Concealed carry is one way that people can keep protection, in the form of a firearm on their person at all times. I have frequently written about the merits of concealed carry and even the best way to carry concealed in my opinion for those who so choose. For the law-abiding citizen, carrying concealed is one way to provide defensive capabilities to yourself should you end up in a bad situation and your life is on the line.
Recent events like the terrorist shooting in San Bernardino or any one of dozens of other examples of terrorism here in the US might be spurring millions to purchase a firearm for security. I agree that for me at least this makes sense, but carrying concealed isn’t a magical unicorn that will flawlessly offer you peace of mind and protection from all evil forces in a simple and convenient way. I don’t mean to imply that this option works for everyone either or that you specifically should carry concealed. It is an option that I think sober people who want to protect their families and loved ones should consider, but it isn’t for everyone.
There are a few drawbacks to carrying concealed that I thought might be worth mentioning for perspective and to showcase another side of this issue. I will say up front now that I have faced all of the situations I am listing below and still choose to conceal carry virtually everywhere I go, but I hope this does give someone considering carrying concealed a little more information to reflect on before you make your final choice.
One of our readers commented on a separate post about some of their perceptions about the drawbacks of carrying concealed and that prompted my list below.
One size does not fit all
There are literally hundreds if not thousands of handguns out there you could consider as your concealed carry weapon. Some weapons are designed with smaller frames and shorter barrels to ease concealment. Others are full-sized weapons not designed specifically for concealment that people choose to simply hide a little better, but if you aren’t showing that on your hip for the world to see it is concealed. This presents the first problem I had to deal with.
I wanted my concealed carry permit for a lot of reasons. Most of them are detailed in my post titled Obligation to Carry Concealed and if you are considering if this is right for you, I might recommend you read that article first. Once you do decide that carrying concealed firearms is something you want to pursue, I would first check out the laws in your state. The website USAConcealedCarry.com has a lot of useful information. I would also talk to friends and family you know if possible for their advice and perspective.
Back to my point. The first weapon I purchased for concealed carry was a Beretta Mini Cougar chambered in .40. I admit that I let the coolness factor of the firearm sell me more than the practicality. It was so beautiful and fit my hand perfectly. It shot well and with the regular magazine (not the extended grip) it was a good bit shorter. It was also heavy as all get out.
The completely steel frame of the Beretta I am sure increased some stability with shooting and was certainly more durable but fully loaded it felt like I was carrying a brick in my pants.
This didn’t last long so I figured I would downsize to something lighter. At this time I was working in an office so business casual was my normal dress. I couldn’t go with anything that stuck out of my pants and I wasn’t going to start wearing sport coats at a place where most people wore flip-flops and shorts to work so I started looking at .380’s and settled on the little Kel-tec P-3AT.
This fit in my pocket nicely and didn’t print much at all. I figured that all of my problems were solved and actually carried this weapon for several years. I guess I knew all along that the .380 caliber wasn’t ideal in terms of stopping power and decided that I needed to go back up to a larger caliber. I traded the used Beretta for a brand new Glock 22 chambered in .40. It wasn’t concealed size but I wanted to look for a different option and I had a lot of a.
This time I tried the Glock 30S chambered in .45 because not many people will argue that a .45 isn’t substantial enough, provided your shots are accurate, to take just about any man and some larger wildlife down. This was definitely a smaller profile but not small enough. It was too heavy as well so I was back to square one.
Carrying concealed isn’t always comfortable
My Glock 30S was about the smallest weapon of that caliber I could find without going really exotic. Besides, I am a Glock fan so it was good to have another one in the stable to go along with my 17 in 9mm, but the 30S was still too heavy and too uncomfortable in the small of my back for anything other than walking around. Sitting down all day, which is what I usually do, was painful. Trying to draw if I am in a vehicle driving was almost impossible.
The 30S did work if I could wear this on my strong side hip with a shirt that was untucked and I didn’t encounter situations where people touching me were possible but now I had to move my Leatherman and flashlight to my left side which felt odd. Additionally, I now had what looked like a Bat Utility belt. All of these problems caused me to continue looking.
