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My first time carrying concealed...

8K views 121 replies 69 participants last post by  GeorgiaGlocker 
#1 ·
some background, if you want it. Early 40's white male, Eagle Scout, hunter, gun owner and 2nd Amendment supporter. I own a few shotguns, an AR, the almost obligatory 10/22, a Glock 23, and most recently, a 43.

So, I have been a permit holder for about 2 months now and I have been building the courage to carry. I read a lot of stories about first time carrying, holsters, what not to do, etc, but I unfortunately glossed over how to mentally and emotionally prepare yourself for it. I know in my heart and head if someone is in my home, threatening my family or myself, I am prepared to handle that. It took a lot to consider whether or not I was prepared for a threat outside my home, not to mention the emotional ramifications should I need to use my weapon. Looking back, I wish I would have paid more attention to those parts.

So I went on a trial run last night, to Walmart of course :), with my wife while we gathered the items for Thanksgiving dinner. We where there about an hour and a half, and I am happy to report that I only truthfully THOUGHT about the fact that I had a firearm on me one time. I was reaching for an item on a high shelf, and feared it would show, and someone would call me one it and then I'd have to deal with that. I know that will probably happen eventually, but glad it wasn't my first time out.

Been carrying all day at home, and while out running errands, and I am getting more and more comfortable about it.

FYI - I am carrying the 43 using a CYA kydex holster and carrying at around 3:30 . I am a little chubby, after losing 110lbs from a gastric bypass, so this is a comfortable position for me.

Anyway, that is all. Have a great Thanksgiving and carry responsibly!
 
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#75 ·
Perhaps I should clarify - I don't necessarily have a trepidation about actually carrying a firearm, but the responsibilities associated with it. This is not as arbitray as carrying a pocketknife for simple daily tasks, this is putting the power to kill in my hand on a daily basis. I guess some may feel I am taking it too seriously, but I think preparing myself for having to use includes not just the practical shooting skill and putting lead on target, but making sure my head is right too.

To each their own, but that's how I think
 
#76 ·
#79 ·
I have CC long enough that when I have to go into a restricted area (post office,hospital, that type of thing) I feel almost naked without my carry pistol.

In my state, no carry signage carries the weight of law.
 
#80 ·
Yes but the big question is, if you are in WW,Church,Theatre or?? If your
Life ISNOT immediately in danger. Should you intervene to save other life's.?
If you are not a LEO you risk,jail time,law suit and much more. Go Figure,
This is assuming you do everything. Right. I have a CCW and the Sheriff
Made it clear you are not a LEo so let it be unless you or family member is
At risk.
 
#81 ·
I was fairly self conscious when I first started to carry. I though that everyone could see the gun. Turns out most people are oblivious to the world around them and you could open carry without anyone noticing. I don’t really even care if I print (as long as it’s not obnoxious) anymore no one notices or cares.
 
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#84 ·
Yes but the big question is, if you are in WW,Church,Theatre or?? If your
Life ISNOT immediately in danger. Should you intervene to save other life's.?
If you are not a LEO you risk,jail time,law suit and much more. Go Figure,
This is assuming you do everything. Right. I have a CCW and the Sheriff
Made it clear you are not a LEo so let it be unless you or family member is
At risk.
There are many variables involved. But, some cases are clearer than others. If I were out and someone actually shooting others, even if I was safe(r), and had a clear shot with safe backdrop, I would probably take it. On the other hand, I would not shoot unless I was certain there was immediate danger. I would always try to take cover or avoid the danger first, if possible. Don’t ever want a quick draw contest, if at all possible, even though I have trained on it.
 
#87 · (Edited)
#88 ·
The more I carry, the more I feel natural with my gun and awkward without it. I don’t really carry around the house, but if I’m in the garage or mowinh the lawn, I’ve got at least my 43 on me in some fashion. In my experience, people aren’t very observant in general so as long as you’re properly holstered and concealed, all is good.
 
#90 ·
Congratulations on making your decision to carry! You'll fell like everyone is watching you at first, and that they can all see it through your clothing, but rest assured that is simply not going to be the case—especially with a firearm as small as a Glock 43.

Eventually it'll just be something you always carry, and you'll develop your own style. There's a lot of good advice on this forum, especially what to do during a traffic stop.

Congrats again!
 
