Applying For My Iowa CCW Permit: Tips?

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LJ-MosinFreak-Buck

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Well guys, Monday I'm going in to apply for my CCW permit. Gonna be a big step for me because I haven't been able to apply for it yet, even though I'll be 23 this year.

Are there any tips, pointers, etc. that you guys could give me, as far as proper holsters for my Glock 22, should I carry reloads, and on what magazine pouch (I have three magazines, one in the gun and two spare).

Can y'all help me out?


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I would suggest you go to these guys for holsters and maybe a belt- http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/product_line.html

I use their holsters for both my carry guns. Also make sure you have a good belt to hold everything up. You should probably carry one extra mag on your weak side, the other will likely be redundant. As to which kind of mag pouch, it probably does not matter. Just make sure you are comfortable, it won't fall out, and you can access the mag without too much difficulty. Try and carry actual defensive ammo. Federals JHP are my choice but some people have their own preferences.

As for position, borrow some holsters and try out different positions. Sit down, stand up, bend over, etc and see if there are any problems moving around.
 
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farson135 said:
I would suggest you go to these guys for holsters and maybe a belt- http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/product_line.html

I use their holsters for both my carry guns. Also make sure you have a good belt to hold everything up. You should probably carry one extra mag on your weak side, the other will likely be redundant. As to which kind of mag pouch, it probably does not matter. Just make sure you are comfortable, it won't fall out, and you can access the mag without too much difficulty. Try and carry actual defensive ammo. Federals JHP are my choice but some people have their own preferences.

As for position, borrow some holsters and try out different positions. Sit down, stand up, bend over, etc and see if there are any problems moving around.
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I'll check them out, but I'm kinda stuck buying locally, I don't have a CC or a debit.

I've got some belts figured out, and they work. I'm planning to carry IWB primarily, OWB occasionally. Mag advice taken. Defensive ammo, of course.

Through trying it out at home, I can carry IWB comfortably at the 3 and 4 o'clock positions sitting, standing, bent-over, etc., however this was done with a make-shift holster. I have tried this with a Fobus M&P40 paddle holster to good effect, too, but a correct-fitting holster for the gun is a must, I know.


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Depending on your LGS they may allow you to try out a few of their holsters. I would suggest asking. Basically, holsters come down to how they feel. I am sure there are members here with boxes filled with holsters that they tried but did not like.

Here are a few things to think about.

Are you wearing a tucked in shirt? If not then you should use an OWB holster unless you do not mind that holster rubbing against your skin all day.

Can you get the holster on and off easily? If you are about to go to a hospital and you need to take off your holster can you do it easily? Can you put it back on easily?

Does the holster have sufficient retention that the gun is not going to fall out but low enough retention that you can get it out easily?

Does the holster, in combination with your belt, keep the firearm in place?

Is the holster sufficiently concealable?

And the most important thing, is the holster comfortable enough to wear for 8-10 hours?

That is all I can think off for now. Any one else have some good things to keep in mind?
 
No tucked in shirt, but I do find IWB comfortable enough. I have tried wearing all day at home, no issue. They can be taken off easy enough (the ones I made or made work). No movement at all, easily drawn, but good retention. No issues with rubbing, so far. My LGS doesn't have much, so limited options.


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Try and find a holster with a little bit of can't to it. It helps conceal it a lot, and I find it easier to grip the gun. Also, try and stay away from holsters with just one clip (ie- Galco sto n go), they tend to wiggle back and forth. I prefer mine to have snaps and loops, and that they are snug around my belt.

Also, if you wear a t shirt, and a button up over top, tuck in the t shirt. It adds a little comfort, and you won't have to wrestle 2 shirts while drawing. Button up plaid shirts are a gift from god to concealed carriers.
 
I'm assuming Iowa, you need some sort of pistol training? I just read the application, and I have none.
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you do have to complete some sort of training class taught by an NRA or ILEA ceritfied instructor i believe. i cant find the list right now but as i remember there is a pretty long list of types of training that will fullfill the training requirement.

as for holsters, for my glock 22 i prefer the crossbreed supertuck. avoid cheap nylon holsters like the plague. for any holster, be it leather or kydex, i much prefer two attachment points that are offset from the main body of the holster (like the supertuck, as well as most all pankcake holsters).
 
Well, I guess I won't be applying Monday.
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Why not? There are online classes that qualify and only take a couple of hours (or less). Just make sure your sheriff will accept the one you choose and get it done.

A quick google search shows http://www.carryiowa.com/ that claims to have credentials on file with all Iowa counties, the class only cost $30 and takes 65 minutes plus a 20 question test.
 
Call them and explain; i'd bet they'll let you pay with a USPS money order if you just give them a ring and work it out. All they can say is no.
 
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