Getting comfortable

[loveslattes]

Hello everyone. I got my CHL a couple of weeks ago. I have purchased a Sig P238 to carry. I got it at about the same time as my license so have only been to the range with it 3 times. I had never even shot before late October, but have been practicing weekly since then (mostly with a 9mm). I was very excited about getting my license but have found myself uncomfortable actually carrying. And it's because I'm afraid of an accidental discharge.

I understand that the "proper" way to carry my Sig is "cocked and locked". I am not nervous about carrying it without a round in the chamber, but I want to be able to carry it the way it is intended to be carried. Can I get some suggestions or feedback?

I read somewhere to chamber a snap cap and go "cocked and locked" with a full magazine and carry like that for a few months to get comfortable with it. But (remember, I'm a newbie) I thought snap caps don't actually eject. If I needed to use the pistol, wouldn't that place me in a complicated position?

So I'm thinking maybe I should just carry with an unchambered round (and the safety on) for a few weeks until I get comfortable with that. But here is my real question... if I have it cocked and locked and something causes the hammer to release (but not the trigger), will the gun fire? I realize I've just shown a lot of ignorance with this question but I am trying to make certain I understand. And please know that I do see a defensive carry/shooting class in my future (and maybe one for females).

I was really looking forward to getting my CHL and, now that I have it, I am really understanding the huge responsibility it is to carry and be safe. Thanks for your feedback!

[Wodathunkit]

What part of the state are you in? I'm sure we can find you a "gal with a gun" class that can boost your confidence level with your wonderful fire arm?

[baldeagle]

Hello everyone. I got my CHL a couple of weeks ago. I have purchased a Sig P238 to carry. I got it at about the same time as my license so have only been to the range with it 3 times. I had never even shot before late October, but have been practicing weekly since then (mostly with a 9mm). I was very excited about getting my license but have found myself uncomfortable actually carrying. And it's because I'm afraid of an accidental discharge.

I understand that the "proper" way to carry my Sig is "cocked and locked". I am not nervous about carrying it without a round in the chamber, but I want to be able to carry it the way it is intended to be carried. Can I get some suggestions or feedback?

I read somewhere to chamber a snap cap and go "cocked and locked" with a full magazine and carry like that for a few months to get comfortable with it. But (remember, I'm a newbie) I thought snap caps don't actually eject. If I needed to use the pistol, wouldn't that place me in a complicated position?

The reason you carry a weapon is for self defense. Even if you develop tremendous awareness of your surroundings, the likelihood that you would have to fire your weapon shortly after drawing it in a life threatening situation is high. Furthermore, your adrenaline will be pumping and you will have tunnel vision, so remembering to remove a snap cap or to rack the slide will be difficult and most likely cost you precious seconds that could mean the difference between life and death. Your best chance to survive lies in constant practice, developing excellent situational awareness and having your weapon ready to go when needed.

So I'm thinking maybe I should just carry with an unchambered round (and the safety on) for a few weeks until I get comfortable with that.

What happens if you need your weapon during that time?

But here is my real question... if I have it cocked and locked and something causes the hammer to release (but not the trigger), will the gun fire?

The next time you go to the range, test it. That will give you the confidence you need to carry cocked and locked. The more familiar you become with the operation of your weapon, the more comfortable you will be carrying it in a prepared defensive posture.

I realize I've just shown a lot of ignorance with this question but I am trying to make certain I understand.

The only stupid question is the one you never ask.

And please know that I do see a defensive carry/shooting class in my future (and maybe one for females).

I can highly recommend Crossfire if you are in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. In fact, my wife is considering taking her class again and bringing one of our daughters with her.

I was really looking forward to getting my CHL and, now that I have it, I am really understanding the huge responsibility it is to carry and be safe. Thanks for your feedback!

That's the greatest realization you could have had. You are well on your way to being another responsible CHL holder.

[cheezit]

so far as getting used to carrying it in coked and locked condition. i could suggest carring it around the house for a few days like that with nothing in the chamber. after a few days you will hopefully see the hammer and the safty are in the position you left them

[loveslattes]

Thanks for the replies. I am in the DFW area so class suggestions will be appreciated. Actually, Dallas is more convenient than FW, but I've noticed an appealing class at Shoot Smart in FW.

[SF18C]

Carrying with an unchambered round is still better than not carrying at all!

Being comfortable is very important, take your time and don't force it.

[baldeagle]

Thanks for the replies. I am in the DFW area so class suggestions will be appreciated. Actually, Dallas is more convenient than FW, but I've noticed an appealing class at Shoot Smart in FW.

