New to CCW any tips?

ccceric · November 2nd, 2009, 10:34 PM

Got my ccw permit some time ago and finally got a p238 to carry.

I would love some tips from seasoned vets on all aspects of carrying.

Does anybody have any holster recommendations for this firearm?
Have tried a cheap pocket holster and didn't like it, thinking IWB.

Some other ?'s
Chambered/ unchambered
Cocked and locked
where not to carry
best way to conceal
What to do if someone sees it and freaks
Best concealment holster

Thanks

AllAbtSlfDef · November 2nd, 2009, 10:50 PM

Hi,
I am not real familiar with that gun but I will try to help.

The "best holster" is really up to you. If you go with an IWB ( i like this method) make sure you can draw and reholster easily.I suggest leather like Gould and Goodrich or kydex like uncle mikes
Pancake holsters are nice and flat, have to be careful how you dress with an OWB holster.

If someone sees your weapon and freaks out, I would say cover it and stay calm don't make it any worse. It's up to you to know your local laws about exposed weapons. I say you can avoid it by carrying with a large shirt or jacket that is long enough to cover your waist line and don't put yourself in a position where your gun is exposed.( don.t lift arms way over head unless you are sure that you are covered) This is a security risk too.

as far as cocked and locked or not my theory is as follows.
an unloaded gun has never hurt anyone. so if it is unloaded and you need it in a pinch you may be in trouble. I prefer one in the pipe but i carry a glock so i have no hammer to worry about.

The " to load or not to load" dilemma can be taken care of with training. What ever you decide works for you, train with it. Practice the draw and reholster methods with your gun and holster and your everyday attire. Dont forget gun safety though. I hope i have helped.

Any thing else i can help with send me a message. Thanks.

BlueNinjaGo · November 2nd, 2009, 10:54 PM

I'm no expert, but Smartcarrys and Supertucks would be what I see recommended the most by others...

As for where NOT to carry, check your state laws... Schools would be a no-no... Hosipitols and banks vary... ANY federal or state owned building... Bars and/or resteraunts that serve alochol vary per state....

If someone does see, just cover it and nod and/or smile...

Most users say carry one chambered... especially the veterans at carrying... unless you pull the trigger, you should be fine...

Red82 · November 2nd, 2009, 11:33 PM

Crossbreed Supertuck is the holster you need. It's the best holster I've found yet. You'll have to find where exactly works for you and what cant works well also.

Carry with a round chambered. Otherwise you're just carrying an expensive brick on your hip. If you have a good holster (which is very important no matter what holster you end up with) it will cover your trigger and the pistol won't go boom unless the trigger is pulled.

Try wearing a shirt that's the next size up, or button a button down shirt works well for a cover garmet.

Make sure you know your state laws as to where you can carry.

Good luck and welcome!

Cold Warrior · November 2nd, 2009, 11:57 PM

shooter001

TX-JB · November 2nd, 2009, 11:59 PM

First off, Welcome to the forum. You should carry the P238, chambered, cocked and locked. Never carry a gun that isn't loaded. A gun without a round in the chamber, isn't loaded.

For holsters, let the hunt begin... you will go thru several holsters until you find the best ones for you. Stay with leather, or at least a hybrid leather/kydex. Cheap Uncle Mike's holster are, just that... cheap... Try looking at manufacturers like Crossbreed, FIST, Comp-Tac, High Noon, along with other sponsors here on the forum. Not all good holsters are expensive, High Noon's "Mr. Softy", is an excellent value, leather holster for $25. Start with something simple, then look at the custom holsters that will require a long wait.

IWB carry is pretty easy if you don't wear tight pants. For a small gun like a P238, an untucked t-shirt can hide it. If possible start getting your shirts a little bigger. You will have to experiment with carry position.

Again, Welcome to the forum.

Cold Warrior · November 3rd, 2009, 12:00 AM

Beavercreek man shoots at thief trying to break into wife’s car

Cold Warrior · November 3rd, 2009, 12:04 AM

"If you are far enough away to aim your gun, you are far enough away to run." Quote: Leon Harrison

But, would I run if I had a gun? Is an attack a chance to shoot back and have fun with your gun? Are we looking for trouble and an excuse to shoot?

jwhite75 · November 3rd, 2009, 12:06 AM

RELAX...people really do not notice your gun if properly concealed.

