[ARCHIVED THREAD] - First Time Concealed Carry Tips (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 10/28/2011 7:02:27 PM EDT
So I've had my CCW for some time now and I'm getting ready to start carrying in a few weeks. Mentally I'm just ready and it's taken a little while to educate my wife but she is now on board now too after thinking I was overly aggressive when I first got it.  Anyway, does anyone know of any good websites, youtube vids, or general places I can go and get some training/tips/knowledge? I'm already looking into going to some classes at CTIA here in Utah but I'm looking to advance my base knowledge before then. I'm fairly experience with pistol shooting but I want to be a more responsible CCW holder so anything I can learn would be much appreciated. 
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| Carry it even when you don't want to. Don't tell loudmouths. When walking through crowds, put your forearms at your sides and blade to walk through the crowd so people don't bump the gun and mags. Carry at least one spare magazine. War game to yourself what would happen is such and such happened right now––know what you're willing to shoot people over before it happens. |
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Find a good basic training course near you and go. A state mandated carry class does not count.
When you shoot (you will be shooting for practice right?) do so the same way you're carrying it. From concealment, same holster, mag carrier, typical clothes including coat or any overgarment. If it doesn't work in practice, it won't work under real stress. And like was said above, get in the habit of carrying it all the time. You don't get to choose when you may need it. |
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Stop touching it, it is still there. This. Don't worry too much about printing. Take precautions not to print, but don't be too paranoid...most people aren't looking for a gun. I have a good friend that has been carrying for years since I've known him and I never knew it till he told me. After that I could see it most of the time but I was oblivious until he told me. It's not obvious but if you know what you're looking for it's there. It was a quick lesson not to worry too much about it. |
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get a good holster and a good belt. Don't let your $500+ gun ride in a $10 holster. A good belt will make a good holster better. Dry fire practice your draw. Draw from standing, draw and turn for an off center attack. Draw from sitting, from kneeling, see where this is going? Practice with your carry ammo in your carry gun to ensure reliability in the combo.
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Quoted:
Carry it even when you don't want to. Don't tell loudmouths. When walking through crowds, put your forearms at your sides and blade to walk through the crowd so people don't bump the gun and mags. Carry at least one spare magazine. War game to yourself what would happen is such and such happened right now––know what you're willing to shoot people over before it happens. Don't tell ANYbody. Not even your wife. If she wants to know, she can ask. Make your cellphone as much a part of your dress as your firearm: 1. Cops tend to prefer the story told by the first caller. If you are the 2nd guy to call–– after the BG has called with his story–– you will look suspicious 2. It is entirely possible that you will draw and find it necessary to hold someone at gunpoint–– face down, facing a building, whatever. You must be able to call the police at this point. Find a good basic training course near you and go. A state mandated carry class does not count.
Find a course (or an instructor) who can give you plenty of one-on-one time. Find someone who can teach you to shoot while moving laterally to the target. (Most ranges are not set up to allow this kind of shooting.) If you must draw your gun, it is because you are reacting to a threat–– probably the BG has already drawn his own gun–– and you MUST get EVERY advantage you can find! And if your wife is onboard with your CCW, let her know that she has responsibilities, too–– like "Don't grab my gun arm when a BG is screaming at me!" Also, find someone who'll teach you weapon retention, in case you get into a grappling match with a BG. Part of "war gaming" (as mentioned by Combat Jack above) is thinking what you'll do if you must move toward your wife in order to keep the BG from shooting you in your vital organs. If she's holding onto your arm and you must move AWAY from her, you are likely to drag her into the line of fire. You MUST discuss this with her! get a good holster and a good belt. Don't let your $500+ gun ride in a $10 holster. A good belt will make a good holster better.
