First time out

[woodruff]

I chose Walmart as my first carry destination. It wasn't as bad as I thought it may be, I wasn't all that nervous. I did however realize I need to purchase some longer shirts or/and an IWB holster. If I had to reach for an item on the shelf I had to do so with the hand opposite of side of carry. I was carrying at 5 o'clock position but noticed when I reached up with the right hand about an inch of barrel was exposed. Also when my 1&1/2 year old wanted me to carry her I had to keep pulling my shirt back down as it tended to keep creeping up a bit. All in all I feel it was a successful first time out, I learned some things I need to do differently. I can probably carry at 6 o'clock position with my current holster and be ok or buy a little longer shirt until I can find the holster I want.
What were some of y'alls first time experiences? And any suggestions for me and the other ccw newbies?

 

[eagleeyes]

i donno but before i carry i'm going to make sure i have a good holster and try out different clothes at home first to see how well they conceal and all before i start carrying in public
i'm still waiting for my permit so i have time to figure it out before hand

 

[woodruff]

I agree with trying out different options. My shirt (button up) I was trying out is actually way bigger than I normally wear. I need to shop in the tall section they are longer than the average xxl and may could get by with the xl tall. As for the holster I'm currently using the XD Gear holster that came with my firearm. Its an alright holster but I know I need something better. I'm kinda reluctant to buy anything with leather, I've always been told it will wear the finish off and that the leather will sweat some. So I'm looking but spending $80 on a holster is a big deal to me and the local gun shops around here dont have a great selection to chose from so I'm left scouring the forums on different sites and all the different manufacturers trying to come up with the one I think will be the best. 90% of everything seems oriented toward Glock Sig and S&W while the XDM seems to have a limited market. I have came across a site or two that can make one, it may just be me but I like and therefore prefer a form fitted holster over a universal fit.

 

[eagleeyes]

i'm leaning toward a holster like the one in the giveaway pictured i'm going to borrow a friends similar and see how i like it he said it would be prolly my best option as well all the reading on this forum most here seem to be very pleased with the crossbreed iwb horse leather kydex holster there is a thread on this forum about holsters somewhere but i can't find it right now it was a good read for me and pretty much made up my mind as to what i want for a holster
my gun didn't come with a holster and i never owned or wore a holster before but i'm fixing to get hold of one on loan just to see how i like it so that will be another step i taking to get on my way to carrying should be getting it sometime today to try on for size
they are expensive for sure so i don't want to buy something only to find out it's not something i'd use or can use effectively
i bought a holstered fanny pack at the gun show i took the permit class in about a month ago but i don't think i'll use it as it seems too much time to smoothly draw from perhaps i just need more practice and it just feels too big and bulky imo and i wished i didn't buy it in the first place but it's a done deal i thought it would been a good way to carry while wearing elastic banded skirts which i like to wear sometimes but mostly i'm in cut offs or jeans so i think a good gun belt and that supertuck crossbreed or one like it will be my main carry method i have a browning dba .380 with a big butt so i hope it conceals well ....time will tell

best wishes getting comfortable workable gear

 

[bkdraft]

5-6 o'clock positon is not the best option in my opinion, for what its worth. Thats middle of your back. For one, it would be more difficult to draw your gun from there, and second its NOT confortable at all when you sit down. 3-4 seams to be the best option with little forward cant. Easy to draw and the cant moves the grip so it does not print near as easily. In this position its lot more comfortable when you sit and you can see get to it while seated if needed.

 

[UATKP]

Just a suggestion for the newbies... from a newbie...I have a Remora holster. It's an IWB that doesn't move... period. There are no clips or belt loops... it's the material that it's made of that keeps it from moving. You can get several different options... reinforced lip for easier reholstering and combat cut, sweat shield, etc. Their prices start at 24.95, and the highest priced with options is probably less than 40 bucks. I bought the one with the full sweat shield, which means that it shields the entire weapon from my sweat. It is comfortable. I wear it from get up 'til lay down, and hardly notice it's there. If you want a good, comfortable, easy-to-conceal holster, you might try a Remora.
I'm not affiliated with them in any way... I just love the product... and I've heard they have some awesome customer service, too.
Blessings,
Uncle Al

 

[crowsnake]

I tried the elastic band holsters & if you are an XL or have extra skin from weight loss, It will roll, sweat the heck out of you & is just uncomfortable. Don't "waist" your money on one. The smart carry is ok for concealing bigger small guns. Like a 45. LCP size are nice in a Sneaky Pete.

