I found it very unnerving to carry concealed for the first few trips outside the house. I almost felt a bit naked...not a pretty picture. It was like using your first credit card for the very first time...very surreal. I carried until I no longer felt nervous about doing it. I always carried a loaded firearm. That is what is making you squeamish so carry it loaded. You don't have to carry a round in the chamber or cylinder if it is a revolver but carry loaded until it becomes second nature. Wear a loaded firearm around the house as well. Eventually it simply becomes another part of your wardrobe.
Newbie, with perhaps an odd question.
- Thread starter CrazedChris
- Start date
CrazedChris
New member
Yeah Jim, that is what I decided to do. Loaded magazine, not chambered. Now if only my holsters would get here. 
Hi Chris, I'm sorry you had to deal with the rude answer to your question because it was a legitimate one. Women have a difficult time finding holsters that fit our bodies. We have curves in places men don't. Our clothes are designed differently, etc. There is nothing wrong with wearing your unloaded gun around the house to get used to the feel of the weight. You should also make sure all ammo is out of the room, the gun unloaded and cleared (check twice), and practice drawing from your holster. Depending on what gun you have, where you carry, and your holster, the draw stroke might be different than you expect.
A great resource for learning about carrying your gun is the Kathy Jackson at the Cornered Cat (Cornered Cat | If you have to fight, fight like a cornered cat.). She gives very clear advice on carrying, dressing around your gun, different holstering options, etc.
A great resource for learning about carrying your gun is the Kathy Jackson at the Cornered Cat (Cornered Cat | If you have to fight, fight like a cornered cat.). She gives very clear advice on carrying, dressing around your gun, different holstering options, etc.
Excellent question.
I'd been around guns all my life. Was in the Army even. But carrying a loaded gun concealed took some time to get comfortable with.
I carried my first gun, an East German made Walther PPK/S (beautiful pistol) because it could be carried decocked with the safety on, but I carried it unloaded at first, around the house and back on my sister's farm, just to get used to it.
Then I carried it but without one in the chamber.
I progressed to one in the chamber but decocked with the safety on.
And finally, one in the chamber, decocked, safety off. The heavy DA trigger pull for the first shot was as safe as a revolver.
So this guy thinks you asked an excellent question. Do what works for you to develop the confidence you need to carry.
I've been carrying every day, every place it's legal, for 6 years now, and I'm still very aware of the responsibility and the need for safety. When you are so comfortable you don't pay attention, that's when you have a problem.
BTW: Good on you for asking.
Fitch
I'd been around guns all my life. Was in the Army even. But carrying a loaded gun concealed took some time to get comfortable with.
I carried my first gun, an East German made Walther PPK/S (beautiful pistol) because it could be carried decocked with the safety on, but I carried it unloaded at first, around the house and back on my sister's farm, just to get used to it.
Then I carried it but without one in the chamber.
I progressed to one in the chamber but decocked with the safety on.
And finally, one in the chamber, decocked, safety off. The heavy DA trigger pull for the first shot was as safe as a revolver.
So this guy thinks you asked an excellent question. Do what works for you to develop the confidence you need to carry.
I've been carrying every day, every place it's legal, for 6 years now, and I'm still very aware of the responsibility and the need for safety. When you are so comfortable you don't pay attention, that's when you have a problem.
BTW: Good on you for asking.
Fitch
apvbguy
New member
first welcome and good luck, now as for carrying, you need a good solid holster/belt rig that will keep the gun where it is supposed to stay, that will go a long way to aiding your confidence about carrying in public. I know that when you first start to carry you feel as if the gun is flashing red and everyone sees it, the reality is that if you are concealing properly nobody will notice and if you are a bit lackadaisical about concealing, most people will not notice. Around here the tradition is for newbies to do a Wally Walk and then post their experiences, if you don't get it a Wally Walk is a walk around a wal mart or similar type place, you do it to gain confidence about carrying. Like anything else the more you "practice" the better you become.
My own epiphany came when after a few weeks of being a new concealed carrier I wound up staying in a hotel in NC with obuma'a Secret Service advance team, walking around the lobby, going for breakfast with dozens of them around and either nobody cared or nobody noticed my full sized glock that I was carrying, after that I never again had any concerns about who saw what.
My own epiphany came when after a few weeks of being a new concealed carrier I wound up staying in a hotel in NC with obuma'a Secret Service advance team, walking around the lobby, going for breakfast with dozens of them around and either nobody cared or nobody noticed my full sized glock that I was carrying, after that I never again had any concerns about who saw what.
