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So I think I figured out how I can practice carrying in public before I get my CHL. Wanted to make sure no one saw any problems with this. (No I'm not as stupid as this is starting to sound).

I went to wal-mart and got a sweet new 1911. That is, one of those clear plastic toy guns w/ an orange tip. It actually fits nicely in the holster that came w/ my XD. I figure i can carry that around to get used to the feel and what it takes to remain concealed w/o setting myself up for any trouble.

It's so obviously fake that if anyone happened to see they'd more likely think "what an idiot" before they thought "it's a maniac with a gun". Also I don't think anyone could make a case I was trying to make people believe I had the real deal since this thing is manufactured to be so not real looking.

Edit: I should have titled this post "Got my plastic"

The biggest difficulty (IMHO) in carrying a concealed handgun is the weight. It moves your clothes around. You wouldn't get that with a plastic pistol.

I recommend carrying wherever it is legal for you to carry, namely your home, and business if you own or manage one. You can also carry to and in your car, but you can't get out in a public place.

In the month or so that it takes for your application to be approved, you should be perfectly comfortable.

- Jim

Yeah I have been carrying around my house. I think this still helps me get in the mindset of thinking ahead and knowing where i'm carrying. For example I went to the convenience store and when i got to the cashier I realized my wallet was in my pocket on the side i was "carrying" on and had to be careful to make sure I didn't lift my jacket up too much.

Also I wouldn't mind filling this thing w/ cement to or something to simulate the weight. It's horribly manufactured and I can hardly shoot it at the little sticky target that came w/ it because each time you pull the slide too many of the little bbs fly out of the magazine and jams the thing up.

You could glue a good bit of weight to the handle of the toy gun with flattened fishing weights.

You could go all out and buy a new gun! A water gun! That way you would have a way to fill it with sand, or concrete if you can work out those logistics. Are you going to carry OWB when you get your plastic? I can't imagine trying to hide a paddle holster with a full size gun!

Good luck!

You have waited you entire life to get the CHL. Wait a few more months! it won't be that bad of a wait. Personally, I think carrying plastic guns just get people in trouble or possibly killed.

I don't get the logic here.......he is using the gun to practice concealing it.

jbirds1210 wrote:I don't get the logic here.......he is using the gun to practice concealing it.

If you want to practice something (after getting a little training), practice dry firing, drawing from the hip, drawing from concealment, etc. Practicing "concealing" is a process that should take you about 5 minutes.

Nobody ever won a gun fight by through precision concealment, just as no one ever won a gunfight by fast reholstering. Practice the things that will save your life.

I agree with carry around the house legally to get the feel of the weapon and see if the weapon prints during different movements, i carry a compact 1911 45 in a galco #100 iwb holster and forget i'm wearing it half the time it's so comfortable