Roughstock

So yesterday, I got my permit. Today was the first time carrying. My question is, how long did it take you to not feel like you were doing something wrong? Perhaps I may be the only one who felt this way, but I doubt it.

Brian

TNWNGR

It's going to take you a while to get used to having a handgun on you all of the time so go slowly, think about how your body and clothing move or act in motion and practice. Most armed individuals give themselves away because they keep checking to see if the guns still there or hold their strong arm in an unnatural position to keep an outer garmet in place. Relax, follow the requirments of your states HCP and be a good citizen.

Marine Division Two

Immediatley ! Feeling like something is not right is a pressure the Anti-Gun Population trys to put on CCWs

GunLover

After a couple of weeks I would forget I was even carrying. Just be careful not to go somewhere your not allowed, like the post office. Now it feels funny not to have my gun on me. Out of habbit, I put my gun in my pocket as soon as I get dressed, even if I'm not going anywhere.

bwinters

I carried in my store for 12 hours a day and by 3 weeks I never even noticed and this was in anti gun NJ.

BuckJM53

Brian ... Congrats on your decision to join the ranks of those who choose to take responsibility for their own protection. Although it took me awhile to become comfortable with the "process" of carrying (as it does everyone to some degree), I personally never felt a sense of doing something wrong and I would suspect that you won't have that feeling for long. I would simply suggest the following:
1. Carry as often as possible and everywhere that you legally can as the more you carry the more comfortable and confident that you will become.
2. Practice often with both drawing exercises from beneath your typical cover clothing (dryfire) as well as live fire exercises at the range.

Amishman44

Brian...congrats on obtaining your CCW permit. It's a responsibility to carry a gun...not one to be taken lightly!

To be honest, I've never felt that I was doing anything wrong, but rather all I've ever felt was a simple sense of responsibility to be able to protect myself and, now that I have a family, them! (I'm a former reserve PO with my local Sheriff's Dept.)

If I may, I would suggest that you learn to carry it three (3) different ways...so you have a variety of options while carrying:

1. My primary carry mode is OWB, RH hip carry, shirt untucked over the top. (I use the Bianchi Model 7 3-slot holsters for my SP101 and my G-23...my 2 carry guns.)

2. My secondary carry mode is OWB, RH cross-draw...in the winter months...so I have easier access to my gun while sitting in a car with my coat on, all under a seatbelt...or while wearing a heavy coat. I typically wear a vest of some sort in the winter as well, simplifying coverage.

3. My 'back-up' carry mode is RH ankle carry (inside left ankle) when in church or attending other 'social' function, when dress is similar to business casual, so as to still conceal...yet have fairly quick access to my carry gun.

While we are legally able to OC (open carry) in Indiana...I feel no need to bring any undue attention upon myself for my choice to carry by dragging it around out in the open. While I have done so, I don't make it a habit nor do so intentionally.

Please, make sure you read up on and understand your CCW laws in Michigan...knowing what you can and cannot do will go a long way toward any unwanted issues with law enforcement.

Good luck...one of my favorite motto's is a spin off of one of Murphy's Laws: I am prepared...therefore I will never need it! However, if I do ever need it...I am prepared!

BuckeyeBlast

It's something that I was conscious of originally. Now if I'm NOT carrying, I feel like I'm doing something wrong since I feel an obligation to carry the tools to help keep my family safe.

shootist

It took me about a month to get use to it, no your not the only one to feel this way, was so odd going out to eat or to the store or other places walking by people you know would freak out if they only knew a loaded gun was just inches from them, the paranoia does go away.

Ruger41

Took me a month or so..but like others I feel kinda odd if Im not carrying.

danielmurph

It didn't take me too long 2 or 3 weeks but now I feel naked not carrying. It will become habit before long.

Southerngunner

Hey Brian,
As others have said it will take a while but don't get frustrated and give up. It may take something as simple as buying some different shirts that cover better. I have been carrying for 20 + years so if I don't have a gun with me then I feel off balance. Another thing is don't skimp on good gear because it makes it better all the way around. Just remember don't fiddle with it in public that is what draws attention to the fact you have a gun.
Good luck ,Stay Safe , and Pratice with what you carry.

laidlerj

I got my first CCW so long ago (1986) that I've forgotten how long it took me to feel "OK" carrying. Then I was posted overseas (not Europe) and when I came back, it felt weird to NOT be carrying - both a sidearm and a rifle, not to mention the odd grenade or two.

Now, I feel a bit "light" if I can't carry, like I've forgotten to put my pants on (you ever get those dreams?). I even make a point of carrying when I have to go to our local "hippy organic" grocery (New Seasons), just 'cuz I know it would freak them out if they knew I was armed(and they don't have a "no weapons" sign on the door).

Jim

DLBConductor

During the first month, I felt like everyone was staring at my handgun. During the second month, I became fairly comfortable carrying it. During the third month, I felt totally naked if I didn't have my EDC on my hip. It just takes a little time. If you will carry 24/7, it will become natural very quickly. I will also say that carrying a firearm has greatly increased my situational awareness, making me much safer.

ADMISSION OF GUILT:
I have to tell you that when I got my CHL in the mail, I was so excited that I put on my firearm, jumped in the car, and rushed out to meet some buddies for lunch. Before I had driven five miles, a very nice Policeman pulled me over for speeding. I had only possessed my newly minted CHL for 30 minutes before I got to show it to an Officer of the Law!! When I told him why I was excited, he let me go with a warning and NO TICKET. It turned out to be a great encounter. Later, when I took the local Citizen's Police Academy, I met the Policeman and we had a great laugh together.

JimB120

Took me about a year way back when to get used to the "new normal."

If I was carrying on my side (IWB or OWB) I would press my arm against my side to try to "cover my sin", and frequently if I pocket carried would keep my hand in my pocket so people wouldn't notice the bulge, and I was doing more to draw attention to it than I was covering.

Developed a habit of walking around with my hand in my pocket I still catch myself doing.

Eventually I realized that people don't go around looking for unexplained bulges, and frankly even when I knew I was printing no one seemed to notice.

I think people who do carry may notice bulges and gun shapes in your pocket, but most people aren't even thinking about that.

Eventually it just seems normal.