New to CHL

[21CG]

Hey guys,

First post here.

I am a full-time Bass Fishing Guide in Texas and touring angler on several tournament circuits. Being that I travel so much (in a suburban with a $65K bass boat in-tow nonetheless), and often through some less-than-desirable areas, I decided its time to get the CHL. No sense in being a helpless victim.

I have a few questions for those who have been carrying a while....

First, I have yet to make my purchase on my carry gun. I own numerous handguns, but nothing suitable for carry. What I am leaning towards is a Springfield XD Compact in 9mm. How do you feel about this choice? Also, please voice any other suggestions for me to check out while I do my "shopping".

Second: Hosters. I've tried on the holster of a friend of mine which sits at about 4:00-5:00 with a forward cant. I like the position and the feel of that setup. Could you offer some recommendations on brands?

Third, and most importantly, what is it like to carry? I've kinda sat and thought about it and how I would feel and am kind of unsure. Not that I am debating carrying or not, but I can only imagine that I would feel like I'm walking around with a big neon sign above my head. Any tips on what to expect and how to deal with any first-time-carry anxiety?

^^^^I realize that that question sounds strange, but I am aware that the responsibility of carrying is not one to be taken on a whim.

Any and all help is appreciated and I look forward to being an active member on this great forum!!

[USA1]

What I am leaning towards is a Springfield XD Compact in 9mm. How do you feel about this choice?

Welcome to the forum TXBassGuide

You've come to the right place for input from some very knowledgeable and experienced people.
I will let others who have been here longer than me offer you advice.

I will however give you my opinion on the XD9 ...It's an excellent firearm.
The XD and XDm line has a proven track record for quality and reliability.

Many members here carry one everyday, including myself, although mine is the XD40sc model.

Third, and most importantly, what is it like to carry?

Very comforting. It quickly becomes "normal".

[surprise_i'm_armed]

TXBassguide:

Welcome to the forum sir. We are glad to have you visit
with us and learn more about this new world of carrying a loaded
gun around all day!!

Springfield XD/XDM, any flavor - Great guns. You'll enjoy 'em.

When you first carry, you think the entire world is out to "make"
you as carrying. Far from from it. The rest of the world is in their
own world, worrying their own worries. They don't know they are
supposed to be looking for a gun on you.

After a few weeks, the anxiety will ease. As long as you take care
to wear long enough/big enough shirts, or a vest or other cover
garment, you'd be surprised how big of a gun you can carry without
being made.

Keep in mind that since you are on the water, you can carry in many
Texas lakes, but if it's COE (Army Corps of Engineer) property, you may
not since it's federal property. Use the "search" forum to look up past
threads regarding COE issues.

If you go to the UCP (User Control Panel), you may add your hometown,
or at least a general area, so that your neighbors and other forum members
can be aware of your geography. You can also add a "signature" which appears
each time you post.

Here's some quick answers to frequently asked newbie questions:
1. Yes, you can carry into places with "gunbusters" signs.
2. Yes, always carry a round in the chamber.
3. Minimum defensive caliber is .38 or 9MM. Bigger is better.
4. No, don't ask about pearl grips. Or even ivory grips. :-)

Welcome to the world of gun nuts and gun enthusiasts!

SIA

[karl]

Welcome.

I can't speak for others here but I never experienced the first time jitters. Day one of carrying just felt natural and have never worried about it. It takes a bit of time to get used to the weight, though. Feels a bit like carrying a tool belt if I had to compare it to something.

So many good choices on guns I won't clutter this space with suggestions. If it is reliable and it works for you, you've made a good choice. Lots of holster choices too, most here choose Comp-Tac or Crossbreed, both quality holsters. I carry my 1911 in a Comp-Tac MTAC 4:00 with cant as far forward as it will go. Lots of people will tell you to get a good gun belt. I do not own one and have never needed one; my thin leather belt tightened around my hip has never failed me, but I guess to each his own.

Bottom Line: Carry what you're comfortable with and how you're comfortable doing it, there will be no right answer to the equipment you are recommended until you try it for yourself.

[A-R]

TxBassGuide, welcome to the forum. You've already received some informative responses. One of the best aspects of this particular forum is how eager many of the members are to help a fellow member and offer advice, answer questions, etc. Truly a great group of people here - you can learn a lot from them.