This cannot be overemphasized. I've had a very, very stiff gun belt since I got my CCW and it makes a HUGE difference when carrying a gun. Practice constant vigilance. You are carrying a lethal weapon now and you must not allow it to be taken from you. Your level of situational awareness MUST be FAR greater than that of the average sheeple! Know your surroundings and practice telling the 911 dispatcher ("I'm in Aisle 6 of the grocery section at the Wal mart. I'm holding someone at gunpoint." PRACTICE these skills! Practice your communications with your wife, so she'll know what to do in an emergency. It is NOT too melodramatic to have a few "code words" set up to communicate an emergency ("There's a suspicious guy following us;" "Get far away from me and dial 911." Finally: Watch this video. Watch it again.Watch it in 2 weeks. This is about "legal 1st Aid" when dealing with police. Why I don't talk to police. Know it. Love it. |
| You suggest telling and not telling the wife. People around me know, but I'm selective about my associations. For one thing, it's handy to have your family on the same page about things like sitting not sitting in the bar at applebees because you can't take your gun there. |
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You suggest telling and not telling the wife. People around me know, but I'm selective about my associations. For one thing, it's handy to have your family on the same page about things like sitting not sitting in the bar at applebees because you can't take your gun there. Very true, and I didn't mean to suggest that your (or his) wife NOT know. If he's carrying it all the time, she will know. What I'm trying to suggest is that a new CCWer must avoid the 'tough guy syndrome:' "Hey look at me, I'm carrying a gun and the sheeple aren't!" The people around me who need to know, do know. And those who I frequently hang out with know that if something goes down, they must get out of my way. This includes NOT being behind me–– where the BG's bullets are going to pass. |
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Quoted: Find a good basic training course near you and go. A state mandated carry class does not count. When you shoot (you will be shooting for practice right?) do so the same way you're carrying it. From concealment, same holster, mag carrier, typical clothes including coat or any overgarment. If it doesn't work in practice, it won't work under real stress. And like was said above, get in the habit of carrying it all the time. You don't get to choose when you may need it. This, can't say enough for making concealed carry a habit you get into and something you think about not doing rahter than the other way around. Like this post says too, practice it, live it. |
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Carry it even when you don't want to. Don't tell loudmouths. When walking through crowds, put your forearms at your sides and blade to walk through the crowd so people don't bump the gun and mags. Carry at least one spare magazine. War game to yourself what would happen is such and such happened right now––know what you're willing to shoot people over before it happens. Don't tell ANYbody. Not even your wife. If she wants to know, she can ask. Make your cellphone as much a part of your dress as your firearm: 1. Cops tend to prefer the story told by the first caller. If you are the 2nd guy to call–– after the BG has called with his story–– you will look suspicious 2. It is entirely possible that you will draw and find it necessary to hold someone at gunpoint–– face down, facing a building, whatever. You must be able to call the police at this point. Find a good basic training course near you and go. A state mandated carry class does not count.
Find a course (or an instructor) who can give you plenty of one-on-one time. Find someone who can teach you to shoot while moving laterally to the target. (Most ranges are not set up to allow this kind of shooting.) If you must draw your gun, it is because you are reacting to a threat–– probably the BG has already drawn his own gun–– and you MUST get EVERY advantage you can find! And if your wife is onboard with your CCW, let her know that she has responsibilities, too–– like "Don't grab my gun arm when a BG is screaming at me!" Also, find someone who'll teach you weapon retention, in case you get into a grappling match with a BG. Part of "war gaming" (as mentioned by Combat Jack above) is thinking what you'll do if you must move toward your wife in order to keep the BG from shooting you in your vital organs. If she's holding onto your arm and you must move AWAY from her, you are likely to drag her into the line of fire. You MUST discuss this with her! get a good holster and a good belt. Don't let your $500+ gun ride in a $10 holster. A good belt will make a good holster better.