But even when I found what I consider to be the best option in a firearm, holster and carry method for me, I still can’t go about carrying concealed every day without considering a lot of different factors.
- Where am I going today?
- What type of situations will I encounter there?
- What am I going to wear?
- What will I be doing all day?
I can’t simply roll out of bed and grab my gun because I might be traveling on business. I might be going somewhere that doesn’t allow concealed weapons and there is a possibility I could be searched. I might not be wearing clothes that lend themselves to concealment or my outfit needs to adjust.
Then there are other challenges that might present themselves. Going to the bathroom comes to mind and just about any carry method I have tried involves my pants. When they go down as they sometimes need to do, so does your weapon. If the belt is loose, your retention on that weapon can be lost so you sometimes need to juggle weapon placement while you are doing your business so it doesn’t hit the floor or show to the guy sitting next to you.
This also goes for when you are pulling your pants back up. I find that doing this with the weapon on the belt isn’t as easy as removing the weapon, adjusting your pants and belt and then seating the weapon in the holster. Makes a guy avoid going to the John at all costs. Not really, but it is something to think about.
Carrying in the summer offers the advantage of un-tucked shirts usually, but shorts don’t always come with loops large enough for a belt that will retain your weapon securely. Some of my shorts don’t have loops at all so if I want to carry concealed, I have to adjust my outfit. Then you have sweat so you either make sure you are oiling your weapon or the holster covers it or you wear a T-shirt and sweat more or some combination of all of the above.
Don’t even get me started on holsters. Each way you carry and each weapon could potentially require a different holster for the best retention, access and comfort.
Lastly, the position you carry your holster and your concealed carry firearm will likely cause some discomfort or further inconvenience in some situations. When I am carrying inside the waist band (IWB) bending over can hurt. If I am carrying on my hip, getting my wallet out is much more difficult. Side, my front pocket is covered a little. Small of back, pain when sitting plus I never know if I am showing without constantly pulling on my shirt tail.
Carrying concealed takes discipline
But before I dissuade anyone from carrying let me finish one last point and that is in order to be as proficient as you can with the simple act of carrying your firearm, let alone using it accurately, you need to practice. If you don’t carry your weapon every day, the chance that you won’t have it when you need it goes up. I look at my concealed carry as part of my EDC. It goes with me just about everywhere. Even to the pool. No, it isn’t in my swimming trunks but I have a plan for that and carrying everyday will give you the experience you need to figure out what works for you and how to overcome these minor annoyances I mentioned above.
I feel that after a lot of time and practice I have a system that works for me. I did purchase another Glock, the G43 in 9mm which is a very compact and light framed pistol. I carry that weapon IWB appendix and have for several months now so I alleviate many of the problems I encountered with other methods, but I still have to be careful bending over too far. I learned quickly to tie my shoes and then put the weapon in my belt.
There are many different things to consider before you carry concealed. The legal and moral obligations and ramifications of using your weapon in a defensive way alone should give you great pause. If you are confident you want to carry concealed, I applaud your efforts, but urge you to try many different types of weapons out before you purchase one. Decide where you will carry by trying each of the methods you think will work for you first before buying a holster. Talk to someone who does carry daily and get their perspective.
It could save you a lot of time and money.
I have a day weapon a night weapon and a back up weapon. It all depends on what I am doing and how I have to be dressed. In the winter there are less restrictions because of the heavier and looser clothing.
Just remember if you wear clothing that fits and then decide to carry IWB you will need at least an extra inch in the belt line. Buy looser pants and shirts.
Same here Mike. Out in the woods, the full size or the .45 can ride on the hip much easier.
I prefer it in my thigh rig. Easier to grab when sitting.
I have a modified thigh rig for when I could care less who is looking. It is a Rogers Tactical that sits a good bit higher than traditional thigh rigs but still lower than your belt. http://www.holsterops.com/rogers-recommended-tactical-holster
I, too, am a Glock fan and struggled with my 17 for a while. REALLY wanted to carry the 21, but it felt like it was 400 ponds. I tried a 30 because I felt more confident with the .45, but I also found it to be heavy. I went outside my admiration of Glocks when I decided to try A Bersa. A friend at work carried a .380, and though it was light and easily concealed, I wanted a .45. Lo and behold, I now have for EDC a Bersa UC Pro in .45. It’s lighter than the G30,… Read more »
My Dad has a Bersa too probably because they are less costly but I’ll have to see how light it is. I haven’t shot it but I hear more and more people running Bersas.