I agree with 3 o'clock or even 2. Behind your back is TV stuff. What if you get pushed back against a wall?

 

[woodruff]

Yea I tried the 6 o'clock position and it stinks. I don't mind the 5 position and do prefer the 3-4. My holster don't have a cant to it and with the 4.5" barrel it does stick out a little with just about every shirt I have when I go to reach up or something in the 3-4 position. I'm gonna get me a new holster and probably a new XDS 45 with a 4", maybe a 3.8" if they offer it, I cant remember.

 

[lostone1413]

5-6 o'clock positon is not the best option in my opinion, for what its worth. Thats middle of your back. For one, it would be more difficult to draw your gun from there, and second its NOT confortable at all when you sit down. 3-4 seams to be the best option with little forward cant. Easy to draw and the cant moves the grip so it does not print near as easily. In this position its lot more comfortable when you sit and you can see get to it while seated if needed.

One time was talking to a woman and her hubby in Wal Mart She also carried in the small of the back.I asked her hubby if I could borrow his wife a second to show her something. He said go ahead. At less then half speed I pushed her against a rack of clothes. Just like I would if I really was attacking her be it in the store or on the street. My hands when around her as I pushed her. Then I asked her who has the gun now. She knew it would have been over for her. Then I explained the more you keep the gun up front the faster you can draw it and the better you can protect it

 

[woodruff]

I think I've settled on a c-tac with one of their tapered belts. I hope that just under $200 for the set up its worth it. I haven't heard anything bad about them. My second choice would probably be a blade tech. What do y'all think any pros or cons on the two, comparisons between the two?

 

[eagleeyes]

i couldn't tell ya woodruff im new to gun gear and all the set ups out there .........but mine is going to be a crossbreed or similar style on a good gun belt at 330 i just learned today what works good for me at least for now
hope you find your best ways to carry
i found mine today so now i have alot of practicing to do from there
oh my it's 2 am i'm going to bed
sweet dreams to all

 

[Farmhood]

Just a suggestion for the newbies... from a newbie...I have a Remora holster. It's an IWB that doesn't move... period. There are no clips or belt loops... it's the material that it's made of that keeps it from moving. You can get several different options... reinforced lip for easier reholstering and combat cut, sweat shield, etc. Their prices start at 24.95, and the highest priced with options is probably less than 40 bucks. I bought the one with the full sweat shield, which means that it shields the entire weapon from my sweat. It is comfortable. I wear it from get up 'til lay down, and hardly notice it's there. If you want a good, comfortable, easy-to-conceal holster, you might try a Remora.
I'm not affiliated with them in any way... I just love the product... and I've heard they have some awesome customer service, too.
Blessings,
Uncle Al

Ditto...I have the regular and a tuckable version. Allan w/Remora called me one Sat. evening to make sure I was getting what I wanted...they are the best!

 

[asbestostongue]

I use a Crossbreed Supertuck for daily carry. I think it's fantastic. My shirts don't have to be particularly long but cannot be particularly tight. I carry a CZ P-07 Duty in 9mm (a compact but not really small gun) and it conceals very well. I'm supremely happy with my carry setup.

 

[DocHollywood]

I don't know about everyone else but, the only reason I got a CCW is so that I can have the option to wear a jacket, or to get in and out of the car with it. If I am carrying my child of all things and someone sees my colt 1911, so be it. Even the most anti-gun person will not find a parent with a child a threat if the weapon is holstered properly. Granted, I do dress a little "nicer" now. The public perception of a guy with a camo hoodie or ragged cloths and a gun is much different than kakis and a button up shirt with a protruding side arm. In the end though, it don't matter if it protrudes inadvertently.

 

[hogdoc357]

I chose Walmart as my first carry destination. It wasn't as bad as I thought it may be, I wasn't all that nervous. I did however realize I need to purchase some longer shirts or/and an IWB holster. If I had to reach for an item on the shelf I had to do so with the hand opposite of side of carry. I was carrying at 5 o'clock position but noticed when I reached up with the right hand about an inch of barrel was exposed. Also when my 1&1/2 year old wanted me to carry her I had to keep pulling my shirt back down as it tended to keep creeping up a bit. All in all I feel it was a successful first time out, I learned some things I need to do differently. I can probably carry at 6 o'clock position with my current holster and be ok or buy a little longer shirt until I can find the holster I want.
What were some of y'alls first time experiences? And any suggestions for me and the other ccw newbies?