This cannot be overemphasized. I've had a very, very stiff gun belt since I got my CCW and it makes a HUGE difference when carrying a gun. Practice constant vigilance. You are carrying a lethal weapon now and you must not allow it to be taken from you. Your level of situational awareness MUST be FAR greater than that of the average sheeple! Know your surroundings and practice telling the 911 dispatcher ("I'm in Aisle 6 of the grocery section at the Wal mart. I'm holding someone at gunpoint." PRACTICE these skills! Practice your communications with your wife, so she'll know what to do in an emergency. It is NOT too melodramatic to have a few "code words" set up to communicate an emergency ("There's a suspicious guy following us;" "Get far away from me and dial 911." Finally: Watch this video. Watch it again.Watch it in 2 weeks. This is about "legal 1st Aid" when dealing with police. Why I don't talk to police. Know it. Love it. Best post I've read all day. Also remember this- when all you have is a hammer everything looks like a nail. Just remember your real weapon is your mind. Your CCW is just one of many tools you have at your disposal. |
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Carry it even when you don't want to. Don't tell loudmouths. When walking through crowds, put your forearms at your sides and blade to walk through the crowd so people don't bump the gun and mags. Carry at least one spare magazine. War game to yourself what would happen is such and such happened right now––know what you're willing to shoot people over before it happens. Took most of the words right, off my fingers? It's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it! Carry everywhere you are legally able to, and concealed means concealed... I carry a full sized M&P 45 in FL, so no excuses for weather!
I carry my spare, 14 round mag in my pocket. Not because I think I will need 25 rounds to end a fire fight, but I have had more than one time when my mag release was pushed just enough had I had to use my sidearm my mag would have fallen out. It's much faster for me to speed reload out of my pocket than trying to grab my primary mag off the ground. I also practice tac reloads should I have to use my sidearm. War game, or self talk is a big +1! By the time I get into a stop n' rob, I have thought about cover and concealment inside and out and what if some crackhead runs in here with a pistol. Watch people's hands, that is what will kill you! Trust your gut. If someone or something just feels off, un-ass the area. Don't just know what you're willing to shoot someone over, know that you are willing to shoot another human being. I have heard about a number of active shooter situations where a person was armed and couldn't stop the threat. Know that teenagers and woman are just as dangerous (if not more so) as the thugish rugish types. That's all I got for tonight, I'm going to bed. |
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In addition to the above....
My .02.... Keep wife on weak side when possible. (Keeps her from accidentally grabbing your arm.) Also, if you are leaving a store and you want to have an arm around her, you can.
Practice, practice, practice.... Including reloads, and weak hand shooting. |
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Good read. I actually got that with a bunch of other stuff from my CCW instructor when I took the class. I had the conversation with my wife about never grabbing my arm in a dangerous situation. My wife hates talking about the what ifs because they make her feel uncomfortable but that just meant it needed to be talked about. We are clear on that one now. Thanks!
As far as telling people goes, I'm not even talking about concealed carry in principal to anyone anymore because I've ruffled too many peoples feathers on that subject already. I'm amazed at how many people think its only the polices job to be armed.  Most people have no clue that police don't prevent crime, they only respond to it. I've learned to just keep my mouth shut and do my thing. They can thank me later if they need to. Other than my close shooting buddy Mike (Who also carries),and my wife I'm not telling anybody anything anymore. Also, in Utah if someone knows you carry they can ask you not to carry in their house and it permanently becomes off limits like a post office and I'm not opening that can. Otherwise your GTG.
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| I told my ex that if she grabbed my arm when I needed my gun I would be willing to break her wrist to get free. She stuck to my left side after that and if I shook my hand free she let right go. She was also well trained to sit with her back to the door. If we were somewhere sketchy she would reach over and make sure I was armed, until she figured out that I was never unarmed. |
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2. It is entirely possible that you will draw and find it necessary to hold someone at gunpoint–– face down, facing a building, whatever. You must be able to call the police at this point. I am certainly no law expert so this is as much a question as it is a statement, but... Is it even possible to legally do this (in Florida)? From my interpretation of what I have read, and been told, this could equate to aggravated assault with a firearm. I mean if the person is facedown, facing a building, whatever, then how can one conclude there is imminent threat. And if there is no imminent threat how could you justifiably be pointing a handgun at them? It almost seems to me that if you draw you better be firing otherwise you may now be the one committing the illegal act. Again, I am no expert, but can you really hold someone at gun point? Thanks, bluesticky |
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Don't pat it. It's there.
