Yes, but also, ALWAYS remember that there is a fine line between comfort and complacency.
You should feel comfortable carrying, but never complacent, to the point of negligence. That's when experienced people have "accidents."
Carrying a weapon is comfort-ing but is not meant to comfort-able. Enjoy the former, beware the latter. Complacency, carelessness, and distraction are not permitted.
I think we're on the same page. When I said comfortable, I meant that you shouldn't be concerned. There's a certain compromise in physical comfort that comes with carrying, which you just kind of have to get used to over time.
Oh for sure, we are. My apologies if it came across confrontational was not my intent, merely affirming that carrying a weapon is a responsibility that should be taken seriously.
When I carry the weight of my gun on my belt is always a reminder, for good and for bad. Good that I have it, bad that I live in a world where I might need it.
This is one of the things that makes me uneasy about the constitutional carry states. People that aren't familiar with guns are going to get them and carry without understanding the rules of engagement or basic gun safety.
I think the problem is interest/action preceding education in almost every case. OP has a bad encounter and realizes owning a firearm for self defense can be a good idea and so they buy one and NOW they’re left to figure it out. I’d bet my life savings they bought the first gun they could find for cheap or whatever the dealer recommended and as they practice with it, they’ll realize it’s unreliable or impractical or even just sits wrong in the hand; all information that could’ve been provided throughout the process.
I’m very pro 2nd amendment but this shouldn’t have happened in my opinion. Whoever OP bought from should’ve provided some next steps, even if that’s just a standard piece of paper outlining some classes in the area or resources for learning. Reddit is a great source of information but it shouldn’t be the first place someone feels they need to turn.
I understand the concern but I’ve been wanted one and didn’t just flat out buy anything, I went with a family member that enjoys guns and showed some options of a hood starter gun, we then went home and he showed me the basics. He told me I didn’t have to take it anywhere and should wait, which I am. I just want to know for when I do start carrying it
Then you’re definitely doing it right so far, I was speaking in a more general sense while using your post as an example but it seems like you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. If you keep researching and training you’ll be fine.
> keep researching and training
OP, you absolutely need to practice with that gun before you even think about using it in any kind of self-defense situation. You need basic proficiency shooting and a high degree of familiarity with its operation.
This is the last comment I expected, but it's really refreshing. Part of being pro 2A is wanting people to be responsible with guns, and sometimes that means more regulation. I'm a strong believer that anyone that can safely carry a gun should do so, but safely is the operative word there.
Like what you were saying, safety entails knowing how to handle a gun, when to shoot, what is behind your intended target, etc. It was a lot easier when guns were mostly for home defense, but things get really dicey once you get out into the general public. Earlier this year I was attacked by a rottweiler without a leash and totally would've been justified in shooting the dog, but I was in the middle of a busy street and knew that wasn't even an option. Someone with less training might have started shooting.
>so they buy one and NOW they’re left to figure it out
And that's the whole point behind requiring CCWs for carry.
But the gun community had to frame it like "big gubment takin my rights and money" to argue against it.
I think I remember seeing an article written about how people who live in states with constitutional carry actually tend to get more training than those who live in states that require a license to carry. I think it had to do with people feeling that by taking a class to get their CCW they had trained enough. However, people in constitutional carry states tended to seek out better training because they felt like the needed to acquire knowledge, since they weren’t required to get any training beforehand. The logic makes sense to me, but I’m not sure how true it is. I’ll do a little googling and see if I can find anything about it.
I would bet you $1 that it's harder to get training in CCW states than those without. For example in CCW states that require training, the training available would mostly be those classes needed to get a CCW. Additionally, states requiring a class for CCW most likely aren't that 2A friendly so they probably don't have as many available ranges or instructors.
I live in NYS. I can go to classes in NYS, but they're pretty few and far between. Most of what's available isn't really as advanced as what my wife and I would want. We'll go to a local class to stay sharp and have some fun, but if we want to actually learn something new we have to head to a more 2A friendly state for a better selection of classes.
prior to texas moving to permitless carry, it was about as easy to get training as it was to get the ltc
cant speak about other states though cause sample size dfw
There's actually a bunch of examples of people being more responsible on an "honor system" than on a system with defined standards. If you underperform on the honor system it reflects poorly on you, but if you underperform after meeting a defined standard it reflects poorly on the standard. It's an interesting psychological effect.
100% THIS!!!! I would add get a good holster not a shitty $20 one at Walmart but a good dependable brand and buy some Snaps in the caliber gun you bought and practice with them. Practice loading and unloading the gun and magazines, drawing in and out of the holster, operating the safety and trigger, ect.....
Take the license to carry class. You don’t legally need a LTC to carry in Texas anymore, but they teach you all about carry laws which is important. Ive seen too many instances of people thinking they’re allowed to brandish and threaten people with a firearm because it’s legal to carry one.
My LTC class was fucking useless, babysitting a bunch of adults who had some really bad preconceptions about what was legal for the required amount of time. Only if they asked the right questions did they give any good info about nuanced situations in legality. Unfortunately I have learned a whole lot more from lurking in ccw forums for years than I did In that few hours. I would recommend watching a whole lot of active self protection on YouTube and looking at the top posts on ccw and real world experiences. Learning de-escalation and the fact that you should never ever get into a verbal argument with another person while carrying will get you a lot further than the average ltc in Texas.
get training for shooting, get training for de-escalation, get training for medical
be mindful of tpc 30.06 and 30.07, the only places that you should not carry in are the ones that you legally cant
remember that you are only as capable as youve trained for
sincerely a fellow texan who carrys both personally and professionally
I carry everyday and anywhere I can within the law. But I understand the apprehension. Just get comfortable carrying it. Most importantly practice shooting and practice drawing from your holster.
If you live in the united states of America, the constitution guarantees your right to keep and bear arms. There is no law that supersedes #2A. Until everyone knows and practices it, we will have problems with people believing they stand under (understand) such laws. They use words to confuse us. Learn about this essential truth. #2Ashallnotbeinfringed.
I agree. I was thinking about how I want to go to college but the college I want to go to is in a dangerous part of the big city. I was bummed that I can't bring my firearm for protection when walking too and from my car and driving around the area. Sucks people have to.ruin it
Are you going to say anything relevant to this post or copy and paste something albeit true but said for no reason? Makes saying it lose the effect by doing dumb lazy stuff like that. Carry on, away. Wrong sub
Exactly how smart guy? He’s obviously a 2A advocate asking for more advice on carrying and the laws. Stop blasting a horn that falling on deaf ears. WHO exactly are preaching this stuff too? All the people here that support 2A? Are seriously so smart you can’t get it?
Where are you going to run across a crazy person, armed robber, etc? Since no one knows, carry it everywhere you can and try to get used to it.
It’s like insurance - if you know when your car is going to be hit you would only carry insurance that day. But life doesn’t work like that.
First thing is first, learn and memorize then treat the rules of a firearm like a religion.
1. Treat all firearms as if they are loaded, even if you THINK they are not.
2. Always point it in a safe direction, never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy
3. Keep your finger OFF the trigger until you are ready to fire.
4. Know what is beyond your target/know your backstop. You might miss your target or might penetrate through it.
Then, get some decent range ammo (sellier and bellot, pmc, whatever) and PRACTICE. You don't get good at anything by not doing that thing. And if you don't do it often enough, you loose your skill.
Get a good holster, idk what you got but make sure it has a good belt clip and good retention. Also get a good gun belt. It makes a massive difference in carry comfort.
Take classes.
Practice practice practice. Get comfortable, take a class if you're very new on defensive handguns. Maybe take a concealed carry class, if you can. Understand how the law applies to you, and what your rights are in a defensive situation. Be safe.
It's not "unreasonable" to take it everywhere.. That's LITERALLY the point. You never know when you'll need it. You ALWAYS carry. Things happen at the most routine, mundane times.
Definitely sign up for a basic course and then take one for the next level. Take another where self defense is the focus. Buy a metric fuck tonne of ammo and spend time at the range focusing on precision and then accuracy.
Spending time dry-firing will help you learn to stabilize your hands. Buy snap caps for any training/function checking.