#91 ·
so I have been carrying everyday for a week now. I do skip a few times, like in the AM when I am taking my son to school, but for the most part, I have the gun on me anytime I leave the house.
I did have to take it off when I went to the unemployment office yesterday (lost my job in Oct), and I did feel weird, but I think it was more because it was locked in the truck in downtown St. Louis as opposed to not being on me. Otherwise, everything is fine. I am comfortable with it (by that I mean it is comfortable on me, not poking or sitting weird or pressing into my side). No one has xray vision and has spotted it yet. My wife doesn't even notice it.
Only real complaint I have is planning clothing, but otherwise, all is good

two thumbs up for conceal carry
 
#92 ·
... Only real complaint I have is planning clothing, but otherwise, all is good
After 35+ years of CCW I have a collection of holsters, mag pouches and belts for every situation and season. You will get there too.

Stay safe my friend.
 
#99 ·
Welcome to the CCW world ! Don't worry too much about people catching on that you're carrying; most people are in Condition White. They don't know that you're carrying and don't care as long as it's not obvious. Store security , most of them wouldn't catch on either . Btw I've been carrying off and on for over 30 years.
Fellow CCWs won't care either unless you draw in their immediate vicinity . The only problem that you might have would be an LEO. Doubtful though.
Apart from that, practice, practice, practice with your handguns, practice conflict avoidance too. Basically, only draw for self defense, defense of loved ones. Third parties , make certain that you know who the BGs are . Good luck !
 
#101 ·
If I had to "build the courage" to carry a firearm, ..maybe I don't need to be carrying one in public. I would probably spend some time on introspection and training.

If you are conflicted, anxious or are experiencing some sort of trepidation, .. maybe you should spend some time thinking about what you are really trying to do. They say that peace is attained when what you feel, what you say and what you do are in harmony. I wonder if you are at "peace" with this decision. Maybe you are... I don't know
While I agree with your post, I'd bet far more people have been killed or injured due to overconfidence than trepidation. YouTube is full of "fails" in just about every way possible including firearms. I had a lot of trepidation about launching and retrieving my new boat two years ago. I didn' want to damage it or worse. Within a few launches, it's second nature now. I think the Walmart walk is more about being self conscious in an anti 2A environment than about fear of the firearm itself. The only way to get past that is more Wally walks.
 
#104 · (Edited)
I think a person would be better served if they would stop walking around Walmart, posting it all over the net like its some sort of merit badge and simply get some training. Most people lack confidence due to feeling ill prepared to deal with the issue at hand. There are many ways to overcome a lack of confidence, .. forcing yourself to face your fear is the least productive in my estimation. Personal development, preparation and knowledge can be much more constructive. A person is not likely developing themselves by walking around a store, they are not preparing themselves for issues surrounding self defense by walking around a store and they are not likely gaining constructive knowledge by walking around a store.

I understand that a firearm is a weapon but all sorts of things can be weapons. Most people don't feel all nervous about carrying a hammer or a bag of golf clubs. As I said earlier, I think that a person who is having uneasy feelings about something may need to better come to terms with "the process" of what they are doing and are willing to do. I don't know if the OP fits into that category but I am speaking generally and broadly.
 
#102 ·
Perhaps I should clarify - I don't necessarily have a trepidation about actually carrying a firearm, but the responsibilities associated with it. This is not as arbitray as carrying a pocketknife for simple daily tasks, this is putting the power to kill in my hand on a daily basis. I guess some may feel I am taking it too seriously, but I think preparing myself for having to use includes not just the practical shooting skill and putting lead on target, but making sure my head is right too.

To each their own, but that's how I think
I'd be more concerned if you didn't have those thoughts. It is a huge responsibility. And, my firearm is My Self defense tool. It is not a law enforcement tool.
 
#105 ·
I began carrying a concealed handgun when I started working in a retail store after my escape from NYC and my arrival in NC. The practice helped, and I had no issues when I received my concealed-carry permit. I didn't walk armed around Walmart until I had had many years of practice.
 
#107 ·
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#108 ·
Perhaps I should clarify - I don't necessarily have a trepidation about actually carrying a firearm, but the responsibilities associated with it. This is not as arbitray as carrying a pocketknife for simple daily tasks, this is putting the power to kill in my hand on a daily basis. I guess some may feel I am taking it too seriously, but I think preparing myself for having to use includes not just the practical shooting skill and putting lead on target, but making sure my head is right too.

To each their own, but that's how I think
Do you drive? As in, operate a motor vehicle on a public road?

You are more likely to injure or kill somebody that way
 
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