I told someone once it was a colostomy bag and another it was an insulin pump for diabeties. I still hate it if I get pulled over and I feel like I have to tell them that I am carrying. Just so they dont accidentally draw on me by some stupid surprise.

Maine has open carry as well. I used to open carry when I was going to the range and whatnot but not everywhere. I do know a few folks that do OC everywhere.  

AL

Seriously, I've only had to disarm 3 days and I've been carrying since the beginning of March.

Maybe for those commuting into Chicago the ban on public trans is an issue, and that is the first one that needs to get changed, but the rest is not at all as bad some say.

I think you should read the following (430 ILCS 66/65): https://ccl4illinois.com/ccw/Public/AboutTheAct.aspx

What firearm are you carrying?  Because if I was carrying a Hi Point mexican style, I would feel a little like a criminal. But a Glock or a Walther in an IWB holster I feel well dressed and prepared to carry on confidently.

I am very well versed in the law. However, where I go, I don't have to disarm. I'm not frequenting parks, museums, school property, libraries, etc. I don't carry where the law says no, but I don't go those places, for the most part. Stores in my area aren't posted for the most part.

My point is there are  lots of places you cannot CCW legally.

I use to live in Chicago for a couple of years I did not a have a car so rode the bus and the took the 'L'. It was OK in day light hours but I sometimes I flew in late to Midway airport and rode the Orange line and it was bad late at night sometimes. I lived there before Illinois was a shall issue state. Did not get mugged or anything bad but they should change the law so CCW holders can carry on public transit.

I agree with Marie. I usually don't frequent schools, parks, gov buildings, libraries, hospitals, ect. When I need to ship something I just print out a label and hand it to my usps carrier. I avoid businesses that are posted, very few are actually posted here in Will county. I've had to disarm very few times since I got my license in April.

You shouldn't feel like a criminal. Also please make sure that you are ok with the idea of having to take a life in a defensive situation in order to save your own or of a loved one. When I first got my license I holstered my cocked and locked commander, went to run some errands, and felt a great sense of pride. I wrote countless letters and signed tons of witness slips, I felt I made some sort of effort. We stuck together and took the crown jewel of gun control away from the rabid anti's.  I carry every single time it's legal to do so and wont miss a second of legal carry as long as I'm breathing.

Good points.  Seems to me though many of the places you can't carry are what I would call "high risk" areas. Anyway, I'm sure I'll get past the feeling.

Off the subject a little, but there are some pretty cool APs I have found that tell you where you can and can't carry on your smartphone.  

That's good!!!     That's your warning bell to telling you that you need to go get them.

Brainwashing does work. Go to a bad neighborhood. That feeling will go away.

I don't feel like a criminal, but I do feel self conscious.  I don't think anyone has actually noticed me carrying, and printing isn't a crime, but still...

I feel like a free citizen.

Mindset, mindset, mindset......training, training, training.....practice, practice, practice!!

I expect, and may be wrong, that you've been legally qualified by the state of IL to carry legally, but may not have been mentally and physically prepared to live as a person who goes armed on a daily basis.

Experience carrying will help, but get some good training that includes the mental side of self defense and being prepared for a violent encounter.....

In addition to "hands on" live fire training on gun handling and accuracy, you might want to read books by Jeff Cooper, Mas Ayoob, Ed Lovette, Dave Spaulding and/or Dave Grossman. If it ever comes back into print, read Tom Givens' "Fighting Smarter."

Another good book is "Facing Violence" by Rory Miller.....

Carrying a gun doesn't make you safe......carrying a gun, knowing how and when to use it, and being willing to use it, may save your life.

Good luck and stay safe....

George

YOU are doing the right thing. that "criminal" feeling is more your self-consciousness about wearing a firearm in public for the first time/times. Let me give you some advice that someone here gave me

 






















 

I'm sort of in this camp, OP.  Without proper mindset, that gun won't do you much good!!!

Personal liberty  is heady stuff. You'll get used to  and love it.

You'll get over it.