Since I believe CC to be important to all eligable adults (and those who are deemed ineligable for a dumbshit reason), here is the un-official "Everything CCW-related" thread. Besides, there are several points I wanted to bring up and its stupid to make multiple threads.

Topic #1: Lets hear some of your CC details.

To those who carry; Mind sharing details (pics, specs, etc.)?

I gave my SAXD to a very close female friend when she moved away, and bought my current carry piece; a Taurus PT1911 .45 ACP:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Archimiel/1911right.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Archimiel/holstered.jpg

For practice, I almost always use Winchester White Box, 230 gr FMJ. For carry, I use Hornady TAP +P 230 gr JHP. The gun has almost 600 rds through it, no jams or FTF/FTE of any kind. Tried Gold Dots, Golden Sabres, Hornady, Blazer Brass, Winchester...so far no feeding issues of any sort. Bought a Chip McCormick spare 8-rd magazine, making 3 total. I never used to carry reloads, but started keeping one reload on me and the other in the center console.

This is the latest target. Distance was 30 feet (10 yards), with WWB FMJ, unsupported:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Archimiel/newesttarget-1.jpg

Feel free to chime in with either what you ARE carrying, or what you intend to carry.

Topic #2: CC vs. OC

This debate will go on for EVER... CC people say it gives us the element of surprise, OC people say its a deterrent factor. My take on it is this; OC is a right and should be taken advantage of UNLESS doing so will deliberately result in a hostile situation. For instance, OC'ing to a place you know is commonly frequented by anti-firearm assholes. I'm not going to say OC should be banned or restricted, because it shouldn't. I fully support whoever wants to OC, and I don't give a shit of people are scared by it or not. I do know it is likely you'll get a visit from the police regarding a "man with gun" call. Most cops know a guy illegally carrying will not have his weapon on display, but they usually have to come and check it regardless. Is it a deterrent? Well it may be, or some hardcore gangsta may decide he likes yours better and either rob or rob & shoot you for yours. Granted there arn't many cases of it happening that I'm aware of. Personally, I like going from unarmed victim to HOLY FUCK WHERE'D THAT COME FROM?!! in half a second.

Topic #3: Attitudes of your local population/police regarding CC/OC.

I love walks alone at night. One night, I was driving home (this was about 2005, mid August), and it being hot outside, I removed my outer cover shirt. In Georgia, OC is legal with a GFL (Georgia Firearms License) just like CC is. I stopped at my banks ATM, got out, walked 10 feet to use the ATM, and after a passing cop saw me, wound up standing alongside the road for 40 minutes while the cops radio'ed in to see if they just scored an illegal carry of deadly weapon arrest. When it turned out the Shift Supervisor told them its legal, quit pestering me, they copped an attitude and wanted to know if I was related to the Judge who signed my permit (nevermind GA is a Shall-Issue and they MUST give it to me unless I DQ myself). They eventually fucked off and I went home, after one of the cops warned me carrying a weapon could just get me hurt, and to call them if I needed help (yea right Officer Dingleberry).

The state troopers I've encountered (which is a LOT due to traffic stops or checkpoints) couldn't give a shit less. One trooper in my 3.5 years of carrying asked me to get out of the car, he put my gun on the roof of the car and covered it with his hat, then let me get back in. All he said was, "Your safety was flicked off. Be sure to keep it on to cut back on the chances of negligent discharge". One checkpoint manned by sheriffs deputies simply asked where it was, I told them, then they asked could I open the console and show it to them (????). So I did, deputy leaned in, read off the serial #, came back a minute later and said alrighty, drive safe. I assume he had run it to see if it was stolen.

Topic #4: Attitudes of your girlfriend/boyfriend/SO/husband/wife about carrying.

Long story short: Mine was 100% for it. In fairness, even if she was dead against it, I'd do it anyway. When you're willing to pay a cops overtime so he can follow me everywhere I go, I'll consider leaving it at home. Until then, its called "personal responsibility". You would be AMAZED how many people still don't know CC/OC is perfectly legal in almost every state.

Feel free to pitch in any thoughts/feedback about any/all of the 4 above.