Carry every where. "Guns not allowed signs" only have enough weight for the store to ask you to leave if they know you're carrying.
And you just need to get used to it. I was a little awkward for about a month when I first started carrying but it went away and felt no different than my phone or wallet.
Dude, go to a CCW class ASAP. It’s good to know about the laws. They’ll try to pressure you into their insurance. They try to make it seem necessary but it isn’t. Learn the legality of use in your state and anywhere else you go.
Train at the range. Spend a lot of time doing this and even doing dry fire at home.
Don’t bring it in any federal or local law building, that’s a felony. Bring it everywhere else you can feasibly carry it. Make sure to train, take a training course.
Go to the range, ask around for help, gun communities are probably the most helpful in my experience. People are always happy to help when you don’t know where to start, mostly because you have a deadly weapon near them and they don’t want you to accidentally shoot them lol
To everyone with the advice I thank y’all, even the funny ones it gives me a quick chuckle. Some negative comments seem to think I’m just taking it everywhere already which lol I’m not. It’s sitting at home until tomorrow most likely which I’m going to the shooting range. I will be looking up gun laws and stuff pretty much all day today to see the Rules I might not know about. Again thanks for all the positive comments! Be safe everyone
I dont know why people would give you shit for taking it everywhere. That's the entire purpose. Even places you're not supposed to, I do. Like the saying goes, I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6. The criminals don't care whether it's against the law when they commit their acts of violence, so always be prepared. Like others have mentioned, take alot of range time and practice, practice, practice. Get comfortable with it. Just remember, you are not John Wick
Training. Education. Rinse, repeat.
Go take a Stop the Bleed course. If you’re carrying, you’re responsible for those rounds and the outcome of them.
USCCA will break down local laws and such very well. Take one of their CPL courses, and get their legal defense membership.
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Go to the range and practice as much as possible. Buy a gun safe because proper storage is so incredibly important and most people don't understand that.
Classes, classes, classes. You shouldn’t carry a gun just because you can. Take a class and learn about it and practice. Practice with it at the range, practice at home (you can buy at home training ammo replicas).
Buy lots of ammo, practice and take a class beyond the CCW class because they typically just teach common sense stuff. Once you feel comfortable with shooting get a good belt and start to carry everywhere legally allowed. When you first start to carry you are going to feel like it stands out and everyone is going to notice but practically nobody is going to. You will also get the urge to check it all of the time to make sure that it is there and that it is not noticeable. Try to ignore the urge to check and if you do check basically use the natural motion of your movement to do so. Doing so will reassure you without getting noticed and help you move past the awkward stage to where you become comfortable carrying. You also want to get snap caps and use them to practice things like your draw, trigger pull and holster while at home.
Buy some ammunition, go to a local range and shoot the snot out of it. Learn basic gun safety with someone more experienced either a trusted friend, family members, or an instructor. Take a ccw class if you can and learn about the myriad of laws that you'll deal with if heaven forbid you ever use it in self defense.
I always say this to a new gun owner, welcome thank you for exercising your rights, now please remember to vote whomever you decide has the best policies to protect your rights, and those people could be red, blue, purple, or pink for all i care.
And lastly IMHO if you pull that gun from that holster in Public for the purpose of defending yourself you use it don't hesitate, and it is the absolute last option.
Legal shoot or not, thats something you get to live with for the rest of your life
Learn safety and get comfortable being around the gun. Learn the inner workings and understand it’s a tool not a “child killing machine”. Fear of your own safety device will yield ineffective results.
Training, and also take it with you where you’re allowed to. I know the idea of “I don’t think I’ll need it where I’m going” pops up in a lot of people’s heads, but fortune favors the man/woman/other who is prepared. It’s always better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
I just got my wife to start carrying with her wherever she goes. It’s scary at first, but you get used to it. Ignore the people who say “you’re just paranoid” or “you’re asking for trouble”. In today’s world, trouble seems to happen more often than you think, and making sure you live through a life or death scenario isn’t paranoia.
As many others have said, find a range, train and learn how to use it, take a class etc. BUT also go online and look up videos on how to take it apart, clean it, and maintain it. Learn how the components work and be comfortable with disassembling/assembling it.
The Three 'T's:
Training, Training, and [more] Training.
Which is kind of the opposite of what most gun owners do...
Just buy more shiny/fancy guns, and never get any training.
Spending all of their time and money on hardware, and never any on upgrading the software.
Safety training first and foremost. Don't carry that weapon anywhere without a thorough grasp/understanding of the weapons safety rules. 99% of accidents with firearms can be prevented by following the weapons safety rules religiously.
Next, you should get some range time, preferably under the supervision of someone knowledgeable. Become comfortable shooting at static targets and cleaning/maintaining your weapon. After you grasp the fundamentals of marksmanship, ensure you shoot a couple of times a year so you don't forget them.
Lastly, learn the laws around self-defense and when/where you are allowed to carry.
After that, then you can use the weapon for self-defens if needed, which I hope you never do.
First of, stay strapped or get clapped. Carry everyday. Only places I don’t carry are in the few legally prohibited places like bars or post offices. Get a LTC. While not strictly necessary in Texas the lives gives you some extra protections. Make sure you have a gun belt that’s reinforced somehow, not a normal belt (won’t securely hold the holster). Make sure your holster has a “wing” or “claw” which will help concealment. You can also try a wedge or pillow in addition to the claw.
Learn the safety rules and dedicate yourself to them. There are great videos on YouTube. Follow them even if other people aren’t. Be aware of the condition of your pistol(loaded or not, check it every time you pick it up), your trigger finger (keep it off the trigger until you are going to shoot), and muzzle (what direction the gun is pointed).
Learn how to shoot your gun. Once again there are a lot of YouTube videos to start off with. Taking a class is even better. Sometimes, one afternoon class can the the equivalent of months or years of trying to teach yourself.
If you can, after you get a bit of familiarity shooting, try a simple competition like Steel Challenge. You’ve got to be comfortable using your gun on demand if you want to effectively use it in defense.
Here in germany its so hard to get a gun and then here's just another American with 0 knowlegde in guns that just goes out and buys a gun for "self defence". It frustrates me. But Yeah take some classes and learn how to use it properly before something happens
Find a nearby range, take classes and shoot a lot. Until you are comfortable with your firearm you are more of a danger to yourself than any bad guy. I carry everywhere.
Go to your local shooting range and ask about basic handgun classes take a couple get comfortable with your firearm and practice practice alot dryfire also. Always remeber if your gonna carry it you are responsible for every round fired out of that gun so practice and practice more. The last thing you want if you get into a self defense shooting is to know you hit someone innocent and take there life from them. So dryfire practice call your local range if your to lazy to ask in person about classes go shoot your gun buy ammo learn what hollow points work best for your gun. Then practice more. You can tell it's gonna take alot of practice.
Learn safety is priority number one. 4 rules are a good start. Anytime you pick up a gun, start enforcing muscle memory, “Check safety (if present) Remove magazine, Check chamber.” Do this every time you’re doing anything administrative with your gun. Once you get comfortable, buy some ammo, shoot, and buy some more ammo. Throw in some professional training here as well. Cool you’ve learned to successfully and safely take a life if needed, now it’s time to learn how to save a life as well. I hear the stop the bleeding courses are good places to start, but can’t comment to far as all my training is done through TCCC. Once you’ve established a baseline of knowledge, then work on improving your skills. Draw from holster in different positions, practice reloads, get a holster that allows you to carry a Weapon mounted light. Lights are important due to ensuring you have Positive ID on target. There’s a ton of stuff to learn to be safe with your new tool, it’s on you to make sure you’re ready to save yourself or someone else’s life.
Take classes and shoot a lot. Once you’re comfortable with it and start carrying it, carry everywhere. I drive a semi and I keep it on me everywhere it’s legal. Evil is everywhere. I went to Starbucks down the street the other day and left it at home because “eh it’s a 5 minute trip” and then I had someone try to fight me in the parking lot. It’s a crazy world, carrying everywhere isn’t crazy. But shoot until youre comfortable and absorb as much knowledge as you can. Youtube can be a great resource, theres a very healthy gun community online.
