What I learned in my first 4 years.
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2015 1:47 pm
My renewal is coming up here soon and realizing that made me sit back and reminisce for a bit on the last 4 years. Here are some thoughts I've had rattling in my head, make use of em if you can.
1. Carry always, carry with a round chambered and PRACTICE DRAWING YOUR WEAPON. I've only had to place my hand on my weapon once in the last 4 years; never drew it, but I sure was thankful in that moment that I'd taken the time to locate and acquire a good carry holster, that there was a round waiting in the chamber for me and that I was more than confident in my ability to quickly take down the threat should I be forced to.
2. Guns can easily be resold in the great state of Texas; buy one, carry it for a while then move on to something else. Either keep or sell the previous weapon, but explore your options - this is truly the only way to experience a wide range of carry options; one hour at the range with your buddy's 1911 isn't going to be enough data for you to make an educated decision on an EDC. To assist in this endeavor, learn to make your own holsters.
3. The weapon under your shirt is the LEAST used item you'll ever carry but it is the last line of defense. The first - and in my opinion the most important one - is your sense of awareness; train this skill FAR more than you train to fire your weapon, it will help keep you from ever having to use the last line of defense.
4. Caliber doesn't really matter, nobody wants to get shot with anything... but I carry a 45ACP because ballistic testing has shown me time and time again that it DEVASTATES where other calibers just penetrate. This is my own testing, shooting my preferred carry ammo at the targets I either made or purchased. Do your own testing and make up your own mind; the overwhelming amount of information available on the web will only confuse and annoy most folks.
5. Relax. Seriously, I can spot a new CHL from a mile away - and that's not a good thing. I know I was the exact same way for the first couple of years but I eventually learned that I was making a spectacle of myself. Scowls and over analytical visual sweeps of the local Denny's is unnecessary and goofy. Pay attention but don't go overboard, your blood pressure and spouse will thank you for it.
6. Griping at a Buffalo Wild Wing's manager for his company's decision to post 'guns not welcome on premises' signs at the entrance of all their restaurants is a moot point and will not get you anywhere. Eat elsewhere, carry quietly until they post 30.06 signs or leave it in your car. Arguing the pros and cons of this policy with someone who has no control over it is a waste of time; this goes for all similarly branded establishments.
7. Stop tugging at the back of your shirt.
8. Don't go to the range alone; take along someone who shoots WAY better than you then ask for guidance. If you outshoot all your friends, ask the manager at the range if there is anyone he might recommend who can at least watch and give some pointers.
9. Whatever habits you develop while training or just living day to day with your carry weapon will transition over to 'real life.' Be aware of this and develop good habits - removing your weapon and placing it on the dinner table while you eat might be ok at home while it's just you and the wife but Chili's frowns upon it.
10. Listen and learn from those with more experience; not just regarding concealed carry but in all aspects of life. I've found that sitting and talking with folks about shooting often leads to more in depth and meaningful conversations about all aspects of living and I cannot begin to put a price tag on what I've learned from the old white haired guy on lane 9 putting quarter sized holes into the center ring from 20 yards with his duty revolver from 1980... very little of it has anything to do with guns.
1. Carry always, carry with a round chambered and PRACTICE DRAWING YOUR WEAPON. I've only had to place my hand on my weapon once in the last 4 years; never drew it, but I sure was thankful in that moment that I'd taken the time to locate and acquire a good carry holster, that there was a round waiting in the chamber for me and that I was more than confident in my ability to quickly take down the threat should I be forced to.
2. Guns can easily be resold in the great state of Texas; buy one, carry it for a while then move on to something else. Either keep or sell the previous weapon, but explore your options - this is truly the only way to experience a wide range of carry options; one hour at the range with your buddy's 1911 isn't going to be enough data for you to make an educated decision on an EDC. To assist in this endeavor, learn to make your own holsters.
3. The weapon under your shirt is the LEAST used item you'll ever carry but it is the last line of defense. The first - and in my opinion the most important one - is your sense of awareness; train this skill FAR more than you train to fire your weapon, it will help keep you from ever having to use the last line of defense.
4. Caliber doesn't really matter, nobody wants to get shot with anything... but I carry a 45ACP because ballistic testing has shown me time and time again that it DEVASTATES where other calibers just penetrate. This is my own testing, shooting my preferred carry ammo at the targets I either made or purchased. Do your own testing and make up your own mind; the overwhelming amount of information available on the web will only confuse and annoy most folks.
5. Relax. Seriously, I can spot a new CHL from a mile away - and that's not a good thing. I know I was the exact same way for the first couple of years but I eventually learned that I was making a spectacle of myself. Scowls and over analytical visual sweeps of the local Denny's is unnecessary and goofy. Pay attention but don't go overboard, your blood pressure and spouse will thank you for it.
6. Griping at a Buffalo Wild Wing's manager for his company's decision to post 'guns not welcome on premises' signs at the entrance of all their restaurants is a moot point and will not get you anywhere. Eat elsewhere, carry quietly until they post 30.06 signs or leave it in your car. Arguing the pros and cons of this policy with someone who has no control over it is a waste of time; this goes for all similarly branded establishments.
7. Stop tugging at the back of your shirt.
8. Don't go to the range alone; take along someone who shoots WAY better than you then ask for guidance. If you outshoot all your friends, ask the manager at the range if there is anyone he might recommend who can at least watch and give some pointers.
9. Whatever habits you develop while training or just living day to day with your carry weapon will transition over to 'real life.' Be aware of this and develop good habits - removing your weapon and placing it on the dinner table while you eat might be ok at home while it's just you and the wife but Chili's frowns upon it.
10. Listen and learn from those with more experience; not just regarding concealed carry but in all aspects of life. I've found that sitting and talking with folks about shooting often leads to more in depth and meaningful conversations about all aspects of living and I cannot begin to put a price tag on what I've learned from the old white haired guy on lane 9 putting quarter sized holes into the center ring from 20 yards with his duty revolver from 1980... very little of it has anything to do with guns.
