely to venture in in the future. in most cases, double stack mags make it hard to carry. some of the polymers can still be thin enough. you really don't want a thickness of more than 1.2".
 
I carry a concealed weapon not to feel empowered. My weapon is for defense. Not offense. It is merely a tool to back up my cell phone, which is my primary defense weapon. Like the old cliche goes, a gun is a great equalizer. I carry concealed because I am not interested in alarming the general public or causing a stir by open carrying. Incidentally, I dont see any real tactical or particular advantage between open or concealed carry. They both have pros and cons.

Secondly, I assume you're concerned about the anticipated "nervousness" that you expect to be experiencing on your first CC outing.

I began by carrying in my home to get used to the feel of carrying and work out any bugs in regards to what to wear and and how to carry using a particular holster/gun combination. I wore at the 3 O'clock at first but finally settled on IWB-appendix carry. I believe appendix carry is much more secure from having the gun snatched from my holster from behind. And IWB-appendix carry of a small snubby happens to be perfectly comfortable for me. Carrying at home got me used to feel of having a gun on my person which went a long way to making me much more relaxed. Very quickly, when I ventured out for the first time, I was quite used to carrying which helped to prevent to inevitable first-timer's "holster fidgeting" which can broadcast to those who are looking that I was carrying.
 
The first day out the door with a CCW

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With permit papers in the works and research being done on my first handgun my mind has turned to the topic of concealed carry. I was raised by two anti-gun parents and was never really given a option to learn to shoot or carry. I wasn't even allowed my first super soaker until I was 14. Though now that I'm doing the legwork to get all my gear in order I keep waffling on whether or not to get my concealed carry permit, or if I even want one. There's something to be said about a feeling of security and empowerment however 20+ years of gun control parenting isn't being shaken so easily. This brings me to my question, why do you fine people carry concealed, or don't carry if you have specific reasons not to? Also what was it like your first day strapped?

You have spent too much time on gaming...strapped. LOL
 
I think the OP asked a good question and it's one that each individual has to figure out for themselves. For myself, I was brought up with guns on a farm and hunted all the time when I was a kid. I was instructed by "old timers" - gun safety, how to shoot, how to cross fences, etc. I started shooting pistols probably 40 years ago - a 22 at first and then swithched over to SA blackpowder revolvers. It's only been in the past couple of years that I've even owned a "new fangled cartridge gun" and now have some nice vintage revolvers and one 9mm semi auto.

I summer in MI and winter in AZ - a big difference in thoughts of wht "shiould be" in regares to carry. Last year I took my CCW class in AZ - it is no longer required but I wanted to get as much education as possible. Whether you decided to carry or not - a CCW class is a good thing to take - education never hurt anyone. In the class, there was about 25 out of which there were about 5 women. I was happy to see that. There was also about 3 to 4 guys who should never be allowed to carry.

Carrying CCW does not make you a "bigger man" nor does it make you "walk taller". The primary reason to carry should be to protect yourself, if ever need be, in a life or death situation - either your's or your family members. If that is why and individual carries, then they are carrying for the wrong reason.

I am not a military veteran. But, I have been shot at as a result of a situation that occurred when I was working fire/rescue many years ago. And, I will be very honest, it scared the living crap out of me as I felt the heat of the bullet go past my left ear. The primary reason I carry, which is not always, is that we are 45 miles north of the border in AZ. While we usually feel perfectly safe, a lot of stuff goes on in Tucson and there is a lot of gang activity. We don't go up into the city that often but there are car jackings, hold ups and other mischief that can occur - just as in any city. If we are out in the country and should break down, I want something with me as there is a lot of drug smuggling, two legged coyotes bring illegals across as well as banditos knocking off the drug smugglers. You never know who could come along. I'm not overly worried about those things but I am prudent in my decision to be prepared.

I applaud you on wanting to become more familiar with firearms and even your thoughts about wanting to possibly CC. Your parents had their beliefs and those beliefs were not wrong - they were entitled to them. You are now an adult and you have to form your own beliefs and practices. Firearms are not to be feared - they are to be respected. They are a tool and like any tool, they should be used correctly, whether it be for hunting, target practice or plinking. If you decide to carry - whether it be part time or all of the time - do it for the right reasons. Do it as a means of self protection if a life threatening situation ever occurs - and pray to God that it never does. No one knows how they will react in a situation like that - forget about the "bravado" of those who expound on "what they would do". When you get your firearm, get as much training as you can with it - there are lots of fellows at ranges who can assist in that. Learn how it functions, learn how to handle it safely and practice with it on a regular basis so you know it like the back of your hand. Wearing a gun on your hip doesn't make you a man or braggind to others that you CC - getting as much training and education in firearms and your state's firearms laws - being respectful of your firearm, the power that it has to do damage and acting in a save manner always - those and the respect of others is what will set you apart from others.

