Newsflash: Concealed Carrying is a PITA!

[crebralfix]

Hmmm...I've been carrying for more than a decade and I don't even notice anymore. It's just something I'm accustomed to.

 

[moooose102]

if it is a PITA, move it out of your a**! just kidding. i understand that it is not always conveinient to carry, but it is way better than the alternative. it is kind of like living with constant pain (which i know only to well about). it sucks, but i would rather live in constant pain, than be worm food!

 

[chris in va]

I figured that out 2 years after getting my permit. PITA.

Just wish people weren't so about others carrying. We could open carry, take it off/on when needed in public, not have to hide it all the time etc.

See guys, I think he's commenting more on the law aspect of carry than the actual gun itself. You could have a flippin pencil gun, but it would still be a PITA with all the legalese we have to follow.

 

[Eightball]

I could've told you that within a day or two of getting my permit. But, as is stated, I don't do it because it's comfortable.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I figured that out 2 years after getting my permit. PITA.

Indeed. But I'm a slow learner.

Guys, most of the time, it's an MK9 in Smartcarry, which is far, far less of a PITA than most other types, and yet it too is still a PITA to a great extent. I take it OUT when I get to the office and put it in my desk drawer, put it back ON before leaving, and yes I've had a co-worker come into my office without knocking, while I had my pants unzipped and belt opened up putting back on when getting ready to leave, and had to brush it off with laughter and "don't ask". PITA, as I said.

 

[Mainsail]

I think it's silly to change your carry to some K-tel jammomatic just because concealed is a PITA. Carry your 1911 openly; not a PITA at all.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Oh, Mainsail, I'm glad you brought that up, from page 1 - almost forgot.....

Pocket Carry: Yes, indeed, that would be one answer, and the MK9 is too big/heavy for that. I already *tried* the KelTec P3AT, and sold it. No, it wasn't a jammomatic, but during pocket carry, the mag release would get pushed and when I drew, the magazine would be disconnected. Not acceptable. Therefore, I'm very much anticipating the arrival of the Kahr .380 (better, 1911-style mag release button & spring). Then we'll be cookin with butane, boys! Failing that, I need to look at Seecamp/Autauga/NAA .380s, I guess.

carry your 1911 openly

That's what I'd LIKE to do; open carry is illegal here though (at present - we're working on it in the legislature right NOW).

 

[Hanafuda]

For CCW, I'm a hammerless j-frame believer, i.e. 442, 642, 340, etc. It's not the smallest concealable handgun, but they can be had in very lightweight (but pricey) metals, give you 5 shots of a viable defense round, and IMHO don't 'print' so obviously. A concealed j-frame also has a few more advantages which are specific to revolvers ...

versatility of ammo. Whether you're old and feeble of full-house-magnum-ready, there's a load in either .38spl orr .357mag for you

equally reliable with frangible, hollowpoints, SWC, & etc. as it is with FMJ

can be shot repeatedly while shoved up against something (ribs). An auto could fail to return to battery.

can be shot repeatedly from inside a coat pocket, so long as its loose enough in there that the cylinder doesn't bind on cloth. No auto could do that reliably.

drops no brass (unless you reload). Autos poop evidence everywhere. Of course nobody here on THR would be concerned about that , but its still true.


I wouldn't restrict myself to the 5-shot j-frame for other purposes, but I think it strikes a balance for CCW. I'll take its firepower over a P3AT anyday, I'll take its reliability over the Kahr anyday, and I'll take its lightweight and 'form factor' over double-stack 'subcompact' autos anyday.

 

[CoRoMo]

...the "fun" of it has finally completely worn off, and now it's just a chore. A necessary chore...

Just like eating, changing clothes, and bathing. It's another bit of toil that every day requires. I have to remember to bring my cell phone along, and I have to slip my Leatherman onto my belt too. Carrying my P11 is just another one of the chores that I need to do.

There are plenty of daily tasks that I hate so much more, and I don't really hate carrying at all. I'm still in the 'enjoyment' phase of it. If it gets too frustrating, I'll downsize to something smaller.

I'm glad that you aren't considering not carrying altogether.

 

[spyderdude]

I have only been carrying for three years now and every time I get home I fall apart. My gun comes off of my belt along with the spare mags and I un-tuck my under shirt because I cannot stand carrying my G19 while lounging around the house. When I go to leave again ,the G19 goes back on my belt. I think I finally found the most comfortable carry setup for my gun of choice for carry after spending close to 500 dollars on other holsters. Carrying is a minor discomfort for me, but it beats becoming a victim, that would be even a greater discomfort.

