[Moylan1850]

So having just received my license. Completed my wally walk and preparing to go bed, I thought I'd share some thoughts on the first day of this sheepdog's trot amongst the herd of sheep.

1. No one notices (especially if your careful)
2. You check your shirt ... frequently
3. For me, there was a sense of "completeness" maybe its the military mentality that will forever be etched in my brain that if my M-16 isn't in my hand or within arm's reach I'm "wrong"

I know we've reached the consensus that it is best to keep one in the chamber, for a little while I am foregoing this until I get a bit more comfortable with my holster and get myself a gun belt. I think in the early stages the probability of an unintentional discharge may be higher than the chances of the SHTF (I hope). And I certainly do not want to be a statistic on either front. I expect to feel ready to keep one in the pipe very soon.

I hope many more of you will be joining the ranks. Some may say I'm going to far with the following statement, but I do believe wherever one of us stands there is a small perimeter of peace established. A better chance for right to prevail against wrong. And a silent fulfillment of our obligation to protect and defend the constitution of the United States.


I'm proud to be exercising my constitutional right.
I'm proud to be an NRA member.
I'm proud to be an American.

:flag

 

[RadTek]

First of all...congratulations!!

1. No one notices (especially if your careful)
2. You check your shirt ... frequently

Secondly, careful with #2.....fidgeting too much will only cause you to undermine #1 .. by calling attention to something that doesn't need any attention. :thumsup

It's hard to do, I know. I caught myself "fidgeting" with my shirt/holster..etc..a few times my first day or two. And you're right...a GOOD holster and gun belt would help quite a bit. IF it doesn't shift..it doesn't need any fidgeting...:laughing

 

[Moylan1850]

Fidgeting

It's hard to do, I know. I caught myself "fidgeting" with my shirt/holster..etc..a few times my first day or two. And you're right...a GOOD holster and gun belt would help quite a bit. IF it doesn't shift..it doesn't need any fidgeting...:laughing

True, every time I checked I was never "exposed". I suppose confidence will come with repetition.

 

[Moylan1850]

The bathroom

So the first time using the public bathroom is interesting.

I removed the weapon and fortunately had a flat place on top of the toilet dispenser and metal rail to place the weapon. I'm sure the slight metal clink might have been unusual but nothing to worry about.

This is something that is usually done pre-license with little thought. I'm sure with time the proper securing of your weapon before taking to throne will become second nature. :thumsup

 

[Steve48]

If you're going to set the weapon aside, I hope you never forget it when you leave.

 

[Japle]

I know it seems like there's a big Neon sign over your head that says, "GUN!!", but there isn't.
Relax.

People are way too wrapped up in their own lives to pay attention to any bulges under your clothes. Nobody’s looking for guns. They’re oblivious.

I've been carrying a gun daily here in Florida since 1988. It took quite a while for me to realize how little people see of what's happening around them. The fact is, unless you're a supermodel or on fire, no one will give you a 2nd look. Hell, they won't give you a 1st look.

I carried a M-29 Smith .44 Maggie in an OWB holster complete with 2 speedloaders under a Hawaiian shirt for a few weeks just for fun. The thing stuck out a mile. Felt like half a steel grapefruit hung on my belt. At 5'9" and 150 lbs, it was obvious as hell. No one noticed a thing.

BTW, my favorite belt is a Wilderness Ring belt with the "Combat Shooters Model" insert.
http://store.thewilderness.com/product_info.php?products_id=35&osCsid=obs3p0kjunonss9pcav7hudj81

 

[Rvrctyrngr]

That's funny, Japle.

Along those same lines, I was at the grocery store with my wife after an IDPA match. I was carrying a G22 in a straight-drop paddle rig and two spare mags. She suffered a wardrobe malfunction, and I had to give her my button-front cover shirt. I covered the pistol and mags with my t-shirt and we went on about our bidness.

It was painfully obvious what was under the shirt (I'm your size), but no one noticed a thing, not even the off-duty LEO standing at the check-out lines.

Oh yeah....I also like the Wilderness CSM....that's what I normally wear for IDPA matches, so that's what I had on that day.

 

[daytona]

My first couple of times i thought the whole world was watching but it's true - no one pays any attention. You'll get used to it and go all day without adjusting at all. :thumsup

 

[deadeyedick]

As Christian Bale would say...

 

[Knapper]

Grinning a little

My first days I had all those experiences.
I didn't own a pistol when I got my license...had to sell, money issues, etc..anyway. When I got the Baretta 92 I picked it up and you can't load it at the gun store. So it's in my backpack, and I'm a long way from home, I stop in the Truck stop to use the restroom, and take my packpack in ..can't risk that getting stolen.
So I'm in the head and thinking.. well hell I might as well load this thing and see what's it like to wear it.

