Feeling Naked-I understand now

Wait until you've been carrying daily for 15 years or so.... then it's like those dreams where you don't have any clothes on but nobody notices!

On the rare occasions I have to travel to a non-reciprocal state I feel very naked indeed.

Ron in Texas

I feel it's akin to having instantly atrophied to a much weaker state; not helpless, but less able. This is particularly noticeable with the family in tow. In my state, we cannot carry inside a premises where alcohol is being served. I actually do abide by these rules despite finding them absolutely absurd (I don't drink).

Just for the hell of it, I haven't carried a gun for 2 weeks just to remember what it's like not to carry. I have to admit, it got real comfortable real quick.
Oh well, back to the 2 1\2lb tumor on my hip....

it got real comfortable real quick

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Which explains why so many start off expecting to carry a 1911 Commander and end up a few years later carrying nothing larger than a P3AT or LCP.

With my luck, the day I don't carry is the day I'll actually need it.

Oh well, back to the 2 1\2lb tumor on my hip....

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Two and a half pounds? Sounds like you need to switch to a lightweight 3" 1911. You'll never go back.

I'm planning on carrying with an Astra A-90... its a midsize pistol, not too hefty, it isn't bad.

Don't bend over. Crouch.

In the Middle Ages, it was known as being naked when unarmed. I am not happy with it, but at my work, it's kinda required inside the wire, and understandable.

I carry every day when I'm home, even for short trips. I've been down in Arizona for two weeks unarmed and it hasn't bothered me one bit. Go figure.

In this economy, you really need to be armed all the time. Bad guys check you out like a bar code scanner. They move to a soft target if they are suspicious. If they pick up on your vibes, and you have a nice car, watch, etc. Bingo. There are many sharks in the water now. Wearing rolex watches and wives with 3 carat diamonds, get picked up in a bar or restaurant like ticks on a dog. If you travel like that be armed, or dress down.
Pro's can read the signs.
Take a car service, always plan ahead. Nothing is worse than knowing that something is going to happen and you can't even have a shot of stopping it.

In the Middle Ages, it was known as being naked when unarmed.

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A secondary meaning of "naked" is still "unarmed."

I feel it's akin to having instantly atrophied to a much weaker state; not helpless, but less able.

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Exactly. I find myself running through scenarios where if the SHTF I'd take out this guy first, that guy next, etc. and without a firearm you have to plan for a lot more time and a lot more uncertainty, especially if the adversaries are armed. You start looking around for objects that could be used as a weapon if necessary. It's not a comfortable feeling. "They took away my vehicle so now I'll have to walk." Less effective tools with the same goal.

Snowdog said:

Which explains why so many start off expecting to carry a 1911 Commander and end up a few years later carrying nothing larger than a P3AT or LCP.

With my luck, the day I don't carry is the day I'll actually need it.

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I went the other way. My carry at work was a P3AT, now I carry a 1911

Yep, feels kinda like leaving the house without my watch on.

Leaving naked? Is that kind of like the "right to bare arms"?

Yeah, anything you wear or keep in your pockets becomes routine. Before most of us leave home, its "keys/wallet/phone?" When your routine is "keys/wallet/phone/pistol" then leaving will make you feel like you're forgetting something.

Fifteen years ago I left police work after a 22 year career. As part of my retirement package I received a concealed carry permit... After all those years of never, repeat never being un-armed on or off duty I made the decision not to carry ever again if circumstances allowed. I've stuck to that and haven't regretted it yet. Within the first six months I physically felt five years younger....

NO I'm not a fool, and YES I do have a sidearm where I can easily access it. To carry or not is each individual's decision....

I just recently got my CWP and am still trying to find something I'm comfortable carrying. With all the potential combos between weapon and holster, then take into account my build (more than a few extra pounds), the Florida climate, my budget, etc. , it's not a simple decision. And then it isn't just the weapon, it's extra clips/speedloaders and/or ammo as well. Being ready ain't easy!

Stump, don't be afraid to use a fanny pak. i do when my back is really bothering me. Or with gym cloths on, plus you can put all your stuff in there.

Stump, I've tried a bunch of carry guns, and now my ALWAYS carry is a Ruger LCP. It's fantastic. My, sometimes carry gun varies from an EMP, XD9 subcompact to a full sized 1911. I carry both inside and outside the waistband, whichever is possible given the weather (which is usually hot so it's IWB). The Ruger fits in my back pocket and with my holster looks like a wallet. I love it.

LOL! Glad to see some realizing what it is to be naked. I've carried constantly since age 21, and turn 57 next month. Try doing that, then taking off the gun for a trip to the courthouse. Talk about naked! While I have carried something as small as a PPK in an ankle rig, I pretty much settled on the 1911 some years ago. I've downsized from 5 inch all steel to 4 inch alloy frame, but no smaller.

And yes, if you ever skip the gun that will be the time you need it. It is our Right and our Responsibility to be "at all times armed." I subscribe to Cooper's concept of duty to society. I do not intend to shirk my duty.

I went through downright withdraws when I moved from UT to CA after carrying for many years. It really felt like I moved to a foreign country... like I was not in America anymore. I still can't wait to get out of here.

I can leave the house unarmed without feeling either "naked" or having a panic attack, and I've been carrying a duty or off-duty weapon for the better part of the last 3 decades.

Before LEOSA became law there were times I had to leave my weapon at home when we traveled out-of-state. So be it. Not being able to be armed while traveling out-of-state did NOT change our travel plans.

Being able to remain armed under the provisions of LEOSA made it feel more like I was traveling around in my resident state, allowing me to remain armed most of the time, although there were still times I secured the weapon and went about our activities out-of-state unarmed.

Yes, it can become very comfortable indeed not to be lugging around 30-40+ ounces of weapon (not counting holster) on your hip. That's one of the reasons I returned to carrying a J-frame again (pocket holstered).

Granted, I still belt on one of my compact/subcompact 9, .40 or .45 pistols upon occasion, depending on my anticipated activities and area of intended travel, but one of the lightweight, diminutive J's gets the nod more often than not.

Admittedly, that wouldn't be the case if I weren't an experienced revolver shooter who still practices with my J's more than most anyone else I know - including other LE firearms instructors.

I prefer to carefully balance any potential inherent "compromise" when it comes to considering comfort/convenience versus experience/capability with any dedicated defensive weapon carried.

Just my thoughts. They don't have to work for anyone else other than myself. (I also acknowledge that my personal perspectives are based on my being former active (and now retired) LE, able to carry weapons, as such ... but I do indeed remember my adult years prior to entering LE, too. I didn't let my inability to carry a concealed firearm restrict my chosen activities and general lifestyle back then.