What's Your Best CCW Tip?

[geekWithA.45]

In addition to all the fine advice above:


-Check and clean your carry sidearm more frequently than you would a gun you mostly store. Humans are humidity and salt magnets.

-Movement, Cover & 360 scans reduces how much you might get shot. Work that into your brain's emergency priority program.

-If you found it necessary to draw, reload and reholster as soon as you're certain you're finished. Think about what you look like to approaching LEO if you've got a gun out.

 

[Poodleshooter]

My .02--practice your "restroom routine" at home before you use a public restroom.

Yeah, we're definitely getting down to the "bottom" of the CCW advice bucket.
Remember, unbuckle, drop trousers, then rebuckle belt before sitting. This is how you keep your CCW close at hand, and not in the toilet. A loose belt means a loose holstered pistol.

 

[justashooter]

buy two guns. one for summer ( a 22 autoloader), and one for winter ( a 45 govt). carry one or the other in the back pocket of your denims at all times. they both kill with the right shot placement.

 

[Harold Mayo]

Only ONE poster (I think) has mentioned a good belt. GET A GOOD BELT in addition to a good holster.

Don't think that a Wal-Mart dress belt and an Uncle Mike's nylon holster is a good way to carry. Yeah, it works, but it doesn't work as well as you really need it to.

DO carry IWB, despite what another poster said. Unless you are heavy or wear too-tight clothing, anyway, IWB is the way to go. Even if you are heavy, if you dress appropriately it won't matter. IWB is the most stable and concealable way to carry.

Belt: I prefer Rafter S because they are HEAVY and are designed specifically for carry. Just get the cowhide since everything else is cowhide with exotic covering.

Holster: I prefer Milt Sparks VM-2, but there are a lot of good ones out there. Any Milt Sparks IWB is excellent. I recently acquired a Del Fatti IWB holster that I am beginning to really like.

Mag Pouch: I prefer the Del Fatti or the Rafter S. Even those aren't completely perfect. The BEST mag pouch that I own is one from Nossar Leather in Peru (bought through Michiguns). It's an IWB design that actually works but it's for a single-stack 1911 magazine and I don't use it very often.

I also carry a G26 with a clipgrip thingie on many occasions simply for ease of concealment and ease of carry. I don't prefer this method because (1) I don't carry it with a round chambered and (2) the pistol isn't as stable when carried in this manner, but I do it because of the ease and convenience, especially in summer months.

 

[jdege]

Snap Caps

People keep saying "practice, practice", and that's good advice.

Practice drawing and holstering, over and over again, but do it with an unloaded gun.

Drop the loaded magazines, clear the round from the chamber, put all of your live rounds over there, then load up a magazine with snap caps, chamber one, chamber another and make sure the ejected round was a snap cap, and then practice drawing, holstering, standing up, sitting down, tying your shoes, etc.

Holster your gun, then get down on the floor and chase that ejected snap cap from out of the dark corner under your desk where it ended up. Does it fall out? Does it dig into your gut?

 

[cadfael]

Shoot a competition match wearing your carry weapon and holster. Dress exactly as you would normally.

 

[zahc]

Reading this thread convinces me I would never be able to CCW.

 

[tobeat1]

My advice? Get a S&W 442, pocket holster and a speed strip. Put in front pocket. Done.

How hard is that?

 

[pax]

Reading this thread convinces me I would never be able to CCW.

Why not?

pax

 

[Edward429451]

Reading this thread convinces me I would never be able to CCW.

I agree with pax. Why not?

Consider this. Carrying a concealed weapon is kind of like learning to ride a bike. It seems so hard and so dangerous before you can do it, with lots to be scared of in one way or another. Once you learn how and gain the least bit of confidence in it/yourself, its a breeze! Soon you will be riding with no hands, so to speak.

All these different posters have had a stumbling block or two with regard to CCW, but it is a compilation. You wont have all those problems. Maybe an adjustment or two or a holster or three to find what works for you. Not ALL kids skin thier knees learning to ride a bike. You've just come to horror story central on this issue, millions more never had a problem at all. Take heart, you'll get it. Come back with questions, some of the best minds in the country are here.

 

[LiquidTension]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is carrying while with loved ones/friends. One poster mentioned keeping his family on his weak side while carrying, and that is good advice. People close to you that know you carry should be briefed on what to do if the gun is ever drawn. They need to know to get out of the way, head to cover, don't get in front of the gun, don't hang all over the person with the gun, etc. Most of my friends know how to keep cool in hostile situations, but my gf hasn't had the displeasure of being in one. I've discussed with her what to do in case we get into some poop when we're together somewhere. Basically, she knows to get clear of me so that I don't have to worry about her as much. She knows not to crowd up on me, thus making for a much larger target. In a fight, the motto is, "You run, I fight."

