Hello from Illinois

[stevenshizzle]

Hi everyone. As good things begin to happen here in the state of Illinois, I've been doing a fair amount of research and came across this site. I'm very much looking forward to the unique insights of this forum and hope that it can help answer some of the questions I have.

I recently took posession of a relative's Ruger P89 and look forward to getting some range time. I'll be signing up for some one-on-one classes so I can become proficient and most importantly, learn every aspect of handling/safety that I need to before pursuing a carry permit. I don't live too far from Missouri, so I'd like to pursue a Florida state permit and carry when I "cross the river." If I'm lucky, reciprocity will be a part of the Illinois interpretation when that time comes. If I'm even more lucky, I'll get to move to Florida in 3-6 years.

I'm thinking really hard and plan on doing a lot of research on this site with respect to:

• What kind of everyday handgun(s) should I purchase for typical concealment situations. I'm considering a Glock 26, Springfield XD, and a Ruger LC9.
• I'm deeply considering concealability, safeties (Glock style, handgrip safety, and traditional safeties), and availability of holster systems. While I'm very familiar with Glocks reputation, I really want a combination of safety and immediate deployability. No use in carrying if the safety system doesn't work for me.
• I'm also thinking about .380 for other situations. For example, I work in a building that is and will continue to be a free fire zone. I wear business casual - that is, shirt tucked in during the day. When my work day is over and I need to run to Wal-Mart, I want to be able to conveniently equip my handgun. However, untucking my shirt and situating my Supertuck will be a bit of a chore. Bottom line on this one, I'll be investigating pocket holsters and other quick holster systems like the Versacarry and Mic Holster.

I'm excited but I'm also trying to be very cautious of what I'm getting into. I look at this more as securing myself and my family, much like I would an alarm system. There seems to be a fine line between people who casually want to defend themselves, and folks who are somewhat extreme. I want to keep it a casual and enjoyable hobby, but at the same time want to conceal carry to the greatest extent possible (when the Illinois law is passed) with comfort and safety.

I don't expect any detailed responses to the above items, I'll make sure to use the form "search" function. Just wanted to let you know where I'm coming from and say I'm glad to have found this forum.

Cheers,
Steve

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[JaxRolo]

Howdy


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[1911_Kimber]

Hi Steve, welcome to the forum from SE WI... I can't wait for IL to pass their law and hope WI will have reciprocity laws with IL so I don't have to disarm every time I head down south.

It seems you have done your homework on what to look for in your way to CCing. Soon you will find yourself with a ton of advice and recommendations from many in the forum. There is a lot if great information here, which is why I joined as well... Enjoy and I hope things move fast with implementing cc laws in IL.

Cheers!

JV

[Kimberpackn]

Welcome from Tennessee

[zonker1986]

Welcome from Orlando, Florida....a Champaign-Urbana refugee from the Repulik of Illi-noise. (everyone here pronouces it wrong)

Just a heads up....Concealed Carry becomes a life style and there is not much "casual carry" to it. I carry a gun (or three) 24/7, 365 everywhere its legal. Strapping on your gun in the moring becomes as
natural as bathing and shaving. The trick is to find a few (one will not be enough) for all the various situations that your daily routines present. When I moved to Florida from Illinois, I had nothing but full
size range pistols and my Glock 19 was the only gun that I could reasonably carry. Over the years I've added a few small 9mm's for pocket/fannypack/beach/office carry. Each gun was purchased to fill
I void I had in my gun inventory. After you've been carrying for a while, you'll know what works for you and what does not. Do as much research as you can at the start and have a plan for what you are going
to buy. You'll save a lot of money if you don't just grab whatever looks good at the gun store. Make sure you know WHY you are buying each weapon and holster. Its expensive and never lets up.
I have found Glocks work very well for me. Accurate, durable, ultra-reliable and seemingly easier to carry than many guns that at first blush appear similar....but are not.
Also, do a lot of research on WHY you want to move to Florida.(I didn't) There is more to Florida than sunshine, oranges and Mickey Mouse.....not much of it good.

[Boozehound]

Welcome from Alabama.

Great info here.....lots of experience upon which to draw upon. But in the end, you have to decide what works best for you. Enjoy the journey!

[VPNAVY]

Welcome aboard from the great state of Pennsylvania!

[pscipio03]

Sitting in my house with a shoulder holster and fully loaded 1911. I digress.
Asking for advice on a CC gun is like asking someone what their favorite breath they took was. They are all good.
Go to a range and figure out what suits you best. First step, decide what caliber. After that, fondle enough pistols until you get a good idea of what fits your hand best. Pick the top three, and get range time to decide which ultimately you want. Also, keep in mind that concealment should enter your buying process. Don't get a full size H&K USP 45 if your bodyframe can't handle carrying it.
Final piece of advice-- move. I moved out of Chicago and ultimately Illinois a year and a half ago. Couldn't be happier. Just saying...

[Brad426]

Hi Steve.

[archer51]

Welcome from Virginia.

[miller_man]

Welcome!

[lchamp]

Greetings and welcome from the Space Coast of Central Florida.

[GH]

Welcome from Wisconsin, Steve!

I hope your planned move to FL doesn't coincide with IL's finally passing a CC law. Sometimes things like that take time especially with the antis in Chi going to full howl about that.

[Dangerfield]

Welcome to the forum from Kansas

[high pockets]

Welcome to the forum!