A lot of people start by carrying loaded but without a round in the chamber. I did it myself, it took me a little while to just accept the facts that guns don't start shooting as long as I don't pull the trigger. It's normal to be nervous at first when handling a loaded firearm. Over time you will become more at ease with it as long as you take your time handling it and don't become sloppy and have an accident.
BC1
,
An unloaded gun is nothing more than a club. If you're gonna carry it, then carry it properly. Just the known presence of the gun could potentially cost you your life. If they'll kill you for a wallet, they'll kill you for your unloaded gun. Load it, chamber it, conceal it (if so desired) and know how to draw and employ it without shooting your foot off. As a newbie, take a good concealed carry or PPOTH class that includes live-fire exercises in drawing.
whodat2710
New member
I think you have the perfect attitude, and an adequate level of concern. It is a responsibility that should be taken seriously. On the post you reference, I will have to agree with carrying unloaded in public being a bad idea. Go with "Boots" idea of carrying around the house as your practice run. I would recommend a holster (there are many forums styles and companies) that is made specifically for your gun rather than a "one size fits most" type. Also a holster that goes with your style of clothing rather than adjusting who you are to accommodate the holster. I personally prefer the company "Crossbreed" but that is just an option. Just remember that if you eventually plan to carry all the time, you will use the holster more than your pillow and mattress; a little extra cost is worth it if it gets what is comfortable for you.
Once you get a holster, carrying and drawing without bullets is a must before you step out the door, and some range time too. Know that many ranges don't allow shooting from the holster so check first.
tricolordad
Banned
Mappow is not trying to be rude, but he is fairly blunt. With dudes, that's ok. Women? Not so much. What he is trying to say is: 1. If you are unfamiliar and uneasy with carrying, don't do it just yet. Get more familiar. 2. Do not carry an empty weapon! If you need it, you will be unprepared and will literally have little more than an object to throw. (Consider this, the average male can run 21 feet in a little over one second; could you reach in your pocket, grab and insert a magazine, rack the slide and flip off the safety, line up the sights and shoot the bad guy in that amount of time?) And ok ,that last sentence was unnecessary...
My suggestion would be to get more range time, carry unloaded around the house for a while, then loaded and get the feel for it. If it doesn't feel comfortable, maybe try another belt, holster or carry method. Maybe even try another firearm. (For example, I own a wide range of calibers, yet I am most comfortable with my Colt Defender .40 but shoot best and have the most accessories for my 1911 (.45) and almost always carry the Colt Defender.) It may take some time, but don't give up on it!
Another thing that may help is to find a carry buddy. If you're uncomfortable and feel like you're sticking out like a sore thumb, try and find someone in your area who has been carrying for a long time and you won't feel so lonely.
Hope this helps.
BuddhaKat
The Big Happy Fat Kat
I too felt quite uneasy when I first started carrying. Does that make me a girl? I don't think so. If you're not apprehensive about carrying a gun in public you're missing the lesson on just how much responsibility comes with it. Anybody that can't wait to strap on their gun and head out into the world is probably a person that has a lot to learn.
Over time you won't be so self conscious about carrying in public. In fact, you'll get to a point where you won't give it much thought at all. But you'll never forget the weight of your responsibility.
mappow
New member
Not being RUDE, just being real. Educate yourself in as many aspects of self-defense as possible. CC/OC is a responsibility ONLY you carry. Not trying to be rude, if I was, that is your perception. All I'm saying is be prepared for a violent confrontation. If you do hopefully it'll save your life or someone you care about protecting. I will ADD that being a female has NOTHNG to do with your ability to protect yourself. If you FEEL it does then there is possibly more issues then your post. GET educated, learn proper procedures, pratice-pratice-pratice and after all said and done practice some more. IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
The word is "practice-practice-practice".
There is a difference between handing out a lecture or trying to be instructive. You do sound like a very loud mouth lecture...just my PERCEPTION. If you tone it down and be somewhat instructive people will listen and learn. We all crapped in our diapers once in a while before we became potty trained...and yes, our own doody stank like you know what.