I'll be turning 21 next month and living in the state of Ohio was planning on immediately purchasing a pistol and applying for C.C.W. classes.

However my new job will be taking me across the river to the great state of Kentucky come late winter where open carry is a right. I'll obviously be taking great advantage of this, where it will be legal to walk about with my favorite weapon exposed - the classic M1911 pistol.

The great part about KY is the attitude of the local populace. The Kentucky state Constitution, if my memory serves me correctly, expressly forbids the passage of any laws taking away citizens rights to carry an exposed firearm. C.C.W. permits are available, I have a paraplegic uncle that has his, but I'm just more comfortable with open carry, especially consdering an M1911 isn't exactly the most concealable of pistols.

I still live at home so the significant other factor isn't really a factor. However my parents see me as quite responsible and trust me enough to already allow the ownership of two firearms; I don't think adding another to the collection will hurt. :)

By the way nice groupings on the target. :cool:

EDIT: For ammunition I'll probably keep my soon-to-be-acquired M1911 loaded with Speer Gold Dot 230-gr.

My current rig is an XD40 4" in a leather Don Hume OWB with a Fobus paddle back single magazine carrier. Both loaded with 165gr Winchester Ranger, because I put my old carry ammo (165 Federal Tac Bonded) in my pocket and filled my mags with FMJ for a range trip, then the rounds ended up falling out of my pocket and into puddle, so I ended up just shooting it as it could no longer be trusted for carry.

I plan on ditching some handguns I don't like/shoot weird ammo so I can have some cash to put towards another (maybe smaller) handgun that I might use as a BUG.

I'm currently looking into the GLOCK 19/23/30, another full sized XD9/40, or some kind of Smith, preferrably a 6906. But so long as I can get my hands on some sort of quality handgun I don't really care.


Though I may just end up getting another AK, lol.

I've only had to pull my gun one time and I'm happy I didn't have to shoot the bastard because I was illegal CCing at age 16.

Me and my mom went to Walmart for, hell, I don't even remember, but she parks around the side of the building so she doesn't have to weave through all kinds of idiots to leave. So anyway we were loading up the trunk and I noticed this Mexican gang banger looking dude just standing next to the wall and watching us.

So we got everything in the trunk and as soon as my mom unlocks the door and we get in, Mr. MS13 starts speed walking towards us. Now at this time I was 110% convinced he was going to try and jack the car so I pull my CZ52 (yea yea, I know, but what kind of handgun did YOU have at 16? :D) and just hold it, muzzle down, in the middle of my chest.

The shitbag stops dead and gets wide eyed and reverts his path to right and walks away quickly.

And I'll admit this now before anybody says some kind of "you shouldn't have drawn" BS...

I know I had no way of knowing that man's intentions, he could have just been asking for directions.

But you know what? He could have also been dead set on slitting my mother's throat and taking her car.

And, well, everyone left the whole incident alive, so I really don't see any issue.

I'll get around to posting some old pics, as well as a Galco IWB for a subcompact I haven't ever uploaded. I never reveal all my secrets.

My current rig is an XD40 4" in a leather Don Hume OWB with a Fobus paddle back single magazine carrier. Both loaded with 165gr Winchester Ranger, because I put my old carry ammo (165 Federal Tac Bonded) in my pocket and filled my mags with FMJ for a range trip, then the rounds ended up falling out of my pocket and into puddle, so I ended up just shooting it as it could no longer be trusted for carry.

I plan on ditching some handguns I don't like/shoot weird ammo so I can have some cash to put towards another (maybe smaller) handgun that I might use as a BUG.

I'm currently looking into the GLOCK 19/23/30, another full sized XD9/40, or some kind of Smith, preferrably a 6906. But so long as I can get my hands on some sort of quality handgun I don't really care.


Though I may just end up getting another AK, lol.

I've only had to pull my gun one time and I'm happy I didn't have to shoot the bastard because I was illegal CCing at age 16.

Me and my mom went to Walmart for, hell, I don't even remember, but she parks around the side of the building so she doesn't have to weave through all kinds of idiots to leave. So anyway we were loading up the trunk and I noticed this Mexican gang banger looking dude just standing next to the wall and watching us.

