My first day concealed carrying

[Will556]

@DoD1776 Like others have mentioned, when you initially start carrying you’re going to feel like everyone can see your gun and it’ll make you a bit paranoid. You reaching for it and adjusting it all the time will bring more attention to people noticing it. Though plenty of people won’t notice, I also try and make sure no one notices, it’s not an excuse to go out all sloppy and not care either. The longer you carry the more you get used to it. Start wearing it around the house and get a feel to what works best for your body type because if it’s not comfortable, you’re not likely to carry it anyway. So to hopefully remedy the printing thing good gear is a big thing. Definitely get a nicer belt, trying to carry appendix with those thin flimsy leather belt ain’t gonna cut it. Get a solid stiff belt like Kore Essentials, I run their X5 and it’s been great. Having a ratcheting belt gives you much finer points if adjustability, which comes in handy when changing positions like going from standing to sitting in my vehicle. All I have to do it reach down and pull the small lever and it loosen up a bit. As soon as I get back out of my vehicle or done sitting, I can tighten the belt right back up again without an issue. Also pick up some kind of wedges, they help twofold. The wedges not only make it more comfortable so you don’t have kydex pushing directly up against you but it also pushes the bottom of the holster away from your body causing the top section where the grip is (the part that prints the most) to push in tighter to your body. Definitely move that buckle from the center of your body. When you’re appendix carrying you don’t want to stack the buckle on top of the holster which adds more bulk up front, so shift it to the side out of the way. Another big thing that helps is your attire. You obviously don’t want to wear skin tight clothes, that’s not going to be beneficial. You start to realize what sizes you need to start buying to help conceal carry. Shirts with patterns like plaid definitely help break up the printing and you’ll probably want to go up one size in pants than you normally are to compensate for the gun and holster you’ll be stuffing in there. Also body type is a factor, honestly working out helps a shit ton. If you have a wide thick upper back, and chest, and a thin waist, the shirt drapes more and makes it even easier to conceal. So hit the gym a little too if you’re able to. It absolutely makes it easier to conceal.

 

[Will556]

Im not an appendix carrier, so I can't add much for advise D. But the first few times I carried in public was late fall, so it was pants and hoodie weather. I felt like the bulge was jumping off my waist and slapping everyone in the forehead. The reality... people are so unaware of their surroundings when out and about.. the only ones who MIGHT notice.. are your fellow CCWs. The nervousness will fade over time.

I actually had an encounter a few weeks back in a restaurant bathroom. Washed hands and was at the dryer when a guy at the sink goes " hey bro, might wanna cover thst carry.." with a little nod. Looked down to see my shirt was right up over top of my CCW at the 4:00 spot.

That’s one of the reasons I dislike the 4 o’clock carry. I would always find my shirts and hoodies riding up and the grip want to start peeking out. With it up from, it’s never an issue at all. I can also get to it and draw extremely quickly. Much faster than I ever could with it being behind my hip. Makes sense since it’s less distance for that gun to travel and it’s much more streamlined. Plus now after appendix carrying for so long that putting a gun at my 4o’clock feels wrong to me. It literally makes me feel uneasy, like a liability. I literally physically can not see my gun while facing forward, which is where you face 95% of the time. Me not being able to see it or see any threat that could possibly be attempting to grab it, that’s problem for me. Think standing in line at a grocery store, you’re bending over pulling crap out of your cart to put up by the register, you have your hands full, your shirt rides up, and no Joe Shit The Ragman is standing behind you. Makes it a lot easier to have that gun taken from you when can’t see them coming from behind and they see your gun clear as day. Yes I also agree to spacial awareness and body positioning, all I’m saying is it just adds another level of complexity to carrying that can be avoided by where you carry.

 

[stokes]

My last response to Will.It was an Aimpoint on a Ruger Blackhawk.3 day hunt,turn it on in the morning turn it off at the end of the day, day 3 I point it at an 8 pointer the dot is gone,I centered the deer in the view and down he went.I never said anything about sights on a rifle so nothing to rebut, dont know why you even bought it up.I merely said I dont see the need for it on a carry gun.I can hit a silhouette target center mass at up to 15 yds without using the sights.I guess that makes me a Fudd. Why would I want to put a bulky sight on a gun making it harder to conceal and could potentially snag on clothing as its drawn when my Fuddness makes it unneeded.

 

[Will556]

My last response to Will.It was an Aimpoint on a Ruger Blackhawk.3 day hunt,turn it on in the morning turn it off at the end of the day, day 3 I point it at an 8 pointer the dot is gone,I centered the deer in the view and down he went.I never said anything about sights on a rifle so nothing to rebut, dont know why you even bought it up.I merely said I dont see the need for it on a carry gun.I can hit a silhouette target center mass at up to 15 yds without using the sights.I guess that makes me a Fudd. Why would I want to put a bulky sight on a gun making it harder to conceal and could potentially snag on clothing as its drawn when my Fuddness makes it unneeded.