I think all of us were nervous our first time out. I felt like everyone around me knew I was carrying and could see the gun. But, of course, then couldn't. Over a period of time, I began to get more comfortable and not so self conscious. Even now, I will make sure my shirt is covering me and I am not "flashing" LOL. Just give yourself time, but never get complacent. Always be concerned about your presentation.

 

[rilkil23]

Wonder if you have become more comfortable after a couple weeks? I worried too but a year into it I don't even think about it. Took a while to find the right holster and the gun belt made a huge difference. I fought buying a good belt for ten months and wish I had spent the $80.00 a lot sooner. Have you found a system that works for you?

 

[nodaywithout]

I chose Walmart as my first carry destination. It wasn't as bad as I thought it may be, I wasn't all that nervous. I did however realize I need to purchase some longer shirts or/and an IWB holster. If I had to reach for an item on the shelf I had to do so with the hand opposite of side of carry. I was carrying at 5 o'clock position but noticed when I reached up with the right hand about an inch of barrel was exposed. Also when my 1&1/2 year old wanted me to carry her I had to keep pulling my shirt back down as it tended to keep creeping up a bit. All in all I feel it was a successful first time out, I learned some things I need to do differently. I can probably carry at 6 o'clock position with my current holster and be ok or buy a little longer shirt until I can find the holster I want.
What were some of y'alls first time experiences? And any suggestions for me and the other ccw newbies?

Welcome to the CC community congrats on the license coming in! Not a bad choice with walmart either that tends to be a favorite.

Tips
Buy a really comfortable holster, i took 5 years but i found my favorite one ever! Crossbreed supertuck i carry my 1911 often and its extremely comfortable.
buy pants that are 2 inches bigger than you normally wear for the best fit with inside the waistband carry.
buy a thicker belt i went through 3 belts in my first 6 months of carry all those many years ago, until i bought one specifically intended for those who carry. Had the same belt for 5 years about to buy another one as i lost weight.
Lastly concealed means concealed.

 

[woodruff]

Well I've yet to buy a crossbreed. I did try a cheap blackhawk to see if I would like the iwb. I love it not the holster but the iwb carry, i do want the crossbreed and the belt. So I now have to order one. Thanks all for the helpful info. Its become more comfortable, but I am waiting on my dealer to get the XDS. I think it will be way more comfortable than the XDM I carry now. It gets a little heavy sometimes especially with both mags. So do y'all carry the extra mags as well? I just can't bring myself to leave it in the car or at home. I feel it better to have it than not, prepare for the worst you know.

 

[Reynard]

Just a suggestion for the newbies... from a newbie...I have a Remora holster. It's an IWB that doesn't move... period. There are no clips or belt loops... it's the material that it's made of that keeps it from moving. You can get several different options... reinforced lip for easier reholstering and combat cut, sweat shield, etc. Their prices start at 24.95, and the highest priced with options is probably less than 40 bucks. I bought the one with the full sweat shield, which means that it shields the entire weapon from my sweat. It is comfortable. I wear it from get up 'til lay down, and hardly notice it's there. If you want a good, comfortable, easy-to-conceal holster, you might try a Remora.
I'm not affiliated with them in any way... I just love the product... and I've heard they have some awesome customer service, too.
Blessings,
Uncle Al

I also have a Ramora, you can literally put it in just about any carry position you want and it won't move. Good option for a good price, IMHO. I have the standard sweat shield and reinforced top for easier re-holstering. I also have a N8squared Tactical Original.

 

[Tripletap]

One time was talking to a woman and her hubby in Wal Mart She also carried in the small of the back.I asked her hubby if I could borrow his wife a second to show her something. He said go ahead. At less then half speed I pushed her against a rack of clothes. Just like I would if I really was attacking her be it in the store or on the street. My hands when around her as I pushed her. Then I asked her who has the gun now. She knew it would have been over for her. Then I explained the more you keep the gun up front the faster you can draw it and the better you can protect it

Definately! If your attacker got you on your back you'd be screwed, not to mention if you fell on your weapon hard enough while it's in that position your gonna be hurtin big time. Keep it where you can access it easily and it will not harm you in battle.