first time carrying

jfjfxray

jfjfxray

New member
Finally got my CHL in and carried for the first time today. I was more nervous/paranoid than I thought I was gonna be. Was it the same for y'all too?
 
Congrats on your permit.

Any nervousness/paranoia will dissipate rather quickly... and you'll get more comfortable in carrying concealed. :-)
 
Congratulations on you carry permit. Like anything new it is different at first. As you carry more, it will become second nature, but, never get complacent. Enjoy your right responsibly. Jim out......
 
I was nervous at first, now it doesn't make my anymore nervous than carrying a wallet or cell phone. Stay Alert Stay Alive, and like BonannoFamily said: never get complacent.
 
This came up on another couple of forums and I'm just copying and pasting. Not sure the original author but it totally summed it up for me. I felt everyone was looking at me the first time I was carrying, even though I knew I was covered up. Good thing GA allows open carry too :D


You will learn not everyone can see the outline of your gun and not every movement flashes it.
You will learn not everyone is pointing at you - "He's got a gun!"
You will learn that the more you wear it, the more comfortable you will be with it. If you have a truly GOOD holster/belt combo, you will hardly notice it.
You will learn to "dress around the gun". Dark colors and patterns are your friend, as are loose-fitting shirts.
You will learn to not tug on the hem of your shirt every 5 minutes to assure yourself you're still concealed.
You will learn to stop constantly adjusting the holster. In fact, if the holster/belt is the proper fit, you won't need to.
You will learn to stop touching the butt with your elbow just to assure yourself that it's still in place.
You will learn to give a little extra clearance on your carry side.
You will learn to reach overhead with your weak-side hand.
You will learn to stoop or kneel rather than bend.
You will learn to move through crowds with your strong side to the rear.
You will learn to embrace low, to force your counterpart's arms/hands up, away from your piece.
 
Congrats on the permit. My first day carrying was more of excitment than anything else.

I actually locked my gun in my brief case and went to pick the permit up as soon as I got back into the car I loaded it and placed it on my hip at 5 o'clock.

I love the great state of PA!
 
Yes, it was fairly nerve racking for me. I start carrying a P238, which, while small, seemed like it printed like crazy (since I knew what I was looking for!). Now I carry a EMP, and don't worry. I found I was doing a LOT of concealed carry around the home, basically practicing various carry positions and holsters. I still haven't totally settled on the position, the 3:30 is the fastest draw, but the 5:00 is the most concealable for me.

also, +1 for all are_shoots pasted!
 
You think that'll make you nervous. Try open carrying your sidearm through Walmart; as a teenager. I quickly realized that when I'm comfortable with it, other people are as well. It's been a couple years now and I've never had a problem.

Regardless your method of carry, just relax, be aware of your surroundings, and let life happen.
 
At first I felt very conspicuous; like everyone would be able to tell I was packin'. Just keep in mind that most people aren't paying any attention to you and slight bulges under a garment are very commonplace. There are a lot of people who wear Leatherman tools and cell phones on their belts.
 
Congratulations. Another Sheep Dog is always appreciated. Like everyone said, No one really is paying attention to you, Ignore it until you need it.
Good Belt and Good Holster are important. I'm not the type to drop good money on clothing, but my $60.00 belt is sweet! I have Kholster Holsters and Crossbreed's as well. Crossbreed's have a great fit and finish, Kholsters I like because I cut and buff them my way. Spend good money on your rig, it will last a very long time.
 
Let's see; wallet, keys, guns. Ok, I'm ready to go. That is how you will think of it in a short while.
At first, nervous. Next, exhilarating. Finally, everyday routine.
 
carrying around the house definitely helps! It's amazing how quickly you get used to it though. Eventually you feel like something is missing if you don't have it.
 
nice list there rae_shoots. I hadn't even thought about the reaching overhead with your weak-side hand, but what I have been having difficulty with is with the iwb carry, there really is not much room for me (comfortably) to sit or crouch with the holster and firearm at my side. I don't feel comfortable having the weapon at my back, harder to reach and harder to be sure it is where I expect it to be. I know these are newbie concerns, and it may take time getting used to. Just wondering if there are any more tips about these for newbies like jfjfxray and myself.
 
I carried without one in the chamber for a while. It let me get used to carrying, and get over the thought that people could see it, without wondering if the thing was going to blow a new hole in my a55.

If you wear a 34 waist in real life, buy some 36's! You're changing your lifestyle. If you're going to do it, do it right. Always have the right gear for the job.

I carry behind me. When I want to check my weapon, I just put both hands on my hips, and I can feel it with my thumb. I'm not checking my weapon, I'm stretching my back. If you're carrying by your side, use your inner arm to feel it.

Just some thoughts...
 
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