You can make a separate thread on how you’re wrong. So we don’t derail my man’s thread more than we already have. If you do, let me know. I’ll debate it with you there.

 

[stokes]

Dayten, from the pic that Sir Will copied, it looks like you are too damn skinny for that rig/gun.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

@DoD1776 any more updates to share?

 

[DoD1776]

@DoD1776 any more updates to share?

Well you guys put my mind at ease. I don’t find carrying uncomfortable and don’t mind it.

yesterday one of my magazines fell out of its holster somewhere so now I’m tragically done to one 10rd magazine… them shits are expensive.

 

[Edwardteach72]

yesterday one of my magazines fell out of its holster somewhere so now I’m tragically done to one 10rd magazine…

Ummm. What

The hell were you carrying it in

 

[fnfalguy]

Spandex belly band

 

[togmaster]

Spandex belly band

Or in his purse.

 

[DoD1776]

Ummm. What

The hell were you carrying it in

A little holster thing, I guess I didn’t make it tight enough bc I can adjust the tightness settings on it

 

[stokes]

yesterday one of my magazines fell out of its holster somewhere so now I’m tragically done to one 10rd magazine… them shits are expensive.

And you didnt hear it clunk when it hit the ground?

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

A little holster thing, I guess I didn’t make it tight enough bc I can adjust the tightness settings on it

It's cool that you're able to admit a screwup.

Honestly it's not bad. Get all your noob shit out of the way now and learn from your mistakes early. Learn which parts of your system are a potential failure when you NEED it to work.

Keep at it. Keep practicing.

 

[fresch]

So where did you go?

 

[DoD1776]

And you didnt hear it clunk when it hit the ground?

nope, too windy yesterday, way to much wind in my ear on top of music and other vehicles; I was at a gas station when it fell out (I think thats where it fell if thats what i had to assume). Got to my friends house 40 minutes away, realized it was gone and called them and they said it wasn't there.

 

[DoD1776]

So where did you go?

left from my apartment, to the gas station, to my friends mom house, to my grandparents to put some more rounds through, back to his moms house, then to his house. I noticed it at the moms house being gone so it either dropped when i ran back into my apartment or it dropped at the gas station.

 

[stokes]

At least it wasnt the gun.

 

[Acer-m14]

is @DoD1776 still waking around with a Woodie .. the chicks may like that lol ..

 

[Acer-m14]

who wants to chip in and help @DoD1776 sorry bro LOL..

@fnfalguy @togmaster

 

[Rap]

Jesus the civilians are just as bad as I expected. View attachment 146979 View attachment 146978 View attachment 146980

You'll find the right carry combination in due time. I've abandoned traditional holsters in lieu of much lower profile solutions. The specific guns you choose to carry have a big impact on presentation, as well.
Subcompact models and J-frame revolvers are excellent stealth options, especially with minimalist attachment devices.

EDIT (3/3/22): I still own holsters, and utilize them in certain use cases. But for typical, on-body carry, I rarely use a holster for either of my carry guns.

 

[FLA45fan]

Look under the seat of the car . . .

 

[Cooolone]

I never really liked appendix carry... I feel (for me) that it is a tactical disadvantage position.

The 4:00 allows the firearm to pivot as being drawn and presents to Target a hell of a lot quicker than having to rotate your elbow backwards to point or orient an appendix drawn firearm forward ... And yes, I've tried both, trained both, but I'm always quicker from 4:00...

Close combat, the side is easier to defend as well as the front is exposed to easily and there's no covered movement. If you reach, it's seen... Again, all my feel and opinion from doing it and finding the right fit and feel for me.

Lastly, I do NOT like that the business end is pointing not only at my junk, but a few arteries... Whereas the 4:00 is just flesh n bone.

But carry always and it wears off (the self consciousness) pretty quickly. But train with what/where you carry. Even at home (unloaded)...

Mag loss sucks, but shows some unawareness. I always carry at least 2 but mostly 3 extra mags, know where they are, and you'll learn to touch/feel/check without it being obnoxious or obvious, lol

Good Luck!

 

[Uzi]

Dayten, You're not really supposed to wear appendix directly center line over the cock. Unless you have the spare room, go for it, but it's better to shift the buckle over one side and move the barrel over, maybe 12:30 or 1:00 in the other direction. This way you can also carry an extra mag appendix and do everything you can do in normal life.

Carrying a full sized or even compact duty pistol right off the bat like that wasn't a great idea for having zero experience. 100% you'll not be wearing that all the time until you get something more compact that's comfortable enough all day everyday. Also, I'm thin too, like 150lbs+ 5-10 and it plays no role in making it harder to conceal carry anything, You just don't know how to do it yet.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Dayten, You're not really supposed to wear appendix directly center line over the cock. Unless you have the spare room, go for it, but it's better to shift the buckle over one side and move the barrel over, maybe 12:30 or 1:00 in the other direction. This way you can also carry an extra mag appendix and do everything you can do in normal life.

