The willies from carrying the first time

[Omnivore]

Lots of good posts here. Well worth heeding. As for feeling like you're getting away with something naughty;
This is what the antis have done to you. Its a little bit like rape of the mind. Luckily it will go away with time. I retain some feelings of resentment for all the time they (the antis) made me waste believeing them. The best I can do now is make sure my kids never waste time believing them, but instead apply critical thinking skills to their hollow arguments.

 

[gunsmith]

I started packing sans permit

when I lived in PRK, so I can dimly recall how you feel.
After a few years I could engage LE in debates about the 2nd amendment and have them tell me "jokingly" that they should search me!
(good thing they were my friends) one cop buddy of mine in SFPD
knew I was a gun nut and allways packing before he joined the force, and afterward was allways carefull not to ask when we would run into each other.
He did advise me to just leave the scene if I had to use it in SF as they probably
wont look to hard at some skell dying as they would a solid citizen, and those shootings are never solved either.
Now that I live in a free state, it's like wearing a watch.

 

[fjolnirsson]

As for feeling like you're getting away with something naughty;
This is what the antis have done to you. Its a little bit like rape of the mind.

That's an excellent way of putting it.

 

[kansas45]

In Kansas we can get our application's for CCW July 1st. We will have to take & pass a 8 hr. course. But it will probably be at least January 1st, 2007 before we will be able to obtain our liscense. I keep a gun handy most of the time & have carried one with me for a very long time on the farm & most every where else in the country. I have to be careful that I don't forget I have it on me when I go to the store or something, but then again I don't advertise the fact. It's good to know that you are armed in this day & age & I feel much safer when I do have a gun handy. It will truley be a HAPPY NEW YEAR Here in Kansas!

 

[CAPTAIN MIKE]

I Agree with Working Man

Like our friend Working Man, I too "feel naked" and get the willies when I don't have my sidearm with me. But to deal with that feeling (and those situations when you CAN'T carry (schools, libraries, etc.) it's good to get some training in other self-defense modes.

Check out the current article in 'Concealed Carry' magazine entitled "The Case for Integrated Training".

 

[Deathrider1579]

Hey man don't feel bad I know how you feel, I've been carrying for about 2 years now (ever since I turned 21 and passed the unconstitutional age requirement for hand guns and the CHL) I still feel some what nervous when I carry which isn't as often as it should be because I work at a school and they tend to frown on weapons on campus. I guess its that I am paranoied that some one is going to see it weather because of a print or the wind blowing my shirt up or it rideing up or something. eh. I think it will get better when I work somewhere I can carry so I get used to it.

-DR

 

[Master Blaster]

Yes when you first start carrying it feels like youhave a neon light over your head that screams GUN, and you have a 300lb anvil on your hipthat bangs into everything and everone you pass.

The feeling passes with time, and you realize that no one knows you are carrying and in most cases they wouldnt care if they did. People dont see things that they dont expect to see, think about how a magician pulls off his stunts. You are now a master illusionist when it comes to gun carry. Get the proper pants, belt, shirts, and jackets , combine that with a good belt, did I mention the importance of a good belt??? and a good holster.
The gun will disappear and no one will know unless you show or tell them. But remember like a good magician, once you reveal your secret, the audience will know.

Good luck

 

[mmike87]

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.

+1 on that - it's the "willies" that keep you vigilant and safe. You want to get to where you're not uncomfortable handling your gun, but not TOO comfortable, either.

Complacency breeds accidents. Congrats on joining the world of CCW and personal responsibility.

 

[1wildbill]

I get the willies when I'm NOT carrying.

Same with me, I feel naked, just not right. I try to avoid situations where I can't legally carry.

 

[Baba Louie]

Square...
Excellent advice (as always) given.
Yes, It's like driving a car for the first time, right after you've gotten your first drivers license... in a way.

BUT... let me take another tack here... just some additional points to ponder.

It's not the end all be all solution to every problem (I'm sure you are very aware of that fact). You need to totally increase your awareness level of those around you now, no more condition white. Check eyes and hands... and smile a lot... like you know something good that they don't know.

Less than lethal solutions to altercations? A point to ponder.

You need to practice your draw (very empty firearm please triple check) from concealment. You need to be aware of escape routes prior to the fact. You need to practice a reload (hopefully you'll never ever need to... but it's a wise thing to do on autopilot if need be). Keep strong hand empty. Protect strong side from strangers. Have eyes in the back of your head.