First I was EXTREMELY aware of how loud loading a magazine is and then cycling the slide to chamber it..needless to say it went unchambered..didn't want anyone walking in and thinking I was preparing to rob the place.

And second.. I spent a good three minutes in front of the mirror bending over to see how far it stuck out.. I must have looked so completely ridiculous bending over, moving it a little this way, a little that hehe..

I'm a big guy, I carry the 92 FS in a Fobus paddle holster, and I can't even see it and I know it's there.. just once in a while trying to reach in that right front pocket I have to think first..

Jess

 

[Moylan1850]

Strong side

just once in a while trying to reach in that right front pocket I have to think first..
Jess

I also had to make some adjustments. Crackberry on the left (that took some getting used to). I also only keep my keys in my right pocket now since I don't usually have a need to go there.

I picked up the S&W IWB holster that comes with my pistol. After I get the gun belt if it doesn't get more comfortable I might consider and pancake type, maybe a Cross Breed Supertuck to start and then when I know what I want have a custom job done by Little Bear.

The Delray shooting center didn't have my size belt today. He said he'll have one in about a week. I don't know any other place, but online, so that seems my fastest bet at getting a gun belt.

 

[Knapper]

I'll tell you I love this paddle. You don't need a 'gun belt' ..though I think you do need a belt, regardless of the ad. But any size belt just ads the rigidity enough to keep it tight.
At least on me, I'm over weight, so some of my extra flesh pushes against it, and I wear shirts a size too large so that I look nice, and it covers well.

Since I was a kid I always had this 'style' of mine to wear a button up collared shirt, unbuttoned over a tee shirt.. comes in handy when carrying now I tells ya.

 

[chuckusaret]

I have become so use to carrying that now the gun(s) has become part of the getting dressed ritual. When hitting the bars for happy hour without it makes me feel very vulnerable. If you have the feeling that everyone knows you are carrying try a 2 or 3 gun carry.

 

[Knapper]

Ack! I don't know if I could do that.. the weight issue. I don't even carry a spare magazine cuz I don't want the additional weight on me.

 

[chuckusaret]

I carry a XD40 subcompact, and either a NAA380 or a LCP or all three at times. Yes the three have a combined weight of 3 lbs

 

[deadeyedick]

If you have the feeling that everyone knows you are carrying try a 2 or 3 gun carry.

I have...

http://floridaconcealedcarry.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=806

 

[Rvrctyrngr]

Love the WallyWorld pics, DeD. You're one gun short, though, for going to the one at Phillips and Emerson!

 

[reckless01]

I have become so use to carrying that now the gun(s) has become part of the getting dressed ritual. When hitting the bars for happy hour without it makes me feel very vulnerable. If you have the feeling that everyone knows you are carrying try a 2 or 3 gun carry.

Just noticed that you mentioned being at the bar for 'happy hour' while carrying. I seem to remember some places you aren't allowed to carry in, and seated at the bar was one of them wasn't it?

I'd just be careful carrying while drinking....that could get bad quickly! :drinks

Quoting Mr Buckley's article:

"So, where else can’t we carry?

Anyplace federal law prohibits it.

A bar, or portion of a restaurant that serves alcohol for consumption. If you go to TGI Friday’s, you can sit in the dining area and eat, but if you have to walk through the bar area to get to the restroom, you may want to “hold it” until you get home. You can’t be in the bar area with a concealed firearm. If you have a kid and the kid has a tendancy to run around, stay out of restaurants with bars. I hear Perkin's is nice this time of year."

 

[eric1025]

Just noticed that you mentioned being at the bar for 'happy hour' while carrying. I seem to remember some places you aren't allowed to carry in, and seated at the bar was one of them wasn't it?

I'd just be careful carrying while drinking....that could get bad quickly! :drinks

Quoting Mr Buckley's article:

"So, where else can’t we carry?

Anyplace federal law prohibits it.

A bar, or portion of a restaurant that serves alcohol for consumption. If you go to TGI Friday’s, you can sit in the dining area and eat, but if you have to walk through the bar area to get to the restroom, you may want to “hold it” until you get home. You can’t be in the bar area with a concealed firearm. If you have a kid and the kid has a tendancy to run around, stay out of restaurants with bars. I hear Perkin's is nice this time of year."

He says he is not carrying at the bar.

 

[reckless01]

He says he is not carrying at the bar.

I just realized that! LOL what a brain fart that was! Excuse me, I'll open a window! :rolf