Carrying a full sized or even compact duty pistol right off the bat like that wasn't a great idea for having zero experience. 100% you'll not be wearing that all the time until you get something more compact that's comfortable enough all day everyday. Also, I'm thin too, like 150lbs+ 5-10 and it plays no role in making it harder to conceal carry anything, You just don't know how to do it yet.

Nothing wrong with carrying a G19 size gun for the first carry gun.. there is a reason so many companies try and copy that size..

And trying to say that size gun isn't comfortable

 

[Spirit of Resistance]

@DoD1776 Like others have mentioned, when you initially start carrying you’re going to feel like everyone can see your gun and it’ll make you a bit paranoid. You reaching for it and adjusting it all the time will bring more attention to people noticing it. Though plenty of people won’t notice, I also try and make sure no one notices, it’s not an excuse to go out all sloppy and not care either. The longer you carry the more you get used to it. Start wearing it around the house and get a feel to what works best for your body type because if it’s not comfortable, you’re not likely to carry it anyway. So to hopefully remedy the printing thing good gear is a big thing. Definitely get a nicer belt, trying to carry appendix with those thin flimsy leather belt ain’t gonna cut it. Get a solid stiff belt like Kore Essentials, I run their X5 and it’s been great. Having a ratcheting belt gives you much finer points if adjustability, which comes in handy when changing positions like going from standing to sitting in my vehicle. All I have to do it reach down and pull the small lever and it loosen up a bit. As soon as I get back out of my vehicle or done sitting, I can tighten the belt right back up again without an issue. Also pick up some kind of wedges, they help twofold. The wedges not only make it more comfortable so you don’t have kydex pushing directly up against you but it also pushes the bottom of the holster away from your body causing the top section where the grip is (the part that prints the most) to push in tighter to your body. Definitely move that buckle from the center of your body. When you’re appendix carrying you don’t want to stack the buckle on top of the holster which adds more bulk up front, so shift it to the side out of the way. Another big thing that helps is your attire. You obviously don’t want to wear skin tight clothes, that’s not going to be beneficial. You start to realize what sizes you need to start buying to help conceal carry. Shirts with patterns like plaid definitely help break up the printing and you’ll probably want to go up one size in pants than you normally are to compensate for the gun and holster you’ll be stuffing in there. Also body type is a factor, honestly working out helps a shit ton. If you have a wide thick upper back, and chest, and a thin waist, the shirt drapes more and makes it even easier to conceal. So hit the gym a little too if you’re able to. It absolutely makes it easier to conceal.
View attachment 147080
View attachment 147081

@DoD1776 so @Will556 pretty much covered everything. I only want to add a couple specifics. Someone here mentioned belt thickness, this is something I neglected for years. If your clips are 1.75 then get that size belt, you want the gun and holster to stay as rigid as possible during the draw. A smaller belt can lead to the holster following the gun as you draw, increasing the distance you need to clear the muzzle from the holster and slow down the draw. At the same time a smaller belt allows the holster to sink down into your belt line, this can fuxk up your draw as the grip isn’t going to be in the spot you thought it was. The belt can get in the way of your hand indexing the grip too. I tend to relate it to archery, if you keep the same index points you’re going to increase your speed and efficiency.

Keep getting after it mano!

 

[fresch]

I doubt anyone is fast drawing in real life; you will have time to not draw as you figure out what, when, where to come out of the holster.
In N.Y. you better be sure killing is the last option, so put it where you feel the most comfort yet still can draw easy. You prefer to be in a location where you could disappear, draw, then shoot, door, counter, car, tree; shoot out at the Corral isn't what your looking for.
Practice draw aim fire; try your pointer finger draw point it's natural, then transfer to your gun.

 

[Chevusa]

Oh god not another “I’m worried about printing” thread.
I see this is about a week old now, so you’ve probably had time to get used to things a little. Before you know it, it won’t even be a concern at all.
Nobody is looking at you and examining you. There is no such thing as “printing” for 99% of the population. They are clueless. You see it because you know it’s there and are looking for it. If someone does manage to spend enough time looking you over and they do see a hump or a bump they won’t think “gun”. They won’t even give it a second thought.
I have to open carry occasionally into a store here or there if I’m going to/from work or what not. People don’t even notice that. They are absolutely clueless and too busy on their phones.
Don’t get too caught up with all of the gimmicky holsters and other silly shit they sell to goofballs. Get a decent holster and a decent belt. That’s it. I usually have an IWB and an OWB holster for all of my setups. In fact, these days I almost exclusively carry OWB. It’s more comfortable and if someone happens to see it or “thinks” they see it, well I just don’t give a shit.

 

[Chevusa]

Everyone is clueless. And some of you worry about belt clips printing. Lol

 

[togmaster]

Everyone is clueless. And some of you worry about belt clips printing. Lol

Watch the video. The only one who challenges this guy for open carrying is the mall cop. How ironic...

 

[Chevusa]

Watch the video. The only one who challenges this guy for open carrying is the mall cop. How ironic...

Huh?