What do I need to think about while getting ready to carry?

[WildWeasel]

Look into storage options for your vehicle. There are still times when you you cannot carry, like federal buildings. Tossing it under a seat isn't ideal.

 

[Blaster229]

Get a quality gun belt, it makes wearing so much more comfortable. Remember that a belt is a wear item, it'll need to be replaced in a couple years. Get a nice kodex holster, they keep shape to make reholstering easier. Practicing drawing and holstering. Remember you'll need longer shirts to keep concealed.

Think your gun choice through carefully. I'm a Glock guy because that's what I carry at work. That said, Glock is a combat pistol. It works dirty, and a carry gun gets dirty. It works dry, and a carry gun can get dry. A G43X is my next gun, because you can get a metal 15 round mag in the handle. I currently have a G43 and its a great compact carry gun. Glocks are simple, reliable, affordable and accurate guns. Lamborghini makes a nice car, but is not a daily driver...

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Leather gun belts are like shoes, you have more than 1 and you rotate them so they both wear evenly over the course of ownership. Same with leather holsters. I have 2 of the same that I have been rotating for over 20 years.

You don't need longer shirts if carrying inside the waistband.

All guns work dirty. No guns work well if not LUBED. Glock is no different. Glock doesn't overcome science or physics.

Guns don't "get dry". You allow them to not get LUBED. No excuse for not having your pistol lubed.

"carry" guns don't get dirty, they get fuzzy from lint. That amount depends on how bothered you get by it.

"Handle"

 

[alucard0822]

Find a class, that should be step 1, many are at ranges, and you may be able to rent a pistol for the class, or at least go ahead of time to try out a few. Ask 10 people what the best CCW peice is, you might get 10 different answers, but generally compact striker fired pistols of one flavor or another. It takes more practice and skill to be proficient with a subcompact G43, G26 or P365 being your pinkie is usually hanging off the grip, recoil is tougher to control, and sights are closer together than larger pistols, but they are more comfortable to carry. Larger G19s, G43X, P365XLs are probably better for someone with less experience, and still carry decently well. The best way to start out IMO is with an OWB holster worn at about 4:00, works well in class, you can cover it with a shirt or jacket to conceal, and even if you go IWB later on, it still works as a comfortable range holster or cold-weather carry. Training and experience will help guide you to gear that fits you, takes some time, but it's the way most find the rig they like best.

 

[babalou]

Plus

Save yourself some grief, carry concealed. Even if most people are cool with open carry, there will always be that one to try and cause problems.

Wouldn’t potential perps see it and know who to try to take down first? They may ignore you if concealed until their time is up

 

[babalou]

That church shooting recently

The gun is not so important. They all do the same thing. You will want to get comfortable carrying the gun in a safe fashion, accessing it in a safe fashion and reholstering it in a safe fashion. That would mean train8ng, training and training. shooting, drills, draws, etc. until you have the degree of comfort you won’t hurt yourself or someone unintended. Find a trainer you like and work with him and her for a while. Read ayoob’s book, in the gravest extreme, and then reread it. I have been a lawyer for 46 years and i still read that book. Shoot, shoot and shoot. Again, get yourself comfortable carrying a loaded gun on your person. And get yourself a real good holster. Don’t skimp. Stays open at the top when the gun is withdrawn and covers the trigger and trigger guard. And expect to change holsters and how you carry.

Ok the one poor giy who fumbled with his jacket tail to try to pull his gun from behind got shot and killed before that former PO killed the perp. My biological father carries his 43 up front ccw at his church in VA. I do not want to get on a tangent or heated discussions. But do most tend to carry up front or hip?

 

[Blaster229]

Wouldn’t potential perps see it and know who to try to take down first? They may ignore you if concealed until their time is up

Meh. There's a more important reason than being "found out". If you are carrying, then your head should be on a swivel looking for who could be a threat.

No one, and I mean no one practices weapon retention. Having a shirt over your blaster is HUGE in 1. prevention and 2. helping you keep it in where it needs to be in case someone goes at it.

 

[joppaj]

Adapt your wardrobe so you can carry the gun you want. Do not accept a gun that you want less because you're trying to be stylish. I've carried a concealed Glock 22 and a spare mag in MD for 20 years. I've never been identified. Concealment isn't rocket science.

 

[welder516]

I figure out what is going to match my CC Sash and my Tiara .

 

[BlueHeeler]

Save yourself some grief, carry concealed. Even if most people are cool with open carry, there will always be that one to try and cause problems.

Wouldn’t potential perps see it and know who to try to take down first? They may ignore you if concealed until their time is up

Concealed carry is preferable if you want to avoid calls to the police for "man with a gun", rabid anti gunners wanting to debate, hoplophobes, anti gun shop owners that might ban guns if they knew there are in their shop...

It is easiest on you to blend in with the pack and make no waves.

Also you have the element of surprise that you know something no one else knows.

 

[spoon059]

Leather gun belts are like shoes, you have more than 1 and you rotate them so they both wear evenly over the course of ownership. Same with leather holsters. I have 2 of the same that I have been rotating for over 20 years.

You don't need longer shirts if carrying inside the waistband.

All guns work dirty. No guns work well if not LUBED. Glock is no different. Glock doesn't overcome science or physics.

Guns don't "get dry". You allow them to not get LUBED. No excuse for not having your pistol lubed.

"carry" guns don't get dirty, they get fuzzy from lint. That amount depends on how bothered you get by it.