To give my advice on your questions:

1. Springfield XD is a great gun. I've shot a few of them and they really fit my hand well and shoot very well. Also very light, durable, and reliable. I've carried a Glock for 12 years now, and if the SA-XDs had been available 12 years ago, I might've carried one of those instead. But each gun will fit you and your hands differently and offer features that you may or may not want/need. So take some time to look at a bunch of different choices in person at gun shows or gun shops, and even go rent your top 3 or 4 choices at a range that rents guns so you know how they fire etc. In the general category of 9mm polymer framed guns you have a HUGE selection to choose from. Also look at these other comparable pistols: Glock, Beretta PX4, Smith & Wesson M&P, Ruger SR9, Walther P99 & PPS, H&K P-series and USP, Sig Sauer P250, various Taurus models.

In addition to 9mm (a good caliber choice), also explore .40 S&W and .45 ACP calibers. All three are widely available at relatively decent prices and are considered the "Big 3" of semi-auto self-defense pistol calibers. I don't recommend you go smaller than a .380 auto for self defense. And there are of course some other calibers that are a bit less common but still good defensive choices in a semi-auto weapon: .357 Sig, 10mm, 9x18mm Makarov

2. Holsters - search the forum for Crossbreed and Comp-Tac or M-TAC ... these are the two predominant choices of many forum members for the newer style of inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters that combine a Kydex (plastic/polymer) shell with a leather backing and a "double-strut" design of either two belt clips or two belt loops, located on each side of the holster shell, for a remarkably comfortable and secure concealed holster. These holsters are fully adjustable for cant and ride height. There are a few others making similar designs - Tucker Gun Leather is a good one, but expensive and long wait time (most who have a Tucker say it's worth the $$ and wait). I would strongly recommend one of these types of IWB holsters for a quality polymer-framed gun like the XD or any other recommended above. There are of course, countless other choices. But this style is best, easiest to conceal, and most comfortable I've found.

2a VERY IMPORTANT - in addition to the gun and the holster you will NEED a quality gun belt. Everyone tries to carry with whatever belt they already have, but sooner or later realize they need something stronger. Some folks use any quality double-layer leather belt like can be found at Cabela's, a boot store, or even Wal Mart if you know what you're looking for. But I'd strongly recommend you explore a dedicated gun belt from a quality maker, even one with a kydex rigid insert between two layers of leather. I reviewed three different belts that I wear at this link: http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic. ... =+gun+belt" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; And there are of course other good choices - both Crossbreed and Comp-Tac offer belts as well as holsters. But a belt is tantamount to comfortable concealed carry - equally as important as the gun choice and holster choice.

3. I like "bumper sticker wisdom" and there are some great one-liners to be found on this forum at the bottom of members' messages. Two of my favorite:

Concealed carry should be comforting, not comfortable

Carry 24/7, or guess right

The reason I post these quips in answer to your question is they lead you into what I think is the proper mindset for concealed carry. You are starting off with a great mindset that CC is a right that comes with great responsibility and should not be treated lightly or started on a whim. The next step, after receiving your training and license, is to put yourself in the mindset that CC is a normal, everyday activity. Strapping on your gun/holster will be like tying your shoes and grabbing your wallet and keys before too long. Sure there will be some anxiety at first, but it quickly fades when you realize (as others have already posted) that the general public doesn't notice things too much. As long as you are properly concealing and obeying all laws, then you'll be fine.

In short, you quickly "get used to it" and it just becomes part of your routine. As the first quote above states, carrying becomes very comforting (and it can also be comfortable, relatively speaking, if you do it right). You'll read many forum members who venture to areas where CC is not allowed (a vacation to California, for example) who complain that they felt weird or out of place the whole time because they DIDN'T have their gun on them - like a part of them was missing

The second quote is sort of the "advanced" phase of CC. When I first got my CHL, car carry was illegal (it's now legal without CHL) and I only wanted my CHL so I could carry in my truck, and perhaps into a restaurant or movie theater if I was out late and not sure of the safety of my surroundings. Over time, I began to carry more and more regularly. But it wasn't until I read that quote (I believe it's on member Longtooth's signature line) that I made the decision that I was going to carry 24/7/365 everywhere it was legal to do so.

Anyway, again welcome to the forum. Please do take SIA's suggestion and tell us what part of the great state of Texas you call home. Good luck and please let us know if you have additional questions (trust us, you will ...)