Naturally, you don't want to fight if you don't have to. Running away is never cowardly and is usually the second best course of action. The BEST course of action is to maintain your situational awareness at all times so that you don't get into a bad situation in the first place.

As far as a carry rig goes, you'll just have to experiment with what styles of holsters and what positions you like to carry. I prefer holsters with offset loops (ie Milt Sparks Watch Six or VersaMax II), I prefer leather, and I prefer carrying at the 4oclock position. Don't cheap out on gear, this is one of the things that is worth extra money to get quality.

On a personal note, DON'T BUY A FIST HOLSTER. I have one, and some chemical they use on the leather caused my Kimber to rust and took chunks out of the frame.

 

[casual]

alright, stupid question time

i reside in a repressive state which recognizes no right to carry, so i have no practical experience with legal ccw

if you have a license for ccw why do you care if you are "made" as long as the gun is still undercover?

in the state of ill, you are facing a felony if you are "made"


casual

 

[zahc]

Why not?

I would have to make way to many drastic changes to the way i dress, and act. There's no way. Maybe 'sorta concealed'. I lead a very active, spontaneous lifestyle and dress comfortably. I can't see how I could keep a gun hidden 1/2 the time. Except in winter maybe.

 

[Browns Fan]

I can't believe that some are endorsing kydex holsters for concealed carry! They are noisy and stick out like a certain part of the body when arroused (how's that for walking the High Road? ). Kydex holsters may look or sound cool for IDPA/IPSC matches, but they are only useful for CCW if you are wearing a heavy winter coat. I prefer IWB nylon. Comfortable, quiet, and easy on the finish.

 

[willyjixx]

hey casual:

well if you are made it determines who sees it.
pro gun person worst case scenario he ignores it or reports what he actually saw

anti-gun: worst case scenarion will report you call authorities an might be accused of brandishing. depends on state law an where your at. in my home town it would probably be ignored or worst case a brandishing charge-misdemeanor- an get my CCW yanked

 

[444]

"why do you care if you are "made" as long as the gun is still undercover"
Well the main reason is that it might cause a scene. For example, you are in the grocery store and someone freaks out screaming; "HE HAS A GUN" or something like that.
In my state, it is a no no for anyone to see your gun. This is called flashing and if reported will result in the the loss of your CCW. They even used the example in my class that if you are in a store reaching up on a high shelf to get something and your shirt rides up so someone can see your gun you could have your CCW revoked if it is reported. Concealed means concealed. From a practical standpoint, in my hometown it is still a small
Western frontierish town, as is most of the state. I don't worry much about it at all. Open carry is not unheard of in this town and those who do it, don't get much flak about it.

zahc, this is just a comment, not an attack. I hear where you are coming from and assume you consider the possibility of your being the victim of a violent crime to be remote. You very well might be right. There are many parts of this country where violent crime is the exception rather than the rule. And most people live out their entire lives without experiencing it. However, I have found through the experiences on my job that it doesn't matter where you live, or what you do, the possibility is always there. I have learned that it isn't just something that happens in the movies and it doesn't always happen to someone else. Violent crime is very real and happens to a lot of nice people that did nothing to warrant it. Your last post basicallly says that you place your immediate comfort and style ahead of the safety of yourself and those around you. That is your choice and I don't fault you for it. For me, that would be unacceptable. Life is full of little discomforts and inconviences; those are part of being proactive and ambitious. I would rather be able to take care of myself than count on someone else to do it for me. And, if this means I am a little bit put out, I am willing to pay that price. That being said, a lot of the time I carry a Smith J-Frame in a pocket holster. This requires the same effort to carry as my wallet. It isn't quite as comfortable as a pair of silk boxer shorts, but it is close.

 

[TallPine]

some of the best minds in the country are here.

Yes, but some of our bodies have seen better days ...

 

[zahc]

Your last post basicallly says that you place your immediate comfort and style ahead of the safety of yourself and those around you. That is your choice and I don't fault you for it. For me, that would be unacceptable.

I would totally carry a firearm. I just have not found a mode of carry that would stay concealed. Consider my typical summer clothes of a t shirt or sleeveless shirt (when required) and shorts. Consider my habit of rigorously riding my bicyle at various time through the day, crashing, falling down a lot. Playing basketball. Climbing in and jumping out of trailered boats at work. I never take stairs one at a time. I rarely walk when I can run.

Besides, OH doesn't alow CCW and Colleges (where I am) don't either.

