Recommendations for the proud new concealed carrier?

[kentucky_Dave]

Something not directly mentioned, but a note I think well worth consideration...
(Note: I am trying to be vague / non specific)

You now have the legal means of resisting the criminal element.
You also have the responsibility of avoidance of bad situations.
You MUST be willing to swallow pride and walk away from things you previously may have confronted.
That's tough right there but something worth consideration.

Another way to look at it...
You need to learn how to diffuse a potential bad situation with your mind / actions, even if it means that you may not look like the tough guy.

It is much harder to practice than it sounds on the interweb.

 

[JCMAG]

I almost feel bad for Iowa, getting all of these stern looks.

Frankly, concealed carry isn't a major tactical situation for me. I wear a gun. It's a perfectly natural thing for a human being to do.

But these gentlemen and at least one lady know what they're talking about. Knowledge will save your tuckis in a day and age when nature appears irrelevant to many human beings.

It is sad. But don't forget to enjoy the fact that you are officially liberated from nigh automatic victim status every time you walk out the door.

First thing I did with my CCW license (after visiting the range) was to walk around town feeling good. I felt good inside, that is, because my holster was dreadfully uncomfortable. A beltman 1.5" horse hide belt and a new holster cleared that up.

Enjoy your liberty

 

[green country shooter]

I don't know how you're going to carry your gun, but practice drawing and reloading with the actual holster and spare ammo carry method you will use. If you take a course they may not let you use your actual method for safety reasons, such as if you use a shoulder holster, pocket holster, ankle carry, etc.

If it's a semi, consider practicing with the slide completely off. It's hard to get much safer than that. Or you might buy a "blue gun" copy of your carry piece for house practice.

You might also consider practicing moving around your house with the gun out, not really to learn how to clear it but practicing protecting the gun.

Consider going to a few IDPA or IPSC matches.

 

[wyocarp]

No one has mentioned practicing shooting bad guys. Okay, maybe not in real life on the street, but either on tv (with empty gun) or at an indoor range that motorized targets.

 

[iowajones]

That's funny. I totally shoot bad guys on TV while dry firing. Never good guys, of course.

 

[mattk]

I second the IDPA or USPSA idea. When my cash flow situation gets better, I plan to return to IDPA or USPSA on a more regular basis.

I carry a 1911 or BHP under a tshirt OWB and get away with it because I don't fiddle with it and I use a really good holster. That might not work for you.
If for some reason, your shirt rides up, it catches on the car door etc and part of your gun gets exposed, act natural cover it back up like its no big deal and go about your business. Odds are nobody will notice.

Get a good belt. Really it makes a difference.