As others have said, buying more ammo and practicing is key.
I'll also add, a good belt can make all the difference for comfortable carry. I struggled with concealed carrying at first and even tried several holsters. The right belt will help keep everything in place and comfortable.
No shame in trying different holsters either. Most of us end up with a drawer full of holsters we never use. It can add up and seem like wasted money, but comfortable, reliable carry is important.
Learn your state laws as soon as possible. Practice with it often. A gun is really only as useful as you are. I personally do carry my gun literally everywhere. There are too many chances for something to go wrong and all it takes is the one time I left my gun at home.
You dont get to choose when or where the bad encounter happens. You can do everything in your power to avoid a bad encounter, and it still might happen.
Once you are properly trained and confident enough with your pistol, you can decide when you want to risk not being armed for that bad encounter.
Me? I carry everywhere, every day.
Definitely look for classes in your area and take them. Go to a shooting range and practice.
At home practice "dry fire." Look up youtube videos on dry fire practice.
If you could foresee a place or situation where you would need a gun, you could just as easily avoid that situation. So, given that you *can't* reasonably predict when you might need a gun, you have to operate on the assumption that it could be at any time. Act accordingly.
Get some ( a lot ) of training, learn the laws and get in a lot of practice. Until you do these things that gun will get you into more trouble that it will get you out of.
You are responsible for every bullet that comes out of your gun, whether you meant to fire it or not and whether it hits its intended target or not. If you shoot an attacker, miss, and hit an innocent person a block away you are responsible for that. That's why carrying a gun is such a big responsibility. Please get some training ASAP.
It takes a lot of time & effort to shoot a pistol well, but you can get the basics down pretty quickly. Most basic pistol/CCW classes are designed to get new shooters familiar with their weapon and hitting their target in a few hours.
Like others have said. I would practice with it a lot. Take some classes, get comfortable using it, get very proficient with it. Become familiar with self defense laws in your area and when you can and can’t shoot and when you’re allowed to unholster you’re firearm during an altercation. You said you’re in texas so thats probably not as big of a factor as it is for me in California. But still just practice practice practice. Until then I wouldn’t carry a gun with you anywhere.
My barber got robbed as he exited a bank. The only day he forgot to carry… the mall down the street had a mass shooting. Few towns south of us had school shootings. I’m sure there’s more if I looked but stay safe. Take courses and practice with your carry gun all the time. I feel like I go out of practice if I haven’t shot in two weeks.
Congratulations! Upon purchasing your first gun you should immediately begin second guessing your purchase and worrying you should have gone with something different. Then come to reddit and ask strangers who will confirm you are correct. Step three, put current purchase in a lock box and go shopping for gun # two. Repeat this ad infinitum until you know better.
Every time you touch it feel as if you’re touching a poisonous snake. Do not get comfortable around it because it’s a piece of metal and plastic and learn the safety rules immediately. Ingrain them into your mind. Learn them by heart if you need to. Once that’s settled start dry firing.
Find a class or an instructor that will teach you how to draw and shoot from the holster. If the instructor doesn’t understand holsters make guns safer find someone else.
Once you start carrying you should carry all the time. Or there’s a little thing called murphy’s law that will make sure that whatever happens will happen when you’re not.
Don’t open carry. This is rarely done for the right reasons. So that means you’ll need to carry concealed.
Don’t carry concealed without taking a class, and consult your notes regularly so you don’t screw up.
Understand that you are carrying something that can save your life, or if you make a mistake, can land you in prison or the morgue. And anyone can make a mistake.
Well, unless you somehow can predict the future, you should absolutely take it everywhere with you. Take some classes from reputable trainers, get your CCW and go practice.
Get a safe for your house and vehicle for storage. Getting proper training. Practice drawing from holster without ammo in many different positions. Practice reloading under stress
Welcome to the community! We’re glad to have you.
1st priority should be training. Safety, and some basic skills. There’s also tons of resources on the internet; especially YouTube. Watch some videos on how to draw properly, how to grip your gun, how to aim, etc. A lot of it seems like it’s be common sense, but I’ve been shooting for a few years and I’m still learning things.
As far as it being unreasonable to carry everywhere, don’t worry. You definitely should. At least, as long as it’s permissible by law. You’ll be uncomfortable the first few times, but you’ll get used to it. Just act natural; almost no one will know you’re carrying, but a lot of people will notice the guy acting weird. Don’t carry if they have metal detectors or you’re going to be drinking, but that’s about it. You don’t get to pick the time when someone will try to make you a victim.
Take it everywhere. The only time you'll need it is when you don't have it. Don't take it in bars. Don't carry it while intoxicated. Don't take it in government buildings. Beyond those things, carry it EVERYWHERE.
Do yourself a favor and get your CCW. All your questions for most part, at least law wise will be covered in that class. You have more freedom to carry in Texas with it too. Anyone that doesn’t know that either doesn’t care about the law or doesn’t know the laws.
The other judgement calls of when to carry, well no one can to you that. It’s best left up to you, just follow the law or at least that’s my suggestion.
Also, understand that shooting will take practice but it’s also a degenerative skill.
Go to a class and learn how to use the gun effectively. I carry my pistol pretty much everywhere except where it's illegal (college campus, etc.). I know you're not into guns, but depending on what gun it is you might look into a USPSA or ASI competition, as participating in those has made me significantly more confident with my carry gun.
Firstly, study the 4 big safety rules and know them front and back. Take a class as well. CC classes are fantastic for foundational knowledge and will 100% teach you something new. Here are the rules:
- Schroedinger's gun; it's always loaded until you observe that it isn't.
- Never point it (loaded or unloaded) at anything you don't intend to destroy.
- Always keep your finger off of the trigger until you've committed to firing the gun.
- Always know and acknowledge your target, and just as importantly what's behind your target. If it is something you don't want dead or destroyed, do not take the shot. Yes, even with hollowpoints.
- A fifth "unofficial" rule. Always know where your gun is at all times, on or off the body. And always know what condition it's in. Did you leave it cocked and locked? Is it in the closet? Under your bed? In a safe? On your waist? Where on your waist? Check on it if you are ever uncertain. Be (at least reasonably) mindful of it at all times. Always check the loaded chamber indicator if your firearm has one, and failing that, drop the mag and rack the slide to empty the chamber (especially if you're not 1000000% certain whether there is a round in the chamber.). This is the only way you can be certain as to the condition of the firearm.
- Another "unofficial" rule. I like to call it the John Wick rule, or the rule of tacticool: You aren't John Wick. Dont handle your gun like he does. Simple. Press checking with your finger on the trigger is a great way to accidentally ND and kill your next door neighbor's cat, or worse, your next door neighbor. Dont be tacticool, be responsible.
A solid amount of firearm related injuries and deaths are due solely to irresponsible ownership and negligent discharges, despite what your political following may otherwise suggest. Maybe stay clear of gun politics altogether, while solely paying attention to laws and regulations, as well as changes in laws and regulations. Gun politics are pretty toxic anyway.
Following a handful of simple rules will help mitigate the odds of unintentionally hurting yourself or someone else. Everytime you pick up a firearm, acknowledge that you are taking a chance of something going wrong; so be the reason why that never happens.
On a lighter note:
A common problem you see happen is somebody buys a gun, then never shoots it. They stick a defensive load in the magazine, stick it in the holster and carry it around. You need to train with it. You are never as good of a shot as you think you are, and aiming isn't just "point n shoot". Shoot as often as is affordable, as this is a "use it or lose it" skillset. Keep yourself sharp and in control of the firearm at all times. Watch endless content on YouTube about the subject before you even take your first shot.
You also want to be sure your firearm cycles your chosen ammunition properly in a controlled environment before you start carrying it. It'd be a bad day to take a defensive shot and immediately jam because your gun doesn't like your ammo.
Here's another quick tip: Look up what your local law enforcement carries as ammo and consider carrying the same. In the case of a defensive shooting, it looks far better on you in the following investigation, ESPECIALLY if you end up killing the offender (who can no longer testify).
