First 2 days of carry

[ftabangler13]

Well, I finally got my plastic on Saturday and decided it was time to do a wally-walk. But then I thought to myself, why not go bigger? I decided to find a place where I could put myself to the test. After adjusting my Shield in my CTAC to where it was VERY concealed, I proceeded to a Cinemark to see Lawless (don't allow guns, but no 30.06 posted anywhere). I got into my truck and loaded up for the first time. I felt a little nervous getting out of the truck, but not too much so. I approached the ticket window and got my ticket, when I noticed there were several State Troopers about. Since I am seriously considering applying for the DPS Trooper Academy, I asked one of them if he had time to talk for a minute. I asked him a little bit about the application process, ride-alongs, etc, and he was very courteous to me. Not a word about CHL from either end. He gave me his card and wished me the best I went into the theater and sat down for the movie. I realized I had to be careful when sitting because my shirt rode up a little, but I nonchalantly pulled it back down. I watched my movie, left, and as far as I am aware, I did not draw attention to myself. Went to Mickey D's afterward and same story. Remembering about sitting down, I sat on the right side of a booth to prevent my firearm from being exposed. Today, a friend asked if I wanted to go to a couple stores and run some errands, and I figured this would give me an opportunity to be close to someone for a semi-extended period of time and make sure I was properly concealed. I offered to drive and off we went. Going back to the sitting down problem, I had to make sure that he was already getting out of my truck at each stop so that I could pull my shirt down when I got out. We went to several stores including a mall (again, firearms prohibited, but no 30.06 posted ANYWHERE. I actually did some recon on this place to make sure I was good to go). My friend was none the wiser. I had stuck my extra mag inside my belt on the side opposite my gun, and it was getting to where it was uncomfortable, so when we were at my truck loading groceries, he turned to talk to me. As I was saying something to him, I did a little sleight of hand and pulled the mag out and stuck it in my pocket. Again, he didn't notice a thing. If there's anything I learned from the past 2 days, as long as you are concealed and don't give anyone a reason to believe that you are armed, or are a threat, you don't have to be paranoid about someone finding out that you're carrying. You still have to be cautious and take the proper steps to make sure that you are completely concealed, but no-one will be staring at you, or waiting for you to do something crazy. It gave me a lot of confidence. Be safe, responsible, and shoot straight everyone!

[C-dub]

Going to the movies is not going bigger. You're going to be in a dark room sitting most of the time. However, talking to a DPS Trooper was a nice twist!

Good job on day two with the friend. Did you ever tell him and ask if he noticed anything? Will you?

[77346]

Sounds like you're doing a good job... the nervousness getting in and out of the truck, pulling your shirt, etc. will all go away and become natural with time. I've been carrying for two months now and the feeling everybody is watching me is gone.

[ftabangler13]

I figured going to the show was bigger considering their policy on firearms and what with the Aurora incident, they would be on high alert. I never did tell him, nor do I intend to. My situation is such that I really don't want many of my friends knowing. I told my 2 closest and most trusted friends and that's it. Knowing my other friend, if he had noticed something, he wouldn't have announced it to everyone I know, but he would definitely have brought it up to me.

[C-dub]

I figured going to the show was bigger considering their policy on firearms and what with the Aurora incident, they would be on high alert. I never did tell him, nor do I intend to.

Don't get me wrong. You had a couple of pretty full first two days. I think it was at least two months before I spoke to an officer while carrying, but you checked that box off on the first day. Very nice!

Of all the places to go while carrying, I consider a movie theater one of the easiest for the reasons I have already mentioned. Very few places openly welcome people with firearms and most have some kind of ineffective sign or policy against them. Not very many businesses educate themselves enough to learn about 30.06 or bother posting a proper sign. That's good for us.

We also don't feel the need to inform them of their ignorance. What they don't know, in this case, won't hurt us.

[ftabangler13]

I guess when you put it that way, you're right. Its pretty easy to conceal in a dark movie theater . I guess I just don't feel all that nervous about it like everyone said I would. I know that I'm obeying the law, and I'm very comfortable with and respectful of my firearm. I have no reason to worry.

[Jumping Frog]

Yeah, but back to first principles: have you been to Wally World yet?

Thanks for becoming a responsible Armed Citizen.

[ftabangler13]

Yeah, that was yesterday

[johncanfield]

Congrats! After you carry for a while, it will be like sticking your wallet into your pocket - it's just part of the daily dressing routine.

Always carry.

[pmcdn]

Yeah, everyone is right on here. It's just like grabbing my wallet and iphone when I walk out the door. I remember the first time I carried. I went to one of those private mailing places, got out of my car and as I was walking up towards the door, two HPD's came up behind me to go in also. While I knew I was not committing a crime, I suddenly felt like I had a 50 cal machine gun under my shirt.

Funny how quickly you become comfortable with it. I LOVE being able to carry concealed and feel naked when I am not, which isn't often.

[Divided Attention]

Word of warning about movie theaters. While the dark is nice, you may not notice, small important details.... like the lid on the drink has a crack and each time you lean the cup to take a sip it is dribbling down your shirt but because you are wearing an undergarment you don't notice until a few moments later when your keester feels funny, and realize Dr. Pepper has flowed through your holster and your Colt snubby (sorry Doc - I cleaned her as soon as I got home).

You also cannot see great when you wear stupid girl jeans with short pockets and your extra mag walks up and out and during the movie you hear a strange, metallic sound on the chair, then floor beneath you. You definitely stay for the credits on that one!

Congrats on your first carry - it does become like a favorite watch. Feel not right without it.

[ftabangler13]

You also cannot see great when you wear stupid girl jeans with short pockets

I was wondering why my dad kicked me out...