The Grocery Store Stroll

[joe817]

Ok. So you are by yourself, don't have a photographer to go to Wally World to take pictures of you doing the walk, and you really can't take pics of yourself doing it. The next best thing you do, until you can properly document your walk is to give a narrative, right?

Sarge did his "feed store walk" narrative, so I'll give mine. But mine is the grocery store walk. At the Kroger's in my neighborhood.

With plastic in the wallet, gun in the left front pocket(Colt Government .380) wifey had me make an emergency run to the grocery store to get some seasoned salt for the chicken 'n dumplings she was making or last night's dinner. Great! I was looking for an excuse to get out of the house.

The pistol was heavy in the pocket and my jeans kept riding down on my hips as they are to big for me(I'd lost weight since I bought them). I can't wait to get a holster! As I walked into Kroger, I noticed the "unlicensed carrying of a firearm is a violation, etc etc...", smiled as I appreciated that invitation to come on in and shop with them. Got what I came for, paid for it, and drove to the convenience store. Got what I wanted, left and drove home.

My critique: No one noticed. No funny looks, or even second glance. It was truly a non-event. (yawn) The gun was totally concealed. No big deal. That's the way it's supposed to be. Think stealth.
My feelings? It was anti-climactic and nothing special EXCEPT for the comfort of knowing that I am able to defend myself better now than before the license came, should I encounter a potentially deadly force situation.

With 2 outings carrying, I can see where I would feel naked without carrying a gun. Very similar to the feelings I have when I leave the house without the pocket knife, or my Chapstick. I feel very comfortable carrying.

Pictures of the Wally Walk will be posted when the opportunity presents itself to go to W.W.

There! How about that long dissertation saying in essence "no biggie"?

[Oldgringo]

Can we assume, Sir, that you are left handed? If you ain't, well, er...uh, you might have some difficulty with your fast draw.

[suthdj]

I have not had mine that long but the Wally walk made me very nervous especially since I did not have a belt and my pant were riding very low, at the cashier I had trouble getting my wallet out of my pocket due to the barrel being in the way. Now I own a belt and am at a point were I feel I forgot something if I don't have it on me when I leave the house.

[lonewolf]

So far, so good, Joe. Anti climactic feeling is good. That means there was none of the excitement normally feared during the initial outings. Gotta love those last minute cooking crises that lead to impromptu store runs!

Heck, I feel naked when unarmed these days, and I haven't even had the CHL that long. I haven't even bought a different holster yet, still using the Blackhawk $12.99 IWB and have no problems as long as I carry crossdraw style. Often forget I even have it on. Of course you are a little smaller than I am, so things are different with body shape, size, gun, etc.....

We'll plan another paper punching evolution sometime in the near future. Gotta lot of homework to do and two tests this week. It just keeps piling up....

[USA1]

you could have at least posted a picture of the chicken 'n dumplings .

congrats on the first outing
but as you're well aware , you still have to do the official WW ...with pics .

i have discovered that the inaugural Wally Walk is very special ,but it quickly becomes routine .
i Wally Walk every other day now .

[mikeintexas]

Hey Joe and Lonewolf, if you want some company the next time you guys get together for "paper punching" let me know a time and place. I'd like to meet some other members and do a little shooting. Most anywhere in Dallas or Tarrant county would be OK with me.

MS

[MoJo]

Can we assume, Sir, that you are left handed? If you ain't, well, er...uh, you might have some difficulty with your fast draw.

My Taurus Snub rides in my left front pants pocket and I'm right handed. O' course my M&P 40 rides on my right hip.

[TxRVer]

Congrats on the weight loss. You can take advantage of that and fill the space with an IWB holster.

[joe817]

Can we assume, Sir, that you are left handed? If you ain't, well, er...uh, you might have some difficulty with your fast draw.

Yes sir, you are correct. I am left handed.

[joe817]

Lonewolf, I look forward getting together with you at the next paper punch session.

mikeintexas, you are welcome anytime. We shoot at Winchester Gallery range in Ft.Worth, @ 820 & Lancaster. Let's do it sometime!

USA1 the dumplings were great. And as far as taking pics go, you know how bad I am at that. But I will the next chance I get.

Thanks TxRVr it occurred naturally over time, when I cut down on snack foods & the colds ones. And good point about needing that extra room for the IWB. As a holster is a priority now, I've narrowed down the choices to 3 or 4 for the Colt.

[USA1]

As a holster is a priority now, I've narrowed down the choices to 3 or 4 for the Colt.

talk is cheap , we need to see results .

[joe817]

As a holster is a priority now, I've narrowed down the choices to 3 or 4 for the Colt.

talk is cheap , we need to see results .

As my child bride tells me, I do cheap very well thank you very much! I'm saving my pennies, nickels & dimes to buy a D.M. Bullard holster. He's in my area, and makes really nice holsters. Of course I may change my mind by today's end.

http://estore.websitepros.com/1565531/D ... ok?no=1154" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Or a Don Hume, which is CONSIDERABLY less, but not the holster as the other one is:
http://www.donhume.com/index.php?main_p ... t35pj2pea2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Ross M15 Open Tuck is also on the list:
http://www.ccwsupply.biz/RossM15PAGE.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This little Ace tuckable caught my fancy. It's all leather and only $14.00
http://acecase.com/tuck-able-holster-leather.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

(now I know how my wife feels when she goes out purse shopping!)

[Kevinf2349]

My first outing was pretty uneventful too, and there I was thinking I would have to roll out the door blasting away at all the BGs but alas not a one was around and I felt a total fool for rolling out the door and ending up in a crouch with my head turning from side to side like watching tennis in triple speed!

Trust me, uneventful is good

[Edit] Congrats on the Kroger Krawl

[USA1]

Congrats on the Kroger Krawl

ooooh , could this be a possible new tradition ?

[lonewolf]

The Macy's Marathon?

The JCPenney Jaunt?

The Target Troll?

The Sam's Saunter?

The Albertson's Amble?

The Randall's Run?

The Sak's Stroll?