Crossfire teaches a gun safety class near the Texas Motor Speedway. My wife enjoyed it a great deal. I was with her and thought the class was very helpful.

SF18C, thanks for mentioning that. I should have included that in what I wrote.

[johncanfield]

Congrats on your CHL!

My wife carries a P238 cocked/locked and she's very comfortable carrying like that and like other have suggested, get some range time with your Sig. I would put 500 rounds through it to get it broken in (and you .) The range time is also important because the gun has such a short sight radius (not much distance between the front and rear sight) you need practice to put rounds where you want on the target.

A major part of the comfort/safety factor is using a good holster. Finally after months of looking, I found a holster that my wife really, really likes - "The Betty" - designed by a woman specifically for women. She's tried the Remora but those wouldn't work with all of her outfits, sometimes the holster would slip down and she would have to keep fiddling with it.

Another carry option that my wife likes (and me) with certain outfits is the Kangroo Carry - she'll wear a camisole with the Kangroo over it.

My wife wanted to carry the Sig in her purse sometimes but I was firmly against that (won't get into that discussion now) so now she's in the habit of carrying all the time on her body mostly in The Betty holster.

[Wodathunkit]

Congrats on your CHL!

My wife carries a P238 cocked/locked and she's very comfortable carrying like that and like other have suggested, get some range time with your Sig. I would put 500 rounds through it to get it broken in (and you .) The range time is also important because the gun has such a short sight radius (not much distance between the front and rear sight) you need practice to put rounds where you want on the target.

A major part of the comfort/safety factor is using a good holster. Finally after months of looking, I found a holster that my wife really, really likes - "The Betty" - designed by a woman specifically for women. She's tried the Remora but those wouldn't work with all of her outfits, sometimes the holster would slip down and she would have to keep fiddling with it.

Another carry option that my wife likes (and me) with certain outfits is the Kangroo Carry - she'll wear a camisole with the Kangroo over it.

My wife wanted to carry the Sig in her purse sometimes but I was firmly against that (won't get into that discussion now) so now she's in the habit of carrying all the time on her body mostly in The Betty holster.

X2 on the Betty, my wife loves hers. http://Www.thewellarmedwoman.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Divided Attention]

If you have a good holster, carrying cocked and locked is not an issue. I have walked this portion of your journey. I grew up around revolvers, and SA guns were "complicated machines" when I started this. I have; and love, a P238. I am hunting for the big sister (938) at a less than gouged price; but I digress.

PRACTICE HOW YOU WILL CARRY! Practice WITH what you will carry. I understand that mechanics and any practice is beneficial, but get as much range time in with your carry weapon as possible. In addition while I know carry ammo is expensive, plan to put several magazines through your carry sidearm with the self defense ammo. It is (at least mine is) a stouter load and feels different. You don't want the first time it feels different to be when you are running on adrenalin and it causes you to freeze. Worse yet, you want to be sure it will run reliably through your gun.

I am almost positive there is "A Girl And A Gun" club chapter up there. Google them. Crossfire is a great instructor, that is a fabulous idea.

You are absolutely right, it is a HUGE responsibility, and your mind set is great! Keep up the good work, seeking training, running scenarios in your head, and practice, practice practice!

I would also recommend a few "good" reads. A Cornered Cat (also a website & blog) by Kathy Jackson; The Gift of Fear by Gavin deBecker; Facing Violence by Rory Miller.

Blessings in your journey! and WELCOME!!

[loveslattes]

Thank you for the additional replies. I have a Betty on order and am looking forward to getting it. I will check out the Kangaroo products.

I LOVE Cornered Cat and especially like the tips she posts daily on FB. I'm not familiar with the other reading recommendations so I will look into them.

Several of you have recommended Crossfire, but I only find a basic gun course (besides CHLs and reloading) on their site. I've done a basic intro course and want to move on to defense (though I know my question about the hammer vs trigger probably makes one think I need the basic class again!). The ShootSmart course (sorry, would insert a link here but the preview of my draft showed me I failed) looks appealing, but I'll also see what I can find with "Girl with a Gun".

Thanks for all the advice. And, DividedAttention, love your signature verse!

[loveslattes]

Thanks, again, for the recommendations. I received my Kangaroo Carry and wore it today. It is certainly do-able and I can see where I may be using it quite often. My Betty came in the mail today. I love it! I'll wear it tonight when we go out to dinner. I've carried for two days now. I'm "locked and cocked" but my chamber is empty! Baby steps, right?! Thanks, guys!