First Time Carrying In Public

[Redwing]

Well not really my first but my second time carrying. My first time I didn't make it out of my driveway before my 7 year old daughter asked me why I had a gun in my pants. I responded by saying I didn't then ran inside and removed my G19 in a Raven Concealment IWB. Busted by a little kid before I even got started. Apparently, my shirt bunched up behind the pistol's grip leaving it exposed for all to see.

Today I decided to go the mall for first time carrying concealed. Same setup as my first attempt but this time wore the holster OWB with an untucked shirt and jacket covering the weapon. I checked for printing before leaving the house and everything looked good. I get to the mall and start walking around. About 30 minutes pass and I suddenly started to get nervous. Not sure why. I knew no one could tell I was carrying but I just felt anxious and "on guard" the whole time. Almost like when I have my kids out at crowded places. Always on the look out with my head on swivel.

I hope over time I get used to carrying a gun in public places but I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this same uneasiness when they first started carrying.

[seamusTX]

Sure. Nearly everyone has. You'll get used to it.

The main thing to remember is you have every right to carry a concealed handgun (in places that are not prohibited). Even if your shirt blows up or something, it's not a crime.

I think the shirt blowing up thing is overemphasized. It has never happened to me.

Wearing a jacket in this weather, you should have no problem at all.

- Jim

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

I get really nervous and feel strange when I DONT have my 1911 on me. Its a part of my everyday wear.

[SYMWAFA]

Great post. Good thing your kid didn't let ya get out in public like that!

I got my CHL in the mail this morning. I strapped on a gun and ran some errands pretty soon after. Like you, it was different (to say the least) walking around with a gun on my hip. I had to run to the store all of a sudden this afternoon, and I went out armed that time, too. I give it a few weeks and it'll be completely routine to carry.

[marksiwel]

Well not really my first but my second time carrying. My first time I didn't make it out of my driveway before my 7 year old daughter asked me why I had a gun in my pants. I responded by saying I didn't then ran inside and removed my G19 in a Raven Concealment IWB. Busted by a little kid before I even got started. Apparently, my shirt bunched up behind the pistol's grip leaving it exposed for all to see.

Today I decided to go the mall for first time carrying concealed. Same setup as my first attempt but this time wore the holster OWB with an untucked shirt and jacket covering the weapon. I checked for printing before leaving the house and everything looked good. I get to the mall and start walking around. About 30 minutes pass and I suddenly started to get nervous. Not sure why. I knew no one could tell I was carrying but I just felt anxious and "on guard" the whole time. Almost like when I have my kids out at crowded places. Always on the look out with my head on swivel.

I hope over time I get used to carrying a gun in public places but I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this same uneasiness when they first started carrying.

Which Mall did you go to? Were there any "No Gun Signs" or 30.06 signs

How was driving, uncomfortable?

You get used to it, I feel naked without my gun, pepper spray, and Knife.

Also started bringing an extra magazine around with me in a shirt pocket.

I wish I could just wear my Police Belt, it fits well. I can hold lots of stuff in it (Water Bottles, Candy, Flash light, Gun, Mags, Cell Phone) and its easy to drive with it on

[USA1]

I wish I could just wear my Police Belt, it fits well. I can hold lots of stuff in it (Water Bottles, Candy, Flash light, Gun, Mags, Cell Phone)

All the essentials.

[Redwing]

The mall was Stonebriar Mall in Frisco and I did not see any 30.06 signs. I had a G17 mag in my pocket just in case I needed another 16 rounds.

[marksiwel]

I wish I could just wear my Police Belt, it fits well. I can hold lots of stuff in it (Water Bottles, Candy, Flash light, Gun, Mags, Cell Phone)

All the essentials.

Heck yeah, I dont like my snickers all melty. Also they fit into the Magazine holders perfectly.

[mikeintexas]

I wish I could just wear my Police Belt, it fits well. I can hold lots of stuff in it (Water Bottles, Candy, Flash light, Gun, Mags, Cell Phone)

All the essentials.

Heck yeah, I dont like my snickers all melty. Also they fit into the Magazine holders perfectly.

Funny right there!

Seriously, it only takes a few times carrying to be comfortable packing.

[karl]

Congratulations, practice that draw! ...with an unloaded gun Not sure if I'm the only one but I never felt uncomfortable carrying when I first received my CHL.

[marksiwel]

Congratulations, practice that draw! ...with an unloaded gun Not sure if I'm the only one but I never felt uncomfortable carrying when I first received my CHL.

No pratice the draw with a gun loaded with Snap Caps (those inert rounds that wont fire but let you practice dry fire)

[Bonc_CHL]

I just started carrying a few weeks ago, I don't get to carry a lot during the week just because of my work policy. If I am going anywhere after work I will do my best to make it where I can stop home and grab my CCW. Any ways the 2nd day I carried I went to Sams Club (Close to a Wally Walk Right?) And man I tell you what I was sitting there eating and I just knew everyone around me just knew that I was carrying!
After that now I hate leaving the house without carrying, every time I carry it just gets less and less noticeable and once I get a proper holster that I am more comfortable with I think it will be like any other item I carry, just forget its there till I need it.

[USA1]

I wish I could just wear my Police Belt, it fits well. I can hold lots of stuff in it (Water Bottles, Candy, Flash light, Gun, Mags, Cell Phone)

All the essentials.

Heck yeah, I dont like my snickers all melty. Also they fit into the Magazine holders perfectly.

I can see it now..
In the heat of battle your gun runs empty..you inadvertently grab the snickers bar and jam it into your gun.

[sjfcontrol]

I wish I could just wear my Police Belt, it fits well. I can hold lots of stuff in it (Water Bottles, Candy, Flash light, Gun, Mags, Cell Phone)

All the essentials.

Heck yeah, I dont like my snickers all melty. Also they fit into the Magazine holders perfectly.

I can see it now..
In the heat of battle your gun runs empty..you inadvertently grab the snickers bar and jam it into your gun.

Ummmm.... Chocolate Bullets! http://www.chocolateweapons.com/chocolate-bullets.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[USA1]

Ummmm.... Chocolate Bullets! http://www.chocolateweapons.com/chocolate-bullets.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yum. They even have chocolate guns.
The AK-47 Ice Cube Tray looks interesting too..