Concealed Carry Lifestyle

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+1 for the supertuck. i wish I had found it earlier, i would not have toyed with pocket pistols had i known.
 
Second, DON'T "fool with" the gun. Once it is on, LEAVE it on until your day is done. A holstered gun is a safe gun. Hands on the gun, manipulating it, drawing it, holstering it, loading and unloading, are times of increased risk and must be times of increased concentration. Minimize them to whatever extent you can. You are far safer with the gun holstered on your belt sitting on your girlfriend's couch than you are sitting in your car drawing, emptying, hiding, loading, reholstering, etc. that gun.

I wholeheartedly agree.

Third, ditch the "off-body" carry idea -- unless you've never forgotten anything anywhere, ever. You're either going to look very odd, clutching a "day planner" or "man purse" at every moment like a security blanket -- or you're going to be setting it down VERY often with all the attendant risks of having someone else open it/access it, and just walking away from it and having to race back through your steps praying against hope that it's still where you left it.

Yeah... I was not too fond of this idea. If it's not in my possession at all times, then it is in danger of being in someone else's. Putting your car keys next to it so you don't forget it is a good idea to help you remember to take your firearm but knowing myself I would probably take the keys and then leave the firearm lol

I think you've chosen a good holster. Make sure you have a GREAT belt -- very stiff, a real GUN belt, no Walmart stuff -- and wear pants and a belt big enough to fit your gun and holster comfortably. Then wear it often. Soon it will feel strange to NOT have it on your side.

I was planning on buying a 1.5" leather 5.11 belt (5.11 is the brand). Similar to this one but 1.5": http://www.511tactical.com/browse/H...elt/D/30100/P/1:100:50000:50800:50806/I/59418

Btw, EnderWiggins, LOVE the screen-name.

:D Thank you.

I appreciate all the feedback. I can't wait to receive my holster and see if it really lives up to all the "comfort" hype.
 
Don't overlook the shoulder holster option. It's out of fashion right now, but used to be the preferred method.

You're either going to look very odd, clutching a "day planner" or "man purse" at every moment like a security blanket -- or you're going to be setting it down VERY often with all the attendant risks of having someone else open it/access it, and just walking away from it and having to race back through your steps praying against hope that it's still where you left it.

It depends on lifestyle. I carry with the maxpedition all the time, and haven't had problems with it. It's either on me or stowed with the revolver locked up. But certainly, if you choose this method it has to be GLUED to you or locked up. There is no third option. I keep my wallet in there too as extra insurance that I'll never forget the thing.
 
I just got my supertuck 2 days ago and it's great. I did some laying around with the wife on the couch and it was a little awkward, but not so bad that I won't get used to it. The only problem I have encountered so far is how tight I have to wear my belt. For now I am just loosing it a little when I am home.

I also got the belt from Crossbreed.
 
For me a different mode of carry works. I usually just put my CCW in a paddle holster and slip it on and off as needed. I can wear an LCP with scrubs all day and have no problems also so platform may have something to do with it.
 
I don't post here much but this is the way I see it in this case...

1. If you're THAT worried about an accidental discharge, then buy a different gun. Yes I know that Glocks are "perfect" and are currently in vogue. Still, they have an ABSOLUTELY CRAPPY safety system. So, if you don't want accidental handlings to accidentally discharge the weapon buy something with a manual safety.

2. I lie on my weapon often. Yes it's uncomfortable at times. But, it's NEVER supposed to be "comfortable" only comforting. The fact that lying on it reminds me that I have that chunk of steel on my hip is comforting and I just shift until it's OK.

3. Your gal should be taught the Eddie Eagle stuff. Yes it's for kids but it works for adults. NO TOUCHIE! is a great rule. BTW, I have a place where I put my weapon when sleeping or doing other things in all the places where I visit frequently. That is MY SPACE!!! and NOTHING is allowed to be there except what I put there. It's only 1 sq ft but it's MINE! and that's where I put my weapon when it's not on my person. It's "safe" from anyone else's fingers because everyone knows that what is there is not for them to look at, fondle, drool on, etc. even if it's not behind a lock. If your gal can't abide this, or by your carrying, or by seeing your guns sometimes, then find another gal.

4. Kids in the house require that the weapon be ON YOUR PERSON or locked up. If you and your gal get serious one day, there may be kids in your future. If so, you do not want to get into the "put it on a table" habit. Start the good habits now so you won't ever forget tomorrow.

5. CCW is not that different from a non-CCW lifestyle. There are things you do and things you don't do. Like brushing your teeth a certain way, shower shaving or not, and the like. Stuff like this is just more of those things you do and don't do.
 
We all ask these same questions when we start to carry. How often to carry? Where/when to carry? What weapon? What holster?

I have several rules that are never broken when it comes to firearms, and one of them is that a loaded weapon is ALWAYS either locked up or on my person/in my control. I can't leave it laying around somewhere either in my house or someone elses house.

I also am a stickler about keeping my weapons holstered once I take them out of their locked home. A holstered gun eliminates the the chance of an N.D.

These limitations led me to a small enough weapon to conceal every day (j Frame) and two different types of holsters that I use depending on what is going on that day. when I know I won't have to disarm, I put my j frame in a blackhawk speed OWB holster. when I know I will be having to possibly arm/disarm throughout the day, I put the revolver in a mika pocket holster.

I use the mika pocket holster most often now, as I can put it in a center console when I drive (I consider that under my control). When I am out of the car, I lock the doors (I consider that out of my control, but KINDA locked). I don't have to handle the weapon out of the holster each time I disarm.