[Crossfire]

Welcome to the forum! As you will see, there are lots of different opinions here.

Springfield XD is a great choice. Glock is even better.

I like the CompTac CTAC holsters. Highly adjustable for different body types and carry positions.

Carrying is just like when you first got a cell phone and wondered "do I really need this thing?", and it was a bit uncomfortable carrying it around. Now you can't imagine going anywhere without it.

Good to hear you have already realized what an awesome responsibility it is. You are over the first hurdle.

One last thing.... you can't shoot fish. Even though it sounds like fun, it is not recommended.

[AddyLO]

Welcome aboard!

Your last point is not strange to us at all. Most of us have wondered the same thing.

You've gotten a lot of excellent advice (no surprise from this crowd). I can only tell you that I bought an XD 9mm subcompact specifically for carry. It has quickly become my favorite gun to shoot.

You're asking the right questions. Good luck with your decision! I look forward to seeing what you decide.

[21CG]

To AddyLo (as well as anyone else):

What are your feelings on the SubCompact over the Compact?

To me, (and bear in mind I have never even shot nor held the subcompact) the subcompact seems quite small, almost too small. I am very comfortable shooting the compact. What's your opinion on deciding between the two?

[USA1]

To AddyLo (as well as anyone else):

What are your feelings on the SubCompact over the Compact?

To me, (and bear in mind I have never even shot nor held the subcompact) the subcompact seems quite small, almost too small. I am very comfortable shooting the compact. What's your opinion on deciding between the two?

I think if you carried each for a while you'd be inclined to go with the Sub Compact for ease of concealment.
IMO the short grip on the Sub Compact helps to hide the gun better under clothes.

If you go with the Sub Compact, it comes with two magazines.
One is an extended magazine which gives you a full size grip if that's what you want.
The other is the shorty. I could almost carry in the pocket with that one.

Again, just my opinion based on owning and carrying a Sub Compact.

[Kevinf2349]

Welcome.

I own an XD9 but I don't carry it as a CCW. The gun is extremely accurate and I have never had a failure to feed or eject out of it. It just simply runs. It is the loudest of all my guns but I like big bangs :) It did take a few hundred rounds to loosen it up (it was a stiff recoil spring and took some racking). It has had about 500 rounds through it now and it is very smooth now, it is definately a good choice. Why don't I carry it? Simply because I carry a Glock 30 in a CrossBreed Supertuck and the Glock is smaller and I am a skinny little chap :) I save the XD9 for when I get dressed up!

As for which gun to get......whichever fits budget and hand best. Springfields are a good choice, but then so are Glocks and many others, Given the environment you willl be carrying in....a Glock would be a great choice as they don't mind getting a little dirty.

Just my 2 cents.

[RPB]

Hey guys,

First post here.

I am a full-time Bass Fishing Guide in Texas and touring angler on several tournament circuits.

First, Also, please voice any other suggestions for me to check out while I do my "shopping".

Second: Hosters. Could you offer some recommendations on brands?

Third, and most importantly, what is it like to carry?

TxBassGuide ...

First, other suggestions
I kayak fish, and I'm retired, so I'm on and near (AND IN) water quite a bit too, so I carry a Glock 26 with MARINE/Maritime Spring Cups. So, I have no worries that it will function properly even if dropped in the livewell Or rather if I go overboard and get back out of the water.

Maritime/Marine Spring Cups enable your Glock to shoot under hostile environmental conditions. They ensure that even with water and or debris inside your Glocks firing pin channel your Glock pistol will fire! Great for those who prefer a Glock for predators on shore as well as in the water. (I advise against firing with entire pistol submerged due to sound and percussion and you have to have all air out of the pistol and know how to do it) But The marine cups are reassuring that it will work after retreiving it from the LiveWell

Marine/Maritime Spring cups are only about $10.00 (and there is a Youtube video showing you how to install them)
http://www.combattactical.com/glock-fir ... 15310.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
or http://www.lonewolfdist.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=535" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


I don't know if Springfield XD Compact in 9mm has or could have marine/maritime spring cups or if they need them.

Not only is the Glock 26 my rustproof fishing/swimming/diving gun,the 26 is my every day carry with a Glock 19 magazine and mag spacer, though I keep a 33 round mag in the car and one in the house.