I’m still partial to my G17. The full frame fits my hand better than the compacts and I can reliably put lead on target. However, the combination of this gun’s size and mine (I’m what they used to call “husky”) render IWB impossible.
I’m considering something like a single stack .45 in an ankle holster. Do you have any recommendations about those?
The 17 is hands down the best weapon for me too as far as accuracy Lawrence. It is the perfect combination of all the factors I guess but I am far more deadly with that weapon than any other and I don’t think that part comes down to practice. If concealment isn’t a concern, the 17 or the 22 goes on the hip. For me, I have only tried an ankle holster once and that was with my really light .380. The holster really wasn’t comfortable at all and I don’t think I wore it more than twice before I… Read more »
You also have to have the discipline to know when NOT to use your weapon. If you’ve made yourself so jumpy with end-of-life-as-we-know-it scenarios, you might forget it’s your birthday when you get home—–and suddenly you’re facing multiple counts of murder 2 because your loved ones popped out of the dark yelling ‘SURPRISE!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!’ and you freaked out and slaughtered them all.
What an asinine comment….Have links where something like this ever really happened?
More often than you would think. The comfort and access question pales in comparison to legal and moral aspect. Just ask a medium size dealer which pistol to purchase. He won’t steer you wrong. Think about the future before you shoot. PS deleting my comment was Bolshevik. Shame on you moderator guy.
Any actual fact based cases of this happening with links?
Not sure why your babbling about firearms selection to me as I never made a comment on the subject and have many fine firearms already to choose from.
I haven’t deleted any comments Dave and I think I have only deleted one in the entire history of this blog, but it certainly wasn’t because I disagreed with the comments. Just look at what else is in this thread and you can see I am pretty tolerant of discourse.
Only a matter of time, good sir. Only a matter of time.
In other words no, just pure fantasy, unless of course you plan on making a self fulfilling prophecy
Nah not really. It will happen any day now, as stupid as preppers tend to be.
Only stupid I see is bogus hypotheticals about how someone may mistaken a surprise party for a life threatening scenario. Way to come to a prepper forum and look like a liberal, lol
Well but they DO freak themselves out about the dumbest things, lol.
Preppers are so dumb tho, they worry about the stupidest shit.
You mean not everyone carries a full size Glock as an EDC? I’m shocked…wait I’m 6’10” 275lbs. I carried a G30 for years but because of the catchers mitts I call hands the grip was just too short, barely 2 fingers. I felt if I had to go for the weapon my hand might slip off. Thankfully it was never an issue. With the G21 I use an IWB holster I made and it sits very low, so low the rear sight is barely above my waistband, with a forward cant on a strong side hip carry. Even with my… Read more »
6’10”? Do you even need a gun? Your whole body should need a permit!
Lol…I know enough martial arts to get my butt kicked someone who knows what they’re doing.
Although I do have a black belt, it’s leather and holds up my pants.
I live in Texas so cowboy boots are considered de rigueur (cool). I carry a Sig .40 cal. P250 compact in an ankle holster.
What type of holster do you use if you don’t mind me asking?
An Uncle Mikes (copsplus.com) generic nylon ankle holster. Not my favorite but no one makes a fitted holster for the SIG Sauer compact P250. I have a SIG P226 as well but it’s too large for an ankle holster and I don’t like an inside waist band, it’s too noticeable.
I help teach CCW, I have an assortment of guns which I carry depends on what I wear, from subcompact for t shirts and shorts to full size for heavier clothing, the biggest factor after finding the correct gun is the right holster that fits properly, retains the gun without having to fight to remove or replace it, is convenient to reach without having to get half undressed, beyond that is proper training and practice, practice and more practice
Sometimes one has to think outside the box, in terms of caliber. I have a Glock 33 with night sights, for winter carry. The .357 Sig is a potent little round. The only drawback is the price, but I can handle that.
