It's amazing how nonconfrontational you get when you've got a gun on you
Couldn't agree more. Carrying a gun isn't an excuse to be an asshole and start fights with everyone. It's a tool to make sure you get home everyday. Be smart about it.
Questions from someone new to carrying
- Thread starter libertysnake
- Start date
Couldn't agree more. Carrying a gun isn't an excuse to be an asshole and start fights with everyone. It's a tool to make sure you get home everyday. Be smart about it.
libertysnake
.338 Win Mag
Agreed on not putting up a fight. I vote with my wallet. If they don't want me, that's fine. They're a private establishment -- and I'm a private citizen.
Before even reading this thread's responses:
1) You might even want to divulge further into carrying in the "restricted areas." Some aren't as you restricted as you think.
2) You WILL be nervous. Don't worry, and don't make threads on gun forums about carrying. And that's in no way a dig. I've been there too. I carried my P99 Unloaded for the first time. But now, no way.
3) Most modern handguns and long guns carry a far greater warranty than you.
No modern handgun I have ever owned has rusted.
4) I've tested it out alright. No. The answer is: No sign = no sign, No problem.
Sign = No law = No problem.
First,- congrats on getting your permit, and carrying.
Others here have pretty well covered it, but here is my 2 cents.
A good gun belt,- yes, it's the only way to go.
Initially, I was nervous about carrying with one in the chamber. Get comfortable carrying first, and watch a few videos and read some articles on how fast shit can occur, and you will get comfortable about carrying with one in the chamber in no time.
A good holster is an absolute must. I carry several different ways, but whatever holster I use, I make sure that it covers the trigger completely. For example, when I carry my Shield 45, I often carry it in a pocket, but always in a sleeve pocket holster, and never with anything else in the same pocket. Also, practice drawing and reholstering, taking particular care when reholstering to always avoid a negligent discharge. Better still, take some hands on firearm training.
Do yourself a favor, and take a course on advanced carry and / or the allowable use of deadly force in NY. I took one taught by James Emmick of FTWNY. It was excellent.
Realize that you may need to change some of your clothing choices in order to properly conceal it.
Seriously consider carrying even inside your home, while taking proper care to always secure your gun around children or others. If you watch a few videos of home invasions and how fast they went down, you'll know why you should consider that.
Be safe, and carry on!
Others here have pretty well covered it, but here is my 2 cents.
A good gun belt,- yes, it's the only way to go.
Initially, I was nervous about carrying with one in the chamber. Get comfortable carrying first, and watch a few videos and read some articles on how fast shit can occur, and you will get comfortable about carrying with one in the chamber in no time.
A good holster is an absolute must. I carry several different ways, but whatever holster I use, I make sure that it covers the trigger completely. For example, when I carry my Shield 45, I often carry it in a pocket, but always in a sleeve pocket holster, and never with anything else in the same pocket. Also, practice drawing and reholstering, taking particular care when reholstering to always avoid a negligent discharge. Better still, take some hands on firearm training.
Do yourself a favor, and take a course on advanced carry and / or the allowable use of deadly force in NY. I took one taught by James Emmick of FTWNY. It was excellent.
Realize that you may need to change some of your clothing choices in order to properly conceal it.
Seriously consider carrying even inside your home, while taking proper care to always secure your gun around children or others. If you watch a few videos of home invasions and how fast they went down, you'll know why you should consider that.
Be safe, and carry on!
freddy
.308 Win
I think one of the most important points if you carry is to mentally prepare for killing another human being. As has been written about elsewhere: visualize the sights on center mass, center head, pressing the trigger, and the resulting bleed out, brain splatter, etc. Mentally practice pressing the trigger repeatedly under the threat has ended. Watch as they crumple to the ground. This is critical. Otherwise you are more likely to hesitate. Also, when out in public spaces visualize and consider when you would draw, under what circumstances, any available exits or cover, etc, etc. While at work or running errands look at a person, any person, and see yourself ending their life if they threaten yours. Practice this daily.
