[TonyB]

Yesterday was my first day where I carried all day.My full time job is for the state and prohibits my carrying...but yesterday I had the day off and was doing some errands then off to my part-time job.It was a little weird.I think the hardest part is not to constantly adjust your gun.I realized a couple things:I need a better belt;I was too paranoid that people would know I was armed;most people wouldn't know how to spot a gun anyway.
I'll pobably get used to it pretty quick.Any suggestions??:)

[braindead0]

I don't understand the whole 'better belt' thing. I guess I just prefer stiff belts anyway, cause I've never had to buy a 'proper belt' for CCW/holster carry.

Of course, I prefer pretty thick leather belts.. if it doesn't fill my beltloops, it's too thin ;-)

[Onslaught]

I guess I just prefer stiff belts anyway, cause I've never had to buy a 'proper belt' for CCW/holster carry. What were you CC'ing? Where do you buy your belts?
I would certainly prefer NOT to have to spend $$ on a "gun belt", but all the belts I have that came from places like Sears, Eddie Bauer, Structure, etc. are too flimsy. I always buy belts to fit my loops too, but they flex and flop so the belt dies prematurely and my pistol flops until that happens...

It's odd, but I was so concerned for years that someone was going to "make" me. I just couldn't get used to the fact that what I was doing was legal. My 5 year permit expires in August, and I am FINALLY comfortable enough carrying that I don't have to look in the mirror from all angles every time I put on my pistol.

It also helped that a fellow TFL member pointed me to the exact legal definition of GA's laws regarding carry. It's only illegal to carry CONCEALED in GA without a permit... Open carry is perfectly legal for anyone who can legally own a pistol, although it's completely frowned upon in most cities. So if I do get "made", it's not illegal, and it's not "brandishing" either.

My only suggestion is to CC around the house all the time, to give you extra time to get used to it. Check in the mirror every now and again to see if you've exposed yourself. That should help you get comfy around people.

[braindead0]

My usual carry peice (when home or in situations where I am carrying (Yeah for PA).. is a 4" full-underlug GP-100 in a Fist #7 drop front basic.. Not even sure where I got my current belt, possibly a 'levis' belt. It's thick, cowhide, and fairly stiff (although probably 5 years old, getting a bit floppy)..I'm sure I didn't pay more than $20 for it.

Of course, that holster fits very snugly up against your side, so will not flop anyway. I also like paddle holsters for the same reason (I've got two, one for my Makarov and one form my Windicator), they support themselves by good design so a 'special' belt isn't necessary.

[10-Ring]

A good belt will go a long way towards better stability w/ you weapon. Now being something new for you to carry you still have to get past the novelty of having that gun on your side. Once that passes, you'll be very comfortable with it there.

[Blackhawk]

Tony,

It's not a SCW (Stealth Carry Weapon) as in "undetectable by anybody under any circumstances."

It doesn't matter if the observant people "know" you've got a CCW. It just matters that they can't actually see it.

A lot of those new to carrying obsess about making their guns and rigs stealth, and end up getting frustrated instead of comfortable.

For now, just concentrate on keeping it concealed and comfortable. Then you can think about what you need to do to make carrying stealthy. :D

[Keith]

It's all about comfort. If you aren't comfortable - like your piece stabs you in the kidney every time you get in the car... then you need to change your carry style.

How you do that depends on how you dress, your body size and shape, size of your piece, style of car- all kinds of things. What works perfectly for me might not work at all for you.

I think this is a VERY important subject because if carrying your gun isn't almost effortless you'll soon find yourself leaving it at home because "you're just running to the mini-mart..." You may find yourself at a gunfight without a gun.

So, don't hesitate to explore different options until you find something that is both simple and comfortable.

There are a couple of companies who make casual jackets and vests with quick-access hidden gun pockets. These are by far the most comfortable way to carry, but these won't do you much good in the hot months. Coronado leather is one such company and I own a couple of their items.

Keith

[JohnK]

I remember when I first started carrying when I was 21. I sure feel self concious, and like it was obvious there was something under my coat coat, even though it wasn't.

The more you do it the more comfortable you'll feel, both physically and mentally.

[P95Carry]

Not much to be added really ......... but I have found that the ''comfort'' deal is a major aspect of minimizing the ''shove and adjust'' sorta temptation!:p

This time of year is no prob cos, I either carry left side, sho rig .... or as now, a spell of carry in a paddle on right (so belt quality or type is immaterial) ....... in real hot weather, when I usually have to switch to snubby in mini holster .. then I do feel more aware of possible exposure but ...... like many people can attest these days ...... cell phones on belts are so common that a slight ''bulge'' is little problem .... plus again, it is usually only the awkward carriage of self by the uncomfortable/newbie, that might make anyone look anyways.