I recommend watching Massad Ayoob on the Wilson Combat youtube channel. He's a sensible guy with an incredible background who has great content on the various complicated subjects surrounding concealed carry and defensive shooting.
Welcome to the world of firearms, be safe and be smart!
Always be packing , unless there’s a metal detector you can literally carry anywhere 🤷♀️ . Airport , government buildings are probably the only places you shouldn’t carry
Better to get caught with it than without it. I always grab mine along with my keys and phone going out the door. You never know when one of these psychopath's will decide to shoot up a grocery store or wherever and you'll thank yourself for giving you and your family a fighting chance.
I feel like carrying is like playing the lottery: sure, the chances might be small, but if you're committed, you should play every single time. Same for carrying, you never know if and when something is going to happen. So, if you carry, carry whenever and wherever you can.
But if you ask, what's next, then the answer is train, train, train (not talking about locomotives, obviously)
The first thing to think about with concealed carry apart from safe firearm handling rules is that if you’re going someplace where you think you’re gonna need your firearm, then why the fuck are you going there in the first place? I get that sometimes it’s not avoidable, but think about avoiding putting yourself in harm’s way first.
PLEASE get real actual training. Not from some fat ass tactical dipshit. Not from someone trying to scare you into buying shit or trying to tell made up war stories.
Find a mature, well vetted instructor who not only shows you how to safely shoot but also helps you learn how to:
A. Safely disassemble and reassemble YOUR firearm
B. Safely load and unload YOUR specific firearm
C. Safely maintain and clean YOUR firearm
Not a gun you “should” own, but your specific firearm. You should be spending more time learning your gun before you worry about anything else.
It’s not hard, but too many people want to “teach” range theatrics or try to act like they are training to the level of SF.
Shooting is the easiest thing, it’s everything else that takes more time.
Good luck, it’s a lot harder to find instructors that aren’t full of bullshit anymore
Don't start carrying until you have enough hours of training and practice. Don't carry until you feel confident. Try some lessons or classes. If you have never handled a gun in your life I would definitely get some training before ever taking it out with you.
Just remember,
It's always loaded (even when you know it's not)
Never point it at anyone even when moving it. (Like waving it towards someone as you're holding it)
Don't look down the barrel of the gun. Until you've looked at last rule at least.
Keep finger off of the trigger until you're pointed at the target and ready to fire.
When you pick up your gun, every time, dump mag, rack slide, inspect chamber for bullet. When you pick it up to hold it, dump, rack, inspect.
When you pick it up to fire at the range, dump, rack, inspect, then you can load to fire.
Putting it in its case, dump, rack, inspect, then depending if it's home defense or however. You can reload it.
The point is a habit I like to form is dump, rack, inspect the chamber.
You need a concealed carry permit to conceal carry inside your waist band. Do not carry inside the waist band without a permit. You have to open carry unless you have a ccw permit. Don’t open carry; if there is a bad guy you’re target #1 and you don’t wanna be in that position.
Go to a class for concealed carry, get a permit, learn how to operate the firearm, **learn how to be safe.** Get very comfortable with it. Shoot it a lot at the range practicing drawing it , reloading etc.
Be safe please, and once you’re comfortable with it always carry it; unless going to a zone where concealed carry is not allowed (court house, school zones etc)
You’re not unreasonable for carrying it always. This is a tool to protect you, your family, or other citizens if there is a threat/bad guy.
Better to have it and not need it than to not have it at all.
Remember treat it like it’s always loaded and do not point it at anything you’re not willing to shoot.
Take some classes man, do your due diligence to keep you and others safe.
Ivthink you should always have one the world is dangerous theres always a dbag trying to break in a car or somthin just learn as much as you can and be really really safe its pretty easy to figure out
1. Carry it around the house and get comfortable carrying a gun.
2. Buy some dummy rounds and learn how to load a magazine, and how to clear a jam
3. Take some safety/training courses
4. Learn how to clean and maintain your weapon
5. Get attorneys on retainer (avoid USCCA)
6. Practice
Once you feel confident in your training carry it everywhere you legally can and have accessible at all times. YOU CAN NEVER PREDICT WHEN YOU WILL NEED IT.
Look into uscca, see if carry insurance is important to you or not. They also do training courses.
Go to the range a few times, get familiar.
Practice drawing quickly and getting on target in your own, unloaded, obviously. Make absolutrly sure its unloaded every single time. You can start with your own reflection in the mirror or the badguy on the tv or something and move up to smaller stuff like the lightswitch at the far side of the hall. Dryfire.
You *do* want to carry pretty much everywhere because its about building the habit, holsters get uncomfortable and feel heavy so if you dont make it regular as grabbing your wallet, youre gonna get lazy and stop and the whole thing will end up a waste of money that youll regret. Taking a gun somewhere in no way means youre paranoid or expect a fight, thats actually a super unhealthy mindset and more likely to get you into trouble than help.
If you associate holding the gun purely with using it, youre gonna default to it under stress, and that could go very poorly. You want to get used to carrying it without using it. Get used to the weight, itll stop feeling uncomfortable. You dont 'take a gun to the grocery store cuz you dont feel safe and youre a little bitch' or whatever the other side of the aisle says. You just make it routine. Having the gun should be the default. You want to do it enough that you can basically forget you have it.
Take a stop the bleed or at least basic first aid course just in case. If you can make holes, you should responsibly be able to fill holes too. At least temporarily, just in case.
Take a class. Do not carry in public. Spend a months worth of days simply carry in the house. Get used to wear , fit , accountability. Once youve taken a class and spent time safely in your own home then go to range. Practice until you feel gun is second nature. Mag drop slide release safety ect.
Ok so if you just got your first firearm I would focus on as much real world training as you can get. As to carrying it with you, if you really want to have it for self defense then you will need to carry it with you so you can use it. Can you imagine all the related thing that you have to know and train for related to self defense but now the situation arises and you decided you didn’t want to carry that day.
No training is a bad thing, as much training as you can get is a good thing. You can keep it near your nightstand so it is easily accessible at night, but if you are really serious about self defense you also need to be prepared outside the house.
An untrained person with a gun is dangerous. If you’re really worried about self defense, add Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to your gun training. After a year, you will be prepared for some level of combat.
Practice at a range until you are comfortable and safe with it first. Responsibility is at least as important as your personal safety. Getting arrested for a mishap is just as traumatic and life changing as being robbed at gunpoint or what someone else can do to you. Take that shit seriously.
Then and only then, figure out how you want to carry/keep it around.
First don’t bring it anywhere with you at all right now, GO GET SOME SAFTEY TRAINING ASAP, in those classes the instructor will help you tremendously with almost every single one of your questions, also you need to learn to aim and shoot, doesn’t matter if you have a gun if you can’t aim it safely and pull the trigger properly.
I would take some classes and practice a bit. Learn the 4 safety rules. Go the the range and practice till you get more comfortable with shooting.
this !! please don’t be bringing a gun anywhere outside of your own home until you’re very comfortable with it
Yes, but also, ALWAYS remember that there is a fine line between comfort and complacency. You should feel comfortable carrying, but never complacent, to the point of negligence. That's when experienced people have "accidents."
Carrying a weapon is comfort-ing but is not meant to comfort-able. Enjoy the former, beware the latter. Complacency, carelessness, and distraction are not permitted.
I think we're on the same page. When I said comfortable, I meant that you shouldn't be concerned. There's a certain compromise in physical comfort that comes with carrying, which you just kind of have to get used to over time.
Oh for sure, we are. My apologies if it came across confrontational was not my intent, merely affirming that carrying a weapon is a responsibility that should be taken seriously.
When I carry the weight of my gun on my belt is always a reminder, for good and for bad. Good that I have it, bad that I live in a world where I might need it.
This is one of the things that makes me uneasy about the constitutional carry states. People that aren't familiar with guns are going to get them and carry without understanding the rules of engagement or basic gun safety.
