The willies from carrying the first time

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squarooticus

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For the past two weeks or so, I'd been walking around with my .45 in its holster, but unloaded, mainly to get the feel of it. Yesterday, I decided to load it for the first time. And it was weird! I got the willies from just handling ammunition and a gun at the same time outside the confines of a shooting range.

I suppose I will get over it at some point, but as a relatively new CCW permit holder, I'm still very tentative about the whole thing. And if I'm having trouble with this, I can't really imagine what anti-gunners must be thinking! :eek:
 
You'll get over it...

The feeling you're describing will pass in a bit, but try not to force it to go away completely. With responsible firearms handling there will always be a place for a little dose of healthy paranoia. That's a GOOD thing ( with apologies to Martha Stewart ) in my book.
 
You'll get used to it in time and after a while it'll just become part of you.
Congratulations!
 
Yeah, the first time's a little wierd.

My big issue was that I was sure that everyone knew it was there! Nobody knows. Nobody cares. Most people are walking around in condition WHITE. Cell phones and I-pods blaring away. They never notice people like you and me. Or the wolves lurking in the shadows.

Congratulations. You've taken a step toward making yourself and your family a little safer in a dangerous world.
 
Welcome to the Club! :evil:

The feeling will pass in a couple weeks, and eventually strapping the gun on will become no different than putting your keys in your pocket. As for people noticing that you are carrying...no one will.
 
You will get over it.....

but, at least put a loaded magazine in the pistol..............In a few months you will be looking for something lighter to carry if you are carrying full time........chris3
 
Back in the days before carry permits, I open carried in Georgia. BHP in an IWB holster. People are in condition white. The majority of people never noticed the pistol in plain view. Including antis. Conditon white isn't the word for it. Condition blind.



In a few months you will be looking for something lighter to carry if you are carrying full time
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Sorry, I went the other way. Started off carrying relatively light handguns and then several years ago graduated to the 1911. My BUG is a Kahr P9. I don't find carrying both of them to be a noticeable weight. Quality belts and holsters are wonderful things.
 
If you have different guns swap them around.

Swap stuff around if you can. Wear a gun just like a watch, just part of getting dressed. Begin to feel natural about carrying. Don't draw any attention to yourself when you CCW. It is not the type of attention you want. :cool: The less who know - the better for you. :uhoh:

As someone already posted - it's a 'Healthy Paranoia' for you to have this heightened feeling. Being able to carry sometimes will give you a false sense of security. Your best defense = being aware of your surroundings and what is going on. :scrutiny: Know when it is time to protect yourself - always try to leave youself a way out (avoid & evade the situation if possiable) - drawing down should be the very last on your list of soulitions. :uhoh:
 
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I wouldn't know what that feels like. I am denied that right by this lovely state that I live in. Too bad moving is not an option.
 
Patting head gently

It's alright...welcome to the world....!

Carrying a gun is a moral, as well as tactical decision. I would suggest you read Jeff Cooper.

Otherwise, good for you!
 
Too bad moving is not an option.
Click to expand...

Moving is ALWAYS an option. It merely remains to be determined what level of sacrifice you are willing to make in order to exercise said option. I thought it was impossible to leave CA without years more preparation. I found it was easier than I thought. As well as more difficult than I could have imagined.

I've discovered the same thing as others here have stated. I could walk around with a gun duct taped to my forehead(another THR member said this, but I don't remember who), and 9 of 10 people would notice.
 
Just make arming yourself part of your everyday routine. Just like putting on your belt or shoes. Congratulations on partaking in an awesome responsibility. Stay safe.
 
Moving is ALWAYS an option. It merely remains to be determined what level of sacrifice you are willing to make in order to exercise said option. I thought it was impossible to leave CA without years more preparation. I found it was easier than I thought. As well as more difficult than I could have imagined.
Click to expand...

Right now my wife and I have to help out her parents way to much to move away. All of her borhters and sister did, and we are the only ones left here. And family is more important to me.
 
Over time you will get use to it. But, and this is a big but. You can't carry once a week for a few hours and expect to get use to it. Make it your constant companion for a month or so. Get to a point that you feel naked without it.

Get a good belt and quality holster. I emphasize belt.

Remember that it's suppost to be comforting, not comfortable, but with the right gear, you can wear it all day, every day.
 
Hell I get the willies when I'm NOT carrying.

If you can CCW 24/7/365 you too will get to the point that you're more comfortable with it than without it.
 
its giving me the willies to think of carrying a gun for weeks with no bullets.
It would have been prudent to do your training up front. :eek:

For the past two weeks or so, I'd been walking around with my .45 in its holster, but unloaded, mainly to get the feel of it. Yesterday, I decided to load it for the first time. And it was weird! I got the willies from just handling ammunition and a gun at the same time outside the confines of a shooting range.

I suppose I will get over it at some point, but as a relatively new CCW permit holder, I'm still very tentative about the whole thing. And if I'm having trouble with this, I can't really imagine what anti-gunners must be thinking!
Click to expand...
 
I know what you are going through. First I carried with just a mag in the gun. A 45 just like you. Then I carrried with one in the pipe cocked and locked. Then after a couple of years I switched to a Glock 23One in the pipe and no safety except the one between my ears. If I don't pull the trigger it don't go bang.
 
Are you carrying without ammo because you are worried about an accidental discharge since you are new to carrying? Do what I did: Carry cocked on an empty chamber for a week (with a full mag). When you take it off at night you'll notice it's still cocked. It'll build your confidence in the gun for carrying condition 1.
 
I got the willies when I first got my ccw.

Because carrying a gun was now legal ( in CT anyway)!:D No more need to be afraid of carrying a gun you " shouldn't have". Sometimes it still feels like I'm doing something illegal.
 
A good way to get over the willies is to "practice" carrying at home. If your family doesn't "make" you, no one else will, either. You'll get used to the feel of the gun in its holster, and you'll gain confidence that it'll stay where you want it to stay.
 
"Blunt" Warning

Re: Willies

When assisting with folks and this concern of carrying for the first time - my replies ...

Yes it is new experience and one that should concern you about concealment, not advertising, and be available at all times. You are responsible adults and have this right...

Just like ladies carry a tampon and guys put condoms in wallets.

That normally gets folks at ease, raises a few chuckles and always one good looking lady that just has to make a comment to / try to embarass the heck out of me.

Ladies want to see my wallet, and yep there is that distinct circle impression.

Extra "O" ring for a Super X Model 1
Sometimes an additional "O" ring for a 1100

I can give back as good as I get...:D

Been known to stop at a store with students and buy a box of tampons /sanitary napkins to pass out to guys and gals, or just toss them out in on the range, classroom.
"In case you decided to break one them rules and shoot yourself , and just stick it in your range bag...guys, it ain't gonna fit in your wallet".



Willies? I get the willies If am NOT packing something, or one not in hands reach. Been that way before I started first grade.
 
Yeah...

...you feel everybody staring at you when in reality the total opposite is the case. After a while its like carrying your cell phone, or even putting on your shoes - life's routine.
 
it was a pretty strange feeling at first for me as well, even though i grew up around guns and have been hunting and shooting since i was a young lad.

now it's second nature, checking my carry gun and holstering it is as natural as putting on my shoes... you wouldn't leave the house without doing it.

i used to open carry before i had my CCW, and most people didn't even notice. i still carry openly now and then, most often it's a belt holster mostly concealed under a shirt.
 
Yup, when I started carrying I was hyper-aware of the piece, amazed that everyone wasn't seeing it.

Long story short, the fuss passes. The willies are normal for newbies.
 
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