For your concerns of being at someone elses home and not wanting to disarm, I think your problem is that the Glock 26 along with the Supertuck is simply the wrong system for you in that situation. It is a great gun in and of itself, but it doesn't seem to meet your needs. Also, the crossbreed is a fantastic IWB holster, but not for someone that may desire to take it on and off more than once a day.

I would get something like an LCP in a nice pocket holster for visiting the lady. Also, if I was sleeping over, I would either lock the weapon in the car at night, or preferably bring something inside to lock it up. Because by definition, if I am sleeping with a firearm, I am not in control of it and it isn't locked up.

There will also come a time after enough laying in bed to watch TV that you will definitely need to lose the firearm. Ah, new love...
 
Well, when I go to my S.O.' house ... I'm at my own house. She hasn't asked for her own house yet. :D

Anyway ... once your holster "wears in" it should be about as comfortable as having a thick wallet in your hip pocket. If you normally carry a thick wallet in your hip pocket, try switching to a front pocket wallet for a few months and then go back to carrying a thick wallet in your hip pocket. You'll notice just how uncomfortable it is. However, if you've carried a wallet in your hip pocket all your life you don't even notice that it's there. Same concept with a gun/holster.

Second, I'm not sure of the environment in your S.O.'s house, but if it's as manic as it sounds (you're not sure if someone will come by, grab your gun and start fiddling with it while you're lying around watching TV) I wouldn't allow that gun to be off your body for one second.

Best of luck to you in getting comfortable with carrying. It's definitely not for everyone ... just like carrying a thick wallet in your hip pocket. :D
 
Until you start carrying it you don't know if it is a problem or not. If it is maybe you need a second place to move it to, a G26 will fit in a cargo pocket or an ankle if you are not walking much. If you put it in a cargo pocket use a holster. Cardboard and duct tape will work as a temporary fix.
 
I have a 1911 that feels best 5:00, and HK at 3:30 in Supertucks. Just got to try positions
in wasteband and cant/height.

I can cuddle with wife as long as I get back and lay left. Never notice gun.
 
just take it off and tuck it under the couch or under the cushion or something.

I would NEVER do this. You forget that gun and the next day your significant others 6 year old nephew stops over, finds the gun...and you have a tragedy on your hands. Keep the gun in your possession at all times or get a security box, bolt it inside your trunk, and store it there.

Alternatively, you could get a small security safe to leave at her house and lock it up while you are there.
 
You will forget its there after so long, until you go somewhere without it in which case you will feel like you forgot to wear shoes or pants. I own several different holster makes so i can carry in different positions in different outfits.
 
I adore my supertucks. I carry a PM9 w/ CT and a Kimber Ultra carry w/ CT as a professional issue, which depending on duty and location, and I am never without. I put in in the britches when I pull 'em up in the morning, and it goes into the pillow holster when I retire. Between, it is there in the holster. period. Find the right location with that supertuck, and just wear it. The only thing that could possibly be an issue is when you are doing your inverted sit-ups to pop up those incredible abs and the weapon... nah never mind... Seriously. It's a holster you can live with.

Really. Just wear it. Off body is an unacceptable risk. In the home is where you will need is the most if needed, and once you are inthe groove, it just becomes a part of the daily wear. Like deoderant or underwear. (for most of us) You just wear it. It's the right thing to do...
 
I wouldn't leave it in the car. It might get stolen. I'd suggest to keep it on you. I also carry in a CB and do not feel it is uncomfortable to the point I need to take it off. Break in the holster and maybe it won't be an issue.:)
 
I've never considered tool ownership and usage to be a 'lifestyle'.
I don't have a 'car lifestyle' simply because I own and use a car daily, or a 'computer lifestyle' simply because I use them to earn a living, etc.
I own several dozen handguns and long guns, and have for most of my 57 years. But there are many diverse factors which go into making up my 'lifestyle'.

As for the original post? Seems like a lot of over-thinking to me.
You might mellow out a bit once you start carrying and get through the initial "oh my...I've got a gun!" phase.
 
Yes I know that Glocks are "perfect" and are currently in vogue. Still, they have an ABSOLUTELY CRAPPY safety system. do and don't do.


So I suppose all those agencies and civilians who own Glocks made a bad decision then...:rolleyes:
 
As for the original post? Seems like a lot of over-thinking to me.
You might mellow out a bit once you start carrying and get through the initial "oh my...I've got a gun!" phase.

I don't think it's overthinking. These are important issues. If the firearm is uncomfortable, there's a strong tendency to leave it at home. Which defeats the purpose of having a concealed firearm available. Everybody is built different and dresses different. If you find yourself with a pain in the back from a particular method of carry, change the method. There are many options.
 
Well I just received my Supertuck Horsehide with Combat Cut and wow... you guys were right. I can lay down no problem. Hell I can even lie on the side where the holster is and still be okay.

At first it was difficult finding a location for the holster where the gun didn't print but I think I have finally found it. I would say for me that position is 4 o'clock or far enough behind me that the slide corner of my gun does not show from a frontal view of my body.

Thank you all for your input. I am glad that I can lay down and still pack some heat :D
 
oh dear lord! THAT sounds like something an old geezer like me would say!

ohyea... I told you so....! those crossBreed folks have it happening. I never would have thought that something so butt-ugly could work so beautifully.
 
Hello.

While I am also relatively new to the whole CCW thing, If I were in your position I would simply remove my holster/gun when I was in her place (or her room if she shares the home with her family as you said) and place it, along with my keys in a secure and remote, yet easy to remember place. (for example I like the top of the fridge since I'm the only one tall enough to reach it.) the reason to keep the keys with it is in case you do forget, you can't drive away!

I can understand how some people would disagree with removing their gear, I just don't think I would need to have immediate access to it while I was getting ready to snuggle up and watch a movie, or whatever.
 
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