"Handle"

Not sure why the snark is neccessary.
Leather belts eventually stretch and aren't as good. That's a fact.
I'm 6-04. I have some shirts that aren't long enough to cover when I carry concealed. You sit down, the back of your shirt rides up and can catch on your gun. Longer shirts prevent that problem.
We used to carry Beretta B92 pistols in my department. They are a wet gun (like ARs) and want lots of oil. Other pistols like to be wet. That's a pain in the neck for carrying. "Wet" guns attract and hold more dirt than "dry" guns.
Glocks are torture tested. Reality is what it is... many people don't care for their guns like they should. I clean and oil twice a year... I should do it a lot more, but I don't. That's a reality for people that aren't great on maintenance. I've had my AR malfunction from not keeping it wet enough. We shot over a thousand rounds in a day and my gun didn't have enough oil to last throughout the training day, I learned my lesson. And yes, gun oils evaporate and "get dry".
Carry guns get dirtier than safe queens. A gun that works well dirty is a better bet. Glocks are ugly, chunky guns that work well dry and dirty.
Again... ease up on the snarky attitude. My points are valid. I've carried almost every day for 18 years. I've learned some things over the years. OP was asking what to expect, I'm giving him valuable advice. Your old crank attitude isn't necessary.

 

[Blaster229]

Not sure why the snark is neccessary.
Leather belts eventually stretch and aren't as good. That's a fact.
I'm 6-04. I have some shirts that aren't long enough to cover when I carry concealed. You sit down, the back of your shirt rides up and can catch on your gun. Longer shirts prevent that problem.
We used to carry Beretta B92 pistols in my department. They are a wet gun (like ARs) and want lots of oil. Other pistols like to be wet. That's a pain in the neck for carrying. "Wet" guns attract and hold more dirt than "dry" guns.
Glocks are torture tested. Reality is what it is... many people don't care for their guns like they should. I clean and oil twice a year... I should do it a lot more, but I don't. That's a reality for people that aren't great on maintenance. I've had my AR malfunction from not keeping it wet enough. We shot over a thousand rounds in a day and my gun didn't have enough oil to last throughout the training day, I learned my lesson. And yes, gun oils evaporate and "get dry".
Carry guns get dirtier than safe queens. A gun that works well dirty is a better bet. Glocks are ugly, chunky guns that work well dry and dirty.
Again... ease up on the snarky attitude. My points are valid. I've carried almost every day for 18 years. I've learned some things over the years. OP was asking what to expect, I'm giving him valuable advice. Your old crank attitude isn't necessary.

What's snarky about saying rotate out leather products so they last longer?
That's actual experience talking.

You don't tell someone to get a Glock because it works well when dry. That's BS. Lube your fcking pistol. REGARDLESS of the pistol. Life is on the line. What if he doesn't like a Glock or shoot one very well, then what?

I concealed carried for almost 20 years, every work day, all over the world. I know an nth amount about actual concealed carrying as a my primary job. Not just throwing it my pants on the days I didn't have to wear a uniform.

Carrying is just more than "get a longer shirt". It's placement, it's planning what your activities might be on how you might carry that day. And a lot more that's impossible to get into typing on a forum

If you want to give "invaluable advice", then explain why.

 

[Stoveman]

I figure out what is going to match my CC Sash and my Tiara .

This right here ^^^ and don't forget your CCW badge.

 

[Bob A]

I figure out what is going to match my CC Sash and my Tiara .

Just so.

Style is everything when it comes to CCW.

 

[Park ranger]

Over the years, you will decide (I hope) that several different guns are required. Sometimes a 380 is the right choice, then sometimes a full size 1911 with a jackass rig is the way to go.

Eventually you have a beautiful collection. Figure on about 5 holsters per gun you own. Along the way, you will spend lots of money and time testing out hst, vs gold dot, vs xtp, vs fmj. Then you'll realize you need a flashlight, so make sure you buy a gun with a rail. Then you'll realize you should have a way to defend your self with non lethal tools, and buy a few cans is OC.

Give your wife a heads up now to expect this question every day for 6 months. "Can you tell I'm wearing a gun now. How about now? "

By the time you need to renew your permit. You'll have it figured out.

 

[rob]

You don't need to be a Georgia resident to be able to carry almost "anywhere south of MD." Just saying.

SC is still a problem for GA residents, I think.

Nope. Reciprocity between SC and GA.

Rob.

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[Biggfoot44]

What Joppa said . Concealment is more about the clothing than the gun .

 

[HSTD]

Get a good belt, that will help keep the gun & holster secure. I like:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TOJKWU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The belt is reinforced and won't sag.

 

[travistheone]

glock. kydek in waistband holster (appendix or strong side hip. belt that can handle the weight of the gun and cinch tighter.

don't reinvent the wheel, not the time to experiment with goofy stuff. 90 percent of issues at classes come from people who think they know better than the gun manufacturer.

 

[Tebonski]

It will be close and fast. You might be getting stomped or repeatedly punched. Simplicity. Forget sights. Point and shoot. Reliability is key. Fancy glow in the dark sights, neon sights, adjustable sights are meaningless. Point and shoot. Practice close. Two feet, five feet. Wrestling with attackers with an automatic you might get one shot off. Revolver, five shot, 38+P, guaranteed five shots. Probably.

 

[davsco]

I also need to get a pistol that is appropriate for carry. What I have is really too big to carry comfortably. I plan on hitting a range with rentals to help pick out a new gun.

love my glock 43x and aiwb tulester holster. half the time i forget it's there. super easy on and off with the belt clip. 10+1 capacity is decent and i haven't tried yet but another company is making thinwall metal mags that hold like 15, still flush fitting.