Second: Hosters. for Humidity/Water
I mostly use the following hosters for the 26:
Comfort Carry (with Comp-Tac clips) http://www.concealedtechnology.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Comfort Carry Speedclip (all kydex for wet/swimming etc) http://www.concealedtechnology.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Kholster kholster.com
DeSantis Tuck-This 2

I've tried and owned and still own lots of other holsters, but just listed above the ones I actually wear the most.
Comfort Carry is similar to a Crossbreed Supertuck, but has a smooth HorseHide liner (denser for wet/sweat) in addition to the smooth leather against the gun. They use Comp-Tac clips so the cant is adjustable. Quality seems a little better to me than either Crossbreed or Kholster.

As far as gun belts, I use a reinforced Comp-Tac belt with VELCRO because I got the Comp-Tac VELCRO clips for the Comfort Carry holster, ... so no clips are showing on the belt at church.

Third, what is it like to carry
I carry a Snakeshot round in the chamber since I walk through a lot of brush and have also seen rattlesnakes swimming in the lakes. My Magazine is full of Hornaday Critical Defense ammo. I really can't answer "what it is like to carry" but I can answer what it is like NOT to carry when walking through brush at night in near total darkness dragging gear and kayak through tall weeds and brush and listening for rattlesnakes (or the moccasin or other venomnous snakes [coral snakes, copperheads, cottonmouths etc etc etc] who just bite whithout warning) It's SCARY to NOT carry. One guy 2 years ago was found at the Burnet County Boat Ramp dead after being shot by an armed robber sometime the night before.

Also .... WELCOME TO THE FORUM.

P.S. I'm the same RPB from the fishing and kayaking forums which you may subscribe to also.
I carry on all lakes, rivers, wildlife refuges, national seashores, State/National/City Parks/Lakes/Reservoirs etc etc etc which I go to, but you can't carry on any owned by US ARMY Corps of Engineers, all other waters, are O.K. ... like LCRA, various River Authorities etc etc etc. many of us are armed against snakes, sharks, wild boar or rabid animal attacks and other predators/attackers etc.



I guess the U.S. Army is "supposed to" protect you from Wild Boar attacks/rabid animals/venomnous snakes/other predators and attackers on their Corps of Engineers properties, but everywhere else, you are responsible for your own safety.

That guy was lucky to get away with needing only 35 stitches at the hospital ...

So, I'll carry a PITCHFORK, fish spear/gig/speargun, GARDEN HOE, and of course a hatchet or meat cleaver to supplement my fillet knife for making cut bait on US Army Corps of Engineers properties

[AddyLO]

USA1 summed up my thoughts exactly. When I bought my XD it was specifically with conceal carry in mind. I liked the feel of it (the biggest part of buying a gun) in the store with both magazines.

I thought I might have a hard time adjusting to the short magazine but not at all. It feels just as good to me as the extended.

My only criticism of the XD sub for carry is that it is a tad blocky, but no more so than a comparable sized Glock. I tried a similar sized Walther than was much thinner. But for me it just didn't feel "right" in my hand.

[surprise_i'm_armed]

TxBassGuide:

Thank you sir for adding your hometown to your profile.
Our fellow forum member joe817 is from N. Arlington, and there
are many other members in the Metroplex.

You mention that you have a Suburban to haul your big boat, and you
wish to protect those items. A month or so ago, we had a thread out of
<Texas City? maybe> where some people were returning home from a
weekend away. They had expensive gear (ATV's or jetskis, I forget which)
and some BG's (bad guys) attempted to car jack them.

The GG's (good guys) had guns, but they didn't have them loaded and readily
at hand to repel the carjackers. Luckily a homeowner nearby heard the commotion.
HE had a gun and fired some shots, which scared away the BG's.

Until you get your plastic (your CHL), you are allowed to carry a handgun in your
vehicle under the auspices of the MPA (Motorist Protection Act).

I was fascinated by the poster above with the Glock optimized for use on the water.

For a second handgun choice while on the water, you may wish to consider a Taurus
Judge. This revolver is too bulky, IMHO, to be a concealed carry piece, but here's why
you might want one: this is a 5 shot revolver which is chambered for either .45 or
.410 shotgun shells.

If you are on the water and a water moccasin tries to get into your boat, a Judge filled
with .410 shotun shells would be just the ticket to repel boarders.

SIA