Carrying Advice?

[suburbanredneck]

I grew up in the backwoods of PA. Everyone in my family hunted. Heck, everyone in the state hunts, so I became quite comfortable around rifles and shotguns. I wasn't introduced to handguns until a few years ago. I recently picked up my concealed permit and an SP101. I have yet to actually conceal in public, and to be honest I'm a bit nervous about holstering a loaded handgun away from the range. I know there are safeguards that prevent the revolver from accidentally firing, and the likelihood of the trigger being pulled by a foreign object is extremely low. I don't feel uncomfortable wandering through nature with a loaded rifle, but concealed carry away from the woods somehow seems more intimidating. Any advice?

[shulatt]

I'm sure the more knowledgeable folk here will have a lot of pertinent and useful advise for you. What got me more comfortable with carrying in public was carrying at home (both open and concealed) and getting used to the weight, position, bulge, etc until I didn't feel as much like a gun walking around the house with a guy attached as someone going about their daily business who happened to be wearing a sidearm. The first time I walked out to get the mail and was reminded by my neighbor asking "Is that a pistol? What model is it?" that I was carrying was a bit of a shock sinceI was certain I wouldn't get used to it as quickly as I did.

Shawn

[zephyp]

Thats simple. First a modern revolver will not fire unless the trigger is pulled. Second buy a holster that covers the trigger guard - most do. Check some out at your local gun store. I have 3 holsters and all of them cover the guard. No way that trigger is going anywhere unless I draw the gun and pull it myself. Once you decide on a holster, try it around your house unloaded until you build the confidence. Also wear it at the range. One thing about carrying - make sure you trust yourself and your equipment. You'll be fine.

[SgtBill]

All of the above and also place the weapon in the holster prior to putting it on your belt or inside of your trousers.
Bill

[communicator7]

I agree with everyone else. Practice at home first. I carry unloaded at a friend's house who has 5 acres because I want to get used to walking on uneven terrain as well. It is scary but that's why you got your CCW to protect yourself in a variety of situations. We're all in the same boat so practice builds confidence.

[CajunBass]

First of all you are going to think everyone is staring at you. They aren't. NOBODY will notice if you make any attempt to cover up at all. Not soccer moms. Not cops. Not "little old ladies in tennis shoes." Not anybody.

Shoot, most people don't even notice when I open carry. Those that do, don't seem to give a hoot either.

It took me a couple of days to get over that feeling. I remember the first day I had my permit, going into a WaWa store with a 38 snubbie in my jacket pockt, and two Chesterfield cops came in. I just knew they KNEW. I half expected to be slammed to the ground and handcuffed. They of course didn't even glance at me. I'm not sure if I was disapointed or not.