Finally Got the CHL!

[hmayasi]

So after what seemed like eternity, I finally received my CHL in the mail. I don't have a super tuck type of holster for my 9mm yet. So instead, I carried the mrs 22. I went to a few places running errands. I must admit, I was paranoid that you could see it, even though it was just in my head. I think I looked more suspicious trying to adjust all the time. Anyway, I wanted to ask the more experienced users on here a question; during the course of a normal day when I am carrying concealed, and say I am at Lowe's or something and had to pick up somethings from the floor and my shirt gets caught on something that make it ride a bit and my gun shows. What are the repercussions of this situation? What do I do if someone saw it? How do I generally handle the situation?

Thanks and looking forward to practicing my second amendment to the fullest!

[Redneck_Buddha]

Someone may very well report man with a gun (MWAG) and there will be 'splaining to do. According to my CHL instructor, it will be up to the officer's discretion as to how to proceed with you. My advice would be to take immense pains that you don't ever reveal.

By the way, there is a really good concealed carry video put out by Panteao Productions. The only downside is that he doesn't favor IWB carry, but he does cover it.

[Jaguar]

First off, welcome to the wonderful world of carrying.

The two most important things you need are 1) a good belt, and 2) a good holster. After that adjust your wardrobe to fit the rig you have chosen, and adjust your movements to help keep it concealed.

I have a Galco gun belt and I carry in a Theis hybrid holster (like a Crossbreed Supertuck). I am fairly tall to begin with (6’3”) so I started purchasing only shirts that were tall (2XT for me) and this help keep the shirt from riding up. I am still conscious of when I am bending over, but so far have not had a problem. Typically I wear an undershirt tucked in to keep the holster off my skin, and a tall polo shirt over the top.

I am also fairly fat, so I purchased Wrangler Comfort Solutions Series Comfort Fit jeans that have a flex fit waistband that adjusts up to two inches for putting a pistol inside the waistband. That allows me to have the correct size for when I’m at work and not allowed to carry, and I can still get my pistol in when I get to the car. I would recommend these jeans if you wear jeans.

And finally, don’t worry too much about printing, very few will notice and usually those that do are other people who carry. I went to the Pro-2A Rally in Austin last weekend and I am sure about 90% were packing but I didn’t see any, not that I was looking very hard. Most people are too wrapped up in their iPhone to think it is anything other than an iPhone that for some reason you aren’t staring at, that is the weird part to them; you are not staring at it.

Have fun and be safe.

[johncanfield]

Congrats!

.. I think I looked more suspicious trying to adjust all the time.

Yup - leave it alone.

I wanted to ask the more experienced users on here a question; during the course of a normal day when I am carrying concealed, and say I am at Lowe's or something and had to pick up somethings from the floor and my shirt gets caught on something that make it ride a bit and my gun shows. What are the repercussions of this situation? What do I do if someone saw it? How do I generally handle the situation?

My reaction if that happened would be nothing, go on about your business. If somebody asks about it, tell them you are licensed to carry a weapon. If a LEO sees it, or somebody starts shouting "man with a gun" then things could get ugly.

You will learn to anticipate those situation where your gun could get uncovered, windy situations, your Lowe's example, removing a jacket or sweater, etc. and make accommodations. I always love carrying in the open carry states because I don't care if the wind flips up my shirt while I'm fueling up the vehicle .

[Vol Texan]

The two most important things you need are 1) a good belt, and 2) a good holster. After that adjust your wardrobe to fit the rig you have chosen, and adjust your movements to help keep it concealed.

I strongly agree with this one. I carried in a Galco Summer Comfort holster on a regular belt since I got my plastic in the mail, and once I switched to a good CompTac belt, I could tell the difference immediately. Two weeks later, I got my Crossbreed, and the again, the difference was just as impressive. I'll never go back. The only time I do wear less than the perfect combination of belt and holster is when I slip my Remora in for a short trip.

[C-dub]

You will have a problem if you "intentionally" fail to conceal. Hopefully, nothing bad will happen in the situation you describe since you didn't intentionally fail to conceal. Learn to bend at the knees. It's a better lifting technique anyway.

However, things can get worse. Here's a worst or almost worst case scenario that happened to one of our own members here.
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[CainA]

I said bend at the knees too, but apparently it didn't make it the first time.

[hmayasi]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I appreciate all your input. This is definitely a learning experience.