Don't mess with your cover garment. It's still covering your weapon. Don't tug at your shirt. Don't change the way you walk. Make sure you check your cover garment when you get out of a car. Bend at the knees instead of the waist. Reach for items on shelves over your head with your weak side. Doing it on your strong side could lead to exposing your weapon and scaring people. You're carrying it to defend YOURSELF. (This may include those with you that you care about). You're NOT a COP. It's NOT your fault if someone else isn't CCW'ing when they should have been. If at possible, RUN away from danger and not to it. |
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2. It is entirely possible that you will draw and find it necessary to hold someone at gunpoint–– face down, facing a building, whatever. You must be able to call the police at this point. I am certainly no law expert so this is as much a question as it is a statement, but... Is it even possible to legally do this (in Florida)? From my interpretation of what I have read, and been told, this could equate to aggravated assault with a firearm. I mean if the person is facedown, facing a building, whatever, then how can one conclude there is imminent threat. And if there is no imminent threat how could you justifiably be pointing a handgun at them? It almost seems to me that if you draw you better be firing otherwise you may now be the one committing the illegal act. Again, I am no expert, but can you really hold someone at gun point? Thanks, bluesticky I've been through this with several people. There is simply no way that we can "war-game" every possible situation. It simply isn't possible. We CAN go over some likely scenarios and some that have already occurred, though. It is entirely possible that you could draw your weapon and intimidate the BGs into submission. But you cannot leave without turning your back on them.What then? Will you trust someone who you were about to kill, enough to turn your back on them? The answer is to have as many TOOLS as possible. This is one of the reasons I suggested having a cell phone all the time, whenever you are armed. I can see your point: if the police arrive and the BGs lie about what happened (which is more likely than them telling the truth), you should be prepared to answer a lot of uncomfortable questions. Which is another reason I advocate seeing the video I posted above. if the person is facedown, facing a building, whatever, then how can one conclude there is imminent threat.
If the BG was bad enough to have caused you to draw your gun in the first place, then he's bad enough to cover with your gun till the police arrive. That may have to be expressed in court though. But it keeps you alive. |
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2. It is entirely possible that you will draw and find it necessary to hold someone at gunpoint–– face down, facing a building, whatever. You must be able to call the police at this point. I am certainly no law expert so this is as much a question as it is a statement, but... Is it even possible to legally do this (in Florida)? From my interpretation of what I have read, and been told, this could equate to aggravated assault with a firearm. I mean if the person is facedown, facing a building, whatever, then how can one conclude there is imminent threat. And if there is no imminent threat how could you justifiably be pointing a handgun at them? It almost seems to me that if you draw you better be firing otherwise you may now be the one committing the illegal act. Again, I am no expert, but can you really hold someone at gun point? Thanks, bluesticky I've been through this with several people. There is simply no way that we can "war-game" every possible situation. It simply isn't possible. We CAN go over some likely scenarios and some that have already occurred, though. It is entirely possible that you could draw your weapon and intimidate the BGs into submission. But you cannot leave without turning your back on them.What then? Will you trust someone who you were about to kill, enough to turn your back on them? The answer is to have as many TOOLS as possible. This is one of the reasons I suggested having a cell phone all the time, whenever you are armed. I can see your point: if the police arrive and the BGs lie about what happened (which is more likely than them telling the truth), you should be prepared to answer a lot of uncomfortable questions. Which is another reason I advocate seeing the video I posted above. if the person is facedown, facing a building, whatever, then how can one conclude there is imminent threat.
