I've had my plastic for a few days now and the holiday weekend was a great opportunity to get out there and build confidence in my ability to conceal my firearm and practice my situational awareness. I kind of felt obligated to make sure that WalMart was where I completed my first carry since that seems to be an unofficial rule here. I carried a M&P Shield 9mm with a molded kydex holster and I found that appendix carry worked best for me. The gun just disappeared and I was never nervous about any obvious printing or being spotted. It worked very well with my body shape so I was always comfortable, even in extended sitting situations. I visited my local mall, Target, a restaurant, etc. Everything felt natural except trying on pants in the fitting room. Probably because this is so new to me but it was odd removing the holster in the fitting room. My fiancé and I caught a movie and that's where I ran into my first 30.06 sign. I had to take a walk back to the car and put the gun in the trunk. That was a little annoying but I was proud of spotting the sign and making sure I was following the law like I was taught in my class. It was a little dark walking back to my car after the movie. Couldn't help but think what if something happened and my dang gun was in the trunk instead of on me. I ran into another 30.06 sign at a jewelry store where I was shopping for a wedding band to match my fiancé's engagement ring. All in all, it was a great weekend and a huge confidence builder. It's given me a lot to think about. I'll have a wife to protect soon so getting my CHL is feeling like a great decision so far. Hoping to be a responsible carrier for many years to come.
I did go to Jared but I'll definitely keep my options open. Thanks for the tip on Cinemark. The one at Vista Ridge mall is really close by so I'll be going there form now on.