New (soon to be holder)

[meeksG26]

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum and soon to be licensed. The anxiety is killing me!!

I called today 7/10/15 to check on the status of my License and the nice lady said I would receive it in 7 to 10 days.

So, after reading all the forums I feel I'm ready to expect whats to come (finding the right holster, wally walk etc.) MY question is about my girlfriend, and telling or not telling my friends when I carry.

First, my girlfriend already knows I've completed the course but having not grown up around firearms I can tell she is a little uneasy about me carrying. My thought was when I receive my license I should carry while by myself the first few times, and even carry with my girlfriend to dinner, grocery store, etc.. without her knowing. I was thinking maybe do this for a week or so then break her the news that i had received my license.....

.....is this a good game plan?

Thanks in advance for your support.
Cory

[Charles L. Cotton]

Welcome to the Forum Cory and congratulations on the new CHL.

It's hard to give advice about carrying around your girlfriend, but I wouldn't tell your friends unless they ask. Even then, don't tell them you do if you think it will cause a problem or make them uncomfortable. (Obviously, this advice doesn't apply if they ask you when you are going to be in their home.) If you are an experienced handgunner, then I suggest taking your girlfriend to the range and let her see that you are competent with a handgun. If you are new to handguns, then you should seriously consider finding an instructor to get some training. I'd bring the girlfriend also, if she's willing, to remove the fear of the unknown.

Again, welcome to the Forum.
Chas.

[John Galt]

Many times when I am carrying, my wife and friends don't know.

[TXBO]

Exposing her to a quality trainer is great advise. I'd also say if you can get her to watch or participate in one of the shooting sports, that's a great help. My wife was the same way. She grew up in New Jersey. One day she grew tired of watching and wanted to try.

Having said that, open communication, regardless of popular belief, is not always the best thing for a relationship. What she doesn't know won't hurt her.... and might save her life one day.

[johncanfield]

I would start with her by discussing gun safety - this will help her feel better that you realize safety is critically important and might help 'break the ice' about her uneasiness about firearms. Then plan a date at a range - you would be surprised at how many ladies/girls really enjoy shooting - mine really does. Have her shoot something with not much snap like a full size frame or a kind-to-the-hand .380. The gals like activities that involve the guys, my wife enjoys shooting but an important element of that is that we're together doing something. An important point is to not push her into doing something - the gals like to mull over and think about anything out of the ordinary (that describes a lot of us guys as well!)

For you, start carrying around your quarters now - it will take a while before you get comfortable with the weight on your hip; be prepared to wind up with a drawer full of holsters until you find one that works the best.

[meeksG26]

I would start with her by discussing gun safety - this will help her feel better that you realize safety is critically important and might help 'break the ice' about her uneasiness about firearms. Then plan a date at a range - you would be surprised at how many ladies/girls really enjoy shooting - mine really does. Have her shoot something with not much snap like a full size frame or a kind-to-the-hand .380. The gals like activities that involve the guys, my wife enjoys shooting but an important element of that is that we're together doing something. An important point is to not push her into doing something - the gals like to mull over and think about anything out of the ordinary (that describes a lot of us guys as well!)

For you, start carrying around your quarters now - it will take a while before you get comfortable with the weight on your hip; be prepared to wind up with a drawer full of holsters until you find one that works the best.

Thanks for all the advice,

I will be traveling out of state in the next few months and wondering what the best practice, and quickest way to get familiar with carrying. I have a solid holster and have found a few wardrobes that feel comfortable as of now, I am thinking about getting a good car safe that i can keep it locked (in case I encounter where i can not carry).

I only posses a G26 and a hidden hybrid IWB. I will get a more functional belt soon,and anything else I need in terms of getting myself prepared for leaving town?

Thank you,
Cory

[AggieDad15]

Good plan on the car safe. I use a car lock box as well for just that reason because I don't trust the door locks alone.

[johncanfield]

You need a good gun belt, I have one from Bullhide that has worked very well for me and delivery was quick. Get a couple of magazine holders for your weak side (side opposite the side with your gun) gun belt. After wearing holes in several pants pockets carrying a magazine I finally upgraded to Kydex magazine holders from this place (a Texas company.) My Sig p239 magazines perfectly fit with just enough retention to keep them snug but accessible. Also I carry two magazines which would be difficult in a pants pocket.

For dressy situation I use a shoulder holster from Kangaroo Carry, I highly recommend them (but they are hot in the summer.)

[Abraham]

Once you're confident that you're competent with your handgun, vary your shooting by shooting some with your weak hand each practice session, plus practice shooting your strong side with one hand.

You'll probably be surprised how well you'll soon be shooting with your weak hand once you get a bit of practice at it. Why do this? Well, it's a bit grim to contemplate, but what if your strong hand is injured, say by a bullet wound?

Also, practice shooting with one hand is fun. I was taught many moons ago in the Army to stand sideways to the target with my weak hand on my hip. To this day, this is my most accurate way to shoot.

In addition, practice the Isosceles and the Weaver Stance. Find which you like better. Don't know what they are? The internet will show you.

There are many other shooting practice ideas, but these will get you started.

Always shoot safely. (and never sweep anyone i.e., carelessly point your gun at others while talking or whatever) In other words: Always be aware of where your muzzle is pointing.

Educate yourself on all other gun safety considerations beyond that one.

If your GF is willing to learn to shoot, start her training with a .22 caliber handgun. She'll be comfortable shooting this caliber and will probably want to step up to a bigger caliber soon. But please, don't start her out with a .45 caliber of even a 32.

O.K. I've blathered enough.

