Your personal carry rules/guidelines

[chaim]

Who here has thought it out and has a personal set of carry rules or at least guidelines? Who is flexible in their guidelines?

I have a personal carry philosophy: strong side carry, mostly IWB (when occasionally OWB, it's in the exact same spot), higher capacity (to the greatest practical degree), 9mm or more powerful, while I don't have one gun that I carry I do try to keep the manual of arms as similar as possible for simplicity (DA revolver, DA/SA auto for DA first shot and no external safety, or striker fired with no external safety), and I think I should carry either a reload or a backup gun (even if I never need the extra ammo, a new mag can fix a number of issues with an auto).

Well, I do usually keep to it, but not 100%.

I occasionally carry a snub in my pocket. When I do, it is usually as a backup gun (a 2nd gun is a faster reload than speed strips, speed loaders or a 2nd mag). However, I do sometimes carry in my pocket (even when it isn't a backup).

Even when pocket carrying a backup, I do follow the strong side rule. However, I've been thinking about carrying a backup (when I carry a backup) on my left/weak side in case my right arm is needed or is injured. Still, if I do that eventually, my primary will still be on my strong side IWB or (rarely) OWB but in the same spot (just a little behind the 3:00 position).

Reloads: Except when I carry a backup gun (usually in the late fall to early spring, i.e. jacket and coat weather), or a revolver with speed strips, I rarely carry an extra mag. It isn't too bad for my P365, but when carrying my PCR, a 2nd 15 round mag takes up almost as much pocket or belt space as a backup snub or P365 with 10 round mag would take. Though, except in the winter, instead of taking the backup instead of the extra mag, I usually go without either. The only time I consistently take a reload, is when I carry a revolver (speed strips carry pretty unobtrusively).

I prefer at least 10 rounds, and more is better. Pre-Bruen (when I carried part-time only when out of state on my UT non-res permit) I thought I'd mostly carry my PCR. Once I got my MD permit, I found I prefer to carry my P365 with a 12 round mag most of the time. 13 rounds (12+1) isn't bad, and it takes up so much less space than the PCR with a penalty of only 3 rounds. I also sometimes carry an 8+1 round 1911 (quite rarely though). That makes more sense than the next one... Despite preferring capacity when I carry an auto (and I would never carry a 6-8 round 9mm again), I feel pretty comfortable carrying a 6 shot revolver and a speed strip or two.

That brings me to my MOA semi-standardization, while I nearly always carry a gun with a DA first trigger pull and no external safety, maybe 5-10 days a year I find myself wanting to carry my S&W 1911SC and giving in to that desire.

Anyone else think out a set of rules/carry philosophy, yet remain flexible in their execution?

 

[PapaG]

1. Have a gun
2. Be familiar with it
3. Practice meaningfully
4. Be insured
5. Know the laws
6. Carry it

 

[Rexster]

I do have a general carry philosophy, with flexibility. I was/am influenced by 33+ years of big city policing, but am now 5+ years into retirement. I could, potentially, meet one of my former “clients,” while out and about, which does affect my perception of a threat profile, but believe that road rage and escaped/feral dogs are the more-likely events, day to day. Road rage is best handled without engaging in gunfire. To make a long story short, I have largely adopted the “snubby lifestyle,” carrying guns to get me out of trouble, rather than carrying guns for going out to look for trouble, or to go and get into trouble. (I did not say “start trouble!”) Here is a you-tube presentation that covers this:

P&S ModCast 197 - Snubbies!

Primary & Secondary ModCastThe panel discusses snub nose revolvers.Host: Matt LandfairPanel:Chris BakerDarryl Bolke Episode sponsors:Faxon Firearms - http://...

www.youtube.com

Notice that the video presentation is not just about weapons, but about a lifestyle/philosophy. One could carry a full-sized auto, due to simple preference, and still live as though armed with a short-sight-radius snub-gun.

To be clear, however, a lifetime of public service may have conditioned my brain in ways that would compel me to go and look for trouble, during a critical incident, even with only one or two revolving pistols. We live within walking distance of two Jewish houses of worship, equidistant between them. We live in interesting times.

I trend revolver, though not because I started with revolvers, in my youth. I wanted to buy a 1911 when I grew up, and that is what I did, at age 21, in late 1982 or early 1983. I still know my way around a 1911, but, I soon had to learn long-stroke double-action sixgunning, with a then-mandated S&W L-Frame, when I started attending a big-city police academy, in late 1982. I knew that I would be working in a city that was, at the time, vying with Detroit for the title of murder capital of the USA. A boom town, due to the oil industry, when the rest of the USA was in a recession. I knew that it was in my best interest to become a skilled DA sixgunner, and in the process, learned to really like revolvers, too.