Best summed up as: “Treat everyone like royalty - but have a plan to kill them.”
If you are not willing to do these things then for you carry might be a liability and not an asset.
Best summed up as: “Treat everyone like royalty - but have a plan to kill them.”
If you are not willing to do these things then for you carry might be a liability and not an asset.
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Cleck
.308 Win
Compilation of threads and information from the site. Worth a read, especially the 4th one 
Everyone else posted what I was thinking, so I hope this helps.
Gun Belts
Reasons to carry "hot and ready"
Gun cleaning products
Best thread on the entire forum
Keep your ears intact
Everyone else posted what I was thinking, so I hope this helps.
Gun Belts
Reasons to carry "hot and ready"
Gun cleaning products
Best thread on the entire forum
Keep your ears intact
HighlandLofts
6.5 Creedmoor
When I first started carrying I felt uncomfortable with the tube full, but did it any ways. "An Empty Gun Scares Two People" and I don't like being scared when it could be my life on the red line.
Get comfortable carrying you gun from the moment you get dressed in the morning until it's time to shower up and go to bed, then have it readily available next to your bed in case you get a night time home invasion.
There is a home invasion happening every EIGHTEEN SECONDS, 24/7. That equals over TWO MILLION Home Invasions a Year and 1/3 Of The Time Some One Is Home At The Time Of The Home Invasion!
That's why you should get in the practice of carrying at home.
Humans are by far the biggest threat you'll come up against, if you don't have the mind set to totally defend yourself with deadly force if the need ever arises then you shouldn't be carrying gun. The second guessing can get yourself killed in a split second.
Know your gun and know your ability to hit your target, bad shot placement does not stop large determined threats. Even with good shot placement sometimes will not immediatly stop the threat. Some times it take a few seconds and a lot can happen it a few seconds.
Get comfortable carrying you gun from the moment you get dressed in the morning until it's time to shower up and go to bed, then have it readily available next to your bed in case you get a night time home invasion.
There is a home invasion happening every EIGHTEEN SECONDS, 24/7. That equals over TWO MILLION Home Invasions a Year and 1/3 Of The Time Some One Is Home At The Time Of The Home Invasion!
That's why you should get in the practice of carrying at home.
Humans are by far the biggest threat you'll come up against, if you don't have the mind set to totally defend yourself with deadly force if the need ever arises then you shouldn't be carrying gun. The second guessing can get yourself killed in a split second.
Know your gun and know your ability to hit your target, bad shot placement does not stop large determined threats. Even with good shot placement sometimes will not immediatly stop the threat. Some times it take a few seconds and a lot can happen it a few seconds.
There are some excellent points made about gun belts, training, holsters etc.
Now to discuss the Shield with you. I also have the PC shield. It is an excellent carry pistol with a couple of potential issues. The original mag springs especially in their 8 rounders are junk and have been major issues for some. Either replace those with MagGuts+1 for a total of 9 rounds. 7 rounds has long since disappeared. If you don't want to do MagGuts +1 (which has been great for most everyone) then you need to replace the mag springs with Wolf gunsprings. The oem mag springs have been bending. The next issue is the recoil spring assembly. Some of the oem assemblies are locking up making the gun inoperable. The resolution to that is the Stainless Steel Guide Rod Inc. assembly. You can get that on Amazon. The only caveat is that you can't shoot +P ammo with the Stainless Guide Rod Inc assembly. Also I have done extensive testing on self defense rounds and the Federal HST 124 gr has been absolutely STELLAR. So I recommend you purchase a few 50 round boxes of HST 124 Standard pressure and make sure they function 100% in your pistol. If you plan on doing the magazines and recoil springs clearly test the ammo AFTER you do these modifications. If you would like to pm me I can tell you where to get the HST at a very reasonable price. I would not carry my Shield until I did the mag springs and the recoil assembly. Both of my oem mag springs bent on me right from the beginning. I did not have any issue with the oem recoil assembly but many have. The stainless one uses one spring and is extremely simple design
