So now with a full carry...

[thughes]

Gain comfort the same way many of us did: The Walmart walk!

(and in contradiction to my early advice, Walmart probably IS a place you should carry)

 

[joesurfer]

Is nice to see all the personal experience for the newbie...

But YOU will need to practice, you will need to carry, you will need to learn to draw from concealment, you will need to learn shooting skills, you will need to find a holster you fit well with, YOU, YOU, YOU...

It's not just about carrying, it's about WHY you are carrying! Is it just to be a braggart? Big boy...? Or are YOU prepared to use it, should your life, or the lives of lived ones depend upon it? It is a tool, nothing more, that can effectuate deadly force in order to end a threat to life! It requires some forethought, some preparation... For example as well, heaven forbid you actually use it for the fore mentioned scenario, are you versed in the aftermath and what to expect? What to do? How to act? Etc? Again, it's not just about carrying...

It's not to say, that it isn't JUST about carrying, lol.

Reminds me of some early exposure in my Martial Arts training when I was a youngin'... And I ran across some verse explaining how a mind progresses thru training and learns certain things. Like how in the beginning a student learns that a Punch is JUST a punch... But as they become more advanced, the same student learns that a Punch is NOT just a punch... And when this student comes to master their art, they can understand how a Punch is just a punch!!! It's an art... And I'm not talking about Sport Martial Arts here!

Same goes for Firearms! It is what it is, until it isn't, and then it is!

Good Luck!

Well yes I do practice and no I did not get the permit to brag. I live in NY remember and had a premises/target permit for over 10 years as well as belong to a range here in Nassau County. I'm older now, not as spry (or strong) and with the degradation of life here in NY, felt the need to have one. I fully understand the ramifications of what could happen if I use it ( I'm a follower of Paul Harrell, Massad and Andrew Brancaa- "the art of self defense" book ), SO not a newbie at all. Only a newbie in the realm of transitioning to a full carry and how to do it properly and what info do I need. That is why I posed the question on this board and I have to say I've gotten all kinds of good advice! I really appreciate all the info so thanks again!!

 

[joesurfer]

Since I seldom wear shirts untucked, I carry in a front jeans pocket most of the time. The baggier the pants, the better. My go to pants are Levi's 550 loose fit jeans. If I am driving long distance I tend to carry using Triple K shoulder harnesses.

As for pocket carrying, I mostly carry a Shield .45, 7+1, but always inside a Desantis E1 pocket holster with nothing else ever in that pocket, along with two (2) spare mags in a separate pouch on me. I have also taken to having a second Shield mounted in a magnetic mount against my vehicle's center console with two spare mags on the same mag mount.

YMMV.

Yes that is the biggest issue I have; trying to conceal a firearm on my person and feel comfortable doing it. I have a 9mm but its not practical for me to carry- kind of big for me. I am looking at concealable 9's and holsters but so far have not decided. Maybe a small wheel gun, 38 cal, 5 shot may be worth a look.

 

[VietnamEraVet]

Yes that is the biggest issue I have; trying to conceal a firearm on my person and feel comfortable doing it. I have a 9mm but its not practical for me to carry- kind of big for me. I am looking at concealable 9's and holsters but so far have not decided. Maybe a small wheel gun, 38 cal, 5 shot may be worth a look.

You may need to either look at looser fitting pants; carrying IWB with untucked shirt, or downsizing to a .380, such as a Kimber Micro 380, or a SIG P238, or similar. My GF carries the SIG P238 as it is easier for her to conceal. I doubt you will find a .38 Spcl or similar that would be smaller. My first carry was a Ruger SP101 .357 snubby (dimensionally same as a Smith Model 60), and I switched to the Shield, - more capacity, and as small and thinner.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Yes that is the biggest issue I have; trying to conceal a firearm on my person and feel comfortable doing it. I have a 9mm but its not practical for me to carry- kind of big for me. I am looking at concealable 9's and holsters but so far have not decided. Maybe a small wheel gun, 38 cal, 5 shot may be worth a look.

There was a guy here who was not large and carried a G34 competition pistol as his EDC with no problems.

You totally can do it, you just have to get the system that works for you (carry position appendix 2oclock 3 o'clock 4oclock, a proper carry belt, proper holster)
And,
Establish the mindset that 99.99% of people are so oblivious and wrapped up in their cell phones that no one is critically looking at anyone. People don't look for what they don't expect. In NY no (normies) thinks or expects the guy next to them in line has a concealed pistol. They just don't.