Depending on where you live, weather-wise, your clothing and perhaps even the weapon you carry and accompanying holster might require rethinking seasonally. Minnesota is one thing, Florida or Arizona another.

Concealed means concealed. From their sight. From their minds. From their hands. From your friends and family's lips (loose lips sink ships)

You are now a deadly weapon. (You were one when you first drove that first car also... then. Weren't you?)

Finally... what does your attorney think or know about all this?

And by the way. Congratulations on being a responsible human being.

Welcome to THR.

 

[Cold_B]

[For RaetherEnt]

I suggest a Milt Sparks Watch Six, or VM2; along with a good quality belt. Again a milt sparks would be my suggestion. Make sure to add extra length to compensate for you added friends girth.


If Milt Sparks is a while from their next production run of what you want, I suggest you call Lighting Arms Sports and they will get you pretty much whatever you want. They have excellent service, and for just a little more, you won't have to wait.

I personally carry a Kimber Pro Carry 4" Series I IWB with a spare IPS (Inside Pants Single) mag carrier, all milt sparks on a belt from there. I've had about two and a half years now, and I still love it. I carry everyday, all the time, and its totally comfortable for me. I can hardly even feel its there, the weight doesn't bother me in the least.

If you have any question, feel free to ask!

[/For RaetherEnt]


[On the subject]

It was a little strange carry the first few times, but you get over it quickly. The only thing I worry about is bumping into something and hearing the metal on metal, which can't be my hip, and huggers. Huggers find guns. Even with the one armed, side turned, other arm over the peice hug, they still can get you if your not careful.

My best friends last girlfriend, everytime she hugged me, always sent an arm right down there, and got a good feel of it. She was pro gun, had a kimber herself, so it was cool. She would always say "Your carrying your gun." My reply always was "I'm breathing aren't I!"

[/On the subject]

 

[DougW]

I agree that at first, you are concious that EVERYONE looking at you just because of the concealed weapon. Wal Mart is the best place for the new carrier IMO. After a while, you will determine that (1) the people in this world is oblivious to most everything around them and (2) you will be able to spot a fellow "carrier", sometimes quite easily.

I have carried for so long that I have even sometimes "forgotten" (so to speak) that I am carrying a pistol. It is something that I normally carry, like a wallet, knife, change, car keys, etc.

I will be traveling out of state next week on business and will have to go unarmed. THAT gives me the willies!!!!

 

[distra]

Hey Romma, up where I'm at it's not so bad. I know a couple of place I frequent "know" I'm carrying and seem to be fine with it. I actually walked into one store with shirt hiked up enough to show the magazine bottom plate. Spooked me more than anyone else, one guy coming out just gave me a quick look like "hey, your fly is unzipped" and I knew what was up. Luckly, it was a local sporting goods store so not a big deal. I do try to be as descrete as possible though, IWB with bowling shirt. Only takes one Demo...er...person to cause you lots of greif. I would surely have the PD called if that happened in NL. You're right, your permit could pulled for inciting panic in public I believe is how it is stated. Those evil guns, it could jump right out of that holster, hurt someone and you'd never know it. :banghead:

 

[roo_ster]

Eventually you'll feel naked if you leave without it.

 

[iiibdsiil]

One thing to keep in mind is as long as you are dressed like a normal person (no baggy pants, etc), I think most people will assume you are a cop IF they make you, or if your shirt slips up, etc. If something happens, just act like nothing is wrong. Fix your shirt or whatever, give a little smile back, and go on with your business. Nothing looks worse then a guilty "Oh poop!"

The first few times I put my Kahr PM9 in my back pocket at work (practice carry since I can't get my CCW yet), I was SO worried someone would see it. My shirts extend past the top of my back pockets, but I have to move boxes and furniture (furniture store), and I was always worried the shirt would lift up and either get caught on my waist line or in the pocket, revealing the gun. I just made it a habit to check my shirt a million times a day. No one notices you have 2 wallets Even if my shirt lifted up, the gun is deep enough in the pocket that you have to look almost straight down to see it, and I think most people would just think it's a leatherman or something with the nice shiny slide. My boss was shocked when I showed him... he couldn't believe he couldn't see it. Dealing with customers though made me feel REALLY confident. We are pretty laid back people, and spend a lot of time just chatting with the customers, even if it isn't business related. I figure someone would have said something by now if they busted me.