If the BG was bad enough to have caused you to draw your gun in the first place, then he's bad enough to cover with your gun till the police arrive. That may have to be expressed in court though. But it keeps you alive. I am new to concealed carry, and I do not want to just run my mouth, but if I have to draw my gun, its because I need to fire my gun. I will never draw for intimidation factor. It is a lethal weapon and is meant to be used as such. Draw, Shoot. IMO |
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Carry it even when you don't want to. Don't tell loudmouths. When walking through crowds, put your forearms at your sides and blade to walk through the crowd so people don't bump the gun and mags. Carry at least one spare magazine. War game to yourself what would happen is such and such happened right now––know what you're willing to shoot people over before it happens. Pretty much this. Definately get in to the habit of carrying, if you start leaving it at home just once, you will keep leaving it there. I have a couple friends that have permits but don't carry hardly ever because it isn't convenient...you made the decision to carry, got the permit, got the gun, now please train and carry the darn thing. Only tell who you must. My mom and step dad know, two best friends know, that's it. Those two friends that know are who I mostly hang out with and I have no problem with them knowing I am packing. Everyone else is left in the dark. I will add, have your gun as available as possible. If you get jumped and you have a bunch of crap in you hands or ladies have their purse over the gun, or you are wearing too much clothing that you can't even get to the gun, you may end up shot or stabbed just trying to get to the gun, thinking in you head you had time to draw but really didn't. I'm not saying, wear as little as possible because you might have to shoot someone that day but figure out how your clothing acts with the gun and change what you have to, and practice practice practice even if it's a lot of draw and dry fire practice. Get in to the mindset, or you will just find it as a burdon. It's a learning experience for everyone and everyone has a learning curve. It's not something that will be mastered overnight. Good luck. |
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Quoted: I am new to concealed carry, and I do not want to just run my mouth, but if I have to draw my gun, its because I need to fire my gun. I will never draw for intimidation factor. It is a lethal weapon and is meant to be used as such. Draw, Shoot. IMO A lot of people say that, but brandishing as a way to deter a violent felony works pretty damn well, and will to continue to far into the future. I.E. you see a person being mugged in an ally, and your state actually has good Samaritan laws, I would not hesitate to draw first to get a drop on the mugger (s) after calling 911 first. I may try to keep my wepon concealed but it would be drawn. |
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Don't rely on internet forums and youtube videos for "training and tips". Get yourself enrolled in a class and get references from previous students of that instructor.
Training is what we default to when panicked or stressed. If you don't train and practice what you've learned*, you won't react as needed if the time comes. (*there's a difference between training and practicing). Other than that, the following two quotes are absolutely the best advice for your carry rig; Quoted:
Don't let your $500+ gun ride in a $10 holster. Quoted:
A good belt will make a good holster better. |
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Look into this setup...
Wilderness Belt and... Comp Tac MTAC or Crossbreed SuperTuck Deluxe holsters Good luck |
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I've been 'made' once, by a very pretty lady at church. She came up and gave me a hug, fumbled for a moment at my belt, and asked, "Is that your gun?"
I* replied, "Yes it is, don't tell anybody." *I have a funny (and frequently inappropriate) sense of humor, and I struggled to keep myself from saying, "No, I have a shoulder holster." |
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Quoted: Quoted: Stop touching it, it is still there. This. Don't worry too much about printing. Take precautions not to print, but don't be too paranoid...most people aren't looking for a gun. Great advice. When I first started carrying, i was adjusting constantly. Now it's so second nature, I don't even feel it anymore. As for printing, don't worry. Heck I've bent over to grab something at homedepot and didn't notice my shirt was moved to a point where I was uncovered. I tucked it back in and off I went. I volunteer at my kids school a lot between doing some IT work or Scouting and the only thing my kids principal said to me was, is that a 9 or 45? Btw, it's legal to carry in schools in Utah  |
| One thing you said that no one has responded to is that your wife said you were being too aggressive when you first got your CCW. There is nothing that will get you jammed up quicker or lead to problems than being aggressive. I hope you meant something other than the way I interpreted that. Carrying is all about being low key, confident but not any more assertive than you would be if you were not carrying, in fact probably less. If the wolf comes to bite the sheep, then they might find out you have big teeth as well. |
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Carry it even when you don't want to. Don't tell loudmouths. When walking through crowds, put your forearms at your sides and blade to walk through the crowd so people don't bump the gun and mags. Carry at least one spare magazine. War game to yourself what would happen is such and such happened right now––know what you're willing to shoot people over before it happens. All of this, times ten and then doubled again. (hey, that rhymed!) You will get used to it and know the gun is still where you left it after a few weeks. The only time my gun ever actually moves (and even then it's a tiny tiny bit) is when I'm in and out of my car a dozen or so times, and then it just needs a slight adjustment (usually my pants have twisted around). Good luck. 
