Posted: 11/7/2011 3:12:21 PM EDT
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First, it is not my intent to rub it in the face of those who have not yet received their permits. Secondly, I am not intending to make every HTF thread a carry thread, but I was hoping that this thread would be a catch all for new carry hints/group experience.
To those who are now carrying concealed, with new permits or in previous states or law enforcement privilege, what have you learned? I have realized that no one has treated me any differently, no one has noticed. I did have to work hard to curve my nerves. For example, I went to the library and after looking very carefully for a posting I went in. It was my third day carrying, but my first entry into a building and interaction with anyone. After I was walking out the door I realized the bottom inch of my barrel was exposed  I need to figure out a better cover garment/holster. I do have a supertuck on the way. I know many on the forums are from small towns or at least gun neutral areas, but I believe I am one of the first carrying in southern Milwaukee county so I am sure the first time I am made I will be face down on the ground with 10 squad cars.
Something I haven't run into yet, but anticipate soon. How is everyone handling a posted business with securing their weapon? It will not always be pertinent for me to shop elsewhere. I believe as it is my right to carry, it is the businesses right to post. I choose to shop there or not. Has anyone bought one of those locking steel boxes to use or do you plan on locking the gun in your car? Bill |
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I had my CCW when I lived in another state, so I know what you're going through. (fingers crossed on getting my WI permit tomorrow)
Here are a few of my observations from when I first started to carry: 1. If you don't carry with one in the pipe, mentally work your way up to it. I carried without one in the chamber the first few times just to get used to the idea of carrying. A video of an attempted mugging down the street from where I lived at the time changed my mind pretty quickly. Seconds can make all the difference. 2. Secure your vehicle lockbox to your vehicle's frame, if possible. The $30 wire loop boxes get stolen...often. 3. Sort of a corollary to (2), but keep your vehicle lockbox hidden. Thieves specifically look for the tell-tale wire loop sticking out from under a seat. (anyone want to bet on when the Journal Sentinel does their first article on a CCWer's firearm being stolen?) 4. Life's too short to get mad about places that post. Take a mental note, don't go back, and you'll be much happier. The number of places that post is always highest right after a new CCW law gets passed, anyways. |
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Carry on private property gets you used to it beforehand as well.
And honestly, if you carry, it might as well not come off except for bed or the shower, since if there's a home invasion, what are the odds you can dash to your quick-access lockbox? (assuming you have kids etc.) |
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Quoted:
I have realized that no one has treated me any differently, no one has noticed. My situation is different as I have been openly carrying for the last almost two years now, but people rarely even notice that! The only thing I have learned with my permit so far is not having to unload and encase when I get into my vehicle is the best! Before I had to manipulate my firearm multiple times a day and it was always a bad feeling every time I had to remove it from the holster. As far as posted buildings go, if I know I have to go to one I will try and lave the firearm at home or work, I really have a phobia about leaving my firearm in my vehicle. Barring that I would make the trip as short as possible. Before it was always encased so that made hiding it hard when you have no trunk. With the permit I have left it at work once while I ran to the post office otherwise after all the time I've been carrying I know what stores allow me to carry. If you new to carrying try not to think about it, most people have "tells" because they are always adjusting or "press checking" to see if the firearm is still there. Then there's always the funny walk, giving a wide birth to the strong side. I wear my firearm all day and I don't even know it's there. I actually have a hard time going drinking because I'll have weird flashes of panic because I feel like I left my firearm in a bathroom or something! That's another thing, if your going to carry all the time (and you should) make sure you got the toilet thing figured out. Its not as glamorous as practicing the Mozambique drill or bladeing at a forty-five degree angle but important just the same. |
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All good advice. I got comfortable with sidearms in the academy (no longer in that profession). I always carry fully loaded, I am a firm believer in always having a weapon ready to fire. I feel if you don't have one in the chamber, you are just carrying an expensive metal and plastic club. I didn't open carry except on my property because of my location, it wasn't worth it. I am still trying to figure out a solution for leaving it in the car.
Another hint, watch out for the seatbelt, I hung myself up getting out of my brothers truck while open carrying tonight  . I guess I am more use to driving and having the seatbelt connector near my holster so the lap belt has no chance to hang up on the holster.
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#1) The first thing I had to get used to was carrying my wallet in my weak side back pocket. Reaching for it on the strong side will almost always uncover your piece, and an IWB holster makes it almost impossible to get the wallet in and out anyway.
#2) Don't be THAT guy! The one who takes every opportunity to let everyone know that he has "the permit" and carries a gun. When MN passed their new law, I saw it quite often. Guys in the corner showing each other their "stuff". Well, it turned around and bit a friend of mine right in the ass. We walked into an area bar one Saturday afternoon to get a burger. A guy we knew (Primo Asshat) had heard that my buddy carried and walked right up to him and patted him on the hip to check for his gun. The guy pulled up my friend's jacket to show everyone and proceeded to make a big deal out of it. Several other customers got excited and the women were flipping out so bad that he had to take it out and stash it in the truck. Mine stayed on my hip, concealed, right where it belonged. Now don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with open carry, I do both. But a bar or tavern is one of the places where concealed is the better option! #3) Be extra protective of whichever side of your body you carry on. Don't stand so people can bump into you and feel hardware. Be careful when you reach for things with your carry-side arm. In social situations, if somebody tries to give you a hug, get your arms under theirs and force them to go high. Watch out for chairs with arms. They like to catch the grip and try to pull the gun out of the holster. #4) Make up your mind that you need some new clothes. A good carry belt is #1, IWB and OWB holsters, loose fitting shirts, light jackets, pants one size larger, etc...... I'm sure others can add more to this but these are some of the things I remember from when I started carrying over 20 years ago in MN. When they passed our new CCW here, I saw us go thru all the same growing pains that you're going thru right now. The business postings will eventually begin to disappear. The only ones I can think of right now in my area are all the Buffalo Wild Wings, the local hospital, and one small restaurant that I don't go to anymore. (And I still carry concealed at the hospital.) 
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