How did you feel when you first OC'd?

ZwergVl · Post by **ZwergVl** » Mon, 07 May 2012 03:37:42

I just bought a Serpa CQC holster for my Glock 19. I haven't OC'd yet but before I do I was just curious about how everyone else felt before they did for the first time.

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scrubber3 · Post by **scrubber3** » Mon, 07 May 2012 03:58:40

I felt like people could see my gun..... Nah seriously, I actually felt like I should behave and act as an advocate for all others that would want to exercise their right to OC.

Post by **allingeneral** » Mon, 07 May 2012 08:45:35

scrubber3 wrote:I felt like people could see my gun..... Nah seriously, I actually felt like I should behave and act as an advocate for all others that would want to exercise their right to OC.

I agree with that and would add that I felt very "aware". I was aware of who was around me, and how close they were to me. I always kept a certain amount of Situational Awareness about me, but my SA went way up the first few times I OC'd. Now, regardless of where I am, I think my SA is much higher in normal circumstances than it was before I ever OC'd.

ZwergVl · Post by **ZwergVl** » Mon, 07 May 2012 09:33:56

thank you guys i really appreciate the feedback, and an overall greater situational awareness is a good thing to have

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KaosDad · Post by **KaosDad** » Mon, 07 May 2012 10:06:24

A lot of how you feel (especially in NOVA) will depend on where you are. The more rural you get, the comfort level goes up. If you OC in Ashburn, for example, be prepared for soccer moms grabbing their kids and screeching off to the van. OC in Purcellville and no one bats an eye.

One more suggestion - the Serpa might be a bit too much "in your face." Try a low profile leather holster or even do a VA Tuck with an IWB.

Again - basing this on NOVA, YMMV.

ZwergVl · Post by **ZwergVl** » Mon, 07 May 2012 10:16:33

KaosDad wrote:A lot of how you feel (especially in NOVA) will depend on where you are. The more rural you get, the comfort level goes up. If you OC in Ashburn, for example, be prepared for soccer moms grabbing their kids and screeching off to the van. OC in Purcellville and no one bats an eye.

One more suggestion - the Serpa might be a bit too much "in your face." Try a low profile leather holster or even do a VA Tuck with an IWB.

Again - basing this on NOVA, YMMV.

I'm in woodbridge so i bet a lot of people would notice so the comfort level isnt to good. I'm also working on finding a class for my CHP so I will probably get an IWB and just carry concealed once i get that. Comfort wise that would be the best way to go in my area, Thanks @KaosDad

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Reverenddel · Post by **Reverenddel** » Mon, 07 May 2012 12:54:59

Keep in mind that at one time, you had "Virginia Tuck", and if the restaurant had alcohol, you had to "tuck your shirt BEHIND the firearm" to remain legally carrying. So with me, it was simply just going from CC to OC.

Flat out OC? I carried a SMALL pistol, nothing to draw attention.

Then moved up...

Trying to find a way to open carry a Ruger .454 Casul, and not draw attention. HAHAHAHAHA KIDDING! ...maybe.

mamabearCali · Post by **mamabearCali** » Mon, 07 May 2012 13:03:09

I don't OC all the time, but I felt like my gun was huge and everyone's eyes wereon me. In reality most people barely look at each other so most people won't notice and those who do will likely think you are a LEO if they don't know that OC us legal.

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ZwergVl · Post by **ZwergVl** » Mon, 07 May 2012 14:24:04

I OC'd for the first time today, in Home Depot off of smoketown and in Giant in Mapledale Plaza. Nothing out of the norm happened. For the most part no one even noticed but those that did just glanced, no big deal to me. I was increasingly more conscientious about my surroundings which I dont mind either. Be safe everyone.

RugerJoe · Post by **RugerJoe** » Mon, 07 May 2012 14:52:57

I felt like Wyatt Earp. The CVS clerk nearly crapped himself when I drew on him and laughed.

VBshooter · Post by **VBshooter** » Mon, 07 May 2012 18:19:02

Felt a little self concious at first ,,but after a couple timesw it was like second nature;;.

Jamie · Post by **Jamie** » Mon, 07 May 2012 20:04:51

Honestly, I forgot about it a couple times when OC'ing and then couldn't figure out why people were reacting to me differently. I'm a pretty approachable guy (EVERYONE asks me for directions), so it was odd having people be stiffly formal. Not sure I liked it.

Not sure enough to buy bigger pants so I can CC, but that's the tradeoff.

YoungGunVA · Post by **YoungGunVA** » Tue, 08 May 2012 17:50:27

I very rarely OC. The only time I do is if I have to make a quick run to the store or something and dont feel like throwing on a button down (my cover garment of choice) I have only OCd once "just because" and I have never had anyone react any differently that I have noticed. I can agree with the point of being more aware of what's going on. I like to think my awareness has gone up a lot since I started carrying at all but when I OC I feel slightly vulnerable so I start to look at everyone and everything like Sherlock Holmes

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Jakeiscrazy · Post by **Jakeiscrazy** » Wed, 09 May 2012 11:28:33

I'll be OCing for the first time pretty soon now. Got my holster in(safariland ALS) and now just waiting on my next pay check to purchase my M&P. I'll let you guys know my first impressions.

vt800c · Post by **vt800c** » Wed, 09 May 2012 13:53:45

Usually I OC a 1911, but I am thinking of using my S&W M&P 15-22p. I think I can make a sling so it's on my back when I ride my motorcycle to and from the range. I find I get alot less tailgators on the bike when I OC.....

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