First time carrying was interesting, taught me alot

[Jchrisls]

First and foremost, thanks to all who assisted me with holster suggestions. It made things a lot easier.

My intention was to go out and buy new clothing to ensure I could carry without printing and also ensure that new clothing could accommodate now fitting a firearm inside my waistband. Off I went. Some points I had heard here before took the journey with me.

A) Be situationally aware. Know your surroundings and those within comfortable boundaries. I discovered I need better practice on this. On one occasion in the 9 hours I was shopping and individual came beside me without me noticing before they were approaching. I need desperately to be better at this.
B) I believe it was @spat or @GOPerfect who said to not be overly concerned about someone noticing your carrying as the are so caught in thier little world or nose in thier phone noone notices. This is absolutely true. At one point my cover garment blew open entering a store with others coming from the opposite direction. Noone noticed a thing despite the full grip of my handgun being visible.
C) a great holster can make all the difference. Within 20 minutes I physically didn't feel the holster on me. Again, 1st time carrying, done for 9 hours, driving, walking, squatting sitting. Didn't really notice it at all. If thinking of getting a IWB holster in hybrid, strongly recommend Black Arch Holsters.
D) Trying on clothes with a double clip IWB holster in dressing rooms was probably not the best first time carrying idea. That was a bit of a hassle, but the idea of carrying was the entire reason for shopping for new clothes. I would call this kind of a push, but not ideal.
E) I guess I'm lucky ( with your guys help) that it felt comfortable AND comforting at the same time. My understanding is it's generally thought it's one or the other, but as Forrest Gump said, I guess it's both. I never in my wildest dreams thought carrying would make you feel more at ease despite having to pay so much more attention to what's going on, yet I felt pretty good about it. And am looking forward to doing it again.

Anyone else want to add to this regarding carrying on general of thier first time carrying? Any further words of wisdom?

 

[Saltwater60]

Makes sense.
I will add my first time carrying was around the house and around my yard since it made me more comfortable. I wanted to make sure my clothes would stay in place and my gun was secure.
I agree most will never notice and just think it’s a phone if they do. It is also important to be situationally aware, but you only have two eyes so you will never catch everything so don’t beat yourself up about it. Do the best you can and you’re doing better than 99% of people. I take comfort in knowing I’m better prepared than most and I have more rounds on me than most cops do. I normally carry 3-4 mags and I will increase or decrease based on risk of where I’m going.
Also of note is for another 2.5 weeks it’s not illegal in most places if you print or accidentally show your gun. May not be popular and the police maybe called but I have seen a guy in Wegmans by me more than once just walking around with a Glock in an OWB holster showing everyone. I assume he’s a cop but he has no badge so I don’t know. No one says anything because I’m assuming they all think he’s a cop as well.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Sounds like a fantastic first day out.


Actually this is better than mosts..... you didn't lose a magazine or anything ***cough cough cough**** Dayton ***cough***

 

[Tisto]

I can't remember the first time I carried concealed, it was more than 35 years ago. But like most everyone else, I went through a few different guns and even more holsters. A great holster makes all the difference, and one does not cover all situations. You may soon find that you want a shoulder holster, or an ankle holster for different things. You may also find that you want a mouse gun for those all-dressed-up events that you go to but still want to have a gun. Or, maybe you'll find yourself going to bad parts of town and you want a bigger gun, and a mouse gun as a backup. It happens.

I take it that you bought some type of sub-compact, like a Sig 365 or a S&W Shield plus, and probably in 9mm. And you found a kydex IWB holster you're comfortable with. That's all good. You will find that a great belt makes things even easier. There are a couple threads on gun belts. I have a couple KORE belts, and since I bought them I've given all my other belts away.

Your comfort level will quickly increase with each day until you feel uncomfortable when you can't be armed. Keep your eyes and ears open, and it will become second nature. Many people start by carrying a gun, then find themselves adding a knife or two, and maybe a tactical flashlight too. Don't be surprised if you start thinking about "what-if's" as you enter a building, or when choosing a parking spot. That's all part of being aware of your surroundings and how people act.

