Questions from someone new to carrying

[libertysnake]

So, I've started carrying after getting my license recently. I know that federal buildings / schools are off limits, as well as the great socialist republic of the five boroughs of NYC.

A few questions, as someone new:

1) Other than the areas mentioned above, where else shouldn't I carry / be aware of carrying?

2) What advice would you give to someone new to concealed carry? What are some mistakes you made that would be useful for someone new not to make?

3) NY gets humid as all hell in the summer. How do you keep your carry pistol from rusting, other than just cleaning / oiling more regularly? Have you ever had rust issues from the humid summers of carrying a pistol on you regularly? What about magazines and corrosion / rust in the summers (what do you use to prevent this)?

4) As far as I know, private business that post no-gun signs do not have the force of law to stop me from carrying there, but have the discretion of making me leave the store based on company policy. Is this accurate? I haven't wanted to test it out, since any store that explicitly wants to ban someone from exercising their second amendment rights isn't getting my patronage -- that, and I don't want to risk it before knowing the law in this case. Still, I haven't seen anything so far in NYS laws that give force of law to any such signs.


Anyway, these are just a few questions I've had since becoming a licensed. I've been pretty good about digging into anything I'm not sure about about, or just directly asking the county, but figured this might be a great place to ask given the experience of people here to pull from.

Thanks!

 

[GOPerfect]

) Other than the areas mentioned above, where else shouldn't I carry / be aware of carrying?

Not trying to sound like an ass, Concealed is Concealed. What you typed is about it. I have heard that some Counties won't "Let" you carry in bars. Not a law but a local rule.


2) What advice would you give to someone new to concealed carry? What are some mistakes you made that would be useful for someone new not to make?

Get used to carrying. Carry around the house until you are comfortable with a gun on your side. If the gun is covered, no one knows you are armed. Don't think that they do. Once you put the gun on, do not mess with it. Do not check to see if it is still there.


3) NY gets humid as all hell in the summer. How do you keep your carry pistol from rusting, other than just cleaning / oiling more regularly? Have you ever had rust issues from the humid summers of carrying a pistol on you regularly? What about magazines and corrosion / rust in the summers (what do you use to prevent this)?

I have Never had that issue. At night, after I take it off, I do a very quick wipe down. Nothing major.


4) As far as I know, private business that post no-gun signs do not have the force of law to stop me from carrying there, but have the discretion of making me leave the store based on company policy. Is this accurate? I haven't wanted to test it out, since any store that explicitly wants to ban someone from exercising their second amendment rights isn't getting my patronage -- that, and I don't want to risk it before knowing the law in this case. Still, I haven't seen anything so far in NYS laws that give force of law to any such signs.

You are correct, no law at all. These signs are pretty useless. Sure, they can make you leave, but if you are carrying it correctly, no one will know!


Good luck on the new adventure!

 

[WileyX585]

@GOPerfect nailed it. Exactly what he said. My only thing to add is, get very comfortable with the gun you are carrying. Spend lots of time shooting it, practicing malfunctions, off hand shooting, anything you can. Just becuase you buy a gun doesn't mean you should carry it. I put any gun I purchase through the paces before I will consider carrying it. Maybe just a preference of mine, but I need to know it will function no matter what. I also want to know how to operate that gun blind if need be.

Be safe out there, and never stop practiceing. You're only as good as you push yourself.

 

[libertysnake]

@GOPerfect nailed it. Exactly what he said. My only thing to add is, get very comfortable with the gun you are carrying. Spend lots of time shooting it, practicing malfunctions, off hand shooting, anything you can. Just becuase you buy a gun doesn't mean you should carry it. I put any gun I purchase through the paces before I will consider carrying it. Maybe just a preference of mine, but I need to know it will function no matter what. I also want to know how to operate that gun blind if need be.

Be safe out there, and never stop practiceing. You're only as good as you push yourself.

My carry gun is a S&W M&P Shield, Performance Center, 9MM. Shot it before, and love it. Love the feel of it in my hand as well. And also love the fact that the smaller magazine (7 rounds) leaves no room for interpretation about how many rounds I can legally carry in the magazine in NYS, in addition to making it easier to conceal.

In fact, I like shooting it so much, I may consider getting another one in 40, or just another 9mm one day. It works, it's reliable, and it's cost effective. Everything I could want.

I'll carry it around the house more regularly though, just to be more used to sitting with it / finding a most optimal position. So far 3 or 4 O'Clock seem the best positions for me. 3 feels ideal, but requires I wear fairly baggy clothing to pull it off.

