First timer

[EM45HP]

Got my LTCH in the mail yesterday, after 6 and a half weeks, and carried the rest of the day. First time ever carrying. Went to kinko's, subway, the bank in kroger, the gas station, and walmart. Carried on the hip, covered with a shirt. Printed really badly and muzzle was exposed momentarily many times. No hassles though, very good first experience.

 

[williamnewman1]

congrats, glad to have others out there carrying

 

[Quad]

Congrats! The first time will turn into every time from now on!

You will feel naked without it

 

[mrortega]

You'll feel absolutely naked when not carrying. There are too many "what if" situations that can pop up out there. Congrats on the carry.

 

[drysdaleg]

welcome to the club!

 

[littletommy]

Congrats! As has already been said, before you know it, you won't feel right without it. Be safe!

 

[Miketodd]

Congrats! Thats how I carried the first time and I felt like i was getting the best of both worlds. Some people didn't notice it, so i felt like I was CCing. And a few people looked at it and one made mention, so i learned that OCing isn't as scary as I thought it would be. Now I do both!

 

[LtScott14]

Congrats. I usually buy button down, plaid or dark colored, cotton shirts and wear a t shirt under to help conceal. One size larger shirt eliminates printing, and don't get in the habit of patting the holster to see if it's there! Retired copper can spot that a hundred yds away, or an active one too. Be safe.
The OC (open carry) guys don't care if the local PD questions their carry, it is legal. My suggestion is do what you are comfortable with.

 

[actaeon277]

Congrats.
Make sure you know where you can't carry. And as much of the law as possible.
Even if you CC, someone will eventually notice.
Always remain calm.

 

[harrisonpainter]

Congratulations!!! It really does become a part of you, and you will probably start buying clothes to fit your guns and guns to fit your clothes.

 

[toddcraft33]

I don't think the a average person even notices when you carry. People I have known for years say that they didn't know I carried. I never leave the house without it. The one time you do will be the one time you need it.

 

[Burnsy]

Nice job, keep it up!

 

[Tink]

Loved it my first time. Never leave home without it.

 

[cp009]

Congrats! Glad to hear you had a good first experience carrying.

 

[Big J]

Congrats!! Keep on doing it, pretty soon it will be just like your cell phone. You won't leave home without it.

 

[dnurk]

Congrats.
Make sure you know where you can't carry. And as much of the law as possible.
Even if you CC, someone will eventually notice.
Always remain calm.

Very good post. I think every responsible new handgun carrier should spend the time and effort to research this. There are some really good threads pinned on this forum that serve as a great place to start.

 

[EM45HP]

Thanks all! I joined here about a year and a half ago when I was 16 to learn as much as I could, and I will say this site is very good for that. One of my favorite sites, thanks to everyone who helps keep it going. I feel very comfortable carrying and with understanding the IC now. The only thing I hate is I won't be able to have it with me at the University next year.

 

[Bigshep]

Congrats!! Keep on doing it, pretty soon it will be just like your cell phone. You won't leave home without it.

Lol. I've actually got to my car and realized I forgot my cell phone. Just said "Ah screw it". Cant forget my gun though. It's always the first thing I check for when I wake up, leave the house or whatever.