First Day CCW

[donlapalma]

Well, I finally did it. Today was my first day of concealed carry. After combing through these forums, gathering information, reading about all of your personal experiences, studying and training, I have finally acquired the tools, skills and knowledge to feel comfortable enough to join the concealed carry community.

I have to say it was an exhilirating feeling. I felt very cautious and self-conscious. I carried everywhere I went today and I couldn't help thinking "Can they see it?? Do they know??" I even had a quick scare on the freeway when I thought a police officer was going to pull me over for slightly speeding. I wondered how I would handle that situation, what I would say, and how I would act. I know I will grow more comfortable over time especially after I figure out my own personal preferences with respect to method of carry, clothing, etc. Let's just say that I'm glad day one is in the books.

Anyhow, thanks to all for contributing and ultimately encouraging me to bear the responsibility that comes with my choice.

Do you remember your 1st day of concealed carry? What was it like for you and what contributed to your choice for carrying? Is there anybody that used to carry and doesn't anymore? If so, why?

[skyugo]

my advice-nobody can see your gun.

seriously.
NOBODY SEES IT.

keep that playing in your mind.
stand up straight, hands to your side, go about your business. just do your thing.

i definitely remember when i started carrying...
takes a good year to get used to really. it's funny now when i've got a fitted t-shirt over a mid sized glock and show it to someone and they're surprised. even if you print it barely matters.

[Ak44]

I remember my first day wearing my glock in (what I thought at the time was) a sweet bellyband

[Magic_Salad0892]

I remember my first day carrying.

I went home at the end of the day, and something told me to check the magazine, as the gun felt a little light.

I had been carrying an empty magazine all day.

At least I had a reload...

It was extremely embarrassing, and after telling somebody about it I still get shit for it. That was like 3 years ago. (Started carrying at 21.)

Moral of the story: I'm a retard. Don't emulate my experience. Chamber check before you leave the house.

[Omega Man]

Its legal were i live to open carry, and i did feel self conscious when doing so. But i never felt wierd carrying concealed, because i knew no one could see.

[Will_Die_Trying]

Gratz!!

I am still waiting on my CHL(Concealed Handgun Lincense) to comeback from state. I can not wait for my first day.

By the way, what were you sproting around today?

What was your method of concealment?

Cheers

[NavyDavy55]

I remember when I first started carrying concealed and was I ever self consious of my gun. Now after many years of CCing it's just normal for me to carry.

[Business_Casual]

That's great. I wish the thread title had less drama. Maybe something such as "First Time CCW" would have been better.

As others noted, no one can see.

B_C

[donlapalma]

Gratz!!

I am still waiting on my CHL(Concealed Handgun Lincense) to comeback from state. I can not wait for my first day.

By the way, what were you sproting around today?

What was your method of concealment?

Cheers

I carried a Glock G19 in a Comp-tac Minotaur IWB holster. It was squeaking quite a bit so that made me even more conscious of it. I wonder if that will stop with break-in.

[ST911]

I have to say it was an exhilirating feeling. I felt very cautious and self-conscious. I carried everywhere I went today and I couldn't help thinking "Can they see it?? Do they know??"

In a modern era of multi-tools, Blackberrys and smart phones, and all kinds of other gadgets, no one is going to see your gun, much less think that's what it is.

I even had a quick scare on the freeway when I thought a police officer was going to pull me over for slightly speeding. I wondered how I would handle that situation, what I would say, and how I would act.

Most cops won't notice your gun, either.

Do you remember your 1st day of concealed carry? What was it like for you and what contributed to your choice for carrying? Is there anybody that used to carry and doesn't anymore? If so, why?

I think most folks feel like you did their first time. Self conscious, nervous, anxious, etc. It goes away with time. Help it along by buying quality gear, practicing concealment and deployment, learning and avoiding the various tells that will give you away, and carrying everyday.

Ultimately, you'll find that you can carry multiple guns, knives, and lights, and feel under dressed and anxious only when you don't.