You sound like a very level headed young man and I wish you the very best in your journey as you learn more about firearms, obtain your firearm and enter the great sport of shooting. CC is a personal decision and whichever way you decide to go for yourself, I wish you the very best of luck. Be safe and enjoy! :)
 
I carry because I can. I'm not overly worried about my self defense but I live by the theory that it is better to be prepared than not.

In my opinion, everyone should have their CCW license. Even if you don't plan on carrying very often, having the ability to do so is a great freedom.

As far as my first day carrying, you feel that everyone is looking at you. As time has passed, I've noticed that most people are oblivious to their surroundings. Unless you are printing badly, no one will take note of you despite what it feels like.

Your first trip as a CCW holder MUST BE Wally World. It's a written rule in very fine print on your CCW license. Trust me, it's there.
 
Ale GOlem

The first day out the door with a CCW

There's something to be said about a feeling of security and empowerment
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Please do not consider the state of concealed carry as justification or a defense for you if you go into a situation that you otherwise would not if you were unarmed. Please read the thread "Steel Courage" http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=462937

This brings me to my question, why do you fine people carry concealed, or don't carry if you have specific reasons not to?
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I carry both because I can and because I see it as carrying a tool as insurance. Insurance is something I hope never to use. It is part of my philosophy of keeping my options open.

Also what was it like your first day strapped?
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I started carrying concealed over 30 years ago, can't clearly remember what that first time was like. I was concerned with someone being able to see that I was armed. Never happened that I know of. Back then I carried a S&W model 36. I have probably carried concealed around 10,000 days now.
 
Your parents had their beliefs and those beliefs were not wrong - they were entitled to them.
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Don't get me wrong, I love my mother and father very much. I couldn't have asked for better role models and parents.

All of the responses today have convinced me to definitely go for my concealed carry license. I'm actually very excited now to get the option to decide when and if I want to carry. Now to finish getting those character references.
 
Skadoosh has some real good advice, wear it around the house and yard doing routine activities to get used to carrying and gain some confidence in your gear. You'll probably still feel a little self conscious but it passes quickly once you figure out that nobody really notices.

All you can do is try, if you continue to feel uncomfortable then cease packing.

The Wally World walk is pretty funny, my maiden outing was in Fleet Farm...
 
You have received some good advice so far. Stick around, read a lot of posts--you will find a variety of opinions on what is best, but each person has his/her reason for believing what they do.
In the mean time, I salute your decision to get your CCW.

AARP is so powerful because a huge majority of retirees are AARP members. If a similar proportion of gun owners were NRA members and CCW holders, we would never again worry about anti-2A legislation.

Having a CCW does not obligate you to carry...it only provides you the option.

It is merely a tool to back up my brain, which is my primary defense weapon.
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There, fixed it for you. :)
 
I felt like I was wearing a sign the first couple of days. You get over it.

I use a front pocket holster. Thick leather is nice. Preaks up the outline.

Dark pants work best. Jeans print like crazy. You end up the a "wear" line aroung the holster.

Sitting in a booth, sit with your carry pocket toward the wall. Sitting with others, slide all the way over.

Take a safty course. You will feel confident if you have been given proper instruction.

Why do I carry? In all candor, I do not view the world as a place full of monsters wanting to kill me, rape me, and use my skin as clothing. I have traveled all over America, met and takled with homeless, drug addicts, the untreated mentally ill, gangbangers, drug dealers and all sorts of "scary" people. Never had any problems with them. They had their business, I had mine.

I carry a gun for all the reasons I can't think of. All the "unknown unknowns". I hope I never, ever have to use it.
 
It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it--applies to CPL just like a gun/ammo.
 
You will find, if you are smart, that you have become very civil and even polite, in daily interactions with others. If you used to have a beer after work downtown, and found yourself or a companion noisy and brash, that will cease. You will avoid voluntarily placing yourself in situations where others may feel the need to intimidate you. You will discover you are very much aware of what is going on around you, not because you want to use it, but because you might have to, and would rather let being in condition yellow help to avoid getting to condition orange and red.
 
loose holster dan,what is wrong with the S&W Sigma? When you say cheap are you referring to the price or the quality? I own a SW40VE and have no problem with it at all.At the time I decided to buy a striker type pistol I had up to $600 to spend on a weapon.Why pay the extra $300 on something that shoots the same as a Sigma? Is it because it does not say GLOCK on it? Since buying my Sigma,I have put over a 1K rounds thru it,without one problem at all.I have also made a few new friends at the range that are die-hard GLOCK owners and they have let me shoot thier GLOCKs and vise versa.The only thing I noticed different on the GLOCK was trigger pull was slightly easier and it did not fit as well in my hand as my Sigma.My advice to anyone buying thier first pistol,buy what "you" like,not what anyone else tells you to like! :cool:
 
1st day

A few things Ale:

** I would be careful about putting that deer on the roadside out of his misery in NYS. I had a cop tell me you could get ticketed for shooting a deer out of season. Guys correct me if I am wrong.

