Tips For Starting to Carry?

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Semis aren't the only option. Neither are belt/WB holsters. If you can imagine it, someone has a holster rig for it. There's even a rig for underwear carry. As noted above, you don't need to dress to the rig. If your lifestyle doesn't permit heavy belts and traditional cover shirts, there are other carry methods that also work great. Personally in my climate and with all the bike riding I do, I change pants too many times a day to make belt carry practical. And I don't like heavy belts.

Training is great. Also don't overlook the many good resources out there from books to DVD's. While not a substitute for hands-on training, they are terrific ways of giving new insight into variations on presentations, stances and tactics. I just watched Clint's Revolver DVD from Thunder Ranch and learned a few new things. Always keep learning, that's the key. And practice. If you dry fire make sure you do it properly, aiming at a good backstop and using snap caps with NO live ammo anywhere around. Don't treat dry firing casually. Ask me how I know about that!

Re your questions:

I carry a short bbl Security Six or Speed Six with Tyler T-grips. Sometimes a Colt DS.

I've been having good luck carrying in a Maxpedition fatboy bag. In winter it has the advantage of being up free from any heavy clothes.
Deeper concealment with the smaller gun is usually a Null Seventrees style holster. Or simple pocket carry.

Usually right at 2 o'clock for the bag.

Concealed, though I'll carry on the trail open in an Alaska Sportsman chest holster.

Man purse, Galco pocket holster, Null/Seventrees, chest holster, and in the past I've used a shoulder holster made from other holsters.

I only keep the chamber clear in 1911 type handguns, but I don't carry them. I don't know them well enough to go C&L.

No social issues with CCW I know of. One ND as the result of automatic reloading movements while "dry" firing and not paying attention--I'd advise against repeating that experience! Only hurt my eardrums and some walls, but those are dice you never want to roll.

Open carry on the trails sometimes upsets tourists.

Every day.
 
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I wear a Wilderness Frequent Flyer all the time. It was especially nice when I traveled to teach...it doubled as my ED and Duty/Range belt...because I didn't have to take it off going through screening.

The Serpa is my default teaching holster...just don't roll in the mud with it exposed...but be aware that it does stick out more, from your body, than other holsters, I use it for casual CCW when teaching because I'm too lazy to change holsters. I don't know about the fit with the Taurus as I don't know anyone who has one.

What are your specific concerns about carrying a chambered round? Doesn't the Taurus have a FPB?
 
I wear a Wilderness Frequent Flyer all the time. It was especially nice when I traveled to teach...it doubled as my ED and Duty/Range belt...because I didn't have to take it off going through screening.

The Serpa is my default teaching holster...just don't roll in the mud with it exposed...but be aware that it does stick out more, from your body, than other holsters, I use it for casual CCW when teaching because I'm too lazy to change holsters. I don't know about the fit with the Taurus as I don't know anyone who has one.

What are your specific concerns about carrying a chambered round? Doesn't the Taurus have a FPB?
Nice. Sounds like a good belt for a good price.

Why do you reccomend against rolling in the mud with it exposed? :p

I guess just plain irrational fear of something causing an AD. FPB?
 
Why do you reccomend against rolling in the mud with it exposed?
You get all dirty :D

Actually rolling in mud could force mud into the Serpa lock and limit it's full travel...noit usually a concern in CCW as your outer garment should shield your holster

If you had a specific fear, we could analyze it and you could do test to prove the safety to yourself. If it is just an irrational fear, not much less than subconscious suggestion will work...since you can't reason with the irrational
 
You get all dirty :D

Actually rolling in mud could force mud into the Serpa lock and limit it's full travel...noit usually a concern in CCW as your outer garment should shield your holster

If you had a specific fear, we could analyze it and you could do test to prove the safety to yourself. If it is just an irrational fear, not much less than subconscious suggestion will work...since you can't reason with the irrational
To try and explain it, my main concern is a mechanical failure that causes the firing pin to strike.
I also have concerns of something finding it's way into the trigger guard (current holster DOES cover the trigger guard however).
I suppose it's just something that takes some getting used to? Carry a gun was a bit strange for me at first, but has become somewhat normal for me now, other than the constant adjustment of my clothing.
 
