Tex1961 wrote:Here I thought taking the class was the hard part (hint.. not really).
So everything is done, license is in the mail.
Now here is my list of things to do... (Some already done)
1. Decide which firearm(s) to carry
2. IWB or OWB or BOTH carry
3. Pick a holster
4. Get CC insurance
5. Get a car safe to store said firearms if need be
6. Buy new pants and belts - different shirts and styles.
7. Pick up critical defense ammo
And of course ongoing training to draw from and shoot from holster...
Whew.. I'm exhausted already.. Did I miss anything
Yes, Yes, Yes! You missed one of the most important parts.
Read this post:
/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=78336#p996275 with a focus on his Rule #2.
Remember, a mediocre holster with a good belt
is better than a good holster with a mediocre belt.
Welcome to the forum!
And do remember - everyone has different needs. If anyone tells you that you MUST get this brand of holster, or you MUST carry a [pick the gun of your choice], etc., then run away from them. When I teach folks about shooting, I introduce them to all sorts of guns - hammer fired vs. striker fired, with safety vs. without safety, revolver vs. semi-automatic, SAO vs DAO vs DA/SA, etc. I teach them some of the common plusses and minuses about each. When I do get to the part where I explain what I carry and why, I explicitly state my own biases, including why they may or may not be valid for other folks. Bottom line, I'm not there to steer them toward a specific gun, rather I want them to understand as much as they can so that they can discover what's right for them.
The same is true for all these things - holsters, gun belts, spare mag carry, etc. Learn what you can, learn the pros and cons of each, learn what other folks like and dislike about them, and then make a good decision. Just beware if anyone steers you too hard in any one direction. What is 'perfect' for one person may be horrible for someone in a different situation.
And then, clear out a spare drawer for your CC holsters - I'm sure you'll change up more than once or twice, just like the rest of us have.