[meeksG26]

]If your GF is willing to learn to shoot, start her training with a .22 caliber handgun. She'll be comfortable shooting this caliber and will probably want to step up to a bigger caliber soon. But please, don't start her out with a .45 caliber of even a 32. [/u][/i][/b]

O.K. I've blathered enough.[/quote]



The only issue is I only own a 9mm. (Glock 26) I was in the mountains last year and we took turns shooting it but she backed out and never tried. I think even the 9 mm is to much for her comfort.

I've been looking for a back up and maybe this would be a good time to get something smaller so she can participate.

Should I go as small as a .22 or maybe .380? I know caliber doesn't matter when faced with a situation. a gun is a gun, I don't want anything pointed at me.

I held the S&W Bodyguard today. I've also been thinking about the Kahr CW .380 ....... she might be willing to start with a pocket pistol size.

[WildBill]

Once you're confident that you're competent with your handgun, vary your shooting by shooting some with your weak hand each practice session, plus practice shooting your strong side with one hand.

You'll probably be surprised how well you'll soon be shooting with your weak hand once you get a bit of practice at it. Why do this? Well, it's a bit grim to contemplate, but what if your strong hand is injured, say by a bullet wound?

Also, practice shooting with one hand is fun. I was taught many moons ago in the Army to stand sideways to the target with my weak hand on my hip. To this day, this is my most accurate way to shoot.

In addition, practice the Isosceles and the Weaver Stance. Find which you like better. Don't know what they are? The internet will show you.

There are many other shooting practice ideas, but these will get you started.

Always shoot safely. (and never sweep anyone i.e., carelessly point your gun at others while talking or whatever) In other words: Always be aware of where your muzzle is pointing.

Educate yourself on all other gun safety considerations beyond that one.

If your GF is willing to learn to shoot, start her training with a .22 caliber handgun. She'll be comfortable shooting this caliber and will probably want to step up to a bigger caliber soon. But please, don't start her out with a .45 caliber of even a 32.

O.K. I've blathered enough.

Many people make the mistake of thinking a .380 pocket pistol or an air weight 38 Spec revolver is the best for a woman [or any new shooter]. This is completely false. The smaller [and lighter] handguns have more recoil are harder to shoot accurately. In fact the excess recoil stops many people from practicing with their handgun.

Start out with a .22LR and work up to a center fire. If you can not shoot a .22LR accurately, then you will not be able to do it with a larger caliber.

Like Abraham, I was taught to shoot holding the handgun with one hand [weak hand on the hip or in the pocket]. At that time it was the preferred stance for all of the champion competitive shooters. In my NRA pistol class, this was how I was taught. When I did my first CHL qualification that is the way I shot. Many of the people at the range thought it strange, but it worked for me.

[johncanfield]

... Many people make the mistake of thinking a .380 pocket pistol or an air weight 38 Spec revolver is the best for a woman [or any new shooter]. This is completely false. The smaller [and lighter] handguns have more recoil are harder to shoot accurately. In fact the excess recoil stops many people from practicing with their handgun......

Exactly!

My wife started pistol shooting with our SR40, due to its large frame the recoil is fairly mild and the grip is small enough for the gals. She had a bit of trouble racking the slide but once I showed her how to use both hands pushing in with the gun near the body she can manage it. One of the sweetest shooting guns we have is the Sig Sauer P238 (.380 caliber) and is the wife's carry gun. In fact, one of her favorite guns is our 1911!

[txglock21]

... Many people make the mistake of thinking a .380 pocket pistol or an air weight 38 Spec revolver is the best for a woman [or any new shooter]. This is completely false. The smaller [and lighter] handguns have more recoil are harder to shoot accurately. In fact the excess recoil stops many people from practicing with their handgun......

Exactly!

My wife started pistol shooting with our SR40, due to its large frame the recoil is fairly mild and the grip is small enough for the gals. She had a bit of trouble racking the slide but once I showed her how to use both hands pushing in with the gun near the body she can manage it. One of the sweetest shooting guns we have is the Sig Sauer P238 (.380 caliber) and is the wife's carry gun. In fact, one of her favorite guns is our 1911!

with both of the above. I bought my ex-wife (still married at the time) a .38 Lady Lavender because that's what she wanted to start out with. The only time we went out and shot it, she hated it because of the recoil and non-accuracy. I shot it myself and (not bragging, but a very good shot) I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it. Lucky I had also brought my 9mm and .40 with us. She shot both of those and hit 5 of 10 bullseyes with the 9mm. She actually outshot me with the 9. Six months after we were divorced, she brought me the .38 and told me I could have it back. She had gone out and bought herself a S&W 9mm. I still have the purple .38 if anyone is interested.

[WildBill]

... I could have it back. She had gone out and bought herself a S&W 9mm. I still have the purple .38 if anyone is interested.

Thanks for the good story, but I think I'll pass on the Lady Lavender.

[Middle Age Russ]

Welcome to the forum, Cory.

Relationships with other folks introduce dynamics that can't easily be weighed to offer sage advice on an internet forum. As such, I hesitate to advise about how to handle your new status with your friends and girlfriend. As Charles pointed out discretion is a very good thing (concealed is concealed, after all). One thing to consider, though, is your girlfriend's feelings if she finds out after the fact that you have been carrying. She could consider it lying by omission and trust in the relationship might take a serious hit.

On the trust side, others have suggested training if you are not already pretty competent with your handgun. Training is beneficial to your own abilities, but it can also instill trust in your SO regarding your decision making and your competency. Invite your girlfriend to train with you if at all possible. Often, those closest to us learn better from a third party than they do when we teach.