Treo · November 3rd, 2009, 01:44 AM

Always carry. Any time you can legally cary a gun do so . Mkae it a habit because you can't schedule emergencies

November 2nd, 2009, 10:34 PM	#1
ccceric New Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Brighton, CO Posts: 2	New to CCW any tips? Got my ccw permit some time ago and finally got a p238 to carry. I would love some tips from seasoned vets on all aspects of carrying. Does anybody have any holster recommendations for this firearm? Have tried a cheap pocket holster and didn't like it, thinking IWB. Some other ?'s Chambered/ unchambered Cocked and locked where not to carry best way to conceal What to do if someone sees it and freaks Best concealment holster Thanks

November 2nd, 2009, 10:50 PM	#2
AllAbtSlfDef New Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 11	hope i can help Hi, I am not real familiar with that gun but I will try to help. The "best holster" is really up to you. If you go with an IWB ( i like this method) make sure you can draw and reholster easily.I suggest leather like Gould and Goodrich or kydex like uncle mikes Pancake holsters are nice and flat, have to be careful how you dress with an OWB holster. If someone sees your weapon and freaks out, I would say cover it and stay calm don't make it any worse. It's up to you to know your local laws about exposed weapons. I say you can avoid it by carrying with a large shirt or jacket that is long enough to cover your waist line and don't put yourself in a position where your gun is exposed.( don.t lift arms way over head unless you are sure that you are covered) This is a security risk too. as far as cocked and locked or not my theory is as follows. an unloaded gun has never hurt anyone. so if it is unloaded and you need it in a pinch you may be in trouble. I prefer one in the pipe but i carry a glock so i have no hammer to worry about. The " to load or not to load" dilemma can be taken care of with training. What ever you decide works for you, train with it. Practice the draw and reholster methods with your gun and holster and your everyday attire. Dont forget gun safety though. I hope i have helped. Any thing else i can help with send me a message. Thanks. __________________ What ever it takes, go home every day. Train how you fight!!!...

November 2nd, 2009, 10:54 PM	#3
BlueNinjaGo Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 260	I'm no expert, but Smartcarrys and Supertucks would be what I see recommended the most by others... As for where NOT to carry, check your state laws... Schools would be a no-no... Hosipitols and banks vary... ANY federal or state owned building... Bars and/or resteraunts that serve alochol vary per state.... If someone does see, just cover it and nod and/or smile... Most users say carry one chambered... especially the veterans at carrying... unless you pull the trigger, you should be fine... __________________ Bersa Thunder .380 cc Springfield XD 9mm sc

November 2nd, 2009, 11:33 PM	#4
Red82 Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 267	Crossbreed Supertuck is the holster you need. It's the best holster I've found yet. You'll have to find where exactly works for you and what cant works well also. Carry with a round chambered. Otherwise you're just carrying an expensive brick on your hip. If you have a good holster (which is very important no matter what holster you end up with) it will cover your trigger and the pistol won't go boom unless the trigger is pulled. Try wearing a shirt that's the next size up, or button a button down shirt works well for a cover garmet. Make sure you know your state laws as to where you can carry. Good luck and welcome! __________________ Protection is a responsibility not just a right.

November 2nd, 2009, 11:59 PM	#6
TX-JB VIP Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sugar Land, TX Posts: 3,142	First off, Welcome to the forum. You should carry the P238, chambered, cocked and locked. Never carry a gun that isn't loaded. A gun without a round in the chamber, isn't loaded. For holsters, let the hunt begin... you will go thru several holsters until you find the best ones for you. Stay with leather, or at least a hybrid leather/kydex. Cheap Uncle Mike's holster are, just that... cheap... Try looking at manufacturers like Crossbreed, FIST, Comp-Tac, High Noon, along with other sponsors here on the forum. Not all good holsters are expensive, High Noon's "Mr. Softy", is an excellent value, leather holster for $25. Start with something simple, then look at the custom holsters that will require a long wait. IWB carry is pretty easy if you don't wear tight pants. For a small gun like a P238, an untucked t-shirt can hide it. If possible start getting your shirts a little bigger. You will have to experiment with carry position. Again, Welcome to the forum. __________________ *"We're in Texas....Things are different here."* *NRA Life Member*

November 2nd, 2009, 11:57 PM	#5
Cold Warrior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: West Carrollton, Ohio Posts: 138	shooter001

November 3rd, 2009, 12:00 AM	#7
Cold Warrior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: West Carrollton, Ohio Posts: 138	Beavercreek man shoots at thief trying to break into wife’s car

November 3rd, 2009, 12:04 AM	#8
Cold Warrior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: West Carrollton, Ohio Posts: 138	"If you are far enough away to aim your gun, you are far enough away to run." Quote: Leon Harrison But, would I run if I had a gun? Is an attack a chance to shoot back and have fun with your gun? Are we looking for trouble and an excuse to shoot?

November 3rd, 2009, 12:06 AM	#9
jwhite75 VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,304	RELAX...people really do not notice your gun if properly concealed. __________________ Friends don't let friends be MALL NINJAS. "May God have mercy on my enemies...because I won't." -Gen. George S. Patton.

November 3rd, 2009, 01:44 AM	#10
Treo Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 94	Always carry. Any time you can legally cary a gun do so . Mkae it a habit because you can't schedule emergencies

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