I normalized the carry of two revolvers, in the Eighties. Big gun and little gun, or, during personal time, some combination of big, little, and medium guns. Over time, autoloaders worked their way into the mix. I do not want to write a book, so will not go more deeply into that.

Well before I retired, compact and sub-compact autos, if chambered for serious cartridges, became painful to shoot right-handed. By the time I retired, a 9mm Glock G19, if fired right-handed, would seriously affect my right hand. Only large, duty-sized autos, with grip frames that reach the “heel bone” area of my right hand, are still tolerable to shoot with serious cartridges. Large autos are, also, more tolerant of a bit of less-than-firm thumb/hand/wrist support; my right hand does not always do everything my brain is telling tit to do. Other autos can still be good left-hand guns, but I would rather that my primary handgun be usable by either hand, so, the currently-trendy crop of compact and micro-compact 9mm autos do not interest me.

OK, I have typed enough, for now, and the turkey in my belly is making me drowsy.

 

[JDeere]

I just roll with this and call it good:

• Rule #1 – All guns are always loaded.
• Rule #2 – Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
• Rule #3 – Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
• Rule #4 – Identify your target, and what is behind it.

 

[slicksleeve]

I won’t carry anything smaller than a Glock G26/27. Most of the time it’s larger. 9x19 is my minimum. Either AIWB, or 3 o’clock OWB, depending on how I’m dressed. My pockets are for pocket knives. I won’t carry a pistol with a manual safety.
I used to be into revolvers and still have and love several, but I no longer use them in a defensive role. I also won’t carry mouse guns or snubs. It’s just too easy to conceal a large auto and still dress sharp if you try at all.

 

[Anchorite]

My comments are in the context of a citizen going about his daily business routine. I’m not a cop, never been in the military either. Never had to pull my gun on a human. Years of hunting experience and once had to fire in an emergency at a charging hog are what I have.

From that, I’ve drawn a few conclusions that I’ve incorporated into my lifestyle.
Shot placement trumps darn near everything. It’s my #1 and #2 criteria. Projectile is a distant #3. Caliber discussions are great for taking up bandwidth, until you get to 12 gauge, and then I might check back in. Now I’m not going to carry anything less than a 38/9mm - and I feel fine doing that, if I do my part and focus on placement. Capacity is a false God. Practice frequently and develop your system that works for you. What works for me may not work for you. Then stay vigilant in your system and be aware. Always focus on situational awareness.

So, in a nutshell, it’s Placement, Placement, Projectile, Practice, Proficiency, Perception, for me.

 

[Armored farmer]

My philosophy is patterned after old 007.
I plan to NOT pull my gun.
I carry a money clip with $100-$200 worth of cash and two prepaid VISA cards. It is to throw down if I get mugged.
I keep aware.
I drive defensively.
Mind my business.
I'm not a cop, or a soldier.
Unlike 007, I don't have a license to kill, or the desire.
But......should something go south I am armed over 90% of the time, and a graduate of three advanced combative handgun classes.(just in case)

 

[Gork10]

1. Have a gun
2. Be familiar with it
3. Practice meaningfully
4. Be insured
5. Know the laws
6. Carry it

Exactly this. Numbers 4 and 5 are as important as number 1. Only thing I would add is to have a good defense lawyer on retainer.

 

[Tallball]

1) Be alert and aware. Speak courteously and confidently. Show confidence with my body language so I look nothing like a victim.
2) Have my large dog with me whenever practical.
3) Do not display wealth, such as expensive clothing, watches, vehicles, etc. Wear work boots and comfortable clothing so I can run away or fight as needed (or walk home if my vehicle breaks down).
4) Have a handgun on me that's very quick to deploy. In cold weather that's often a coat pocket. DAO with no safety, every time.
5) Don't go out after dark. Some of the guys wandering around this area are so wasted they might make a really bad decision.

Caliber between 32 magnum and 45 is fine. Capacity of 5+ is fine. I want it in my hand ASAP when needed. At 20 feet or less I can shoot a snubby or subcompact about as well as a service pistol.