 

[Edwardteach72]

I take it that you bought some type of sub-compact, like a Sig 365 or a S&W Shield plus,

Nope he out here carrying an adult size gun.. Walther PDP-C

 

[Jchrisls]

I can't remember the first time I carried concealed, it was more than 35 years ago. But like most everyone else, I went through a few different guns and even more holsters. A great holster makes all the difference, and one does not cover all situations. You may soon find that you want a shoulder holster, or an ankle holster for different things. You may also find that you want a mouse gun for those all-dressed-up events that you go to but still want to have a gun. Or, maybe you'll find yourself going to bad parts of town and you want a bigger gun, and a mouse gun as a backup. It happens.

I take it that you bought some type of sub-compact, like a Sig 365 or a S&W Shield plus, and probably in 9mm. And you found a kydex IWB holster you're comfortable with. That's all good. You will find that a great belt makes things even easier. There are a couple threads on gun belts. I have a couple KORE belts, and since I bought them I've given all my other belts away.

Your comfort level will quickly increase with each day until you feel uncomfortable when you can't be armed. Keep your eyes and ears open, and it will become second nature. Many people start by carrying a gun, then find themselves adding a knife or two, and maybe a tactical flashlight too. Don't be surprised if you start thinking about "what-if's" as you enter a building, or when choosing a parking spot. That's all part of being aware of your surroundings and how people act.

Some quick thoughts: )

Just received my Kore belt today. They are fantastic. I can see disposal of my old belt on the horizon. As to a knife, its beet 10 years I've been carrying one just for the simple reason they are supremely useful outside of defensive situations. I now often wonder for that reason alone why more people don't. And as to a flashlight, welp, it may be 2. One for the same reason as a knife, useful, and one for the gun. Multiple reasons for 2. Want to look under the hood of your car? Pointing a 9 at it isn't a great idea. No matter how much you want to intimidate it into starting, ain't gonna happen lol. There are many reasons a separate flashlight makes sense. A firearm mounted one has a purpose, but it isn't ( or shouldn't) be an all encompassing usage.
A shoulder holster is on the near radar for the colder months, probably a Galco. Easier access in need, easy to conceal with a jacket, all around better when driving ECT.

 

[Jchrisls]

Nope he out here carrying an adult size gun.. Walther PDP-C

"Look mom I'm all growd up!"

 

[Jchrisls]

Makes sense.
I will add my first time carrying was around the house and around my yard since it made me more comfortable. I wanted to make sure my clothes would stay in place and my gun was secure.
I agree most will never notice and just think it’s a phone if they do. It is also important to be situationally aware, but you only have two eyes so you will never catch everything so don’t beat yourself up about it. Do the best you can and you’re doing better than 99% of people. I take comfort in knowing I’m better prepared than most and I have more rounds on me than most cops do. I normally carry 3-4 mags and I will increase or decrease based on risk of where I’m going.
Also of note is for another 2.5 weeks it’s not illegal in most places if you print or accidentally show your gun. May not be popular and the police maybe called but I have seen a guy in Wegmans by me more than once just walking around with a Glock in an OWB holster showing everyone. I assume he’s a cop but he has no badge so I don’t know. No one says anything because I’m assuming they all think he’s a cop as well.

As I was carrying I wondered a bit if someone saw I was carrying if they would just automatically believe I was an LEO, but lord knows what goes through people's minds today, if anything.

 

[cgrutt]

Try carrying a tool belt all day will make CCW seem like a walk in the park! Seriously congrats I remember apprehension when first carrying that goes away soon enough. Stay safe.

 

[Jchrisls]

Try carrying a tool belt all day will make CCW seem like a walk in the park! Seriously congrats I remember apprehension when first carrying that goes away soon enough. Stay safe.