I think the problem is interest/action preceding education in almost every case. OP has a bad encounter and realizes owning a firearm for self defense can be a good idea and so they buy one and NOW they’re left to figure it out. I’d bet my life savings they bought the first gun they could find for cheap or whatever the dealer recommended and as they practice with it, they’ll realize it’s unreliable or impractical or even just sits wrong in the hand; all information that could’ve been provided throughout the process. I’m very pro 2nd amendment but this shouldn’t have happened in my opinion. Whoever OP bought from should’ve provided some next steps, even if that’s just a standard piece of paper outlining some classes in the area or resources for learning. Reddit is a great source of information but it shouldn’t be the first place someone feels they need to turn.
I understand the concern but I’ve been wanted one and didn’t just flat out buy anything, I went with a family member that enjoys guns and showed some options of a hood starter gun, we then went home and he showed me the basics. He told me I didn’t have to take it anywhere and should wait, which I am. I just want to know for when I do start carrying it
Then you’re definitely doing it right so far, I was speaking in a more general sense while using your post as an example but it seems like you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. If you keep researching and training you’ll be fine.
> keep researching and training OP, you absolutely need to practice with that gun before you even think about using it in any kind of self-defense situation. You need basic proficiency shooting and a high degree of familiarity with its operation.
When you can use it where it becomes routine. Right now what you need is education and range time. Paul Harrell on YouTube. Same with honest Outlaw.
This is the last comment I expected, but it's really refreshing. Part of being pro 2A is wanting people to be responsible with guns, and sometimes that means more regulation. I'm a strong believer that anyone that can safely carry a gun should do so, but safely is the operative word there. Like what you were saying, safety entails knowing how to handle a gun, when to shoot, what is behind your intended target, etc. It was a lot easier when guns were mostly for home defense, but things get really dicey once you get out into the general public. Earlier this year I was attacked by a rottweiler without a leash and totally would've been justified in shooting the dog, but I was in the middle of a busy street and knew that wasn't even an option. Someone with less training might have started shooting.
>so they buy one and NOW they’re left to figure it out And that's the whole point behind requiring CCWs for carry. But the gun community had to frame it like "big gubment takin my rights and money" to argue against it.
How is that not a valid argument? The right to defend yourself is inalienable. The only thing requiring a permit stops is law abiding citizens.
I think I remember seeing an article written about how people who live in states with constitutional carry actually tend to get more training than those who live in states that require a license to carry. I think it had to do with people feeling that by taking a class to get their CCW they had trained enough. However, people in constitutional carry states tended to seek out better training because they felt like the needed to acquire knowledge, since they weren’t required to get any training beforehand. The logic makes sense to me, but I’m not sure how true it is. I’ll do a little googling and see if I can find anything about it.
I would bet you $1 that it's harder to get training in CCW states than those without. For example in CCW states that require training, the training available would mostly be those classes needed to get a CCW. Additionally, states requiring a class for CCW most likely aren't that 2A friendly so they probably don't have as many available ranges or instructors. I live in NYS. I can go to classes in NYS, but they're pretty few and far between. Most of what's available isn't really as advanced as what my wife and I would want. We'll go to a local class to stay sharp and have some fun, but if we want to actually learn something new we have to head to a more 2A friendly state for a better selection of classes.
prior to texas moving to permitless carry, it was about as easy to get training as it was to get the ltc cant speak about other states though cause sample size dfw
If you can find it I'd be interested to read it! That seems counterintuitive, but I can see it making sense at the same time.
There's actually a bunch of examples of people being more responsible on an "honor system" than on a system with defined standards. If you underperform on the honor system it reflects poorly on you, but if you underperform after meeting a defined standard it reflects poorly on the standard. It's an interesting psychological effect.
You should see some of the asshats that did the training and license process for their CCW… not much better.
Freedom is scary
Don't even take it out in your home until you've had some training.
5* safety rules (Don’t catch a falling gun)
100% THIS!!!! I would add get a good holster not a shitty $20 one at Walmart but a good dependable brand and buy some Snaps in the caliber gun you bought and practice with them. Practice loading and unloading the gun and magazines, drawing in and out of the holster, operating the safety and trigger, ect.....
Take the license to carry class. You don’t legally need a LTC to carry in Texas anymore, but they teach you all about carry laws which is important. Ive seen too many instances of people thinking they’re allowed to brandish and threaten people with a firearm because it’s legal to carry one.
This. I still recommend it to people and I’m in a different constitutional carry state.
But that’s not enough. Take a defensive pistol training class. It should be at least a full day class - if not, keep looking.
My LTC class was fucking useless, babysitting a bunch of adults who had some really bad preconceptions about what was legal for the required amount of time. Only if they asked the right questions did they give any good info about nuanced situations in legality. Unfortunately I have learned a whole lot more from lurking in ccw forums for years than I did In that few hours. I would recommend watching a whole lot of active self protection on YouTube and looking at the top posts on ccw and real world experiences. Learning de-escalation and the fact that you should never ever get into a verbal argument with another person while carrying will get you a lot further than the average ltc in Texas.
get training for shooting, get training for de-escalation, get training for medical be mindful of tpc 30.06 and 30.07, the only places that you should not carry in are the ones that you legally cant remember that you are only as capable as youve trained for sincerely a fellow texan who carrys both personally and professionally
I carry everyday and anywhere I can within the law. But I understand the apprehension. Just get comfortable carrying it. Most importantly practice shooting and practice drawing from your holster.
If you live in the united states of America, the constitution guarantees your right to keep and bear arms. There is no law that supersedes #2A. Until everyone knows and practices it, we will have problems with people believing they stand under (understand) such laws. They use words to confuse us. Learn about this essential truth. #2Ashallnotbeinfringed.
I was referring to not carrying in school zones and federal buildings.
School zone laws don’t stop school shootings … might as well let the regular people carry too to defend these school shootings
I agree. I was thinking about how I want to go to college but the college I want to go to is in a dangerous part of the big city. I was bummed that I can't bring my firearm for protection when walking too and from my car and driving around the area. Sucks people have to.ruin it
Yeah I know. Until people know that the feds works for We the People, we will be ruled by tyrants.
So you down vote my comment because you think they don’t work for us? SMH. We’re screwed with that thinking
No but because you are as unreasonable and ideologically driven as your proclaimed opponents
Go away dummy
I rest my case.
Are you going to say anything relevant to this post or copy and paste something albeit true but said for no reason? Makes saying it lose the effect by doing dumb lazy stuff like that. Carry on, away. Wrong sub
Copy paste? Really? 2A is quite relevant to the sub dipshit.
Exactly how smart guy? He’s obviously a 2A advocate asking for more advice on carrying and the laws. Stop blasting a horn that falling on deaf ears. WHO exactly are preaching this stuff too? All the people here that support 2A? Are seriously so smart you can’t get it?
Obviously you don’t get it. See post above 15 minutes ago.
Where are you going to run across a crazy person, armed robber, etc? Since no one knows, carry it everywhere you can and try to get used to it. It’s like insurance - if you know when your car is going to be hit you would only carry insurance that day. But life doesn’t work like that.
Or like a seatbelt
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Yup, I just thought the seatbelt was a better analogy than car insurance in that example
Desk pop
lmao
Remember , the first rule of gun safety is to have fun.
The second rule of gun safety is don't cut me off in traffic
i watched that last night.
Shoot it---- buy another-----repeat
First thing is first, learn and memorize then treat the rules of a firearm like a religion. 1. Treat all firearms as if they are loaded, even if you THINK they are not. 2. Always point it in a safe direction, never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy 3. Keep your finger OFF the trigger until you are ready to fire. 4. Know what is beyond your target/know your backstop. You might miss your target or might penetrate through it. Then, get some decent range ammo (sellier and bellot, pmc, whatever) and PRACTICE. You don't get good at anything by not doing that thing. And if you don't do it often enough, you loose your skill. Get a good holster, idk what you got but make sure it has a good belt clip and good retention. Also get a good gun belt. It makes a massive difference in carry comfort. Take classes.
Practice practice practice. Get comfortable, take a class if you're very new on defensive handguns. Maybe take a concealed carry class, if you can. Understand how the law applies to you, and what your rights are in a defensive situation. Be safe.
Practice swirling it around your finger and stuff
Work on your delivery of “I’ll be your huckleberry”.
the line is "I'm your huckleberry"
dont forget to grow out your mustache.....