I've been carrying as a civilian for 30-40 years. I can draw from any of my half dozen or so habitual carry methods without conscious thought (muscle memory). I can shoot any of my carry pieces with good accuracy at reasonable SD ranges. Due to extreme weather variations where I live and my wide variety of activities, I've learned to be reasonably flexible with what and how I carry. One of my friends is rigid about his carry methods, even when he's wearing a coat. I can grow a beard faster than he can draw from under his coat. What works in shorts and t-shirt might not work so well with a parka on.

 

[DetBrowning]

I KISS
As a police officer I carried the same gun in the same holster for 20 years.
Post LEO I carry the same gun in the same holster as my EDC (SIG 365 XL)
Although for a few times I carried a pocket gun which I've decided not to do again.

 

[chaim]

We live within walking distance of two Jewish houses of worship, equidistant between them. We live in interesting times.

I'm Jewish (hence my use of my Hebrew name as my user name on this and some other forums). I'm no longer Orthodox so I don't wear my yarmulke everywhere I go anymore, and thus I'm no longer very identifiable as Jewish (and since dad isn't Jewish, my last name isn't jewish, so using a credit card somewhere won't identify me either). Still, things are getting squirrely out there, I have had threats online, and I've heard my students say some hateful things (not to or about me, at least not for years, but about Jews). Even though I've never been into jewelry (other than watches), I have started wearing a Chai, and since so many people don't know what that is, I'm about to get a Star of David necklace (I will not let antisemites scare me into hiding). Still, I am sensible. In this current climate, I have been thinking it is time to switch out my P365 with my PCR (reversing my use of them, instead of usually going with the P365, making the PCR my usual carry and only occasionally going smaller). Sure, capacity is close, but I shoot the PCR better than I shoot any of my other handguns, other than a full sized pistol.

I carry a money clip with $100-$200 worth of cash and two prepaid VISA cards. It is to throw down if I get mugged

I've played with that idea for years (though being on a teacher's salary, putting a $20 or two outside a stack of $1's instead of $100-200 since it is doubtful they'll stop and count it), and long ago basically resolved to do it, yet I haven't yet put it into practice. It is a great idea, and I do have an extra wallet (though a money clip may be better so as not to accidentally throw down the wallet with my actual credit cards and various IDs and insurance cards in it).

 

[Coyote3855]

Have a proven reliable firearm available 24/7. I don't want my last thought to be "Gee, I wish I had my gun." IWB when out, on my desk right now, on the bed stand tonight.

9mm all day every day. I have pocket carried everything from .22 to .380. Even though my area is relatively "safe," there have been carjackings and drive by shootings. I want at least 10+1 and a spare magazine.

Follow the stupid places, people, times rule. Avoid crowds and no gun zones.

Practice situational awareness. Prepare to de escalate, apologize, back away, control the ego. Armored Farmer's throwdown is a good idea. A gunfight avoided is a gunfight won.

Draw only if I must shoot to protect myself and/or family. Third party intervention depends on the situation. I would intervene if a verified LE is in trouble. Others, be a good witness and/or get out of there. Not my circus. First priority is to get home, not to be a hero.

 

[SDGlock23]

Typically I want 10rds in the gun, no less. Sometimes I carry a spare mag but 99% of the time I do not. I like revolvers and 1911's but I don't carry revolvers or 1911's. I pretty much pocket carry exclusively, not sure why but I suppose that I gravitated towards doing so because it's easier than throwing a holster onto a belt. I mostly go between a G43XMOS or a G27 Gen5, I've gotten so accustomed to Glocks over the years that it's my default carry gun, always.

 

[Charlie98]

I used to think 'small and concealable' was the driving factor, but practice showed me that was not a recipe for success. I quit carrying IWB (for the most part, I have to occasionally...) and I quit carrying my smaller pistol in favor of one with a full-sized grip (Kahr CW9 vs the smaller CM9.) That one extra inch of grip made a HUGE difference in draw and present drills, all else being equal. I also don't carry different firearms, I made the decision some years ago to stick with one platform... in my case, it's the Kahr 9mm... and train, train, train with that.