 

[capitalcrew]

Don't mess with it. Be aware of your clothes, how they fit, and what that means for concealing your weapon. Piss in the stall with the door locked.

 

[libertysnake]

Don't mess with it. Be aware of your clothes, how they fit, and what that means for concealing your weapon. Piss in the stall with the door locked.

Used to that from my time working down in NYC when I have to. Too many crazies. (Obviously, I don't live down there or carry down there, for obvious reasons to both).

Ironically, the place I feel most unsafe (NYC) is the place I'd most likely WANT to carry -- if they didn't leave people as sitting ducks by stripping them of their constitutional rights.

 

[cgrutt]

7+1...

 

[libertysnake]

7+1...

Are you allowed 7+1? I thought you could only have 7 rounds in the firearm total? Does the one in the chamber count?

 

[cgrutt]

Mag limits only apply to the mag. You are allowed capacity of mag plus one in the chamber. Always carry with one in the chamber. Always. 7+1 is GTG. Good luck!

 

[capitalcrew]

Carry with one in the pipe as long as you are using a proper holster and are comfortable drawing and putting away your weapon with one there. If you're not comfortable, then train. If you don't have a proper holster then get one.

 

[4excal]

Used to that from my time working down in NYC when I have to. Too many crazies. (Obviously, I don't live down there or carry down there, for obvious reasons to both).

Ironically, the place I feel most unsafe (NYC) is the place I'd most likely WANT to carry -- if they didn't leave people as sitting ducks by stripping them of their constitutional rights.

Concealed means concealed. I will live my last breath reminiscing the saying "tried by 12 better then carried by 6"
Lose my permit, or my life..geeeee, lemme think on that one...

 

[libertysnake]

Carry with one in the pipe as long as you are using a proper holster and are comfortable drawing and putting away your weapon with one there. If you're not comfortable, then train. If you don't have a proper holster then get one.

Yeah I've been carrying with just 7 in the magazine. Good to know.

 

[Magnus]

Practice your draw and carry loaded at all times.

 

[eagleridge357]

If you have not already done so, be sure to read and then re-read Andrew Branca's "The Law of Self Defense" and check out NYS laws regarding justification of lethal force as self-defense artice 35 particularly 35.15 NY Penal Law

 

[MilesTeg]

One point no one has hit yet, invest in a good quality gun belt. This will help immensely. From another relatively new carrier try new holsters as money comes available. I have yet to do much experimenting but I'm not in love with any I have tries yet. I have hope I will pick up the right one someday.

 

[libertysnake]

If you have not already done so, be sure to read and then re-read Andrew Branca's "The Law of Self Defense" and check out NYS laws regarding justification of lethal force as self-defense artice 35 particularly 35.15 NY Penal Law

Ah VERY useful. Thanks a bunch! Mentally, I view use of lethal force "When I cannot retreat any longer and I feel my life is imminently in danger / someone else's life is imminently in danger." But a re-read / clarification is always good.

 

[Uzi]

State parks are off limits. It's your discretion though.

 

[libertysnake]

One point no one has hit yet, invest in a good quality gun belt. This will help immensely. From another relatively new carrier try new holsters as money comes available. I have yet to do much experimenting but I'm not in love with any I have tries yet. I have hope I will pick up the right one someday.

I picked up a hard IWB holster for the shield and have been using that so far. But trying different ones may help. I tend to sweat a lot in the summer, so under arm may be risky moisture wise of EDC.

 

[MilesTeg]

I picked up a hard IWB holster for the shield and have been using that so far. But trying different ones may help. I tend to sweat a lot in the summer, so under arm may be risky moisture wise of EDC.

Not every iwb holster is made equal. What belt are you using? I'm telling you the belt makes such a huge difference it's hard to explain until you've tried it.

 

[4excal]

State parks are off limits. It's your discretion though.

But don't confuse those with State lands

 

[cgrutt]

I've tried many holsters over the years but have been sticking with Crossbreed super tucks for past 4-5 years. They're awesome. Their belts are great too.

 

[libertysnake]

Not every iwb holster is made equal. What belt are you using? I'm telling you the belt makes such a huge difference it's hard to explain until you've tried it.

No specific belt? Just whatever belt I'm wearing. It clips on to the belt. But generally I've been using a belt that fits snuggly under the clip to add to the stability of the holster. So something not super thin, but more on the thick side.

 

[minderasr]

I put any gun I purchase through the paces before I will consider carrying it.

I'd add to this...put at least 500 TROUBLE FREE rounds through your gun before carrying it. Any failure to feed/eject, start the count over. This applies to the ammo you'll be carrying too.