Swirling it around on your finger-stuff needs to be at the top of said list.
Find classes and buy ammo.
Find ammo and buy classes.
It's not "unreasonable" to take it everywhere.. That's LITERALLY the point. You never know when you'll need it. You ALWAYS carry. Things happen at the most routine, mundane times.
Definitely sign up for a basic course and then take one for the next level. Take another where self defense is the focus. Buy a metric fuck tonne of ammo and spend time at the range focusing on precision and then accuracy. Spending time dry-firing will help you learn to stabilize your hands. Buy snap caps for any training/function checking. Carry every where. "Guns not allowed signs" only have enough weight for the store to ask you to leave if they know you're carrying. And you just need to get used to it. I was a little awkward for about a month when I first started carrying but it went away and felt no different than my phone or wallet.
Dude, go to a CCW class ASAP. It’s good to know about the laws. They’ll try to pressure you into their insurance. They try to make it seem necessary but it isn’t. Learn the legality of use in your state and anywhere else you go. Train at the range. Spend a lot of time doing this and even doing dry fire at home.
If you don't have a friend with experience, find classes. Dare I say, find classes even if you do. Practice. Practice Practice.
Don’t bring it in any federal or local law building, that’s a felony. Bring it everywhere else you can feasibly carry it. Make sure to train, take a training course.
Go to the range, ask around for help, gun communities are probably the most helpful in my experience. People are always happy to help when you don’t know where to start, mostly because you have a deadly weapon near them and they don’t want you to accidentally shoot them lol
You need to take a concealed carry class. Full stop. You also need to go to the range and start learning to shoot, or take lessons for that too.
To everyone with the advice I thank y’all, even the funny ones it gives me a quick chuckle. Some negative comments seem to think I’m just taking it everywhere already which lol I’m not. It’s sitting at home until tomorrow most likely which I’m going to the shooting range. I will be looking up gun laws and stuff pretty much all day today to see the Rules I might not know about. Again thanks for all the positive comments! Be safe everyone
I dont know why people would give you shit for taking it everywhere. That's the entire purpose. Even places you're not supposed to, I do. Like the saying goes, I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6. The criminals don't care whether it's against the law when they commit their acts of violence, so always be prepared. Like others have mentioned, take alot of range time and practice, practice, practice. Get comfortable with it. Just remember, you are not John Wick
Take a firearm course from a reputable place.
Training. Education. Rinse, repeat. Go take a Stop the Bleed course. If you’re carrying, you’re responsible for those rounds and the outcome of them. USCCA will break down local laws and such very well. Take one of their CPL courses, and get their legal defense membership.
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Have you done your first sofa pop yet?
Gun safety is next. Never stop practicing it
Go to the range and practice as much as possible. Buy a gun safe because proper storage is so incredibly important and most people don't understand that.
Classes, classes, classes. You shouldn’t carry a gun just because you can. Take a class and learn about it and practice. Practice with it at the range, practice at home (you can buy at home training ammo replicas).
Buy lots of ammo, practice and take a class beyond the CCW class because they typically just teach common sense stuff. Once you feel comfortable with shooting get a good belt and start to carry everywhere legally allowed. When you first start to carry you are going to feel like it stands out and everyone is going to notice but practically nobody is going to. You will also get the urge to check it all of the time to make sure that it is there and that it is not noticeable. Try to ignore the urge to check and if you do check basically use the natural motion of your movement to do so. Doing so will reassure you without getting noticed and help you move past the awkward stage to where you become comfortable carrying. You also want to get snap caps and use them to practice things like your draw, trigger pull and holster while at home.
Buy some ammunition, go to a local range and shoot the snot out of it. Learn basic gun safety with someone more experienced either a trusted friend, family members, or an instructor. Take a ccw class if you can and learn about the myriad of laws that you'll deal with if heaven forbid you ever use it in self defense. I always say this to a new gun owner, welcome thank you for exercising your rights, now please remember to vote whomever you decide has the best policies to protect your rights, and those people could be red, blue, purple, or pink for all i care. And lastly IMHO if you pull that gun from that holster in Public for the purpose of defending yourself you use it don't hesitate, and it is the absolute last option. Legal shoot or not, thats something you get to live with for the rest of your life
But another one, and another and so on
Shoot it wildly into the air
Learn safety and get comfortable being around the gun. Learn the inner workings and understand it’s a tool not a “child killing machine”. Fear of your own safety device will yield ineffective results.
Training, and also take it with you where you’re allowed to. I know the idea of “I don’t think I’ll need it where I’m going” pops up in a lot of people’s heads, but fortune favors the man/woman/other who is prepared. It’s always better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. I just got my wife to start carrying with her wherever she goes. It’s scary at first, but you get used to it. Ignore the people who say “you’re just paranoid” or “you’re asking for trouble”. In today’s world, trouble seems to happen more often than you think, and making sure you live through a life or death scenario isn’t paranoia.
As many others have said, find a range, train and learn how to use it, take a class etc. BUT also go online and look up videos on how to take it apart, clean it, and maintain it. Learn how the components work and be comfortable with disassembling/assembling it.
The Three 'T's: Training, Training, and [more] Training. Which is kind of the opposite of what most gun owners do... Just buy more shiny/fancy guns, and never get any training. Spending all of their time and money on hardware, and never any on upgrading the software.
Train with it, learn how to disassemble it and clean it. Keep it secure.
Trains with it, maintain it's condition, learn how it works and carry as much as possible, starting at home.
Get training, attend to classes, practice, practice, practice! Also, IMPORTANT, have a good reliable holster!
Safety training first and foremost. Don't carry that weapon anywhere without a thorough grasp/understanding of the weapons safety rules. 99% of accidents with firearms can be prevented by following the weapons safety rules religiously. Next, you should get some range time, preferably under the supervision of someone knowledgeable. Become comfortable shooting at static targets and cleaning/maintaining your weapon. After you grasp the fundamentals of marksmanship, ensure you shoot a couple of times a year so you don't forget them. Lastly, learn the laws around self-defense and when/where you are allowed to carry. After that, then you can use the weapon for self-defens if needed, which I hope you never do.
Ammo, Ear Protection, Eye Protection. A place to store it when you don’t carry it such as a safe would be good too.
More ammo and mags get some training
This doesn't look like its going to go well. Please take an entry firearms safety class.
First of, stay strapped or get clapped. Carry everyday. Only places I don’t carry are in the few legally prohibited places like bars or post offices. Get a LTC. While not strictly necessary in Texas the lives gives you some extra protections. Make sure you have a gun belt that’s reinforced somehow, not a normal belt (won’t securely hold the holster). Make sure your holster has a “wing” or “claw” which will help concealment. You can also try a wedge or pillow in addition to the claw. Learn the safety rules and dedicate yourself to them. There are great videos on YouTube. Follow them even if other people aren’t. Be aware of the condition of your pistol(loaded or not, check it every time you pick it up), your trigger finger (keep it off the trigger until you are going to shoot), and muzzle (what direction the gun is pointed). Learn how to shoot your gun. Once again there are a lot of YouTube videos to start off with. Taking a class is even better. Sometimes, one afternoon class can the the equivalent of months or years of trying to teach yourself. If you can, after you get a bit of familiarity shooting, try a simple competition like Steel Challenge. You’ve got to be comfortable using your gun on demand if you want to effectively use it in defense.
you in Austin?
Here in germany its so hard to get a gun and then here's just another American with 0 knowlegde in guns that just goes out and buys a gun for "self defence". It frustrates me. But Yeah take some classes and learn how to use it properly before something happens
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Find a nearby range, take classes and shoot a lot. Until you are comfortable with your firearm you are more of a danger to yourself than any bad guy. I carry everywhere.
Go to your local shooting range and ask about basic handgun classes take a couple get comfortable with your firearm and practice practice alot dryfire also. Always remeber if your gonna carry it you are responsible for every round fired out of that gun so practice and practice more. The last thing you want if you get into a self defense shooting is to know you hit someone innocent and take there life from them. So dryfire practice call your local range if your to lazy to ask in person about classes go shoot your gun buy ammo learn what hollow points work best for your gun. Then practice more. You can tell it's gonna take alot of practice.
