Ccw Help!

[Monkeybear]

Ok, so this Saturday I take my CCP class. Already paid and everything. I have my Milt Sparks VM2 holster, a Beltman belt, a bunch of new shirts and a Glock19 as my CC setup.

I have been carrying around the house and I feel comfortable walking sitting and just generally getting around. According to my fiance I also conceal very, very well. I conceal off of my right hip. Its comfortable there and its about as tall as I am wide. If I try to keep it a bit further back the handle starts to stick out. If I try to keep it really far back its uncomfortable and hard for me to get my hands on.

Here is the problem, I am using Polo shirts for CC and I feel like every time I try to use my right front and rear pocket I am flashing my weapon.

I carry

Keys
Wallet
Pocket Knife
Cellphone

I would keep the cellphone(on its holster), knife and wallet on my right side and the keys on the left. I am trying to learn to use my left side/arm for all of my stuff but I wonder if there isn't some easy fix that I am unaware of. Some way to get to my stuff without brandishing my weapon.

So how bout it guys and gals, how do you carry your gun and your personal effects? Any special tricks to make it all fit?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Sorry I can't help because I carry a J frame revolver in my front pocket. That removes all the problems you are mentioning. I understand what you are talking about and I look forward to the answers since I might not always carry this gun in the future.

 

[BikerRN]

I carry my personal wallet on the opposite side of the "Primary" to prevent what you are talking about.
My Credentials are on my gun side because I won't be pulling those out unless I have to identify myself to another LEO. The cell phone and knife go on the weak side. The reason for this is, I can get to the phone and summon help while holding someone at gunpoint. As for the knife, if I am in a weapon retention situation I am going to clamp their hand to my gun and prevent them from pulling it out. The knife is for sticking them with in such a scenario, if I don't draw my BUG. I also carry a flashlight on the weak side, a small Surefire.
OK, that's the short abridged version, good luck. BTW, that's for Off-Duty. On-Duty it's a different story.

Biker

 

[YZR]

Monkeybear,
I tried to carry a SA XD9-SC for a while and finally decided that a Kel-Tec P-3AT in one of my pockets was better for me.
I always have it, which is the whole point of CCW.

 

[P97]

I carry a full size auto just like you in a VM2 holster. I carry car keys, billfold, and things that I use a lot in the left pockets, and things I don't use often in the right pockets. You are more conscious when you first start carrying, but I've been carrying for years, and don't give a second thought. Was pumping gas at a service station a while back and a guy at the next pump smiled and said that's a nice looking gun you have. My shirt had worked up over the handle and the gun was showing. I just said thanks and put my shirt back down. There is a difference in Brandishing and accidentally exposing one. I never worry about it and haven't had any problem.

 

[NCHornet]

BikerRN has nailed it on the head. After CCing for 11 years you learn these simple tricks to keep from exposing your weapon. Simply switching your wallet to your weak side takes care of that problem. I carry a NAA Guardain in my strong side front pocket, and that is the only item in that pocket, rear strong side is two spare mags for the Guardian in a nylon pouch, so there is no reason for me to need to access any of the pockets on my strong side unless I am needing to draw my weapon. Everything else I need rides on my belt or in my pockets on the weak side. You will also quickly lean how to bend and reach for items without exposing your holster and weapon. It's all part of CCing and will come quickly once you start CCing.

 

[Geronimo45]

Keys - on a 'biner, snapped on a belt loop. No telling which side.
Wallet - in front strong-side pocket.
Pocket Knife - in a belt holster, when worn.
Cellphone - ditto, generally weak side.

I shoulder-carry, though, which seems to remove many of the issues found by folks who belt-carry. My rig allows me to tuck in my cover shirt for extra concealment. But as for the non-gun stuff I carry, I prefer to put it on the belt whenever possible.
Does anybody make a knife & cell pouch? Seems like a handy tool for these situations.

 

[obiwan1]

I have a slightly different procedure for carrying all of my stuff. I use an ankle wallet for my "normal" wallet. My creds (same reason as BikerRN) are in my hip pocket. My spare ammo and cellphone are on my belt - weak side. My knife is in the same pocket as my keys (purposely low viz - not clipped on the pocket) and the money in a money clip is in my other front pocket. It has worked for me for many years.

 

[The Bushmaster]

I carry a small frame 9mmX19 at four o'clock in a Kramer IWB holster...

In the summer time I wear a T-shirt and a loose fitting shirt unbuttoned...In the winter I carry a 2 1/2" S&W Mod 19 at two o'clock in a genaric holster...