** I am just short of 2 years of CCW. That 1st time out the door is a rush. Today it is like making sure I have my wallet and keys.

** my 1st purchase was a S&W 340. I use that as my pocket gun. It is a .357 but I usually have it loaded with 38s.

** my wife also got her CCW at the same time. She like the S&W 340 so we got her one too.

** About a month later I got a S&W 686 with 4 inch barrel. This became my range gun and it is awesome.

** A few months later I got a S&W 686+ with a 3 inch barrel. This became my 2nd range gun and it is awesome too. I am going to experiment with this being my CCW this winter. I got a nice Milt Sparks holster for Christmas last year.

The reasoning on our getting all .357s was so we would have the flexiblity of using 38s and 357s. We liked the idea of my wife and I of not having to give a thought if we had the correct ammo in hand in the time of need. That arguement might not hold water with a lot of the veteran gun owners but that was our thinking. Neither of us are seasoned gun owners. Sorry I got carried away but like telling my guns story.

That was the trail we took and it worked for us. We like the quality S&W offers and those model 686 are pretty sweet. Good luck - enjoy.
 
I believe that most people are good people, misguided or not, and most are trying their best to get along in a tough world... they don't have the desire or time to mess with people, and most don't even have the mindset to contemplate weapons to defend a life, let alone take one. I carry because I blend in with those people, and there are a few out of the masses that will take advantage of most people's trusting and non-violent natures. God willing, I'll never run into one of those cursed few.... but I might. And just as importantly, so might the people I care about.

I am surprised that no one has suggested you visit http://www.corneredcat.com ... it's a fine website dedicated to the decision and mindset of self defense. Not just guns, either. I have been carrying for years now, but I still read it every now and then to help keep my head straight. I recommend anyone even considering a firearm or taser, OC spray, etc, check out this site!

EDIT: I wasn't allowed to have toy guns when I was little either... my mother hated guns because she found her mother dead - killed herself with a cheap small caliber auto. Very understandable dislike. Still, it was a futile effort. First came the guns we built out of Legos and Construx, next came the super soakers and nerf weapons, then the battery-powered squirt-guns that looked like submachineguns in neon camo (they even loaded from a stick magazine!), then laser-tag... it was really hopeless.

Still, I was afraid of guns until my fascination won out over my intimidation one day in college. I walked into a gun store with my brother, and with him egging me on, I walked out with the cheapest, oldest, history-laden military rifle I could find - a Yugo SKS (didn't know it at the time, of course). I still have that rifle, and I wouldn't give it up, even if it is unrecognizable after removing the bayonet, recrowning, and refinishing the stock.

I didn't get a pistol (my first was a H&K P2000) until my wife (then my girlfriend) received some threatening calls at her parents house. She was staying with me most of the time, and I felt I had to protect the cave, so to speak. At first I didn't like pistols, but they're grown on me. I think I'm better with most pistols than I am with most rifles, now.

It took me a LONG time to get used to carrying with a loaded round. The lack of a manual safety on the P2000 was a blessing and a curse. Blessing, because the LEM is a good system and the fear taught me trigger discipline. Curse, because my discomfort was shared by my wife - she doesn't really like any guns, and she really dislikes the P2000 because it doesn't have a safety.

I'm always happy to hear about another person entering the gun world, and even happier to hear about a responsible citizen exercising their right to carry. Please, if you have any questions or concerns, let us know. We're all here to help.
 
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Conceal carrying gives you the security and peace of mind that you have a tool to defend yourself and loved ones. I also grew up in a conservative family that didn't really steer me towards gun ownership, but now that I cc it is a great feeling to have; being an armed and polite citizen.

People also do not realize it is a RIGHT to bear arms. maybe from the state they live in, how they were raised, or just lack of knowledge.

On the subject of the "Wally Walk", I actually did my walk at Target instead. :D
 
Scotchman and loose holster dan--at 6' 5+" get the shirts marked TALL, if you dont already. I do and Im nowhere near that tall. Bad part is it makes the sleeves toooo long, for me, probably not you.
 
Scotchman and loose holster dan--at 6' 5+" get the shirts marked TALL, if you dont already. I do and Im nowhere near that tall. Bad part is it makes the sleeves toooo long, for me, probably not you.
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I did whenever possible, and now definitely will. Kind of limits where you can shop though. I wear a lot of LL Bean but that's not exactly trendy out on the town apparel.
 
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