Now to discuss the Shield with you. I also have the PC shield. It is an excellent carry pistol with a couple of potential issues. The original mag springs especially in their 8 rounders are junk and have been major issues for some. Either replace those with MagGuts+1 for a total of 9 rounds. 7 rounds has long since disappeared. If you don't want to do MagGuts +1 (which has been great for most everyone) then you need to replace the mag springs with Wolf gunsprings. The oem mag springs have been bending. The next issue is the recoil spring assembly. Some of the oem assemblies are locking up making the gun inoperable. The resolution to that is the Stainless Steel Guide Rod Inc. assembly. You can get that on Amazon. The only caveat is that you can't shoot +P ammo with the Stainless Guide Rod Inc assembly. Also I have done extensive testing on self defense rounds and the Federal HST 124 gr has been absolutely STELLAR. So I recommend you purchase a few 50 round boxes of HST 124 Standard pressure and make sure they function 100% in your pistol. If you plan on doing the magazines and recoil springs clearly test the ammo AFTER you do these modifications. If you would like to pm me I can tell you where to get the HST at a very reasonable price. I would not carry my Shield until I did the mag springs and the recoil assembly. Both of my oem mag springs bent on me right from the beginning. I did not have any issue with the oem recoil assembly but many have. The stainless one uses one spring and is extremely simple design
Great posts about CCW. Getting used to carrying is a psychological challenge because you think everyone knows you have a pistol/revolver. After a few successful trips to walmart you realize no one knows/cares or is looking at you. 90% of the time people are so absorbed into their phones they don't even bother to look around lol.Shield and XDS are about the same size. I can carry my XDS at the 3-30 position in a light Tshirt and no one notices even prints a tad sometimes (according to my wife). Put a sweatshirt on or a coat and its gone. The Finding a good belt and holster combo for your shield will be a good step in getting comfortable because you will have the proper equimpment. This is what I am currently using for my XDS 4.0 w/TLR-4 mounted. Belt, Current Holster-I posted about their company on here.
+1 on CCW at home. I do not do it as much as I should however.
+1 on CCW at home. I do not do it as much as I should however.
HighlandLofts
6.5 Creedmoor
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ruger
At home is most likely where you'll need your side arm. As far as you screen name "RugerGP" you have your priorities straight. Owning close to thirty handguns my stainless 6" 357 Magnum Ruger GP100 in my favorite centerfire handgun. Next favorite would be my stainless Rossi 971 - 357 magnum with the muzzle compensator.
The Smiths are fine shooters, but the Rugers are my preference. I have the 686, two 586's and a bunch of other models, nothing tops a fine Ruger.
Yes I love my 4" GP Stainless .357. I want a six inch also....and I really want a SP101....and a LCR (9mm or .357).I think the LCR would be a good gun for when I am just being lazy and in sweet pants for the day. I have a Rossi 92 that I love also.
My Ruger SP101 .357 was my first concealed carry gun, and although I rotate it with others, including my M&P Shield, it is still a favorite.
In fact, now I think I'll take it with me to the range today!
Ya I really want one ever since I got my GP.
HighlandLofts
6.5 Creedmoor
The SP101 series are a great carry gun, The 9mm SP101 I have is fun to shoot, but using the moon clips is a pain in the ass. I'd like to get another 357/9mm Blackhawk for shooting 9mm ammo.
The 327 Federal Magnum SP101 is a great carry gun, I love that cartridge for a defensive round. And I can shoot 32 shorts, 32 long and 32 H&R Magnum through it. I have my 327 Federal dies set up to load 32 H&R Magnum.
The 327 Federal Magnum SP101 is a great carry gun, I love that cartridge for a defensive round. And I can shoot 32 shorts, 32 long and 32 H&R Magnum through it. I have my 327 Federal dies set up to load 32 H&R Magnum.