 

[Armored farmer]

I'm Jewish (hence my use of my Hebrew name as my user name on this and some other forums). I'm no longer Orthodox so I don't wear my yarmulke everywhere I go anymore, and thus I'm no longer very identifiable as Jewish (and since dad isn't Jewish, my last name isn't jewish, so using a credit card somewhere won't identify me either). Still, things are getting squirrely out there, I have had threats online, and I've heard my students say some hateful things (not to or about me, at least not for years, but about Jews). Even though I've never been into jewelry (other than watches), I have started wearing a Chai, and since so many people don't know what that is, I'm about to get a Star of David necklace (I will not let antisemites scare me into hiding). Still, I am sensible. In this current climate, I have been thinking it is time to switch out my P365 with my PCR (reversing my use of them, instead of usually going with the P365, making the PCR my usual carry and only occasionally going smaller). Sure, capacity is close, but I shoot the PCR better than I shoot any of my other handguns, other than a full sized pistol.


I've played with that idea for years (though being on a teacher's salary, putting a $20 or two outside a stack of $1's instead of $100-200 since it is doubtful they'll stop and count it), and long ago basically resolved to do it, yet I haven't yet put it into practice. It is a great idea, and I do have an extra wallet (though a money clip may be better so as not to accidentally throw down the wallet with my actual credit cards and various IDs and insurance cards in it).

The moneyclip is of the design that also holds credit cards. I find It very useful edc gear. I keep this in my front pocket. As for the amount of $$ carried in it.....that's your choice. I don't PLAN to lose it.....i don't plan to have my wallet picked from my hip pocket either, but it could happen.
If I should become separated from my wallet, the moneyclip has enough cash and cards for me to operate short-term.
My DL# and SS# are memorized (as should be).
If I have to toss the moneyclip down, I expect the distraction to be enough for me to get my hand on my weapon, then I'll have to decide how well they/them want to know me.

 

[bangswitch]

Who here has thought it out and has a personal set of carry rules or at least guidelines? Who is flexible in their guidelines?

1- Carry what I want.
2-Know how to use it.
3-Know when to use it.

 

[2zulu1]

Ergonomics mostly; point naturally w/o using sights, full size grips, trigger pull and reset. When 'things' go bad in a dynamic situation, they go bad extremely quickly; for me, OWB provides the fastest access to first shot, 1911s provide the fastest split times and they are natural pointers. 1911s aren't the only pistol platform I carry, or have used for that matter. I'm old and go back to the days when we were issued .357mag Smith K/N-frames, these days L-frames and Colt Pythons (2020) are often carried on the ranch (very close to designated wilderness areas).

Coming from a Smith/1911 background, a police trade-in P226/357Sig, DA/SA, had a two magazine learning curve. Top round #3 magazine, night shoot on a moving Mojave rattler, neurotoxin venom, WML, no sights used, distance <4 feet. For me, this is an example of natural pointing ergonomics and why ergonomics is a top priority for personal carry.



Calibers needed for carry on ranches can be different from those used for carry in towns, about 250 yards from our front door, a mountain lion took down this steer, we never located the front half of this steer; magnum calibers are popular in our 'neighborhood'.

 

[GEM]

Too much focus on hardware, IMHO. Two crucial things first for carry:

1. Have you answered the question - which is: Are you ready to use potentially lethal force against another human being? If not, don't carry.

2. While it is nice to discuss your caliber, your holster, your magazine, your gun - Have you had serious training with the use of the gun in stressful situations as in quality FOF? Your box of shells at the square range is nice but not sufficient. Do you compete in some relevant shooting sport to keep your skill and manipulations skills fresh?

3. Have you had adequate training in de-escalation, how to deal with the immediate law enforcement interaction and then legal consequences?

The magic gun and rotation is nice to discuss but you need to take care of the essential core.

After that - a J frame in your pocket and a Glock 19 (or equivalents) will handle most situations. The former - you accept that it is a hard to shoot but one opponent quick access gun.

Yes, you can buy a Staccato or a Platypus or a Thunder BOOMER 3011 - but that is trivial variance for SD if you take care of the training and mindset and knowledge essentials.

 

[chaim]

Have you answered the question - which is: Are you ready to use potentially lethal force against another human being? If not, don't carry.

I came to the realization that I will do what I need to in a bad situation a long time ago. I don't want to (of course) but I'm prepared to should the need arise.

While it is nice to discuss your caliber, your holster, your magazine, your gun - Have you had serious training with the use of the gun in stressful situations

I've had professional training with my handguns on several occasions, I had some serious rifle training back in the day (former soldier), and a few times a year I pay for realistic self defense simulators with professional feedback (a few training companies near me have them as does the range I most often go to).