 

[99cummins]

Everyone has hit good points. Good GUN belt will make a world of difference as well as a good holster. Spend the money now. Carry around home so you can figure out what works best. When you go in public leave it alone and conceal well. You might feel like everyone is looking at you but they aren't. Pretty sure I could wear my glock on a necklace and most people wouldn't notice. You'll be comfortable as hell in no time.

 

[Marine Cpl]

I will add that many new people get a holster that you cannot adjust the cant. An aggressive FBI cant makes the difference in whether a gun prints or not in certain clothing.

A friend of mine got a Glock 42 because he said that his XDS printed too much. The holster he had had the grip parallel to the ground like a duty holster and his grip printed on the shirt. If it's adjustable, you can make the grip disappear.

 

[ManrisFrack]

You need a purpose built gun belt. Reinforced, double stitched - it makes a big difference. I use Crossbreed's.

The 2nd Circuit overturned the 7 round bullshit - the limit is 10 in the mag and there is no longer any ambiguity.

Teaching hospitals are sometimes considered school grounds. I think Strong in Rochester falls into that category.

ETA: Will makes a great point. Cant is the one thing I'd change about my current Shield holster.

 

[Saltwater60]

) Other than the areas mentioned above, where else shouldn't I carry / be aware of carrying?

Not trying to sound like an ass, Concealed is Concealed. What you typed is about it. I have heard that some Counties won't "Let" you carry in bars. Not a law but a local rule.


2) What advice would you give to someone new to concealed carry? What are some mistakes you made that would be useful for someone new not to make?

Get used to carrying. Carry around the house until you are comfortable with a gun on your side. If the gun is covered, no one knows you are armed. Don't think that they do. Once you put the gun on, do not mess with it. Do not check to see if it is still there.


3) NY gets humid as all hell in the summer. How do you keep your carry pistol from rusting, other than just cleaning / oiling more regularly? Have you ever had rust issues from the humid summers of carrying a pistol on you regularly? What about magazines and corrosion / rust in the summers (what do you use to prevent this)?

I have Never had that issue. At night, after I take it off, I do a very quick wipe down. Nothing major.


4) As far as I know, private business that post no-gun signs do not have the force of law to stop me from carrying there, but have the discretion of making me leave the store based on company policy. Is this accurate? I haven't wanted to test it out, since any store that explicitly wants to ban someone from exercising their second amendment rights isn't getting my patronage -- that, and I don't want to risk it before knowing the law in this case. Still, I haven't seen anything so far in NYS laws that give force of law to any such signs.

You are correct, no law at all. These signs are pretty useless. Sure, they can make you leave, but if you are carrying it correctly, no one will know!


Good luck on the new adventure!

This is correct. The only thing I would add is nys parks are a no go for guns if you want to know the law. Also some county parks and buildings like Monroe county is a no go.

Carrying around the house to be comfortable is a great idea. Also dry firing and drawing from holster is a good idea. Also with winter don't put more than one layer on your gun or it's too hard to draw. Get a comfortable holster. You'll buy 3-4 before you find one you like.

I agree concealed is concealed and be sure to keep it that way for your best interest.

Carry an extra mag.

Also the store signs do not carry the power of law. However if you are asked to leave just say I'm leaving sorry I missed the sign. Don't get into a political argument or you can be charged with harassment.

Also I'm careful to try to not argue with anyone while carrying because I don't want things to escelate. I let them win and just leave. No flipping people off and crap like that.

 

[UltraT]

I can't carry (yet), but just adding: don't forget to think about security if you're going to an event. At sporting events and some concerts they will pat you down or even run you through metal detectors sometimes.

 

[capitalcrew]

This is correct. The only thing I would add is nys parks are a no go for guns if you want to know the law. Also some county parks and buildings like Monroe county is a no go.

Carrying around the house to be comfortable is a great idea. Also dry firing and drawing from holster is a good idea. Also with winter don't put more than one layer on your gun or it's too hard to draw. Get a comfortable holster. You'll buy 3-4 before you find one you like.

I agree concealed is concealed and be sure to keep it that way for your best interest.

Carry an extra mag.

Also the store signs do not carry the power of law. However if you are asked to leave just say I'm leaving sorry I missed the sign. Don't get into a political argument or you can be charged with harassment.

Also I'm careful to try to not argue with anyone while carrying because I don't want things to escelate. I let them win and just leave. No flipping people off and crap like that.

It's amazing how nonconfrontational you get when you've got a gun on you

 

[Marine Cpl]

I disagree that you cannot carry in NYS Parks but to not hijack this thread, I posted another one explaining why.

Carrying in NYS Parks is Only a Fine at Most