Truebeliever
6.5 Creedmoor
I think most of it has been covered already but here are my two cents
Biggest mistake is the same one I keep making. Holsters. I have bought too many of them and end up going back to the same ones in the end. A few exceptions however.
Best Kydex holster for IWB so far for me has been the vedder light tuck. I have spend hundreds if not thousands on holsters. This is the best so far. It is so adjustable. I would recommend this holster in heartbeat.
Holsters for sweatpants ( working out etc) , I am still on a search for the perfect one.
Every new gun, starts the holster search again-lol.
Other beginner mistakes. Thinking your guns printing when it's not.
Not sizing your clothes to accommodate the gun. I wear a pants size one size larger to accommodate the gun. If I am not carrying, I just tighten my belt a little more.
Biggest mistake is the same one I keep making. Holsters. I have bought too many of them and end up going back to the same ones in the end. A few exceptions however.
Best Kydex holster for IWB so far for me has been the vedder light tuck. I have spend hundreds if not thousands on holsters. This is the best so far. It is so adjustable. I would recommend this holster in heartbeat.
Holsters for sweatpants ( working out etc) , I am still on a search for the perfect one.
Every new gun, starts the holster search again-lol.
Other beginner mistakes. Thinking your guns printing when it's not.
Not sizing your clothes to accommodate the gun. I wear a pants size one size larger to accommodate the gun. If I am not carrying, I just tighten my belt a little more.
Marine Cpl
.577 Tyrannosaur.
I have the same holster. I modified it a little bit though. I took the Kydex clip off and added the standard metal clip that's much thinner with only one screw. With that one screw, I can now adjust the cant even more depending on my attire.
Bob
6.5 Creedmoor
This is one that I stress. A LOT.
I know that carry ammo is expensive. But what's more expensive is the cost of your funeral after your shit jams because you didn't adequately put it through its paces. Gun. Magazines. Holster. Ammo. YOU. It's all a system that works together. If any single item fails, it could mean the death of you or a loved one.
One thing that I haven't seen mentioned yet-
Find an attorney. It's best to find an attorney and establish a relationship with them now, rather than at 3am when you're in the booking room at the police department after you've had to shoot the guy that broke into your home.
Just wanted to point out, regarding magazine limits, the safe act website states: "A: While at a recognized range, whether you are there for recreation or for participating in shooting competitions, you may load the full ten rounds into any magazine you have. Starting on April 15, 2013, you are limited to putting 7 rounds in the magazine in all other locations."
Doc8404
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Who gives a shit what a website says.
That's not what the courts ruled.
Have a nice day.
Holy shit.
A good holster is the most important IMO.
I carry a Shield also and have tried many holsters that didnt quite work. Then I found IWB hybreds.
I have a couple Alien Gear,one 2.0 and a 3.0. Of course you will get many opinions Crossbreed, AG......etc, but they are all basicly the same. The AG holsters have lifetime 100% warranties, you dont even need to prove your holster is worn or broke, they just send you a new one. They also have great belts and they have sll kinds of deals on holster, belt combos.
Anyways, as far as im concerned with a small gun like the Shield, if you can feel or see the gun on your side, you could do better. I wear the AG 3.0 at 4oclock and it literally disappears....literally. Sitting, walking, running, driving......I cannot feel it AT ALL. In shorts and a tshirt even, it is not noticeable. My girlfriend often asks if I have my gun on me. She cant see it and she knows its there. I cannot ask for more as far as a gun/holster combo.
Im not sure about others but the AG has a neoprene backing and your gun does not touch your skin, no chance of ggun getting sweaty.
I carry a Shield also and have tried many holsters that didnt quite work. Then I found IWB hybreds.
I have a couple Alien Gear,one 2.0 and a 3.0. Of course you will get many opinions Crossbreed, AG......etc, but they are all basicly the same. The AG holsters have lifetime 100% warranties, you dont even need to prove your holster is worn or broke, they just send you a new one. They also have great belts and they have sll kinds of deals on holster, belt combos.