I have tried the Kel Tec P3AT and Ruger LCP, but they are just too small for me. The smallest gun I will carry is my S&W 642. I use that gun for when I make short trips to the McDonalds drive thru late at night or whatever. I too started out carrying big full size guns and trying to conceal them is like trying to conceal a guitar. I eventually settled on the Glock 19 because it is the perfect size and more than adequate firepower for EDC.

 

[altitude_19]

That's why my guns keep getting lighter. I went from Ruger P90 (32 oz), to service XD45 (32 oz), to S&W 325 (23 oz), to S&W 340 M&P (13 oz). Dunno if I can get much lighter, but not sure I'd want to either.

 

[sohcgt2]

If you think a change in carry guns might help, Those sneaky J's can be hooked to your ankle w/kydex or as mentioned the spurless or hammerless fit in pocket holsters very nicely. I like Chris in Va. thought you were speaking more to generality of carrying (no government bldg, schools, hospitals, etc.), put it on, take it off, do the hokie pokie. At least in Ga. open carry is ok if you have a permit so if it becomes unconcealed durring the day its not likely to cause you a problem.

 

[Grey54956]

Yeah, the solution to this problem id open carry.

A big comfortable shooting iron, in a big comfortable holster, with a big comfortable belt.

Unfortunately we live in a frazzled, creeped-out,paranoid state.

 

[KBintheSLC]

I agree with the PITA factor. I used to haul my G26 everywhere I went IWB, but my back started to hurt from the constant pressure on my sciatic nerve. Lately I mainly carry a Kel Tec P32 on my daily grind. The G26 is reserved for more special occasions. The way I see it is that the P32 is better than carrying nothing at all. Grab a pocket pistol and forget about the hassle. Save the big guns for late night walks through the hood.

 

[mgregg85]

I suggest you get a Kel-Tec P3AT. It is easy to conceal.

Thats the route I take in the summer or just when I'm feeling lazy. My P3AT, fully loaded(7 rounds) and with the CT laser weighs in at 11.8 ounces. In my front pocket I don't even notice it and the spare mag in my other pocket takes up very little room too.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

I carry a full size 1911 all the time, and the only time it bothers me is when I am at my aunt's house all day long.

I have no idea, but that's the only place where I get tired of wearing it by the end of the day.

 

[rogertc1]

I have had a CCW over 35 years. If and when i do it is mostly my KEL TEc P-11. Yes I have tons of other guns I could carry.

 

[AKElroy]

A wise man once said "Carrying a gun is supposed to be comforting, not comfortable."

Great thought. Whenever I do leave home unarmed (which is rare), it is AMAZING how many possible threats I see in my discomforted state of mind. There is an awareness lesson in that I think--Anyone else admit to being slightly less aware when heeled? Comforted can lead to relaxed.

 

[CRAIG 100]

ccw

has anyone ever thought about a (fanny pack)? the whole point of conceald is not to see it.with the (fanny pack it is very hard to tell what you have in there,and size &weight dose not really matter.also they are really acessable,at the time of need.just a thought.

 

[WC145]

I've been watching this thread and I agree with the OP. Concealed carry is a PITA and it's not an issue of type of gun or weight or holster or any of that. And it isn't anything that most of us weren't aware of to begin with. But it is true that dressing around your gun, keeping it concealed, squeezing the seatbelt around it, squirming around hugs and nudges so it doesn't get felt or bumped, banging it into stuff, having to reach the top shelf with only your off side hand, squatting vs bending over, removing you jacket in a restaurant so no one sees it, etc etc etc is all a PITA. I, like all of you, accept that and deal with it but when I speak to someone that's thinking about getting a permit one of the first things I tell them is that it's a lifestyle change and it's a pain in the @ss.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

you forgot the bane of all Concealed carriers, WC145...

the windy day

YEAARRGGHHH!

 

[Hush]

Fanny Pack? You might as well wear a range vest and an NRA hat as well. For most intelligent observers, FANNY PACK = GUN.

 

[skoro]

Well, I've carried revolvers and autos in a fanny pack. Some weapons just don't fit well any other way. Never got any suspicious looks or questions. But it's awkward and I just flat don't like it. I've carried handguns as large as k-frame S&W revolvers w/ 4" barrels IWB, too. But now my carry rotation is three subcompacts, any of which will fit into a front pocket: S&W 642, Kel-Tec PF-9 and a P-3AT. With me, I've found that if it's easy to carry, I tend not to think of excuses to leave it behind when I walk out the door.

 

[PPGMD]

Why take the gun off, concealed is concealed. Unless it's a government building, I don't take it off at all.

 

[Ringer]

I agree Carrying can be a PITA. It's certainly no news flash though.

Anyway no need to go at each other over it.