My first true carry experience

[RetiredMajor]

I took a 3 day trip with my wife and daughters and carried for the first time. I recently received my permit and this was the first real test. I carried a Ruger LCP in a Galco Stow-n-Go IWB holster. I carry in the Appendix position. The whole rig was very small and light. It concealed well with shorts and a t-shirt. At first, I was a little self conscious, thinking everyone was looking or would notice a bulge. But, when I looked down even I couldn't see it! No one gave me a second look.

Next I'll try my Kahr PM9 and then my S&W 642. Both are a little bigger than the LCP.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[GunnyBunny]

Welcome to the club!!

[Kerbouchard]

Don't worry about it, sir. Attention to detail is not one of the stronger suits of the majority of our public.

Congrats on making the decision to protect yourself and to get your pemit.

Stay safe out there. Too bad I don't know of a smiley for saluting.

[klx9mm]

Everybody has that feeling like someone is watching them at first. It'll pass. Have you tried pocket carry for your LCP? I ocassionally pocket carry a Beretta Bobcat and I prefer it over IWB, but that's just me.

[Ram Rod]

Keep up the good work! Be safe, be responsible.

[nn]

Everyone fells the same at times.

[TN_Mike]

The first time is almost always the same way for everyone. You feel like the whole world is looking at you but in reality, no one notices at all.

I open carry a Glock 23 regularly during the summer months and honestly, 99.9% of the people I come into contact with do not notice the Glock on my right hip in a Blackhawk SERPA OWB holster, so believe me, no one at all noticed that LCP in your waistband.

[Bark'n]

+1... Welcome aboard, Sir! The dark side awaits!

[dukalmighty]

I lived in Centerville Iowa years ago and have relatives there the one problem with going to Iowa is they don't honor my Tx CHL so nebraska Illinois Iowa and Wisconsin are the only states in the midwest I have to disarm in.I prefer not to travel to states I can't carry in and usually try to plan road trips around them,welcome to the darkside,Is it hard to get a carry permit in Iowa and is it a can issue or shall issue state

[DarinD]

+1 on your decision. Always nice to know that the ranks of those choosing to defend the safety of their families are growing. Glad to have you along.

[lance22]

[BikerRN]

Congrats!!!

You will find that with a good Holster and Belt, along with "Dressing around the gun" you can hide a fairly substantial size weapon. I'm 5'06" and 140# and I manage to hide the following at one time:

3" Ruger GP100
2 1/4" SP101
442

OR:

5" 1911
2 1/4" SP101
442

OR:

Glock 19
2 1/4" SP101
442

No, I don't wear a Trench Coat. I favor Cargo Shorts and Hawaiian Shirts. Welcome to the world of concealed carry.

Biker

[762]

soon, you'll feel naked w/o it.

welcome to club carry.

[ASSA9]

Congrats!!!

You will find that with a good Holster and Belt, along with "Dressing around the gun" you can hide a fairly substantial size weapon. I'm 5'06" and 140# and I manage to hide the following at one time:

3" Ruger GP100
2 1/4" SP101
442

OR:

5" 1911
2 1/4" SP101
442

OR:

Glock 19
2 1/4" SP101
442

No, I don't wear a Trench Coat. I favor Cargo Shorts and Hawaiian Shirts. Welcome to the world of concealed carry.

Biker

+1 on the Hawaiian Shirts
its good to know your out there

[NCHornet]

Before you know it you will feel naked without at least two guns and reloads on you at all times. I know after 12 years I do!!

NCH