I do find I buy biggest shirt sizes ...... XL is often big enough but ........ despite being 210 and 6 foot, so not over ''huge'', an XXL gives that extra leaway.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Did mean to add ......... I carry 24/7 .. and so even in house, office, anywhere ... all that helps too ... it is as much part of daily apparel as my wristwatch ....... I actually feel ''undressed'' without it!:p

[charleym3]

Yes the "naked in public" feeling will go away. Practice around the house. It's just a matter of getting used to it. I was more frequed out by the feeling of carrying deadly force. I was constantly on guard not to get into an argument for fear that I'd have to use my sidearm, and that has stayed with me. I've been carrying for 3.5 years.

[spacemanspiff]

i remember a while back at TFL there was an account of someone who just got their CCW permit and had just carried that day. their reaction was "oh man! i felt soo powerful."
i sincerely hope that was a joke at the time, but still, you should feel no differently now that you carry. i practiced carrying while at home so i would get comfortable with the extra couple pounds pulling on my belt. i didnt have any self conscience feelings about people discovering that i carry.

but there was this one day that i think it flashed briefly while i was getting breakfast from the quickymart. the clerk became ultra nice and the guy behind me in line was more than courteous. now that same clerk always greets me immediately. i didnt think he acted nervously, but his demeanor definitely improved towards me.

the only ones who will notice a weapon printing, are going to be other CCW'ers.

[TonyB]

I do plan on carrying all the time(except at my job which is in a state building.)I'll be looking at stiffer belts and practicing at home .The advice Blackhawk gave really made me think about concealed carry...good point,thanks.
Summer carry will be interesting.BTW I'm carrying an SP101.Right now in an Uncle MIkes....but a Desantis thumb break scabbard is on it's way........thanks again.:)

[Blackhawk]

Good luck, and keep us posted! :D

[blades67]

I use a Wilderness "Instructor" belt. Their 5-stitch, 1.5" belt goes for about $35. I have several, both 1.75" and 1.5" and in all three colors. I've been using an "Instructor" belt since 1993 and I no longer have any leather belts.

[Standing Wolf]

Whew! I'm so glad that gun of yours didn't decide to go on a crime rampage!

I've seen several people with slight, asymmetric waist bulges. I always take it as a sign of safety.

[charleym3]

For summer time carry the only thing that changes for me is the concealment garment. I swap from a fleece pull over to a front button canvas or denim shirt left open. For the last year or so I've been carrying a revolver. Usually a GP100 or a S&W 625. I carry in a JIT Slide holster just behind the centerline. The holster ends where my pocket begins so the barrel goes into my hip pocket. Even large guns can be hidden. My wife and son often don't know when I'm carrying unless they hug me.

[bikerp97]

It's not a SCW (Stealth Carry Weapon) as in "undetectable by anybody under any circumstances."

It doesn't matter if the observant people "know" you've got a CCW. It just matters that they can't actually see it.

A lot of those new to carrying obsess about making their guns and rigs stealth, and end up getting frustrated instead of comfortable.

For now, just concentrate on keeping it concealed and comfortable. Then you can think about what you need to do to make carrying stealthy.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you Blackhawk!!

I am also new to carrying and this is the best advice I have found so far. I carry a Ruger P97 and was worried about the butt of the gun printing some. That seems to be the only thing I can see in a mirror. But you are right unless someone knows what to look for they wont know anything. I see alot of families with 2 way radios that must be what the slight bulge under my sweatshirt or jacket is....

Kevin

[Onslaught]

i remember a while back at TFL there was an account of someone who just got their CCW permit and had just carried that day. their reaction was "oh man! i felt soo powerful.
i sincerely hope that was a joke at the time, but still, you should feel no differently now that you carry. "
Ooooh... definitely a bad thing.... But I certainly act "different" when carrying, just not "powerful".

I don't have a quick temper, but I have a very high threshold for maximum anger :fire: I have done some very "unintelligent" things when severely angry.

BUT, the very first time I ran into an issue while CCW'ing, it was an extremely belligerent skinhead in a POS Toyota who swerved at my truck, began SCREAMING and cursing, and then tried to get me to pull over. Now, ordinarily, I would have pulled over :uhoh: , or at least been screaming and cursing back at him... But for some reason, I just got the biggest urge to smile, wave, and accellerate away! So I did :D I still have no idea why he was mad in the first place... It was just us two on a 6-lane highway... where he was doing 35 because his car was breaking down and couldn't go any faster. I gave him PLENTY of room as I passed. I think he was busy screaming at his girlfriend before I passed him.

That was a few years ago, and since I've been carrying, I've noticed that this trend has continued, and indeed I am more polite, more friendly, more likely to speak, more likely to smile, and am always able to "let it slide" if someone else is having a bad day and tries to share.

Heck, a few months ago, I even took my pistol out of the holster (while inside my house) and left it on the dresser because I saw my neighbor from around the corner who lets his dog poop in my front yard every single night coming down the road. I had a few things to say to him :cuss: since my wife had accidently tracked his "gift" on our 3 week old carpet, and I didn't want there to be any complications... He snatches his dog by the leash past my house to do his deed in the next door neighbor's yard now. ;)

[ACP]

I highly recommend Galco gun belts (www.usgalco.com). I have two, one black and one tan/brown, and they are terrific. I also recommend OWB holsters that have "shim" systems so you can fit them to dress belts (for work) and the Galco belts for weekend and casual wear.