That's probably why I began to not notice, I also wear a tool belt during the day. I prefer the firearm, a lot lighter lol. Thanks

 

[Bananabandit]

I did alot of my first time carrying walking the city streets. Felt like everyone was looking at you but went away pretty quickly.

Good holster helps alot.

 

[Jem45472]

I'll add that you belong to a different group now. Don't feel like rehashing it now, but you really need to avoid any type of confrontation that has a chance of turning physical. It will only turn a bad situation into a possible life or death situation. You see trouble now, it's best to turn away and not get involved unless someone is getting killed.

I've been through this before, a simple argument that turned to a shove could have had really bad consequences had I not lowered my head, turned around and walked away. (Feeling like a large vagina on top of it.)

 

[Jchrisls]

I'll add that you belong to a different group now. Don't feel like rehashing it now, but you really need to avoid any type of confrontation that has a chance of turning physical. It will only turn a bad situation into a possible life or death situation. You see trouble now, it's best to turn away and not get involved unless someone is getting killed.

I've been through this before, a simple argument that turned to a shove could have had really bad consequences had I not lowered my head, turned around and walked away. (Feeling like a large vagina on top of it.)

I agree. I've spent a lot of time going over scenarios in my head as to what would or should I do of this or that happens. Months of it. Walking away isn't always an option, but certainly seems to be the best option if you can. Old saying, " You win every fight you don't get into "

Edit-this includes 3rd party encounters. It unfortunately can go the wrong way instead of the right way.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Some quick thoughts: )

Just received my Kore belt today. They are fantastic. I can see disposal of my old belt on the horizon. As to a knife, its beet 10 years I've been carrying one just for the simple reason they are supremely useful outside of defensive situations. I now often wonder for that reason alone why more people don't. And as to a flashlight, welp, it may be 2. One for the same reason as a knife, useful, and one for the gun. Multiple reasons for 2. Want to look under the hood of your car? Pointing a 9 at it isn't a great idea. No matter how much you want to intimidate it into starting, ain't gonna happen lol. There are many reasons a separate flashlight makes sense. A firearm mounted one has a purpose, but it isn't ( or shouldn't) be an all encompassing usage.
A shoulder holster is on the near radar for the colder months, probably a Galco. Easier access in need, easy to conceal with a jacket, all around better when driving ECT.

This was great to read..

I will say I am the weird one of the world and the one thing I don't carry and haven't really ever. Is a knife. And yes I get more so for the utility aspect but I have to to have my day ruined by not having a knife on me lol. Maybe one day I keep thinking about it


But as you brought up flashlights.. well on any day I carry 3 flashlights minimum like right now, I am not carrying a gun but if I was it would be 4 flashlights.

I carry an EDC flashlight that can be used from just looking for something all the way to a defensive tool. It's (advertised) 1,350 lumens and 54,000 candela. It runs off a 18650 rechargeable so I can swap out batteries on the fly and recharge in the mean time.. and yes I use this light almost daily for almost anything. I can also swap the body for the 18350 battery which would make it significantly smaller if I wanted.

Then I also have a 90 lumen bull shit AAA flashlight on my key chain (it's an olight I hate it but it was free and it is fine until I swap it for a Surefire one day maybe) this light is used for whenever the above is just more than needed. It gets used, I've had it for some time now and well haven't changed the battery yet so it's not always being used.. but sometime low administrative light is needed.

Lastly I also have my least usable flashlight that well gets used enough and everyone has.. the one on my cellphone.



4th light not talked about is the one on my gun. Currently it's a Surefire x300u

 

[Edwardteach72]

Also as for the ring around the main flashlight.. its the Switchback 2.0 from Thyrm..

Not the best quick photos, still at work but gives a good idea of the usefulness of the Switchback.