I hadn't thought of pocket carry.

In a perfect world I'd hitch a nice light auto on or in my waistband and carry it fine but it sure wouldn't stay concealed.

 

[RCS]

Hey TallPine, I resemble that remark

Carrying IWB is soooo much more comfortable with RR 5.11 pants/shorts (and other casual or dress brands) that have the expandable waistband feature. Add a quality belt and holster and you're good for all day carry.

regards

 

[Oracle]

I'll agree with the other posters that say that you do have to make adjustments to your wardrobe when you start carrying. However, the adjustments don't have to be severe. In the fall and winter, I start wearing a nice blazer or jacket with my jeans and button-up shirts. That conceals my Glock 17 nicely. In the summer, I switch to a Glock 26, and haul out the straight-bottomed short sleeve shirts (I try to avoid the hawaiian prints, but I do have a few of them), they conceal a gun in an IWB holster nicely. When I can't do either of the above, I make sure I'm wearing long pants and I use an ankle holster for my Glock 26.

I haven't made a bunch of changes to my wardrobe, I just make allowances for carrying when I buy clothes. When I buy pants, I buy them with a waist that is 2 inches bigger, or has elastic to allow for comfortable carry of an IWB holster. When I buy shirts, if they are going to be worn untucked, I make sure that they are long enough and big enough to offer good concealment (coincidentally, this also makes sure they are comfortable to wear). I make sure that my blazer's and jackets aren't too tight around the middle, so that they can easily conceal a gun worn in an OWB holster. Just little things, but they do make a world of difference when you are carrying.

 

[HankB]

These are my thoughts, some of which echo previous comments:

1. Maintain a low profile. No cammies, mall ninja outfits, "Death from Above" T-shirts, or vests that scream "THIS GUY IS CARRYING!" You want to avoid attention, not draw it.

2. Don't go anyplace with a gun that you wouldn't go without a gun.

3. Don't respond to provocation - back down when you can. If some idiot shows road rage towards you, don't do anything to escalate.

4. IWB holsters are best - I like the Milt Sparks Versa-Max II for my 1911 and/or BHP.

5. Shoot competitively - I recommend IDPA. NO, it ISN'T completely realistic, but competitive shooting will help to show where your technique and equipment have shortcomings.

6. KNOW what the law is. For example in Texas, most businesses have the right to prohibit concealed carry - but they have to post a sign meeting very specific legal requirements. A sign that doesn't comply might as well not exist at all, and can be ignored. (But that's a topic for a whole thread.)

 

[Ed N.]

Lots of good tips already. Here's mine:

When you're picking up your child at his elementary school and the lady at the front desk asks to see your picture ID, do NOT use your CCW permit.

Trust me on this one.

 

[willyjixx]

hey ED

ROFLLAO


oh god i wish i could have seen her face!


hey Hank:

2. Don't go anyplace with a gun that you wouldn't go without a gun.

easier said than done. cant go in a public building with a a weapon an like ed said above what if you got to pick up your kids.

i think the main thing that everyone is getting at is

DISCRETION

remember the key word. CONCEALED. make those two words your watch words as well as SITUATIONAL AWARENESS an youll do fine

 

[Minuteman]

What I've found useful is to have as many concealed carry options as possible. So, I have an undershirt-type holster, a Miami Vice-style shoulder holster, an inside-the-waistband holster, a fanny pack holster, a small-of-the-back sport holster, a belly band holster, Thunderwear, and I've even used a jock strap as a holster on occasion.

When at all possible, carry on your person rather than in a briefcase or in something that you can put down, forget to pick up, or have stolen.

Unfortunately, my least favored method of carry (fanny pack) is my most common method of carry simply because of my work situation.

Your physique will often influence which concealed carry options work best for you, and might influence your choice of carry weapon as well.

While waiting for your CCW, carry around the house to get used to the various methods. When I carry around the house, I prefer either the Miami Vice-style shoulder holster or the Thunderwear worn outside my pants.

Be creative, and keep in mind that you're exercising a right that comes with a hefty degree of responsibility.

People have mentioned knowing the laws in your state/locality. I've noticed something over the past several years about mass shootings. They tend to happen where guns are not allowed (schools, courthouses and federal office buildings, and churches). I'll leave it at that.

[Edited to add] Oh yeah, striped or patterned shirts work better for concealed carry better than single color shirts.

 

[Gordon Fink]

Zahc, concealed carry will eventually become easier for you, because crashing your bike, playing basketball, jumping out of boats, taking stairs two at a time, and running when you should walk will soon put you in a wheelchair.

~G. Fink, joking … but only a little