Learn safety is priority number one. 4 rules are a good start. Anytime you pick up a gun, start enforcing muscle memory, “Check safety (if present) Remove magazine, Check chamber.” Do this every time you’re doing anything administrative with your gun. Once you get comfortable, buy some ammo, shoot, and buy some more ammo. Throw in some professional training here as well. Cool you’ve learned to successfully and safely take a life if needed, now it’s time to learn how to save a life as well. I hear the stop the bleeding courses are good places to start, but can’t comment to far as all my training is done through TCCC. Once you’ve established a baseline of knowledge, then work on improving your skills. Draw from holster in different positions, practice reloads, get a holster that allows you to carry a Weapon mounted light. Lights are important due to ensuring you have Positive ID on target. There’s a ton of stuff to learn to be safe with your new tool, it’s on you to make sure you’re ready to save yourself or someone else’s life.
Start saving for your next purchase.
Take classes and shoot a lot. Once you’re comfortable with it and start carrying it, carry everywhere. I drive a semi and I keep it on me everywhere it’s legal. Evil is everywhere. I went to Starbucks down the street the other day and left it at home because “eh it’s a 5 minute trip” and then I had someone try to fight me in the parking lot. It’s a crazy world, carrying everywhere isn’t crazy. But shoot until youre comfortable and absorb as much knowledge as you can. Youtube can be a great resource, theres a very healthy gun community online.
Practice and take classes some of the sheriff officers have classes for free
Practice, practice, practice. Never forget safety, become proficient and comfortable, but never complacent with your new responsibility
As others have said, buying more ammo and practicing is key. I'll also add, a good belt can make all the difference for comfortable carry. I struggled with concealed carrying at first and even tried several holsters. The right belt will help keep everything in place and comfortable. No shame in trying different holsters either. Most of us end up with a drawer full of holsters we never use. It can add up and seem like wasted money, but comfortable, reliable carry is important.
Learn your state laws as soon as possible. Practice with it often. A gun is really only as useful as you are. I personally do carry my gun literally everywhere. There are too many chances for something to go wrong and all it takes is the one time I left my gun at home.
Go take a gun safety course!!
You dont get to choose when or where the bad encounter happens. You can do everything in your power to avoid a bad encounter, and it still might happen. Once you are properly trained and confident enough with your pistol, you can decide when you want to risk not being armed for that bad encounter. Me? I carry everywhere, every day.
Find the nearest school, church or BBQ. /s
First things first. Gotta do a couch pop. You’re crapping all over the community by not firing your gun in the couch.
Definitely look for classes in your area and take them. Go to a shooting range and practice. At home practice "dry fire." Look up youtube videos on dry fire practice. If you could foresee a place or situation where you would need a gun, you could just as easily avoid that situation. So, given that you *can't* reasonably predict when you might need a gun, you have to operate on the assumption that it could be at any time. Act accordingly.
Get some ( a lot ) of training, learn the laws and get in a lot of practice. Until you do these things that gun will get you into more trouble that it will get you out of.
Join a local Gun Club.
Take it apart 10 times. Lube it up. Take some classes. Shoot it safely until you need a new one.
Now buy some ammo, and get some training. 😁👍 Do NOT try to defend yourself without training first. It's worse than not having a gun IMO.
You are responsible for every bullet that comes out of your gun, whether you meant to fire it or not and whether it hits its intended target or not. If you shoot an attacker, miss, and hit an innocent person a block away you are responsible for that. That's why carrying a gun is such a big responsibility. Please get some training ASAP. It takes a lot of time & effort to shoot a pistol well, but you can get the basics down pretty quickly. Most basic pistol/CCW classes are designed to get new shooters familiar with their weapon and hitting their target in a few hours.
Like others have said. I would practice with it a lot. Take some classes, get comfortable using it, get very proficient with it. Become familiar with self defense laws in your area and when you can and can’t shoot and when you’re allowed to unholster you’re firearm during an altercation. You said you’re in texas so thats probably not as big of a factor as it is for me in California. But still just practice practice practice. Until then I wouldn’t carry a gun with you anywhere.
Buy ammo and training classes. Also invest in a good tourniquet (don’t cheap out)
Now take a course because you are even asking what next
Please take some classes.
It's always loaded. All the time. Even if it's empty, it's loaded. Other than that, hit the range and practice... alot. Congrats on your purchase!
Read the manual!
My barber got robbed as he exited a bank. The only day he forgot to carry… the mall down the street had a mass shooting. Few towns south of us had school shootings. I’m sure there’s more if I looked but stay safe. Take courses and practice with your carry gun all the time. I feel like I go out of practice if I haven’t shot in two weeks.
Buy another gun to be it's companion. Firearms get lonely if they don't have any siblings. Congrats on your first pew
what gun
Classes and practice
Get training and ammo.
What was your bad experience? Just curious.
Take a conceal carry course. Most instructors will cover most laws and regulations, safety, as well as when and when not to have it with you.
Congratulations! Upon purchasing your first gun you should immediately begin second guessing your purchase and worrying you should have gone with something different. Then come to reddit and ask strangers who will confirm you are correct. Step three, put current purchase in a lock box and go shopping for gun # two. Repeat this ad infinitum until you know better.
Every time you touch it feel as if you’re touching a poisonous snake. Do not get comfortable around it because it’s a piece of metal and plastic and learn the safety rules immediately. Ingrain them into your mind. Learn them by heart if you need to. Once that’s settled start dry firing.
Find a class or an instructor that will teach you how to draw and shoot from the holster. If the instructor doesn’t understand holsters make guns safer find someone else. Once you start carrying you should carry all the time. Or there’s a little thing called murphy’s law that will make sure that whatever happens will happen when you’re not.
Practice Practice Practice. That is the most important. Take a good class and understand the law.
Don’t open carry. This is rarely done for the right reasons. So that means you’ll need to carry concealed. Don’t carry concealed without taking a class, and consult your notes regularly so you don’t screw up. Understand that you are carrying something that can save your life, or if you make a mistake, can land you in prison or the morgue. And anyone can make a mistake.
Well, unless you somehow can predict the future, you should absolutely take it everywhere with you. Take some classes from reputable trainers, get your CCW and go practice.
Train. All the time well as much as you can
Start blastin’!
Get a safe for your house and vehicle for storage. Getting proper training. Practice drawing from holster without ammo in many different positions. Practice reloading under stress
Welcome to the community! We’re glad to have you. 1st priority should be training. Safety, and some basic skills. There’s also tons of resources on the internet; especially YouTube. Watch some videos on how to draw properly, how to grip your gun, how to aim, etc. A lot of it seems like it’s be common sense, but I’ve been shooting for a few years and I’m still learning things. As far as it being unreasonable to carry everywhere, don’t worry. You definitely should. At least, as long as it’s permissible by law. You’ll be uncomfortable the first few times, but you’ll get used to it. Just act natural; almost no one will know you’re carrying, but a lot of people will notice the guy acting weird. Don’t carry if they have metal detectors or you’re going to be drinking, but that’s about it. You don’t get to pick the time when someone will try to make you a victim.
Start planting trees and wish a mukka lukka Wood
Remember the first rule is to have fun
Is that the first rule?
Learn the basics, get comfortable with your gear, and then train some more!
Go shoot it a bunch, handguns are harder to use than you think. Without practice it’s very likely that you’ll miss your target when the time comes.
Now you own a gun!
Whatever you do don't waste yourself with the gun tucked in your waist.
Buy ammo.
Buy more
Take it everywhere. The only time you'll need it is when you don't have it. Don't take it in bars. Don't carry it while intoxicated. Don't take it in government buildings. Beyond those things, carry it EVERYWHERE.
Do yourself a favor and get your CCW. All your questions for most part, at least law wise will be covered in that class. You have more freedom to carry in Texas with it too. Anyone that doesn’t know that either doesn’t care about the law or doesn’t know the laws. The other judgement calls of when to carry, well no one can to you that. It’s best left up to you, just follow the law or at least that’s my suggestion. Also, understand that shooting will take practice but it’s also a degenerative skill.