So we got everything in the trunk and as soon as my mom unlocks the door and we get in, Mr. MS13 starts speed walking towards us. Now at this time I was 110% convinced he was going to try and jack the car so I pull my CZ52 (yea yea, I know, but what kind of handgun did YOU have at 16? :D) and just hold it, muzzle down, in the middle of my chest.

The shitbag stops dead and gets wide eyed and reverts his path to right and walks away quickly.

And I'll admit this now before anybody says some kind of "you shouldn't have drawn" BS...

I know I had no way of knowing that man's intentions, he could have just been asking for directions.

But you know what? He could have also been dead set on slitting my mother's throat and taking her car.

And, well, everyone left the whole incident alive, so I really don't see any issue.

The problem with your situation is your right, he may have had innocent intentions in mind. However, he also could have been wanting to rape/rob you. Its a tricky situation for sure, but I'll risk a brandishing charge before I'll let some thug wannabe get close enough to starting stomping my ass. This is another bitch about CC'ing....it (for me anyway) drastically lowers your ability to fight unarmed. If you can't level him in the first one or two blows, there is a chance your weapon may come loose, which is hands-down the worst case scenario, second only to the guy snatching it up.

there is a chance your weapon may come loose, which is hands-down the worst case scenario
This is why I believe choosing a holster should be taken much more seriously. Many folks just assume, "If I can stick my gun in it and walk around, it's good enough for me." NO! Testing for police department holsters is very rigorous because of this exact situation; they take choosing a holster very seriously, and so should you.

This is why I believe choosing a holster should be taken much more seriously. Many folks just assume, "If I can stick my gun in it and walk around, it's good enough for me." NO! Testing for police department holsters is very rigorous because of this exact situation; they take choosing a holster very seriously, and so should you.

The key difference is police do not have the option of concealed carry (rank-and-file anyway..). Even someplace like a gun show, I won't OC, and a large part of it is I don't want it announced I'm armed. You get in a fight and the guy discovers your gun, he may possibly make a snatch at it (which is considered a lethal force attempt in MANY states. He's not snatching it to admire your grips). A good holster is more than a gun holder, it is also a retention and comfort device. A good holster should allow you to walk, jog (or run..), jump, and climb, without it coming loose. I removed the retention strap from mine, since its IWB, and use a tighter belt. It may be bad practice to rely on resistance alone to keep your gun secure, but until I can afford a better quality holster, it has to do. I'm wanting to custom-make my own.

The key difference is police do not have the option of concealed carry (rank-and-file anyway..). Even someplace like a gun show, I won't OC, and a large part of it is I don't want it announced I'm armed. You get in a fight and the guy discovers your gun, he may possibly make a snatch at it (which is considered a lethal force attempt in MANY states. He's not snatching it to admire your grips). A good holster is more than a gun holder, it is also a retention and comfort device. A good holster should allow you to walk, jog (or run..), jump, and climb, without it coming loose. I removed the retention strap from mine, since its IWB, and use a tighter belt. It may be bad practice to rely on resistance alone to keep your gun secure, but until I can afford a better quality holster, it has to do. I'm wanting to custom-make my own.

I saw a holster a few days ago in a Cabela's catalog that gripped the trigger guard in order to secure the gun as opposed to using a strap.

I've only had to pull my gun one time and I'm happy I didn't have to shoot the bastard because I was illegal CCing at age 16.

Me and my mom went to Walmart for, hell, I don't even remember, but she parks around the side of the building so she doesn't have to weave through all kinds of idiots to leave. So anyway we were loading up the trunk and I noticed this Mexican gang banger looking dude just standing next to the wall and watching us.

So we got everything in the trunk and as soon as my mom unlocks the door and we get in, Mr. MS13 starts speed walking towards us. Now at this time I was 110% convinced he was going to try and jack the car so I pull my CZ52 (yea yea, I know, but what kind of handgun did YOU have at 16? :D) and just hold it, muzzle down, in the middle of my chest.

The shitbag stops dead and gets wide eyed and reverts his path to right and walks away quickly.

And I'll admit this now before anybody says some kind of "you shouldn't have drawn" BS...