 

[glk23]

Doesn't anyone where a coat? I live in Wa. and as fall comes around I use a Columbia soft shell to conceal a Glock 23 and extra mag. Keys, cell whatever go in the coat. Those in warm climate obviously have different needs. Not sure what kind of climate you are in.

 

[BullfrogKen]

You'll eventually find your own way and just get used to it.


Lots of folks I know carrying a gun use a money clip. I carry in an outside the waistband belt holster, and having the things I regularly use in front pockets helps.


Folks just don't notice what's on your hip. You could walk around the mall with it completely unconcealed and be lucky if a few guys saw it.

 

[lance22]

Initial Paranoia is normal

The first couple weeks that you carry, you will feel like you have a stobe light on your hip that everybody is staring at. At this stage, you'll want an overcoat to conceal a derringer [figure of speech].

Slowly but surely, you get used to it. A 'light' will turn on when somebody gives you a hug and places their hand directly on your piece and they don't even notice.

It sounds like you have your act together, you own first rate gear and an appropriate carry piece. You'll do fine ... you just need to dip your toes in the water and overcome the initial 'willies'. After that you'll be able to carry jeans n' t-shirt no problem with the same setup. No problems.

oh yeah ... almost forgot

It is a high tradition to do your first carry at Walmart and buy popcorn.

 

[jlpskydive]

Not to hi jack the thread, but I just got my CHL last week and the first place I stopped was Wal-Mart. Cool I didn't even know about the tradition. I suppose it was a tremor in the Force.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Oh...If they should ask if you have a gun, just tell them it's a colostomy bag and if they want to feel it...

 

[Craig_AR]

Juggling Pocket Stuff While Carrying

Your items list includes a cell phone in its holster. This suggests one possibility that you may not know about.

The PagerPal deep concealment holster has an option to sport a cell phone holster instead of the dummy pager, hanging outside your belt. Seeing this set up at a gun show last July is what convinced me to try CC, since I do not wish to change my normal dress mode to shirttail untucked. Until I saw the PagerPal, no IWB or OWB holster I had seen would work for me, since my shirt is always tucked in.

DISCLAIMER: I am not an experienced CC guy. I have only worn the PagerPal around the house, and in short walks in the neighborhood. My first CC was on a 1-1/2 mile walk with the dog. I guess I still have to go get my popcorn at WalMart.

Here is what I have learned in the short time I have owned the PagerPal and a J-frame S&W 642.

1. If you search online for comments on this holster, you will find more negative than positive. Many folks buy it and then do not like how it feels or functions. I temper this by realizing that upset folks are more likely to complain and post than pleased ones are to brag about the good. (Exceptions - owners of Desantis and Mika holsters seem to like to praise them.)

2. In my limited use, I can tell that this is NOT a fast draw holster. You do have to practice with it. I have not practiced enough to have a feel for how quickly I could get to it.

3. It does what it is supposed to - keeps your gun out of site but accessible. Further, the cell phone holster is fully functional, and works just fine.

4. The holster is reasonably comfortable in my jeans, including when driving. I have not yet tried drawing from it when seated in the car - but I will need to practice that, also.

5. When wearing jeans, I am able to place my wallet (thick) in my left front pocket, position the PagerPal holster on the left front next to it (for right hand cross-draw as recommended by the company) and get my wallet out without undue contortions.

6. I am still trying to figure out how to draw quickly without dropping my cell phone to the ground with the holster. That could be a major drawback.

7. I have also ordered a Mika pocket holster, with plans to try out both modes over time to see which works better. I don't have the Mika, yet.

8. I have never tried SmartCarry or Thunderwear, but from the photos, it looks as if the PagerPal holds the gun in a slightly more comfortable and accessible position than either of those bellyband holsters.

As I said, I am still trying this out and experimenting and practicing. Therefore, don't consider this as seasoned advice, but rather an option for you to consider, too.


Good luck!

Craig

 

[Big Mike]

I think for those who carry, especially when you first start to carry, we are acutely aware of how we are carrying our pistol and at times may project onto others that they "know" or can "see" the printing of our pistols. I've carried around others when my dress was not the optimum for what I wore when I first starting carrying and people still could not tell if or where on my waist was my pistol. Don't worry, keep it concealed and try not to play with your shirt. Never did the Walmart thing. Be cool and you'll be fine.

 

[WeThePeople]

We need to quit stressing about concealment. Cover and forget is the best method. I was out with some colleagues recently. Two are antis who say that they look for CCDW and leave if seen. A guy at the next table had an IWB in his pocket. The IWB clip led right to the exposed backstrap. There were no hissy fits. I know what I'm looking for - they don't!