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One more tip. I don't mean to offend, but... PRACTICE keeping your finger off the trigger when reholstering! Make a point of doing this, to prevent the dreaded accidental discharge! Keep your holster clear of all clothing, debris, etc. If you have a 1911, be sure that safety is up, and as an extra level of protection, keep your palm off the grip safety when reholstering. If you have a DA/SA or DAO auto, ride the hammer when reholstering. You'll be able to feel it in the hammer if something got in to your trigger guard and is pulling the trigger, and can stop it before it's too late. If you have a Glock, keeping your holster perfectly clear is about all you can do. Pray you don't end up with Glock leg... XD, keep your palm off the grip safety when reholstering. Revolver - Ride the hammer. If hammerless, see Glock. I think you're good to go OP
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CCW is a tool; the primary defense is to develop great situational awareness. You can be the best draw from concealment shot in the universe but if you walk around with your head in your ass, your CCW is worthless. Additionally, as always, common sense is your friend.
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2. It is entirely possible that you will draw and find it necessary to hold someone at gunpoint–– face down, facing a building, whatever. You must be able to call the police at this point. I am certainly no law expert so this is as much a question as it is a statement, but... Is it even possible to legally do this (in Florida)? From my interpretation of what I have read, and been told, this could equate to aggravated assault with a firearm. I mean if the person is facedown, facing a building, whatever, then how can one conclude there is imminent threat. And if there is no imminent threat how could you justifiably be pointing a handgun at them? It almost seems to me that if you draw you better be firing otherwise you may now be the one committing the illegal act. Again, I am no expert, but can you really hold someone at gun point? Thanks, bluesticky I've been through this with several people. There is simply no way that we can "war-game" every possible situation. It simply isn't possible. We CAN go over some likely scenarios and some that have already occurred, though. It is entirely possible that you could draw your weapon and intimidate the BGs into submission. But you cannot leave without turning your back on them.What then? Will you trust someone who you were about to kill, enough to turn your back on them? The answer is to have as many TOOLS as possible. This is one of the reasons I suggested having a cell phone all the time, whenever you are armed. I can see your point: if the police arrive and the BGs lie about what happened (which is more likely than them telling the truth), you should be prepared to answer a lot of uncomfortable questions. Which is another reason I advocate seeing the video I posted above. if the person is facedown, facing a building, whatever, then how can one conclude there is imminent threat.
If the BG was bad enough to have caused you to draw your gun in the first place, then he's bad enough to cover with your gun till the police arrive. That may have to be expressed in court though. But it keeps you alive. I am new to concealed carry, and I do not want to just run my mouth, but if I have to draw my gun, its because I need to fire my gun. I will never draw for intimidation factor. It is a lethal weapon and is meant to be used as such. Draw, Shoot. IMO Here.... read this: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_5_10/116631_Situations_where_carrying_saved_your_life_.html |
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Carry it around the house all the time. So it is part of you!
No one but your wife needs to know you carry! Make sure she know, that. My mother in law lives with us. She does not know I all ways have a gun on me! She does not know I carry at all! What you do not want is for her,your wife, to say at the wrong time: "Shenanagins" What ever you do, Don't pull your gun!!! "Shenanagins" Do something, you have a gun!!! Just my $0.02. Good luck! Be safe! PITA45 
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| Carry it, sleep with it (unloaded) under the pillow, carry it some more. Get used to it, have it everywhere at all times and soon enough it will become second nature and will be like having a set of car keys or a cell phone. Its just there, just make sure to train with it. |