As a female, an instructor, and CC'er myself, I applaud you for getting this far. You definitely have the correct instincts. Many women find carrying a firearm a challenge. Our clothing and our enviroment (children, work, etc) really impact our choices. Women are often hesitant carrying because we have no idea what method (purse, flashbang, IWB holster) will be the best choice. How do we carry around the kids (because we know they never need to be picked up)? Purses have to be watched like a hawk and can be removed from us easily, IWB holsters may or may not fit in our clothing (some are just too darn big), many women's pants have no belt loops so OWB holsters and many IWB holsters do not work. Have I mentioned how well "pocket carry" works with women's clothes. I don't have a single pair of jeans or pants that aren't tactical that have pockets big enough for even the smallest pistol. Many people wear bellybands (like the PistolWear version) successfully. Whatever method you choose, you should practice around the house to become familiar with your holster and practice your draw stroke (without ammo and in a safe direction). You should train in the method you are going to carry. Once that muscle memory is built it becomes difficult to alter.
tcox4freedom
New member
Thanks for all the input everyone. I just purchased my gun Wednesday. It is a Bersa Thunder 380, and the only ammo I have found so far is the Blazer 95 grain CCI, of which I have 1 box.
I really wish I had been sure of the caliber gun I was going to get when I was at the gun show a few weeks ago, I could have gotten loads of ammo at a decent price.
Hey Chris
Welcome to the forum. You bought one of the safest & most reliable handguns you can buy in the Bersa Thunder 380. If you really want to learn more about your specific gun, I suggest you join Link Removed. The folks there can tell you all the ins & outs about the Bersa.
BTW: I've owned one for many years and I can tell you Bersa makes a GREAT firearm!.
Like others have said; you need to feel comfortable about your firearm. But, you can rest assured that will come with training & experience. Learning all you can about your chosen firearm and talking to other people that use one just like it will also help.
I do agree with Mappow though:
"If you're going to CC any firearm for SD & the defense of your loved ones, you do need to carry +1."
Ask yourself this question:
Why would I give a "potential" bad guy ANY advantage whatsoever?
Know THIS-
He doesn't intend to give you one!
-
CrazedChris
New member
Thanks for all the feedback. 
I now have 2 different holsters, an IWB and a belly band. I prefer the IWB one, but haven't found a comfortable position for it while sitting and driving. How do y'all handle that? I tried the belly band one out at Wal-Mart and didn't like it....lol. I am going to try it again, maybe it was just how I had it positioned. When I can't wear it, it is in my purse, but I do not like that, it makes me nervous. So, still looking for the perfect holster. Does it exist? 
I am carrying loaded now, not chambered yet, but I am working towards it. My bro has given me some tips (he carries too) that were helpful also. Now if I could just find more ammo. Grr.
I now have 2 different holsters, an IWB and a belly band. I prefer the IWB one, but haven't found a comfortable position for it while sitting and driving. How do y'all handle that? I tried the belly band one out at Wal-Mart and didn't like it....lol. I am going to try it again, maybe it was just how I had it positioned. When I can't wear it, it is in my purse, but I do not like that, it makes me nervous. So, still looking for the perfect holster. Does it exist? I am carrying loaded now, not chambered yet, but I am working towards it. My bro has given me some tips (he carries too) that were helpful also. Now if I could just find more ammo. Grr.
I don't know which belly band you purchased but I do want to point out that they make one specifically for women. One of the main differences is the size of the band, 5-6" is normal for men and what you see around the stores. There is a 4" for women. Women tend to have a different torso length than men. The shorter elastic does make a difference, amazingly so. The Link Removed website gives some information on it. Maybe this helps others that are reading this post. I have one and wear it almost all the time, it is different but better than purse. Great when working in the yard and bending and moving around.
tcox4freedom
New member
Thanks for all the feedback.
....
I suggest looking here 1st-
[video]http://www.crossbreedseconds.com/[/video]
CrazedChris
New member
I think what makes it hard for me to find a holster is that I absolutely cannot stand to wear a belt. Yeah, kind of limits my options. That, and I am not skinny.
I tried the belly band out again yesterday just puttering around the yard. It wasn't so bad, just need to get used to it and adjust it where it sits right. It is the smaller 4" one.
I tried the belly band out again yesterday just puttering around the yard. It wasn't so bad, just need to get used to it and adjust it where it sits right. It is the smaller 4" one.
Chris I hate wearing belts too. And I love yoga pants. I've found I really like the Remora holsters. Not perfect but it really works for my sigp p238. You just have to be careful that it's in fairly snug pants or in a tighter waistband or it can slide down. Crossbreed Holsters also have a new belly band with a built in gun specific holster that looks interesting.