I have been carrying CCW for more than 6 years, and the difference between the stability of the Galco belt and a 'dress' belt, even with the Blade Tech shim system, is very noticeable.

A good belt will also help stop the "hand checks" that give a CCW away. Just make sure you buy a holster that keeps the butt of the gun against your side, but still gives a full grip for the draw.

[Blackhawk]

Welcome to THR, Kevin! :D

P97s are not amont the first guns I think of when categorizing CCWs, but it sounds like you're doing just fine with it. :)

[Logistar]

I'll pobably get used to it pretty quick.Any suggestions?? Not really a suggestion but a comment.

I carry ANYTIME I leave the house. (Only exception is work and I carry to and from there.) At first it kinda bothered me. That little bit of weight and mass in a spot where nothing was before... Will anyone FIND OUT I HAVE A *GUN*!!!???

However, after a few years of "religious" carry, NOW my problem is different. The other day (odd circumstances) my carry gun AND my car gun got left at home! It bothered me ALL DAY LONG! Kinda like not having your wallet or your car keys.

Your comfort level in the future might be worse if you DON'T have your gun than if you do! ;)

Logistar

[Texas Bob]

You got me to thinking about thirty years ago when I strapped on a mod 60 and went "out" for the first time. It's natural to think "everyone's looking at me", but the're not! After "several decades" you will know what works for you, and be as comfortable as an old dog in front of a fireplace. As the years go by and you, hopefully get some professional training, along the way you'll look back and have a hard time remembering when you didn't ccw. Find what works for you and your lifestyle, stay safe, and remember, "the best revenge is living well.";)

[Jack19]

Texas Bob is right. People are not looking at you to see if you're carrying a weapon, including police officers. Most people are deep into their "Condition White" and involved in their own little worlds...even people who are carrying.

[Unisaw]

The hardest impulse to resist is checking for proper concealment right after exiting your car. If you can condition yourself to trust your cover garment at that point in time, you are well on the way toward acting normally. That said, I agree that most other people can't even conceive that someone else may be carrying.

[Unisaw]

Jack 19,

Not to hijack the thread but I couldn't help but notice your signature line. Do you mind sharing the relevance of that signature line?

[FJC]

Definitely get a good belt, it will help incredibly with making your rig stable and comfortable.

I use one from Rafter S Gunleather - great belt, and only around $40 instead of the close to $100 that many holster makers charge.

http://www.raftersgunleather.com/

Here's how it looks with a HK P7M8 in a Sparks VM-II holster:

http://www.condron.com/pics/hk/vm2-p7-wear.JPG

[Jack19]

Unisaw, check your PMs.

[TonyB]

I got a DeSantis thumb break scabbard..it rides a little lower than the holster I was using so it's perfect for me!!Although I'm still going to invest in a good belt w/ my next paycheck.
I used my SP in IDPA sunday.....other than having one less shot than every body else it was great.This gun is wicked accurate.I think I'll probably use it once a month at IDPA.My auto is just better for IDPA.
ALL of my practice outside of IDPA will be w/ my SP.Atleast for a while...I need to get to the point where it is an extension of myself........
It's amazing what a difference the right holster makes,I feel very secure in the fact that I'm truly concealed...:cool:

[curt]

a good belt helps a lot, i use the instructors belt. I plan on some time in the future getting a nice belt or 2 from a holster maker for those occasions where i need to dress up a bit.

Also you may want to experiment with holsters. I have a F.I.S.T holster for my Glock 35 that just makes the gun disappear. It pulls the gun in enough so it doesn't flop around or print but not tight enough that i'd have to excavate it from my love handles. Some IWB holsters have panels between the gun and your body that can help the comfort factor.

[cool45auto]

If anything the first few times I carried I brought attention to myself! I was always checking my shirt and holster. I was scared to death I was flashing. I carry at 1 o'clock now and don't even think about it. I've tried 4 o'clock but am too self conscious about the bulge the grip of my Beretta makes.

[curt]

I carry at 1 o'clock

Isn't that uncomfortable when you sit? Also how do draw? Do you keep your weak hand at your side or what? Inquiring minds (or mind...okay half a mind) want to know.

[zorba]

TonyB, check out Rafter S Gunleather (http://www.raftersgunleather.com) Their belts are $41 in cowhide. Their holsters are nice too. I understand through some postings on various boards that Rafter S is the supplier of belts for Wilson Combat. I find a 1.5" belt is the minimum width for stability when carrying OWB, with IWB this is less of an issue. You are suffering all the common symptoms of first time CCW, being paranoid is definitely one of them. The more you carry, these issues tend to fade away. I have holsters from Sparks, Fist and Alessi, I usually pick the Alessi Talon Plus for most outings because it conceals easily and the clip makes it easy on and off. Is is slightly less stable than a holster with loops but a little movement is good when sitting in a car, etc.