Anyways, as far as im concerned with a small gun like the Shield, if you can feel or see the gun on your side, you could do better. I wear the AG 3.0 at 4oclock and it literally disappears....literally. Sitting, walking, running, driving......I cannot feel it AT ALL. In shorts and a tshirt even, it is not noticeable. My girlfriend often asks if I have my gun on me. She cant see it and she knows its there. I cannot ask for more as far as a gun/holster combo.
Im not sure about others but the AG has a neoprene backing and your gun does not touch your skin, no chance of ggun getting sweaty.
I could post the response letter I received from the superintendent of the NYSP when I emailed Cuomo about the round limit but ive posted it several times.
What it says is that in the Western district of NYS a court shot down the 7 round limit but he said some jurisdictions still consider the 7 round limit the law. Which is complete and utter bullshit, but he said to carry 10 at your own risk because some cops may arrest you. Of course a judge should throw that out immediately and then you can sue for false arrest because a state law is a state law and a NYS court made a decision.....period.
I carry 11 in my glock 20
What it says is that in the Western district of NYS a court shot down the 7 round limit but he said some jurisdictions still consider the 7 round limit the law. Which is complete and utter bullshit, but he said to carry 10 at your own risk because some cops may arrest you. Of course a judge should throw that out immediately and then you can sue for false arrest because a state law is a state law and a NYS court made a decision.....period.
I carry 11 in my glock 20
Thanks for the extra info! New pistol owner here and it took a little extra looking to see about the round limit. Didn't have to pay much attention before since I just loaded my rifles according to range rules.I could post the response letter I received from the superintendent of the NYSP when I emailed Cuomo about the round limit but ive posted it several times.
What it says is that in the Western district of NYS a court shot down the 7 round limit but he said some jurisdictions still consider the 7 round limit the law. Which is complete and utter bullshit, but he said to carry 10 at your own risk because some cops may arrest you. Of course a judge should throw that out immediately and then you can sue for false arrest because a state law is a state law and a NYS court made a decision.....period.
I carry 11 in my glock 20
Heres the actual email I received, its from a Lieutenant, not superintendent, my bad
Reference is made to your correspondence directed to New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo regarding the ammunition restrictions placed on magazines. I have been asked to respond to your inquiry.
Two Federal rulings concerning the 7-round limit in magazines have deemed the restriction to be unconstitutional, however, these decisions are jurisdictional and can be interpreted to mean that they apply only in the geographic part of the state where the ruling court presides. Such being the case, some municipalities that fall outside of the jurisdictional boundaries of these courts have taken the position that the ruling doesn't apply to their agencies and therefor will continue to enforce the 7-round limit. As there remains some uncertainty regarding this restriction, it is recommended that you exercise discretion when loading your magazine.
I hope that this information proves useful. If you feel that the New York State Police can provide further assistance in this matter, please write this office of call (518) 464-7120.
James E. Sherman
Technical Lieutenant
New York State Police
Pistol Permit Bureau
Phone: (518) 464-7120
I hesitate to further open this can of worms but here goes - 10 round is GTG and legal according to the court ruling linked below. Any other source is secondary (see #2 below). The fact that a Trooper says it only applies in certain counties is BS. This is a copy of an email I sent recently.
On Wikipedia summary it shows that the 7 round provision was struck down by Judge Skretny as unconstitutional. Many articles confirm that 10 rounds are ok after Judge's ruling (#2 below is actual court document). Load up 10 tonight!
