Finally

[newokie03]

After many days of contemplation and soul searching, tomorrow I start the process to join the ranks of concealed carriers. I have spent many hours researching this site and others as well as starting to learn the laws of my state (Oklahoma), put in the range time to feel more comfortable with my weapon and finally decided it is time. It stinks that it requires as much as it does to exercise one of my fundamental rights but that is what the law is. To all the posters on here, thanks for the input. I may not agree with some of the things posted, but I appreciate that there are alternative viewpoints to expand my knowledge. I will keep you posted on how it goes.

 

[RonaldGAdams]

Good on you and welcome to the ranks!

 

[wolf_fire]

Enjoy and be safe.

 

[SoonerOKC]

Good luck and be safe.
Hope your wait for the OSBI check is shorter than mine... It's been 111 days today and no permit...OSBI has approved it just waiting for the Okla. County Sheriff letter.

 

[newokie03]

Just a quick update, I passed my class today. Learned some interesting stuff and got to shoot my weapon (always a good thing). Now I submit my application and start the clock on the wait. Hopefully my wait won't be as long as SoonerOKC's has been.

 

[BurgerBoy]

Congrats...........

 

[SoonerOKC]

Alright NewOkie03..My daughter and I picked up our permits today..114 says to the day.
I hope yours is quicker ...Good Luck!

 

[SoonerOKC]

Typo.*days not says

 

[newokie03]

Well, I have started the waiting clock. I turned in my application and got fingerprinted yesterday. Hope to have my permit back by Christmas (great present for myself)!

 

[e_v_h]

After many days of contemplation and soul searching, tomorrow I start the process to join the ranks of concealed carriers. I have spent many hours researching this site and others as well as starting to learn the laws of my state (Oklahoma), put in the range time to feel more comfortable with my weapon and finally decided it is time. It stinks that it requires as much as it does to exercise one of my fundamental rights but that is what the law is. To all the posters on here, thanks for the input. I may not agree with some of the things posted, but I appreciate that there are alternative viewpoints to expand my knowledge. I will keep you posted on how it goes.

How long did it take you to feel ready to carry? I want to as well but it doesn't feel right yet as I lack confidence in my abilities as a shooter. I plan on continuing my practice until I know I can trust myself to stop a threat without endangering others, I'm just curious as to how long others have gone before feeling comfortable carrying.

 

[SoonerOKC]

I took my daughter (who's almost 22) to the range every weekend for about eight weeks. I had her shoot ammo that I knew would jam or fail to eject on purpose..and of course good ammo as well. I wanted her to know how to handle all situations.
Then she took her CCW course and passed..again while we waited for our license we continued to go to the range every other week..we got our license this week and she is carrying all the time where permitted now.
So to answer your question more range time equals more confidence..for her after about four weekends she had it down and was ready to carry...and as her dad I was confidant with her abilities.

 

[NotTwoShure]

It IS great to have your little girl pac-N, mine (41yr old) has been for a while. A Glock 26 with various mags, the originals and some new 15 rounders, with a couple of carry options. I have one question, your state, do they have a time limit on how long they have to process your paper work? Here it is a Shall Issue state and they have 30 days.

 

[fudo]

Congrats from Norman. Welcome to the club. Be sure to tip your waitress:laugh:

 

[newokie03]

e_v_h_
I am hoping that some of the most experienced carriers will chime in on the this thread. I have yet to carry, I am still waiting on my permit to come in. I don't know if I will be able to comfortably carry (physically and mentally) or not. What I will say is this: because of where I work, there are a lot of people that would have no issue with assaulting me in a puble setting. I spend my day telling people that they do not qualify for government assistance (welfare). Because of this, I feel that I have to be able to defend both my family and myself when out and about. I know that is not exactly an answer, but it is the best that I can do at the moment. For those of you who have carried for a long time, please jump in and help people like me and e_v_h_ on how and when you realized that you could do this on a regular basis.

 

[Flanmedic51]

For me it was simple. The inability to effectively defend my family in the moment of a devastating/violent encounter would cause me to not to be able to live with myself. But why a gun...why not a knife or mace etc? I simply can. Its America. And not to mention I grew up with guns and have been taught to tactically operate them...and simply have a tactical mindset in today's world. Not a bad thing. I can shoot but even the best marksman will lose fine motor skills when staring down the Reeper...or a bad guy that is. But its still worth carrying for protection and knowing that most encounters happen within 10 feet, I feel confident I'll hit torso. I think if you can grasp the notion that the worst-case scenario is killing another human to preserve your life or someone else as dictated by law, then you should carry as soon as you can. The alternative is not an option in my world.

 

[newokie03]

Thanks Flan!!!!! Hope more of the experienced carriers will lend their voices with you.

 

[wizard]

For me it was never really an issue. After WI passed the CC law I submitted my app and was carrying in 63 days. I have been shooting handguns for 30yrs and have had extensive Firearms training throughout my time in the Marine Corps. I feel that I am mentally and physically able to defend my family from whatever threatens to harm them. Frequent practice is a must, as shooting skills are highly parishable. If you plan to carry, carry everyday, not part time. It is a big decision with grave cosequences should you need to act. If you feel that you are not able to kill someone you need to re assess your decision to carry.. Not everyone has this ability. I would not belittle anyone who cannot do this, as it is not a bad thing. We all have our own morality.

I am glad that soonerOKC and his Daughter are carrying and that he took the time to teach her how to deal with malfunctions and get her confident in her abilities. Should prove to be good Dad/Daughter time at the range! I for one like to hear that more Women are carrying. It is a dangerous world we are living in.

newokie03, Congratulations on your decision to carry, I hope you get your approval soon so you can join the ranks! Be safe.

 

[SoonerOKC]

I read today that the wait time in Okla is down to 45 days.
You might get yours pretty soon!

 

[eagleeyes]

i started carrying after a few range visits and some formal training and tactical training in class and at home dry firing and scenario trainings......and knowing exactly how my gun works from loading firing and cleaning.....which gave me the courage and confidence which i did whilst waiting for my ccwp to arrive as well going over the laws....i got a good holster and belt and feel comfortable carrying every day even if i'm just at home all day i put on my gun when i put on my clothes for the day and it's made me become more aware of my surroundings as well i think by doing so.........best wishes and carry on

 

[Reynard]

I made the decision to carry after reading a CNN news report of a home invasion on my iPhone while my wife and I were out for breakfast. The invaders held the family for hours, drove the wife to an ATM and had her empty their accounts and finally one of the two guys murdered all three family members. They were caught and the story was about what happened and the trial. I decided that morning and got my permit to carry in SC Sept. 14th, 92 days. I now carry wherever legal and have since my permit came in the mail.