Just got my CHL and went out for the first time!

[nwoodco1]

Just went to the store carrying for the first time, felt different, but good
Any tips?

[Flightmare]

It will likely feel a bit different for awhile. If you're concealed carrying, you're usually paranoid about whether people can see it or not. The vast majority of people are totally oblivious to it, even if you're open carrying. One of the guys at breakfast was telling the story about having a conversation with someone face to face for several minutes. The guy never noticed he was open carrying.

[kayt00]

It will likely feel a bit different for awhile. If you're concealed carrying, you're usually paranoid about whether people can see it or not. The vast majority of people are totally oblivious to it, even if you're open carrying. One of the guys at breakfast was telling the story about having a conversation with someone face to face for several minutes. The guy never noticed he was open carrying.

What Flightmare said above. Also...

1. Resist the urge to try to touch it while out and about on your day...don't worry it's still there
2. Practice how you'll handle biological situations in a crowded restroom, or just a restroom with open
stalls
3. Brreath, relax, and enjoy it

[G40yes]

Glad to hear there’s another good citizen carrying.

[Tex1961]

Make sure and get a good sturdy gun belt.

[strogg]

Congratulations!

You'll be surprised how little people notice others carrying. For me personally, far more people have pointed out my flashlight mistaking it for a firearm than people have actually pointed out my firearm.

[Humanclone]

Something I do while I open carry in a crowed area is I keep my right arm kinda straight covering my pistol. Best tip I can give you is train, train, train. When you go to the range practice drawing from your iwb/owb holster. Carry safe!!

[SigM4]

Make sure and get a good sturdy gun belt.

Yes, you’ll be shocked at how a real gun belt carries versus a non-gun belt. Armor Belts are my favorite, but many good brands out there.

Oh, and congrats.

[Ed4032]

A Wally Walk is required. Pics too.

[ident]

A Wally Walk is required. Pics too.

Or if you are in the Austin area, a Capitol walk.

[OneGun]

A Wally Walk is required. Pics too.

Walmart is over rated. Go to a movie, a nice restaurant, things you do normally.

[The Annoyed Man]

When did the Wally Walk go out of fashion? I recall being denied my man card in the early days of my membership here, on the grounds that my trip to a sushi bar was not enough of a test. So I went and did my Wally Walk, and posted pictures here to prove it. Then I got my man card back.



Man, that seems like a long time ago, but it was only about 11 years.

[SigM4]

When did the Wally Walk go out of fashion? I recall being denied my man card in the early days of my membership here, on the grounds that my trip to a sushi bar was not enough of a test. So I went and did my Wally Walk, and posted pictures here to prove it. Then I got my man card back.



Man, that seems like a long time ago, but it was only about 11 years.

Haha, I remembered substituting my H-E-B walk for the Wally walk all those years ago. Man how things change.

OP, before you know it it’ll be second nature. For now it’s new and exciting (and somewhat nerve wracking) but like most things repetitions breeds familiarity. Enjoy your new freedom.

[oljames3]

Congrats, nwoodco1, and welcome. I remember carrying my first pistol. I had just received my CHL and bought a DA/SA 9mm from my wife's aunt. We were on our way to Colorado. I carried concealed in Texas, then switched to carrying openly in NM and CO. Now, I carry my S&W M&P M2.0 9mm 5inch openly.

You will adjust and it will get easier. This forum is a great place to learn.

[nwoodco1]

When did the Wally Walk go out of fashion? I recall being denied my man card in the early days of my membership here, on the grounds that my trip to a sushi bar was not enough of a test. So I went and did my Wally Walk, and posted pictures here to prove it. Then I got my man card back.



Man, that seems like a long time ago, but it was only about 11 years.

I did a Kroger walk yesterday, didn't think to take pictures though!