Have you had adequate training in de-escalation

I was a special ed teacher for 15 years, the first 8 years in a program specializing in students with emotional disabilities and behavior issues. Every couple years for that 15 years I had to have refresher CPI training (descalation and hands on techniques). Before that I worked at a psychiatric hospital where descalating patients who needed it was a big part of the job (and I was good at it: they wanted me to sign on as my unit's trainer in descalation and hands on techniques, but they asked a month or two before i left). So yes, I have more training and experience with that than the vast majority of people.

 

[lee n. field]

Who here has thought it out and has a personal set of carry rules or at least guidelines?

I don't know if I've totally "thought it out".

Where experience and trying things over the years has landed me is: IWB or AIWB. IWB is 3 o'clock, AIWB is new to me, but ending up about 2 o'clock.

Kydex taco style holster with pull the dot type loops. (Though the DCC clip I tried worked will). I have a small list of holster makes and models that have worked well, a larger pile of crap. (The good ones are not always expensive custom ones.) Pocket holster will be DeSantis Nemesis or Mika. I try to research holsters before a gun purchase.

Gun will be ideally small enough to be pocketable, and weight roughly 25oz, or less. (If pocketable, the lighter the better.)

Reloads will be a couple speedloaders in a strong side back pocket, or Magholder carrier up front on my belt somewhere.

Gun has, for the past 4-5 years, been almost universally one or another snub .38. Not high capacity, but it has other advantages. I can "gun up" if I feel I need to.

Who is flexible in their guidelines?

I am flexible. I try new things. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.

Anyone else think out a set of rules/carry philosophy, yet remain flexible in their execution?

flexible.

 

[film495]

sure
remember to carry, and don't worry about it, it is like having keys or a cell phone IMHO, a tool
don't go anywhere I think I need to carry, I just rule those places out completely, dumb people, dumb thing, etc.
if I have a drink I am not carrying, hard stop

 

[The Night Rider]

Number 1.

Get Yourself A Glock

youtu.be

Rules are different than guidelines (duh).

I really only have three hard, fast rules for firearms

1.Unless I'm going someplace where I'm legally prohibited from even having a firearm in my vehicle I don't walk out my front door unarmed.

2. Is the mirror image of number one, I never carry a firearm someplace where I'm legally prohibited from having it.

3. Never openly display a firearm.

3a. If you're not an immediate member of my family you don't need to know that I even own firearms.

I guess my overall philosophy, if I have one, would be the shorter my supply lines are the better off I am.

I've talked about it before, my carry guns are 9mm Glocks that will accept a Glock 19 magazine. I. E. a Glock 19 and a Glock 26.

I don't change up my carry setup unless I have no option. If I'm wearing street clothes it's a Glock 19 on my right hip. If I'm in gym clothes it's a Glock 26 in a fanny pack under a hoodie.

I always carry a reload.

I always carry an intermediate option.

I always have a knife and multi-tool on me.

I always carry a First Aid kit even if I'm not carrying a gun

And finally, I never volunteer to a police officer that I'm armed. Not that I've interacted with a police officer outside of work in the last 15 years

 

[Anchorite]

And finally, I never volunteer to a police officer that I'm armed. Not that I've interacted with a police officer outside of work in the last 15 years

Reminds me …. and this is OT, but I think I read somewhere that failing to voluntarily notify LE that one is legally CCW when one comes into contact is a misdemeanor in some jurisdictions, or is on legislative agenda somewhere, maybe.

I‘d have to go back through my emails and all the legal mail I get to be sure.

 

[Charlie98]

Reminds me …. and this is OT, but I think I read somewhere that failing to voluntarily notify LE that one is legally CCW when one comes into contact is a misdemeanor in some jurisdictions, or is on legislative agenda somewhere, maybe.

I‘d have to go back through my emails and all the legal mail I get to be sure.

It depends on the state (and possibly local) laws. Here in Texas, as a CHL holder, I'm obliged to notify an LEO in an instance where I'm asked for my ID, etc. Last time I did that (auto accident) the cop said 'Whatever, everyone carries a gun, now...' Familiarizing myself with the reciprocal state laws I travel through (normally New Mexico and Arizona) I found I don't have to identify my carry piece in AZ, for example, unless they specifically ask.

 

[The Night Rider]

Reminds me …. and this is OT, but I think I read somewhere that failing to voluntarily notify LE that one is legally CCW when one comes into contact is a misdemeanor in SOME jurisdictions, or is on legislative agenda somewhere, maybe.

Well, it's not a misdemeanor in my jurisdiction.