TheSoundGrip wrote: ↑Tue Jun 18, 2019 9:19 pm
Passed my class today, getting the fingerprints done tomorrow and submitting my application once I get home from Identogo. Hopefully I won't be sitting in the waiting room too long.
I have been concealed carrying around the house since I purchased my G19 in October after I turned 21 and have been trying to decide what position I will be carrying once I have my LTC. I've noticed I've moved my holster around a few times trying to decide where I feel most comfortable; from SOB, to 3 o'clock and now back and forth between 3 o'clock and appendix. My question is how did y'all decide where to carry and make the determination of what was most comfortable? I have always been told you'll never be comfortable carrying a firearm in any position at first, but was curious how long it took y'all to decide if that was the 'right' spot for the job or not. My current setup is a G19 with a CYA gun-molded IWB holster and a Blackhawk universal double stack mag holster that I flip belt clip out to carry my mag close to my body. May move to something like a T-Rex Arms or something if I decide to carry appendix.
Also, I know it's pretty much pointless to carry without a round in the chamber (IMO-its a paperweight if you need it quickly and ready), but for some reason I have some anxiety that I could accidentally shoot myself or discharge while holstering if something catches my trigger like my shirt or something on the holster without realizing it is in the way. I will occasionally carry a round in the chamber, but it's normally when I am carrying 3'o clock IWB or in my OWB holster and while at the range. Anyone else have this anxiety at first? How'd you overcome it? I am confident in my own gun safety practice while carrying and do exercise caution while holstering, but it's kinda just the thought that I've got something that fires a projectile at around 1500 ft./s pointing towards my body that I am just not used to yet...especially when I'm carrying appendix with a firearm pointed at my...appendages. Any advice?
Thanks
As with most things in life, it comes down to which risks we are willing to manage and which benefits matter most to us.
The first pistol I carried was an M1911A1. First Cavalry Division (1CD), 1974. When I got my then CHL and first civilian pistol in 2013, I carried it the same way that I had been trained to carry the 1911. No thinking or planning, just habit. My Tanfoglio BTA90 is a DA/SA, similar in may respects to the 1911. I carried it at 3 to 3:15 in an IWB holster with my shirt tucked in. When on my own property, I carried openly. Always with a loaded magazine, empty chamber, hammer down. About a year later, I had my own epiphany and realized that I could not be certain I would have the use of both hands or the time required to chamber a round when the evil threat presented. That is when I begain to carry with a round in the chamber. I was never uncomfortable doing so, as I understood that the pistol would not fire without the trigger being moved and I was confident in my holstering manipulations. Carrying on my strong side hip made holstering easier for me. Training and practice will build your confidence.
My wife carries her Walther PPS M2 LE in a Remora RFT pocket holster, round chambered. Reholstering in a pocket holster is problematic, but since she will only reholster after the threat is stopped, she can do so slowly and safely. Training and practice is key to your confidence in your gun handling. I've arranged for LTC classes and other training for my 86 year old father, youngest brother, and 20 year old son. They all carry a little differently, but all have a round in the chamber. They carry M&P M2.0, as do I. My brothers Shield 9mm is the only one with a manual safety, which he leaves off while carrying. I've also arranged for training for my two youngest sons, 20 and 18.
You asked how we decided on our carry position. That is very personal, in that it is so unique to each person. My wife refuses to wear a belt, so a belt holster was out. I have all of my family members start by carrying concealed. They can switch to carrying openly when they feel that is best. For each of us, the primary concern was being able to draw easily and quickly. Then concealment was a consideration.
For my wife, pocket carry with the grip out of the pocket of her jeans and covered by her blouse gives her good concealment and easy access to the pistol.
My son started carrying his S&W M&P M2.0 Compact 9mm 4inch in a Bravo Concealment DOS IWB holster at 3:30 to 4. Now he carries in a Safariland 7TS ALS with QLS and Guard on his belt or in a thigh rig. Works well for him when riding his motorcycle. Being able to access his pistol while wearing his protective gear was a prime consideration.
My father carries his S&W M&P M2.0 Compact 9mm 4inch in a Safariland 7TS ALS with a belt clip at 3, usually concealed under a jacket. My brother carries his Shield IWB at 3. This position makes it easy for them to draw while offering good concealment.
Since 1/1/16, I have carried openly. My S&W M&P M2.0 9mm 5inch 17+1 rides in a Safariland 7TS ALS with Guard and QLS at 3. For me, this is best position for drawing whether standing or seated. If I have to conceal, I will remove my holstered M&P from my Kore Essentials gun belt and secure it. Then, I'll proceed with my Ruger LCR .38 in a Remora RFT pocket holster concealed in my cargo pocket.
Even when I had to conceal my primary pistol, I have never concealed my extra magazines.
Again, training and practice are essential to your confidence. Go to YouTube.com and search for "active self protection appendix carry". John Correia has several videos on appendix carry. John Lovell, of the Warrior Poet Society, also has several. Search for "warrior poet society appendix carry".
Training is important. There are many good trainers in the DFW area. I don't know any, as I live near Austin. I sure the forum members who live in your area can recommend trainers.
Be safe and carry.