1) From NY SAFE Act - Wikipedia
"A separate challenge took place in federal court. In December 2013, Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny, of the Federal District Court in Buffalo, upheld most of the New York SAFE Act, saying that its provisions "further the state's important interest in public safety.... it does not totally disarm New York's citizens; and it does not meaningfully jeopardize their right to self-defense".[13] However he struck down the provision that only seven rounds of ammunition could be loaded into a ten-round magazine, calling it "an arbitrary restriction" that violated the Second Amendment, and saying that it could result in "pitting the criminal with a fully-loaded magazine against the law-abiding citizen limited to seven rounds."[13]"
2) Here's a copy of the actual court documents/decision on the entire SAFE Act. The strikedown of the arbitrary 7 round limit begins on page 34 of the decision.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/01/01/nyregion/01guns-ruling.html?action=click&contentCollection=N.Y. / Region&module=RelatedCoverage®ion=Marginalia&pgtype=article
3) Article:
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/01/...pholds-majority-of-new-york-gun-law.html?_r=0
On Wikipedia summary it shows that the 7 round provision was struck down by Judge Skretny as unconstitutional. Many articles confirm that 10 rounds are ok after Judge's ruling (#2 below is actual court document). Load up 10 tonight!
1) From NY SAFE Act - Wikipedia
"A separate challenge took place in federal court. In December 2013, Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny, of the Federal District Court in Buffalo, upheld most of the New York SAFE Act, saying that its provisions "further the state's important interest in public safety.... it does not totally disarm New York's citizens; and it does not meaningfully jeopardize their right to self-defense".[13] However he struck down the provision that only seven rounds of ammunition could be loaded into a ten-round magazine, calling it "an arbitrary restriction" that violated the Second Amendment, and saying that it could result in "pitting the criminal with a fully-loaded magazine against the law-abiding citizen limited to seven rounds."[13]"
2) Here's a copy of the actual court documents/decision on the entire SAFE Act. The strikedown of the arbitrary 7 round limit begins on page 34 of the decision.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/01/01/nyregion/01guns-ruling.html?action=click&contentCollection=N.Y. / Region&module=RelatedCoverage®ion=Marginalia&pgtype=article
3) Article:
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/01/...pholds-majority-of-new-york-gun-law.html?_r=0
Of course everyone here has seen the ruling, heard about the ruling dozens and dozens of times.
However, if cops, judges and DAs in some jurisdictions believe that the 7 round limit does not apply to their jurisdiction, they could cause you to have to hire an attorney, go to court and possibly lose your gun rights until settled.
Like I said in my first post, it is bullshit and will most likely be tossed out. However they could still cause you alot of headaches if they honestly believe it does not apply to them.
The SafeAct already goes against our Constitution and 2 court rulings in SCOTUS. You see how that has worked in NYS.
Uzi
.308 Win
Wait you're telling me my interpretation doesn't supercede NYS laws and that discretion of police by individual state restrictions can get me arrested?
No that can't be right, some guys on a forum said they were confident that wasn't the case.
Marine Cpl
.577 Tyrannosaur.
Actually, it was 2 federal judges. One from the United States District Court for the Western District of New York and the other from the the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit which covers all of NY.
A bad Court Appointed Lawyer could fight that.
Uzi
.308 Win
Wouldn't it be great if everything worked by the book, all police were up to date, and unconstitutional laws were not being enforced in NYS? Too bad that's not the case.
misunderestimated
.223 Rem
My advice for some one new to pistols and carrying them, Besides the above mentioned run a min of 500 rounds thru the gun to break it in and confirm it runs good,
Get formal training, get involved n competitions, no better way to test your gear then to use it under stress, I thought I had the greatest holster until I tried to re holster my fire arm and I could not get the gun back in the holster in a hurry. TEST YOUR GEAR Also make sure your mentally ready to carry. I had an old boss back in the eighties and seen him pull a pistol on a guy and then he started to shake so badly his arm almost turned to jelly.
Get formal training, get involved n competitions, no better way to test your gear then to use it under stress, I thought I had the greatest holster until I tried to re holster my fire arm and I could not get the gun back in the holster in a hurry. TEST YOUR GEAR Also make sure your mentally ready to carry. I had an old boss back in the eighties and seen him pull a pistol on a guy and then he started to shake so badly his arm almost turned to jelly.
Agreed. An activist Cop, Judge or DA could cost you plenty as you fight.