Carried for the first time yesterday

[climberpilot]

So I got my permit on Friday afternoon and carried to work Monday. I carried an XD45 full size in a cheap holster (until my new crossbreed Supertuck gets here) and I was suprized at how easy it was to conceal even without a decent belt or holster. After work I picked up a gun belt and an Uncle Mikes IWB holster and cant believe how comfortable and easy to hide this rig is.

That being said, I do have a few questions for you all:

-Is there really that big a difference with smaller guns? I see everyone talking about Sub compacts for carry, but I have a hard time seeing why. Im not a big dude, and I walk all day long and had no issues with a "big gun"

-How do you deal with using the restroom (sitdown) in public restrooms? I visit different buildings almost everyday, so privacy and familiarity are things I cant count on

-How often do you clean your carry gun?

-Do any of you "part time" carry? I work on Federal property often and wont be able to even have it in the car sometimes. I wonder how hard a time I will have developing the habit of carrying at all other times.

 

[bmwruss]

Carrying a smaller gun is a big issue with me. I carry a Kel Tec P3AT .380. I'm a small frame dude. Living in Florida and riding a motorcycle often, I'm in jeans and t-shirt often. So, concealing a large frame gun nearly impossible. I carry my Kel Tec in my back pocket in a wallet holster. It hides nice and is very comfortable. It stays put weather I'm sitting on my bike or using the restroom. In winter, when more clothing is called for, I recently purchased a Ruger LC9, which I'm still experimenting with concealing.

 

[climberpilot]

I too ride a motorcycle, and have wondered about my full size gun at 4 oclock (cafe racer-ish, so I'm pretty leaned over) but didnt seem to have any issue during a brief ride yesterday afternoon. I am concernen, though about the possibility of laying it down and what happens to my back if I land on the gun as well as retention of the weapon.

 

[eagleeyes]

''

-Is there really that big a difference with smaller guns? I see everyone talking about Sub compacts for carry, but I have a hard time seeing why. Im not a big dude, and I walk all day long and had no issues with a "big gun"..............................that's great if you can carry it well and comfortable carry the biggest you have!

-How do you deal with using the restroom (sitdown) in public restrooms? I visit different buildings almost everyday, so privacy and familiarity are things I cant count on.....................i carry about 330 and find i can just rest the holstered side of my pants up by my knee so no one can see it if they should look under the door to see if the stall is occupied

-How often do you clean your carry gun? ............every time i shoot it which is just at the range thus far gladly

-Do any of you "part time" carry? I work on Federal property often and wont be able to even have it in the car sometimes. I wonder how hard a time I will have developing the habit of carrying at all other times....................... i try to carry when ever i can but i had to go to the post office the other day so i left it at home​

• ''

 

[SR40c]

So I got my permit on Friday afternoon and carried to work Monday. I carried an XD45 full size in a cheap holster (until my new crossbreed Supertuck gets here) and I was suprized at how easy it was to conceal even without a decent belt or holster. After work I picked up a gun belt and an Uncle Mikes IWB holster and cant believe how comfortable and easy to hide this rig is.

That being said, I do have a few questions for you all:

-Is there really that big a difference with smaller guns? I see everyone talking about Sub compacts for carry, but I have a hard time seeing why. Im not a big dude, and I walk all day long and had no issues with a "big gun"

Chalk it up to a matter of preference. For me, it's about two things, comfort and concealabilty.

-How do you deal with using the restroom (sitdown) in public restrooms? I visit different buildings almost everyday, so privacy and familiarity are things I cant count on

Choice of holster. If you use a Crossbreed Super Tuck, it's a non-issue.

-How often do you clean your carry gun?

Once a month, right after my monthly trip to the range.

-Do any of you "part time" carry? I work on Federal property often and wont be able to even have it in the car sometimes. I wonder how hard a time I will have developing the habit of carrying at all other times.

Can't carry at work either. Not allowed and I wouldn't if it was allowed. The kind work I do would beat the gun to death and destroy the holster. As far as developing the habit, it's just like anything else. Soon, you will feel naked without it. Just like when I go to work.

I also carry on a bike. Once again, your holster is everything. As far as going down and landing on your pistol, oh well. I'm more concerned about my melon bouncing off the pavement. Good luck.

 

[justxboxin]

I don't own a bike used to own a ruger lcp , I didn't feel it was big enough . So I got a Taurus 85 ul it's a .38 spl plus p . Little bigger in my pocket , but it's easier to shoot , and a bigger bullet . On the belt holsters are good fobus paddle holsters are the most comfortable next to a good leather holster

 

[Bikenut]

-snip-
-How do you deal with using the restroom (sitdown) in public restrooms? I visit different buildings almost everyday, so privacy and familiarity are things I cant count on

-How often do you clean your carry gun?

-snip-

When sitting on the porcelain "convenience" I don't like to just set my sidearm down and leave it somewhere off my body so I unholster, drop my drawers, and put the gun inside the crotch area. I have never forgotten to pull my pants up and somehow I have to think my gun bumping into my ... ummm... happy parts... will remind me to put it back into it's holster.

As for cleaning ... always after shooting it... and whenever a visual inspection shows dust/dirt/cat hair anywhere. Point the gun at a mirror to look inside the barrel for cat hair chasing dust bunnies.

 

[Tripletap]

When sitting on the porcelain "convenience" I don't like to just set my sidearm down and leave it somewhere off my body so I unholster, drop my drawers, and put the gun inside the crotch area. I have never forgotten to pull my pants up and somehow I have to think my gun bumping into my ... ummm... happy parts... will remind me to put it back into it's holster.

As for cleaning ... always after shooting it... and whenever a visual inspection shows dust/dirt/cat hair anywhere. Point the gun at a mirror to look inside the barrel for cat hair chasing dust bunnies.

SURVEY SAYS!!!!! Ding , Ding , Ding we have a winner

 

[Sir Diealotz]

LOL at Bikenut
However that is a good idea, won't forget where it is that way

 

[cluznar]

Carry however you are comfortable. I carry a Ruger SR9c IWB and feel it is perfect size. Also at times carry a Bersa Thunder .380 IWB. I'm not into really large guns but I would not be afraid to carry a full size gun if I liked it.

You have to be comfortable and have complete trust in the gun you carry and how you carry it.

:dance3:

 

[XfNujNplhaib]

So I got my permit on Friday afternoon and carried to work Monday. I carried an XD45 full size in a cheap holster (until my new crossbreed Supertuck gets here) and I was suprized at how easy it was to conceal even without a decent belt or holster. After work I picked up a gun belt and an Uncle Mikes IWB holster and cant believe how comfortable and easy to hide this rig is.

That being said, I do have a few questions for you all:

-Is there really that big a difference with smaller guns? I see everyone talking about Sub compacts for carry, but I have a hard time seeing why. Im not a big dude, and I walk all day long and had no issues with a "big gun"

-How do you deal with using the restroom (sitdown) in public restrooms? I visit different buildings almost everyday, so privacy and familiarity are things I cant count on

-How often do you clean your carry gun?

-Do any of you "part time" carry? I work on Federal property often and wont be able to even have it in the car sometimes. I wonder how hard a time I will have developing the habit of carrying at all other times.

I have a 6 weeks old baby, so my G19 (holster too) goes in the Gerber baby bag (backpack). I've carried it to many stores and places and no one has a clue or stopped me yet. I feel especially safe when the wife and I is shopping at night. My workplace doesn't allow any weapons either, so I leave it in my car. And yes, it's legal.