I carry from a .380 to a 9MM and want to buy a .45 it’s a personal choice, I know most people don’t like the .380 and say it doesn’t have enough knock down power but when you consider most confrontations happen between 5 and 20 feet the .380 is potent enough to do the job and if you carry a subcompact anything much over a 9MM is almost uncontrollable
That is going to depend on the shooter, their training, preferences and the threats they might face. Not eveything we might have to engage will be on two legs. Sometimes a larger round is necessary, for the environment one lives and plays in.
I gave my daughter a cute little pink .380 Taurus. I also gave her some G2 Research fragmentation bullets.
it’s not the color of the gun it’s knowing how and when to use it and being able to shoot accurately with the gun of your choice some people cannot handle a large bore gun as well as others, good job for arming your family
EDC, Springfield Armory XDm .45 Compact 3.8″ I use the 9 round mags with a Pearce grip extension which puts all fingers on the grip which is nice since it IS a .45 not a .22! Heaven on my hip!
Whoops great article, just tried posting 5/5 but when I clicked the button posted 0/5. Just wanted to correct my mistake with a post saying this was a very informative article and was also helpful to see the evolution of your gun choices. Thanks!
Thank you very much!
Here’s what I tell newbies during a one hour safety discussion: If you use a gun for self defense, remember that your life will change forever once you pull that trigger and you could be rotting in jail for the next 20 years. Also, if you’re quick tempered, or easily frightened, do not carry a firearm. Also know there’s more chance of being hit by lightning than dying in a terrorist attack.
Good advice Ron and I do agree that the odds are definitely small that you would ever see any terrorist, but there are so many other reasons/situations where concealed carry could save a life. I am all for responsible people carrying even if nobody ever again has any reason to pull their firearm.
As we see more of these home grown terrorists and more being imported everyday, I think the “lightning” comparison will change. This is not the world your grand parents grew up in, or even your parents for that matter.
I’ve carried legally for so many years now, everywhere that I’m legal to do so, I feel nekkid(not a pretty sight) without my EDCs. Am I afraid of terrorist attacks? Nope, I know the very real probabilities of having evil come my way, (and I don’t go places where I think it might lurk or be), I carry because you will NEVER need a firearm on your person, until you need it badly! I’ve seen far too many violent crimes in progress from my time in law enforcement and in being in small town America to understand NO PLACE is… Read more »
Ditto EB!
“No matter where you are, it’s still enemy territory”
I have spent far too much of my career in places that absolutely forbid firearms (airports, federally regulated industries, foreign countries, etc.) in any form of carry or even possession. When not in one of these terrorist or lunatic magnets, I will either open carry or go concealed carry with shoulder holster (weather permitting). Fortunately, my state considers the 2nd Amendment as important as I do, so open carry is not an issue. I’ve never been able to get ‘comfortable’ with IWB so instead, I carry the type of handgun that suits my needs and capabilities rather than my comfort.… Read more »
Great points Bolo and Ammo selection is definitely important. Even in my full-size options I always have JHP.
Y’all do realize that when the sh*t hits the fan THEY will be coming after concealed carry folks first.
I don’t agree that we would be first. When you look at all of the people who own guns, CC holders represent a small minority. Why would you go after the few people who registered when millions who aren’t CCH but still own firearms would surely hear about that?
They will come after you first because they KNOW you have guns, because you are a registered CC permit holder.
And they don’t know everyone else who purchases firearms legally?
Well, they’re not supposed to, but we know they keep records of FFL gun sales. I don’t buy from FFLs. I buy at gun shows from private sellers. No records, no tax.
FWIW: I’ve started using 80% lowers. Lots available for the AR platform, and recently one for a Glock in 9mm and .40 was released.
All the rest of the weapons parts are available over the counter for cash. They can have all the ones I purchased above board – they just sit in a old ammo can, completely stripped.
It is more likely that they will be huddled in their tax-payer funded bunkers, munching dry MREs and wondering why their former careers have no transferable skills to the real world of survival.