There really isn't a reason, unless you're into Cowbot style shooting to use a holster which does not cover the trigger guard...and I can't think of one used for CCW that doesn't.

The striker on you Taurus is blocked by a spring loaded block of metal that is lifted (it's default position is down, blocking the striker) when you pull the trigger to the rear. If you want to prove to yourself that the block that blocks the striker from moving forward under impact is secure, get a mallet and start hammering on the rear of the slide to see if you can make the strike fall...or just push really hard on the rear of the strike and see if you can move it
 
Obsidianone,I do understand your concern with carrying a chambered round.
I grew up hunting and owned only long guns for decades before starting to get into handguns.
I know people that wont even chamber a round into a deer rifle until they are ready to shoot the game animal.
I am not quite as headstrong there.
When I first received my CHL which was only a year ago I was a bit timid about carrying a DAO semi auto chambered that had no type of manual safety as my .380's safety supposedly lies with the brain of the holder.
But after operating this pistol and understanding it's operations this worry no longer has the upper hand.
In fact just a few months ago I took a very hard fall in the rain while running across a concrete driveway in which my full body weight at a running speed took a direct fall on my fully chambered Diamondback .380 which was in a a concealed holster on my right front side(3:00 o'clock).
I skinned up my elbow and knee but the pistol which took first brunt was fine.
That was a very good feeling.
I will never say that a safety devise cant fail though.
 
What do you carry?
Ruger 345 or .45 Commander
Where do you carry it/them?
inside waistband
Using a body clock (12 o' clock dead ahead, 6 o' clock behind you) where do you carry?
11:00 - butt forward. I've got a bum shoulder and cross draw works much, much better for me.
Concealed or open?
Concealed
What holster do you use?
always with a thumb break top strap
Loaded with one in the chamber?
Absolutely
Why or why not?
It's a gun, not a club...I intend to use it as a gun
Has carrying ever caused you any issues?
Nope
Does your significant other/family approve?
Yep. My wife, 2 daughters and son all approve
Had an embarrassing moment?
only at home, when I realized I had put a gun "away" with a round up the spout. Not really a problem but I want it done on purpose, not from forgetfullness
How often do you carry?
daily
 
What do you carry?
Seecamp 380 and Rohrbaugh R9s (CF grips)

Where do you carry it?
Left back pocket

Concealed or open?
Comfortable concealed, and have settled on a small gun after 11yrs of carry.

What holster do you use?
Leather pocket holster

Loaded with one in the chamber?
Yes

Has carrying ever caused you any issues?
No, I have a big butt!

Does your significant other/family approve?
Immediate family, yes. Others are of no consequence.

Had an embarrassing moment?
No...(guns involved or in general?)

How often do you carry?
Always, where legal. Again, no point in doing it any other way.
 
Out of sight out of mind (theirs) Comfortable is a biggy as far as I am concerned, if its not comfy it will soon be at home in the drawer.

I personally carry a Glock 23 (40cal) I carry it in a Blackhawk Serpa holster at the 5 oclock spot.

My build places the gun in a place I can get to easily and it does not show even under a T shirt thats allowed to fall loose.

Ask yourself these questions.

Is my carry secure
Comfortable
Safe
accessible when I might need it.
Hows it work in the car/truck
If I bend over in the store, does it show
If I were to get in a scuffle is the gun easy for an attacker to grab from my holster.
With a coat over the gun, can I clear and bring it to bear quickly and safely.

Just some thoughts that come to mind.

I have asked myself these same questions many times before choosing a carry holster.

Getting gear that works is not always an easy task.

Lots to choose from and even more that looks cool, but is marginally usefull

You guys have a lot of stuff that will work for you.

Being a Female, nearly 6 foot tall and 200 pounds does make my life interesting and carry a challenge.

The Fem figure has some great spots that do hide guns well for sure, but the overall layout places the gun in an awkward spot sometimes too.

Good luck with things.

Your definately on the right track by getting some training. Ask lots of questions and try stuff if you can before you buy one.

If your buddies have some gear, try it on and see if it feels good.

I had a custom shoulder rig made some years back, its great except for the limits that these have.

My Serpa Holster is comfy and easily adaptable with many clothing options.

Good luck

Snowy
 
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