Observations of a new licensee

[dws1117]

Since I have had my CHL and been carrying for about 2 weeks there are a few things that I have learned. Hopefully some of these observations will help other newbies.

The following is based on carrying a Kimber Ultra Carry (3" 1911) IWB in a Tucker holster.

1. Pants and belts. At least for my build, the type of pants seem to make a difference in weapon comfort. My old favorite pants are now on the last resort everything else is dirty pile. For some reason they are just not comfortable while wearing my gun. Maybe it is the elastic in the waistband. Good sturdy pants such as denim and a good still thick belt can be the difference between being comfortable or not.

2. I am sure at some point the "awareness" of the gun wears off and wearing the gun becomes as natural as zipping your pants or swallowing your food. Someday I'll know the gun is there but I won't give it a second thought.

3. Holster. At first my holster was feeling good. Since the pants revelation, The holster doesn't seem as bad as it once did. I will be sicking with this holster for a while longer.

4. If the gun isn't it the right posisition, a beavertail and cocked hammer on a 1911 hurts. Ouch!

5. Act normal! Try not to project " I am carrying a gun" Most people won't notice or care.

6. If you carry IWB and go out to a really nice dinner, carry a different gun or a different method. Learned this one the hard way after my wife and I went out to Saltgrass Steakhouse for our anniversary dinner tonight. I ate waaayyy too much and my pants got way to tight. Also when going out I have noticed that I always try to sit with my gun side to a wall or away from a main traffic area.

7. I have noticed that you can carry on with most normal activities while carrying. Mowed the lawn yeaterday while wearing my gun. It didn't bother me one bit.

8. Darker colored shirts don't print as much as lighter colors.

9. I have noticed that I am more aware of my surroundings than ever before.

10. Driving was one of the things I didn't look forward to. With the right setup, it isn't all bad. Most times I hardly notice the gun there.

That's all I can think of right now.

Does anyone else have any tips the may help other new or inexperienced ?

[Blazen]

I find that pants/shorts one size to big and a belt that is one size too big helps out a lot. I carry mostly OWB with a Galco Jak. My hardest thing is finding new pants/shorts that have the belt loops in the proper locations. A lot of the new styles don't put a loop right at the 3 o'clock position, so I have to either slide everything up or back. Or I miss a belt loop on purpose so I can get it where I want it. Otherwise things start to her after a few hours and I can't wait to take it off.

When eating out, I always try to face a wall or something else where I am not facing the general public; never know when things might point out at you. But some times you can't do this, so you just have to be more aware.

After a while, you get used to things and you don't even think about them. Except when the blows and your are holding down your shirt!

I've been carrying about 3 yrs now.

Cheers

[MoJo]

You are on the right track, looser clothes and a high quality gun belt make daily carry more comfortable. Cotton or cotton blend shirts don't print as badly as some synthetics.

Your awareness of your gun will become less as you become familiar with carrying it. Your awareness of your surroundings must become elevated as you have said they have.

When dining out I try to sit where I can see the entry area of at least the room I am in - - - I don't ever want to get into an "OSG" (Oh Shucks Gunfight)

Practice, train, and study there's a lot to know and do when you strap that firearm on.

[too-tall]

You will also learn new ways to reach up high for stuff and how to bend down.
Also after a couple of "kathunks" when you accidently bump into a door way with you pistol, you will learn to give yourself lots of room.
Some dont like ambi safetys but I do. I am constantly checking to make sure it is still on.
I had a waitress come up and hug me on my gun side the other day. She HAD to have felt something but she didnt say anything.
You will notice most folks dont pay that close attention to you.

Too Tall

[SRVA]

Another suggestion, If you have never drawn and shot your firearm from your standard concealment rig, do so. Most people never practice the draw from concealment and engaging a target. It can be a real suprise the first time you try it and find out it can't be done easily.

Practice - Practice - Practice

[HighVelocity]

Go to the bathroom BEFORE you leave the house.

[ghentry]

I've been carrying for two years and I've never experienced what some people say "I forget it's there". It has become a lot more comfortable and normal to carry. Once you realize that most people don't even consider that you might be carrying a gun, you will be able to relax. Think about it, before you carried, did you even give a second thought that the guy in line behind you might have a gun under his shirt?