Well I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who has these problems with carry :). Like most everyone I’ve tried all kinds of carry methods – IWB, OWB, pocket et all. At the present time I’ve settled on a S&W Shield 9mm in a Fobus paddle OWB. I’m finding the OWB much more comfortable to carry plus the paddle holster is easy to put on and off as needed. I’ve also dropped 40lbs since July of this year and have to admit it does make a difference in carrying. I had hoped it would. We’re not supposed to… Read more »
Thanks HeySparky!
I pocket carried for years and if it came down to that or nothing, I would still be rocking my Kel-Tec with Blazer HP’s.
Congrats on dropping 40! I’m trying to lose about 50, myself. 20+yrs driving a truck + the ol’ 2-2.5 pounds a year trick = Surprise! You’re 50! (and fat).
As I wrote earlier, I’m partial to my G17, even if it is hard to conceal in the summer.
Thanks. 50 was my orig goal. Cutting carbs (Atkins) has done it for me.
I had a G23 once. Didn’t really take to it even though I shot it pretty well, but now I find myself wanting to give Glock another try.
Glad you were able to get your permit Wiseman. Just wish more people could without so many constraints.
I like my SW 442 in .38 Special+P. I carry it in a Fobus Roto-holster and it is great, small, light – reasonably accurate for defensive use, and has a keyed factory trigger lock that can be set for storage. I enhanced the tactile aspects by adding little strips of GT-5000 grip tape to the front of the trigger guard and the right side of the frame which gives affirmation of proper grip, and gives something to finger hold with the left index finger when firing. The barrel is so short on this thing I wanted to train myself to… Read more »
If a teenager barges into your living room at night would you shoot him dead? Surprise, he was only terrified and fleeing a gang of thugs at his heels. Nice shot asshole.
Are you sure you are commenting on the right thread Dave? Nobody has said that you kill anyone the second they get through your door. However, if someone kicks in my locked front door, they better be ready to splain themselves awful fast.
What would you do? invite them to dinner? Would the thugs ring the doorbell? This seems like a highly unlikely scenario you are using to paint gun-owners as reactionary and irrational.
Get your flu shot, pal.
What a STUPID comment. It makes NO sense what so ever and if it is an attempt at an anti gun argument it is a very weak one.
I watched a Youtube video that presented the dilemma that is inherent in so-called “gun ownership” versus “being armed.” Many in America own firearms, and say they are “armed.” Yet the reality is that you are NOT “armed” unless you have a loaded gun with a round chambered within your reach. That means you would need to have a weapon with you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It is a mental strain to keep the proper composure with a loaded weapon for a few hours let alone your entire wakeful day. For most… Read more »
Kaspar, Aren’t you stretching it a bit here? Is this all you do for fun? OK, so if the only way you can consider yourself “armed” is if you have a loaded weapon by your side 24 hours a day, ready to use it, what else can we apply your same logic to? How about the term literate? Using your example above, you can only be literate if you are reading and writing 24 hours a day. We know that isn’t possible, but we don’t say you technically aren’t literate because you can’t possibly bear the mental strain of being… Read more »
Very few people have been killed by grammar books. But guns kill everyday in America. Whether it is self-inflicted or done by someone else. All that most Americans want is common sense legislation that will limit the availability of death machines. According to the Constitution, “People” are no the same as “Persons.” The 2nd amendment specifically calls for “The People” who are within a “…well regulated militia…” that is part of what is “..necessary for the security of a free state.” It may be those “people” who are the ones whose “…right to keep and bear arms…” that shall not… Read more »
You are a prime candidate for the Darwin Award. I pity you.
Why do you say that? All that I did was state some obvious truths that need to be addressed. However, in the limited world of Conservativism there is no room for many “obvious” truths. Thus the need to promote the collapse of America.
Get your flu shot and don’t forget to “vote”.
I do get my flu shots since I have recovered from cancer. I had a bone marrow transplant and have a weakened immune system. So far, the last 7 years I have not had the flu. And I do vote. I even encourage other people to vote for liberal Democrats. Because liberal Democratic economic policies are the only ones proven to work. This video explains what 30+ years of Reaganomics have given America:
youtube. com/watch?v=z5CCRI1vdwE
(remove the space between the “dot” and the “com” to view the video)
In al my years of law enforcement even with two degrees in Criminology, I have never seen a single incident where an inanimate object “killed” a single solitary person. In fact, I will go on record and say that it is technically impossible for ANY inanimate object to “kill” any human being. While there are many self anointed ideologues that try to construct such nonsensical “evidence”, in fact, no such evidence exists, nor will it ever exist on the planet Earth.
