If
you are reading this, you either have just gotten your concealed carry permit
(or got your first handgun and plan to carry for those states with constitutional
carry), or you are planning on getting yours, and you’re nervous about
carrying. It happens. When I first got mine, you feel as if
everyone is watching you, and you get worried.
Allow me to give you some tips to calm those nerves!
Carry and get it over with
One
of your main concerns may be that you think people know you’re carrying. Well, if you are carrying concealed, and carrying
concealed properly, then no one will ever know.
You may feel as if eyes are on you, but not many people are observant enough. Just make sure that your firearm does not
print or become exposed.
Side
note: “printing” is when the outline of a firearm can be seen through
clothing. In some states (like Florida
for example) it is completely legal for a firearm to print. In other states, it is highly illegal. It is best to check with your state laws for
information on that.
One
of the best ways to shake all fears is to carry in a crowded area. For example, the next time you go shopping,
carry. If you are armed in Walmart or
something like that, you will notice that no one pays any attention to
you. That’s both good and bad. Good because you can feel less concerned, bad
because if you are someone up to no good, they will probably go unnoticed as
well. After doing that a couple times,
you’ll start to get used to it.
Carry Consistently
If
you carry three different guns at different times in multiple different ways,
or if you only carry a couple times per month, you won’t be ready. Carry consistently. Find a firearm that you know, like, are comfortable
with, and can conceal and stick with it.
Carry it the same way all the time.
This will get you used it.
Practice
Practice
makes perfect. Along with carrying consistently,
when you are home, practice drawing your UNLOADED firearm. Know how to get to it. Know where it is at all times, what articles
of clothing to get out of the way, and so on.
If you carry, but can’t draw fast enough, it may be too late in a very
unfortunate situation.
You
need more then that though. You need to
know your firearm. Go to the range and
fire off some rounds. Know the
recoil. Know where it shoots. Know what to expect.
Use a Good Holster and Good Ammunition
If
you have a cheap “universal” holster that cannot safely secure your firearm, or
takes too long to draw out of, you probably will never feel 100% safe and
calm.
Spend a little extra to find a
good holster, and your problems will be solved.
I recommend
Tread
Softy Concealment holsters.
They are
high quality, at a price that even I can afford.
Just
as important as the right holster is the right ammunition.
As I mentioned earlier, you need to go to the
range and practice shooting.
Doing so is
a great chance to try out different types of ammunition.
So long as it’s legal in your state, I would
suggest a good hollow point round.
Since
it can get expensive to try out many different brands, look up some
hollow
point reviews and get one or two brands that you feel confident about.
Try them in your firearm to make sure they
cycle well (don’t cause jams or other malfunctions) and so you know how the recoil
will be.
Know the Laws
I am
not saying to become an attorney or police officer, but to shake off nerves, do
some research about carry laws in your state.
Remember that laws vary from
state to state. Know your state, and
know what you can and cannot do.
I DO
NOT recommend going to forums for this information. There is always someone who will say so
confidently that he or she knows something is correct, then that person is
either wrong, or is correct, but you are asking about one state, and the
information provided is for another.
That
is a reason why I normally don’t go into laws here since they can be so
different, and if I do, I list the state I am referring to. Your best bet is to either go to your state’s
website for information, or call your state or local police department and if
they cannot help you, they will be able to tell you where to go to get the
correct information.
ALWAYS
know they laws. Any law you break while
having a firearm on you (even legally) could ruin the rest of your life. Please, please, please always do your
research. Know where you can carry, and
where you can’t. To this day, even
though Florida (my state’s) law is very straight forward about where you can
carry, I will still call the police or the place in question about carrying if
I am unsure.
Be Confident and Smart
The
last thing is to be confident and smart.
That doesn’t mean be an ass or think you are a cop. You are simply a responsibly armed
citizen. Know you are armed, but don’t
let others know you are armed. If you do
what was mentioned previously, then you should very quickly get rid of your
nerves. Carry on, be safe, and be smart.
- Carry and get it over with
- Carry consistently
- Use a good holster and ammunition
- Know your state’s laws
- Be confident and smart
11:23 AM
DB Production Company