Suggestions/Tips:

--Shirts with a busy pattern help conceal.

--Materials with a flat finish (ie. not silk or shiny poly) help conceal.

--Use the stall at the far end of public restrooms. It's easier to "hide things" down there. I pull my underwear over my holster and it is hidden well enough.

--Regarding your #6. I agree you need more than one gun and/or method of carrying. The difference in my dress between Saturday and Sunday is quite different.

--Choosing pants that have the right waist height can make a big difference in comfort. I've found lower waisted jeans keep the gun from sticking me in the ribs when I sit.


On a separate note: BLAZEN - Why would you purposely sit with your back to the restaurant. This puts you at a major disadvantage if something were to occur. I always face the crowd that way I can possibly anticipate a problem.

[Braden]

Another suggestion, If you have never drawn and shot your firearm from your standard concealment rig, do so. Most people never practice the draw from concealment and engaging a target. It can be a real suprise the first time you try it and find out it can't be done easily.

Practice - Practice - Practice

YES!!! Practice, practice, practice and when you think you've got it down go ahead and practice some more. When things go bad your muscles are going to react in the same way they practiced.

It blows my mind that when you go to qualify to get your CHL they won't let you actually DRAW your gun from concealment and fire....which is what you will have to do if you ever need the gun.

[Braden]

I pull my underwear over my holster and it is hidden well enough.

Just be careful not to give yourself a wedgie!!

I try to avoid going to the restroom in public, but when I have to I always go to a stall with a door instead of a urinal. Doing that lets me close and lock the door so that I don't have to worry so much about trying to "hide things" and trying to do my business at the same time.

[Paladin]

6. If you carry IWB and go out to a really nice dinner, carry a different gun or a different method. Learned this one the hard way after my wife and I went out to Saltgrass Steakhouse for our anniversary dinner tonight. I ate waaayyy too much and my pants got way to tight.

I've been there! :) When I first got my license I actually started avoiding carrying when I went out to eat, just cause of the comfort issue.

I've now got a Blackhawk belt, with adjustable velcro. If I eat too much, I just loosen it a little.

[stevie_d_64]

#2 Is the big one...It'll become second nature to you, and your activity will govern "small" adjustments to your methodology...

#6 Is probably the first thing you'll be working on regularly...My wife knows where I carry on my person, and knows if a situation arises where I need to act upon "something", its best to not allow any movement I make to the weapon not be readily apparant to anyone who would object to my capability...

I am also a firm believer in sitting with my back to a wall and near an exit (if possible) to cover the evacuation of innocents, and to be the last man out...

A certain incident in our States history gives reason for this...

Other than all that, I'm ok with all the other stuff...

[ghentry]

Thought of another tip. I've taught my wife that if we are walking in a parking lot, store, etc. and I loosen my grip on her hand, to let go. This happened once when I noticed someone coming up quickly behind us from between cars and she wouldn't let go of my hand until I jerked it away. I had to explain to her later that I need my hands free and available should I see something that alarms me. I now typically use my left hand for such activities and keep the right hand free.

On a similar note, I've had to explain to my children that a dark parking lot is not the time to play "lock people out of the car". They now know to get into the car and the door shut.

Don't get me wrong. I don't have my entire family thinking there is a threat around every corner, but I can do my job of watching my sheep better if they learn to help me out and my wife has become very good at looking for things that don't look right.

The little things we go through to be safe? :?

[Baytown]

I have been carrying for over seven years now and I have gotten to the point that I feel odd if I do not have a gun on me.

I went to NYC back in 02 and felt very strange with no gun. Going back again this year, but won't be unarmed!

Glenn

[dolanp]

I went to NYC back in 02 and felt very strange with no gun. Going back again this year, but won't be unarmed!

How do you plan on getting that one done? Becoming a NYC cop? :)

[Kalrog]

I went to NYC back in 02 and felt very strange with no gun. Going back again this year, but won't be unarmed!

How do you plan on getting that one done? Becoming a NYC cop? :)

All LEOs from anywhere can legally CCW across the US now.

But the other option is less than legal so I won't go into it here as I am sure that isn't the case. Some do chose to violate laws they don't like though.