Kaspar I’m glad you recovered from cancer. It gives me hope for my father getting treatment for stage 4 liver and colon cancer. If you read what the founders wrote about 2A its pretty clear the intention, I’m thinking Washington not Jefferson. 2A also incorporates two concepts in common use then, not so much now. The first deals directly with the language and structure of the amendment, the concept of a preamble which was used to add depth to a legal statement but in now way changed the statement. The “a well regulated militia…” being the preamble and the “right… Read more »
What I don’t understand is the legislation that was proposed shortly after the Sandy Hook incidence was merely a reinforcement of existing laws and closing of certain loopholes (straw buys) that would help in preventing gun proliferation. Most of what has been proposed does nothing to stop gun ownership – except for felons. It may be a priority for the NRA to ensure that felons can get access to weapons. As a society, we chose to do away with open carrying of weapons in favor of a more polite society. We need to preserve our civilization before it becomes a… Read more »
I wish that society existed. But there have always been bad people in any group and a need to protect yourself from the bad apples.
With a population the size of the US its impossible for law enforcement to be everywhere all the time. There are plenty of examples in history of societies that tried to have total security and that turned out fantastically bad.
I’ll be honest, I don’t have a solution. But limiting the freedom of law abiding citizens isn’t the way to go.
In life, there is no such thing as total security. And to think that you could have total security is a delusion. Because there are deadly things all around us besides people with guns. You are just as likely to fall in the bathtub and become paralyzed. There is a chance of getting a small cut and being infected with a flesh-eating bacteria. Life is a crap-shoot. Every day we toss the dice of fate and we don’t see where it lands until we go to sleep that night. The only thing that having a gun promises is that you… Read more »
That’s a logical falacy. By the same logic driving a car means I will potentially run over a pedestrian. Although both events are possible and tragic do we ban cars? I’m not going to say the only way you can defend yourself is with a gun because that’s what I think. That’s your decision, only you have the right and responsibility to do that. Nor am I trying to change your mind. I asking to be left to make what choice works for me, for good or bad or never an issue. I hate making general statements but this is… Read more »
It’s interesting to think that we have had what seems to be a reasonable conversation about guns in America. I would hope that the rest of America could discuss this issue without so much baggage. Thank you.
Kaspar
Those laws will only effect those who follow them. Straw purchases are already illegal. I don’t think a criminal buying a gun in a back alley is going for a background check.
I’m not saying background checks have no value just they aren’t a panacea.
paranoia is rampant here and concealed carry is a waste of time and money being you are only allowed to carry a gun where there is NO crime. in high crime areas in all the cities you are NOT allowed to carry
Paranoia? Do you have fire insurance? Do you insure your vehicle? Do you lock your house at night? I don’t understand how anyone can look at today’s society and think people who plan for bad things happening are paranoid. Do you look at the news? Regarding your “No crime” view, please tell me where this is because I live in a place where CC is legal, we do have crime and I want to be prepared. I have traveled all over this country and many states (36 to be exact) recognize my Concealed Carry license. I carry because I can,… Read more »
fire your gun at someone and the cops you worship will lock you up. you cant carry in cities where there is high crime and you know it
The cops I worship? OK, you haven’t been reading this blog for very long, if at all. But you are wrong about not being able to carry in cities. I carry in cities legally all the time. Can I carry in Chicago or New York or DC? No, but that isn’t the whole country you must understand. You can carry in Atlanta, St. Louis, Richmond, Detroit, Louisville, Denver, Daytona, Salt Lake City, Memphis, Montgomery, Houston and on and on… Yes, if you shoot at someone there is the distinct possibility that you will be arrested, but I am not going… Read more »
you seem like a very decent guy sorry if I came off wrong to you but I hope you never fire your gun and get in trouble. I said that because most gun owners worship cops I got thrown off 3 gun forums for speaking out against police state
I appreciate that ukalally and just so you know, I have never thrown anyone off my site. I do ask that we all keep it quasi respectful and you have certainly done that.