But can also allow the user to get a solid 2 handed firing grip on their pistol but still use the flashlight if needed. Or at the every least retain the light without dropping it

 

[GOPerfect]

It may seem small, as @Jem45472 was stating...

Every situation you get into now, a gun is present. Always be mindful of that fact.

 

[Jchrisls]

It may seem small, as @Jem45472 was stating...

Every situation you get into now, a gun is present. Always be mindful of that fact.

Much respect for this. Thank you

 

[Doc8404]

Did you consider the crossbreed super or mini tuck holster?

 

[Jchrisls]

Did you consider the crossbreed super or mini tuck holster?

I did. I eventually went with the black Arch protos IWB.

 

[mark60]

Welcome to the club. The unwritten rule has always been that new folks carrying have to carry at Walmart just so you know.

 

[1341]

I read you were out trying on clothes in a dressing room at a store, you would be surprised how many times people forget their guns while doing this. I always put the holstered gun in a hat or on top of my cellphone, wallet jic

 

[Jchrisls]

Welcome to the club. The unwritten rule has always been that new folks carrying have to carry at Walmart just so you know.

Oddly, this WAS one of the places I carried. And....yeah, won't be heading bad soon.

 

[Saltwater60]

It may seem small, as @Jem45472 was stating...

Every situation you get into now, a gun is present. Always be mindful of that fact.

I agree. My line is I’m not rolling around on the ground with anyone these days because if they grab you around the belt line they know you have a gun. I’m walking away or drawing my pistol if it warranted.
It’s sucks to be a gun owner sometimes because I was at a cross country meet one time and this dad was ripping up his daughter horribly for her performance in the race. I wanted to yell at the guy but I refrained because a simple argument or fist fight could lead to you losing your permit. He was such a jerk I honestly wanted to just adopt the girl right then and there.

 

[Doc8404]

Did you consider the crossbreed super or mini tuck holster?

I agree. My line is I’m not rolling around on the ground with anyone these days because if they grab you around the belt line they know you have a gun. I’m walking away or drawing my pistol if it warranted.
It’s sucks to be a gun owner sometimes because I was at a cross country meet one time and this dad was ripping up his daughter horribly for her performance in the race. I wanted to yell at the guy but I refrained because a simple argument or fist fight could lead to you losing your permit. He was such a jerk I honestly wanted to just adopt the girl right then and there.

I am a much quieter person when i carry.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

@Jchrisls congrats I know you waited a long time for that moment. Glad it went well.

The newness and excitement of carrying quickly wears off.

The fear of everyone staring at you or being spotted quickly fades. (although with many people likely ignoring the new laws printing or being noticed might be a real fear in the near future)

The one thing that you will quickly learn and develop is your situational awareness will be heightened, you'll be much more aware of your surroundings, you'll be looking for exits, looking for possible threats, looking for ways to avoid escalations etc. You won't look at your environment the same anymore.

Wait until you get used to carrying out of habit and can't (vacation, gov building etc) you will feel naked and vulnerable. It's unsettling

 

[Jem45472]

Wait until you get used to carrying out of habit and can't (vacation, gov building etc) you will feel naked and vulnerable. It's unsettling

Lol, I think I forgot my gun twice, and this post nails it. It's not paranoia, just feel vulnerable without it.

 

[Acer-m14]

how many times did you fiddle with it to make sure it was covered and not printing when just walking around ??

 

[Jchrisls]

how many times did you fiddle with it to make sure it was covered and not printing when just walking around ??

Honestly, not once. Kept thinking to myself don't bring attention to it and noone will know. That and the holster was so damn comfortable I eventually forgot I had it on me.

 

[dwa12479]

 

[dwa12479]

I've gotten so I feel naked without my carry piece. Its really weird. The apprehension fades over time like anytning else, and then you realize how little situational awareness 99% of the people in public actually have. The ones who will notice you are printing are us... other carriers... and we're gonna nod or high five you as brothers in arms rather than sound the fire alarm.