Funny story. Family and I were on a road trip last year, stopped at a McDonald's in Tennessee. I walked in and within 3 seconds say a guy open carrying a M&P full size OWB. plainly obvious. We get back in the car heading on the road and I said wow I love the freedom here Tennessee is great I love seeing open carry in McDonald's. Needless to say no one else in my family noticed the guy. I have no idea how but most people have terrible situational awareness

 

[VietnamEraVet]

There was a guy here who was not large and carried a G34 competition pistol as his EDC with no problems.

You totally can do it, you just have to get the system that works for you (carry position appendix 2oclock 3 o'clock 4oclock, a proper carry belt, proper holster)
And,
Establish the mindset that 99.99% of people are so oblivious and wrapped up in their cell phones that no one is critically looking at anyone. People don't look for what they don't expect. In NY no (normies) thinks or expects the guy next to them in line has a concealed pistol. They just don't.

Funny story. Family and I were on a road trip last year, stopped at a McDonald's in Tennessee. I walked in and within 3 seconds say a guy open carrying a M&P full size OWB. plainly obvious. We get back in the car heading on the road and I said wow I love the freedom here Tennessee is great I love seeing open carry in McDonald's. Needless to say no one else in my family noticed the guy. I have no idea how but most people have terrible situational awareness

Open carry is legal down here in the Carolinas, but most conceal carry. Still, I do see it regularly. The thing is, down here, that people DO NOT flip out over seeing someone carrying. It is what people are conditioned to. I know when I moved here from New Yorkistan, it was a shock to me to see it!

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Open carry is legal down here in the Carolinas, but most conceal carry. Still, I do see it regularly. The thing is, down here, that people DO NOT flip out over seeing someone carrying. It is what people are conditioned to. I know when I moved here from New Yorkistan, it was a shock to me to see it!

I saw a dude open carrying in SC last year. I specifically remember this instance because it looked so ridiculous. He was riding a motorcycle and had his holster backwards. I only wish I had time to get a pic of him. Imagine a right hand draw OWB holster flipped around carried IWB at the 4 o'clock. Super awkward. And also a little concerning that it did not have a hood or look very secure. Definitely looked like it could have fallen out.

 

[joesurfer]

You may need to either look at looser fitting pants; carrying IWB with untucked shirt, or downsizing to a .380, such as a Kimber Micro 380, or a SIG P238, or similar. My GF carries the SIG P238 as it is easier for her to conceal. I doubt you will find a .38 Spcl or similar that would be smaller. My first carry was a Ruger SP101 .357 snubby (dimensionally same as a Smith Model 60), and I switched to the Shield, - more capacity, and as small and thinner.

Yeah was thinking of looking at the Shield either compact or micro compact. I'd like to see how they shoot first so have to check with local shops and see if they have a way to test pistols. I also have a GL 42 which is a 380 as well but like the LCP, not sure it has stopping power and its all over the place

 

[Zerex]

I never ever carry concealed, any of my stainless steel pistols, (to prevent rusting from sweat).................anywhere......................I am a pacifist and use my Galco Rigs and other cc holsters, for decoration only.

I never carry an AMT 45 backup, hand cannon, or a PUG, either.........
Peace, bros.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Yeah was thinking of looking at the Shield either compact or micro compact. I'd like to see how they shoot first so have to check with local shops and see if they have a way to test pistols. I also have a GL 42 which is a 380 as well but like the LCP, not sure it has stopping power and its all over the place

Check into some options like a glock 43x, g48 or sig 365xl

They are great choices and you would be surprised how easily concealed they can be made.

A g48 is just a skinny g19 and g19's are essentially the most popular conceal carry already. In NY you don't lose any capacity either way you're at 10 rounds.

Many swear by the 365x and 365xl as well @Saltwater60 is a big fan

 

[joesurfer]

Check into some options like a glock 43x, g48 or sig 365xl

They are great choices and you would be surprised how easily concealed they can be made.

A g48 is just a skinny g19 and g19's are essentially the most popular conceal carry already. In NY you don't lose any capacity either way you're at 10 rounds.

Many swear by the 365x and 365xl as well @Saltwater60 is a big fan

Yes on the 365x and 365xl !