Take care,
Pat
thanks Pat you are a good guy
Please stop getting a flu shot and don’t take any vitamins from now on.
So you would rather see one of your fellow American citizens dead rather than alive? Your Nazi is showing.
Kaspar I think you should change your name to Straw man. The Weimar gun control law of 1928 allowed police to deny firearms ownership to any “unreliable” person. The Nazis seized on this language, eventually making unauthorized ownership of guns and other weapons a very serious crime. It is this type of behavior that your side seems to be more closely aligned with, not the target of all your comment campaigning on this site and probably dozens of others. The people who oppose what you are promoting are the simply practicing their rights and not professing some moral imperative in… Read more »
In 1928, after a near decade of hyperinflation destroyed the structural fabric of the society, a rapidly expanding three-way political divide between the conservatives, National Socialists, and Communists prompted the rapidly declining conservative majority to enact the Law on Firearms and Ammunition. This law relaxed gun restrictions and put into effect a strict firearm licensing scheme. Under this scheme, Germans could possess firearms, but they were required to have separate permits to do the following: own or sell firearms, carry firearms (including handguns), manufacture firearms, and professionally deal in firearms and ammunition. Furthermore, the law restricted ownership of firearms to… Read more »
Thanks for clarifying my point with the words in your post. Nothing I wrote was refuted by what you just posted.
You may not realize it, but common German citizens were allowed to have guns. It was the Nuremberg laws that started to restrict gun ownership to certain groups and excluded Jews from owing guns. The argument that it was gun control that made the Nazi regime possible is false.
German citizens, who had the misfortune to be Jewish were indeed prohibited from owning,possessing or using ANY firearms in the Weimar Republic and when the “National Socialists” were swept into power.
You brought up Nazi here first remember? And, I never said gun control made Nazi’s possible. I did say they used it much in the way you and the people you associate with (liberal Democrats = Socialists) are trying to do.
BTW, who do you think belonged to the Nazi party? They were made up of “common German citizens”. It isn’t Nazis like they came from outer space Kaspar.
Try a T-shirt holster, like the one made by Kramer. It’s about a 3 second draw and is quite comfortable, you can draw while seated and it is well concealed. Add an elastic strap to keep it from wobbling. Put a loop around the outside of the holster and thread the strap with velcro ends through it to keep the strap from riding up and interfering with drawing the weapon. You can also modify it to carry an extra magazine and a flashlight, all perfectly concealed.
I have looked at the 5.11 version of these shirts and they seem like a good idea, but I don’t want to have to buy 7 of these to last me through a week. I think they make a good option if you don’t have another way, but I try to carry the same way as much as possible.
Mr Henry, First, I’d like to state that I am not a frequent reader of your site. Second, as best as I can tell, no comments have been made by a female. Based on the title of your article, which I came across on Prepperwebsite.com, I thought this might be a discourse, not on the logistics of CCW, but on the legal/societal drawbacks/issues. While it was interesting, it wasn’t all that applicable to me, as a female. I can extrapolate some of the information and translate it for my own needs. I was just wondering if you have professional or… Read more »
Thank you very much for the comments Pam and for reading the site! There is an entirely different conversation when we get into legal issues, which vary from state to state and societal issues that sometimes rely most on your own beliefs and values. Regardless, I believe those two drawbacks are the same regardless of whether you are a man or a woman. The legal drawbacks for all of us are primarily using your firearm inappropriately, or using it appropriately. Used either way, if you shoot someone you could be facing real consequences for your actions. Killing someone could end… Read more »
I’m a long-time bank consultant, working in Manhattan. After spending $9,000 in attorney fees, four different attorneys and 3 years of appealing, I finally received my NYPD concealed carry permit. I went to the nearest gun store and purchased a Colt Mustang “Pocketlite” in .380 ACP. (It’s a miniature 1911) – so small that you can scarcely hold onto the tiny handle when it fires. I carried for 15 years every day; and never had a problem. On the floor of the NY Stock Exchange when accompanied with a Member, I would simply walk around the metal detector – “Security”… Read more »