I know I had no way of knowing that man's intentions, he could have just been asking for directions.

But you know what? He could have also been dead set on slitting my mother's throat and taking her car.

And, well, everyone left the whole incident alive, so I really don't see any issue.

I think you made the right call from the sounds of it. I can't think of any legitimate reason he would have behaved the way he did with the waiting for the door to be open, rushing so fast, and all the other subtle things that suggested hostle intentions. And good on you for carrying anyway, I'd rather be tried by twelve(or go on the lamb) than carried by six.

What was your mom's reaction to you carrying? Did she know before this incident? Did she even notice this incident? How did that all go down?

Yea, when she saw him rushing towards us, she screamed.

Yes, she knew I had and carried a gun because she went out of her way to buy me a Springfield XD40 for Christmas not too long before the incident.

After the whole thing went down it really didn't have any affect on her, she just simply saw it as a solution to the problem at hand.

The only reason I had the CZ with me was because I was kind of a gun weenie when I was 16 and didn't want to ding up my XD, lol.

Times change and now the XD is never more than a foot away from me.

I mean, if you get caught illegally carrying concealed you're obviously not very good at it :D

I mean, if you get caught illegally carrying concealed you're obviously not very good at it :D
I like your way of thinking. :)

The XD40 is a nice looking weapon, though I'm more of a .45 guy myself. Contemplating the Springfield Armory M1911 myself.

Haha, well, I received this gun probably about a year before the .45 XD was more than just a myth.

Hell, I've had an XD since even before Springfield had an ad for them on every other page in Guns & Ammo.

I still remember posting pictures of it on The Real Man's Forum, hahaha.

Only the "old heads" of W&C would understand that.

But, my dad has a Springfield 1911, which means I pretty much have one too, lol.

And, I can tell you, it's a damn good gun the only malfunctions I've ever had with it was limp wristing it when I first started shooting it over a decade ago.

Except he bought his before Springfield started calling the "Standard" model the Milspec and when they were still made in the US and not Brazil.

So I can't speak for new ones.

But I really doubt you would have any issues with any Springfield 1911 you buy, regardless of where it's made.

I still remember posting pictures of it on The Real Man's Forum, hahaha.

Only the "old heads" of W&C would understand that.

The Real Man's Forum was awesome! Quite turbulent times though.

I've been carrying concealed on permit since 2000.

Nothing unusual to report.


Carried lot's of different firearms over the years in lot's of different holsters.


However I always end up going back to my main carry -- G26 and or a MP 360.




Only once was disarmed by a state trooper while doing an accident (hit and run) investigation in which I had to chase the offending motorist.

He noticed a box of gold dots tucked in to the door compartment in my automobile.



Otherwise I choose not to disclose that I am armed if stopped by law enforcement (not required in my state unless they ask you directly).

It could complicate things.




I also hold two non resident permits of other states that I tend to travel to semi frequently.




Only one time (many years ago) I thought I was going to have to draw down on someone or go low ready.

Fortunately they caught the "he's got something on him" vibe and they quickly walked away.

I've been carrying concealed on permit since 2000.

Nothing unusual to report.


Carried lot's of different firearms over the years in lot's of different holsters.


However I always end up going back to my main carry -- G26 and or a MP 360.




Only once was disarmed by a state trooper while doing an accident (hit and run) investigation in which I had to chase the offending motorist.

He noticed a box of gold dots tucked in to the door compartment in my automobile.



Otherwise I choose not to disclose that I am armed if stopped by law enforcement (not required in my state unless they ask you directly).

It could complicate things.




I also hold two non resident permits of other states that I tend to travel to semi frequently.




Only one time (many years ago) I thought I was going to have to draw down on someone or go low ready.

Fortunately they caught the "he's got something on him" vibe and they quickly walked away.

This is a torn-issue with me. Part of me says not to draw unless you're planning to fire, the other part says simply drawing on someone can PREVENT you having to fire. Most sane, sober people will cease asshattery when a gun is leveled at their face. The ones that won't probably needed shooting anyway.

