My first CCW experience - wierd.

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The only thing that ever really bugged me was wardrobe selection.

At 5'5"/200 lbs and into weight lifting , I'm not exactly fitted to carry certain guns without some thought in what I wear. Well for the first time I finally went armed without a cover garment, extra big shirt or cover garment. That was with my new PM9. What a joy!:D

Still, I'm extra careful about bending to drink at water fountains, picking up low items and sitting in chairs. Nothing like a big "CLUNK!" when you sit down to make a waitress look at you funny!:D

Anyway, my goal is to even make "gunny" folks think I'm unarmed.

Good Shooting
Red
 
The day after I got sworn-in, I went to class at my university. I had my KelTec P-11 in my waistband with the belt-clip. Those stupid desk chairs pushed the sharp parts of it into me. I got up and moved to the wall to double check that it had not rode up and out of my waistband.

The day before, 'twould have been a felony.

Odd.
 
Congrat's, Dave ... you point out what I found most interesting about the entire issue. It isn't really the technical or legal issues that are most interesting about firearms ... it is the philosophical / "head" issues.

Ever since getting my first CCW / CHL, I've carried daily ... usually in Thunderwear, so it is really in deep cover, and practical for general office environments. Felt the same way as you at first ... everyone must be looking. I've gone up to a lot of LEO's to discuss this or that, and I don't think any of them had a clue. It is nearly invisible, and I've never been "made".

As noted above, it is a question of attitude and comfort. Once you get used to carrying, and of course knowing you're one of the good guys ... you have nothing to sweat. So, you're relaxed, and give no indication of the truth.

To paraphrase Ayoob ... enjoy being one of the sheepdogs, protecting the sheep. You have teeth and claws like the wolf ... but you're not a wolf... you're one of the good guys. Ready to defend innocent life with your safety rescue tool ... until the professionals arrive.

Regards from TX
 
The first time I carried I went to a Circuit City. After paying for my stuff, as I went to leave the person in front of me set off the anti-shop lifting exit alarm. I was bit self-conscious as it was, so that really surprised me. I stepped back, so they would know it wasn't me, and then walked out as security came. I had never thought about what I would do if store security wanted to frisk me.

Anyway, congrats! And just remember, when some old friend or your great Aunt Bessie comes to give you a big hug, keep your arms LOW, and let them hug high.

Best -
 
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Dave3006 and Hot Brass,

I'm assuming you guys live in gun-friendly counties of this state? I live in a county that has rated as top 5 WORST in the state. I've gotta move. Good job on the CCW, I've gotta get one. Take care.

Ron
 
I really realize how unalert I am. I am usually aware of what goes on around me, but I have never noticed anyone CCWing...and I live in TX!
 
I have been carrying for about 40 years. The biggest obstacle that those of you who are rather new at this needs to overcome is self awareness. Your life is for living, enjoying and participating in. You need to get over the feeling that that weapon is 3 feet long and weighs 30 lbs. You are carrying concealed, so there is absolutely no reason why anyone would pay any attention to you (unless you are as purty as the ladies of The High Road) so there is no reason for you to pay any attention to you either. Go about your business as usual.

Another thing. As a civilian, resist the impulse to carry some big honkin' weapon. There is a plethora of fine firearms today that are rather petite, yet carry the sting of a bald faced hornet. The less you have to hide, the better. A little something is better than no something.

You are not the Caped Crusader either. For 99.9% of us, there will never, ever be an occasion to use that weapon. It should be part of you, yes. But don't go looking for trouble, and if trouble comes your way, do your very best to avoid participating in it. I don't mean run away necessarily, but use your head. You must be fairly smart if you havn't shot yourself yet.

Most of all, you need to understand and be fully prepared for being able to do what is necessary if you need to use that thing. If you have doubts about it, don't carry it because you may be worse off because of it.

Practice, be safe, use your head, and personally enjoy the fact that you are one of a few citizens who deliberately chooses to participate in life rather than walking around in a cocoon.

:cool: grampster
 
First Time Carry

I broke the self-conscious-carry feeling after packing a S&W 686 w/ 4" bbl to a few buddys' houses without anyone being the wiser. They were sympathetic to RKBA, so if any did notice, it was no biggie. Heck, I even packed a 1861 Colt Navy in .44 IWB, just to see if I could pull it off. No sweat. Just don't load the chamber under the hammer, is all.

The biggest givaway is body language, IMO. If you decide to carry under a shirt, LOUD patterns are helpful and solid colors, esp white, are a liability. Not much you can conceal when wearing only thong underwear, shower shoes, and a pair of wool socks (If you can, I don't wanna know WHERE). Gotta dress for the occasion.

Shoot-Me-Packs are a give-away to fellow CCWers, but not to the gen'l public. One way to throw the CCWers off, too, is to sew a big "Eastpack" or some other label to your galco man-purse & pistol pack.

Oh, and save the S&W, Sigarms, & Glock caps & shirts fro the range.
 
And just remember, when some old friend or your great Aunt Bessie comes to give you a big hug, keep your arms LOW, and let them hug high.
Click to expand...

Ah yes, but what if two people who are packin', who both wish to remain discreet, are in a situation that requires them both to hug, how are they supposed to properly pull that off? ;)

Just something I was always curious about.

Wes

P.S. If a tree falls in the woods, and no one is there to hear it... :D
 
Ah yes, but what if two people who are packin', who both wish to remain discreet, are in a situation that requires them both to hug, how are they supposed to properly pull that off?
Click to expand...

I've actually had that happen! :)

Go for the "official" bouncer hug: shake hands, and while still mid-hand-shake, lean in right shoulder to right shoulder, wrap left arms high. Not something to lose any sleep over, but once you know, you don't have to think about it again.
 
You'd be insulted if you realize how little anyone else thinks of you (not you personally but a collective you). Discretion with a CCW is not difficult. Just need some common sense and preparation.
 
geez skunk, you're so skinny your fly is at 4:00? are you putting two legs into one pant leg? :neener:

redleg, you and i probably have a similar physique, except i'm fatter. i've been carrying my 1911 since last spring, and can get by with nothing more than a t-shirt. i used to carry my steyr m9, but the holster i had allowed my shirt to ride up. when i'm in a regular exercise routine and this gut starts going away, i notice that the gun rides closer to the body, and is much easier to conceal.
 
What Pendragon said is tru for Mass. as well.


That a mere citizen (or more properly - serf ) can legally be entrusted with firarms is just not anywhere in the realm of possibility in their dream world so being made is not very likely. It also has the pleasant side effect that there are no - "No GUNS, or .30-06 equivalent laws/language/signs to be found.
 
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