This is a torn-issue with me. Part of me says not to draw unless you're planning to fire, the other part says simply drawing on someone can PREVENT you having to fire. Most sane, sober people will cease asshattery when a gun is leveled at their face. The ones that won't probably needed shooting anyway.
It's a touchy subject but I'm of the mindset not to draw unless you feel the need to fire. People can still engage in a high level of "asshattery" that doesn't present a threat to life and limb, the usual requirement under state law for blowing their asses away.

There have been several times when I would have probobly been justified in shooting somebody with my CCW, but I really, really dont want to stateside. I cant imagine the legal crap that would follow. Possibly going to jail, loosing a 1200 dollar gun, my CHL etc. I can imagine sitting in court being accused of being a PTSD driven monster who wants to continue his baby killing rampage after returning from deployment.

One might say I have no faith in our legal system, I would say thats correct.

This is a torn-issue with me. Part of me says not to draw unless you're planning to fire, the other part says simply drawing on someone can PREVENT you having to fire. Most sane, sober people will cease asshattery when a gun is leveled at their face. The ones that won't probably needed shooting anyway.

Indeed.

This is the point I argue with the old timers of concealed carry a lot.


Instead I like to say,

Don't draw unless you are prepared to fire.

For if I draw then it is accepted my adversary has the opportunity, intent and ability to commit serious bodily harm to myself or a third party.

He or she has an incredibly short time window (two seconds or less) to cease and desist all actions; run the opposite direction or surrender.

Ideally the display of the firearm will de-escalate the situation without shots fired however that is not always the case.



If you carry a firearm.
Be prepared to draw your firearm.
Accept the possibility you will have to pull the trigger on someone.
Realize you might have to pull the trigger -- multiple times -- to stop the threat.

Sadly...

Depending on the state and local municipality -- even in the event of a clear case of self defense.

You might face legal (criminal / civil) charges.


If that is the case...

The state you reside in sucks anyway -- might as well take a job transfer and move.

I saw someone who was carrying concealed, and had to squat to change his tire one day. He one of those minute .22 autos on him, in his pocket. It fell out. I was about 25 yards off, so I tried to inform him about his dropped gun.

The dumb ass stared at me, hurried into his car and drove off. I waited for a minute, picked up his gun, and walked away. Some people shouldn't carry, because they are not smart. That guy was so transfixed on being rude to the dumb cracker walking along, that he didn't feel or think about his gun.

What I'm trying to say is, when you carry concealed, you are placing a big burden upon yourself. You have the responsibility to keep track of your firearm. If you don't, you shouldn't be carrying, since you are just dragging down humanity and giving liberals their argument (one and the same).

Aside from not needing to carry if he can't keep track of his weapon, he should have been using a pocket holster. And a better firearm.

Carrying in your pocket without a holster is dangerous due to lint that can obstruct moving parts, insecurity, etc.

One might say I have no faith in our legal system, I would say thats correct.
Not a terrible philosophy to follow considering that even if you are threatened severe bodily harm by a lowlife scumfuck criminal and do shoot and kill him, his family can still turn around and sue your ass.

Carrying in your pocket without a holster is dangerous due to lint that can obstruct moving parts, insecurity, etc.

I'm guilty of dropping my j-frame in to my pocket without a holster every now and then. =/

However I would never do that with any semi auto.

Not a terrible philosophy to follow considering that even if you are threatened severe bodily harm by a lowlife scumfuck criminal and do shoot and kill him, his family can still turn around and sue your ass.

Not in every state. In Georgia, you pop someone for a legitimate reason, you are immune from all civil suits that may follow as a result. Same with AL and FL I believe.

Not in every state. In Georgia, you pop someone for a legitimate reason, you are immune from all civil suits that may follow as a result. Same with AL and FL I believe.
That sounds quite excellent. I need to do a double check on Ohio state law myself. Gonna be picking up a Remmy Model 870 here soon and would rather know the law before any time I may need to use it, rather than after.

Regardless Florida doesn't surprise me in that stance. One of the W&C regulars refers to retirement heaven as "The Gunshine State." :cool:

I'm guilty of dropping my j-frame in to my pocket without a holster every now and then. =/

However I would never do that with any semi auto.

You have more experience with revolvers than I do, so I can't say anything :-).