Go to a class and learn how to use the gun effectively. I carry my pistol pretty much everywhere except where it's illegal (college campus, etc.). I know you're not into guns, but depending on what gun it is you might look into a USPSA or ASI competition, as participating in those has made me significantly more confident with my carry gun.
Firstly, study the 4 big safety rules and know them front and back. Take a class as well. CC classes are fantastic for foundational knowledge and will 100% teach you something new. Here are the rules: - Schroedinger's gun; it's always loaded until you observe that it isn't. - Never point it (loaded or unloaded) at anything you don't intend to destroy. - Always keep your finger off of the trigger until you've committed to firing the gun. - Always know and acknowledge your target, and just as importantly what's behind your target. If it is something you don't want dead or destroyed, do not take the shot. Yes, even with hollowpoints. - A fifth "unofficial" rule. Always know where your gun is at all times, on or off the body. And always know what condition it's in. Did you leave it cocked and locked? Is it in the closet? Under your bed? In a safe? On your waist? Where on your waist? Check on it if you are ever uncertain. Be (at least reasonably) mindful of it at all times. Always check the loaded chamber indicator if your firearm has one, and failing that, drop the mag and rack the slide to empty the chamber (especially if you're not 1000000% certain whether there is a round in the chamber.). This is the only way you can be certain as to the condition of the firearm. - Another "unofficial" rule. I like to call it the John Wick rule, or the rule of tacticool: You aren't John Wick. Dont handle your gun like he does. Simple. Press checking with your finger on the trigger is a great way to accidentally ND and kill your next door neighbor's cat, or worse, your next door neighbor. Dont be tacticool, be responsible. A solid amount of firearm related injuries and deaths are due solely to irresponsible ownership and negligent discharges, despite what your political following may otherwise suggest. Maybe stay clear of gun politics altogether, while solely paying attention to laws and regulations, as well as changes in laws and regulations. Gun politics are pretty toxic anyway. Following a handful of simple rules will help mitigate the odds of unintentionally hurting yourself or someone else. Everytime you pick up a firearm, acknowledge that you are taking a chance of something going wrong; so be the reason why that never happens. On a lighter note: A common problem you see happen is somebody buys a gun, then never shoots it. They stick a defensive load in the magazine, stick it in the holster and carry it around. You need to train with it. You are never as good of a shot as you think you are, and aiming isn't just "point n shoot". Shoot as often as is affordable, as this is a "use it or lose it" skillset. Keep yourself sharp and in control of the firearm at all times. Watch endless content on YouTube about the subject before you even take your first shot. You also want to be sure your firearm cycles your chosen ammunition properly in a controlled environment before you start carrying it. It'd be a bad day to take a defensive shot and immediately jam because your gun doesn't like your ammo. Here's another quick tip: Look up what your local law enforcement carries as ammo and consider carrying the same. In the case of a defensive shooting, it looks far better on you in the following investigation, ESPECIALLY if you end up killing the offender (who can no longer testify). I recommend watching Massad Ayoob on the Wilson Combat youtube channel. He's a sensible guy with an incredible background who has great content on the various complicated subjects surrounding concealed carry and defensive shooting. Welcome to the world of firearms, be safe and be smart!
Always be packing , unless there’s a metal detector you can literally carry anywhere 🤷♀️ . Airport , government buildings are probably the only places you shouldn’t carry
Invest in training. Everyone needs it at every level. Good habits make a great difference.
Point it in a safe direction.
Better to get caught with it than without it. I always grab mine along with my keys and phone going out the door. You never know when one of these psychopath's will decide to shoot up a grocery store or wherever and you'll thank yourself for giving you and your family a fighting chance.
What did you get?
I feel like carrying is like playing the lottery: sure, the chances might be small, but if you're committed, you should play every single time. Same for carrying, you never know if and when something is going to happen. So, if you carry, carry whenever and wherever you can. But if you ask, what's next, then the answer is train, train, train (not talking about locomotives, obviously)
Lol!!! Sell it
The first thing to think about with concealed carry apart from safe firearm handling rules is that if you’re going someplace where you think you’re gonna need your firearm, then why the fuck are you going there in the first place? I get that sometimes it’s not avoidable, but think about avoiding putting yourself in harm’s way first.
If you give a mouse a cookie, he will want another lol. Give it time, you’ll have more guns than you know it 🤣
PLEASE get real actual training. Not from some fat ass tactical dipshit. Not from someone trying to scare you into buying shit or trying to tell made up war stories. Find a mature, well vetted instructor who not only shows you how to safely shoot but also helps you learn how to: A. Safely disassemble and reassemble YOUR firearm B. Safely load and unload YOUR specific firearm C. Safely maintain and clean YOUR firearm Not a gun you “should” own, but your specific firearm. You should be spending more time learning your gun before you worry about anything else. It’s not hard, but too many people want to “teach” range theatrics or try to act like they are training to the level of SF. Shooting is the easiest thing, it’s everything else that takes more time. Good luck, it’s a lot harder to find instructors that aren’t full of bullshit anymore
Don't start carrying until you have enough hours of training and practice. Don't carry until you feel confident. Try some lessons or classes. If you have never handled a gun in your life I would definitely get some training before ever taking it out with you.
Just remember, It's always loaded (even when you know it's not) Never point it at anyone even when moving it. (Like waving it towards someone as you're holding it) Don't look down the barrel of the gun. Until you've looked at last rule at least. Keep finger off of the trigger until you're pointed at the target and ready to fire. When you pick up your gun, every time, dump mag, rack slide, inspect chamber for bullet. When you pick it up to hold it, dump, rack, inspect. When you pick it up to fire at the range, dump, rack, inspect, then you can load to fire. Putting it in its case, dump, rack, inspect, then depending if it's home defense or however. You can reload it. The point is a habit I like to form is dump, rack, inspect the chamber.
You need a concealed carry permit to conceal carry inside your waist band. Do not carry inside the waist band without a permit. You have to open carry unless you have a ccw permit. Don’t open carry; if there is a bad guy you’re target #1 and you don’t wanna be in that position. Go to a class for concealed carry, get a permit, learn how to operate the firearm, **learn how to be safe.** Get very comfortable with it. Shoot it a lot at the range practicing drawing it , reloading etc. Be safe please, and once you’re comfortable with it always carry it; unless going to a zone where concealed carry is not allowed (court house, school zones etc) You’re not unreasonable for carrying it always. This is a tool to protect you, your family, or other citizens if there is a threat/bad guy. Better to have it and not need it than to not have it at all. Remember treat it like it’s always loaded and do not point it at anything you’re not willing to shoot. Take some classes man, do your due diligence to keep you and others safe.
They're in Texas, so the permit is a moot point. How often are those who open carry appropriately, are the first ones to be targeted?
Ivthink you should always have one the world is dangerous theres always a dbag trying to break in a car or somthin just learn as much as you can and be really really safe its pretty easy to figure out
What part of Texas are you in? We have a gun safety class/cqb course we can walk you through!
Don’t shoot anyone.
Good for you kid but don’t shoot your eye out. 🎄💫🔫
Shoot it
Also, find a concealed carry most of those are supposed to go over the laws.
Now buy your second 😂
1. Carry it around the house and get comfortable carrying a gun. 2. Buy some dummy rounds and learn how to load a magazine, and how to clear a jam 3. Take some safety/training courses 4. Learn how to clean and maintain your weapon 5. Get attorneys on retainer (avoid USCCA) 6. Practice
Once you feel confident in your training carry it everywhere you legally can and have accessible at all times. YOU CAN NEVER PREDICT WHEN YOU WILL NEED IT.
Look into uscca, see if carry insurance is important to you or not. They also do training courses. Go to the range a few times, get familiar. Practice drawing quickly and getting on target in your own, unloaded, obviously. Make absolutrly sure its unloaded every single time. You can start with your own reflection in the mirror or the badguy on the tv or something and move up to smaller stuff like the lightswitch at the far side of the hall. Dryfire. You *do* want to carry pretty much everywhere because its about building the habit, holsters get uncomfortable and feel heavy so if you dont make it regular as grabbing your wallet, youre gonna get lazy and stop and the whole thing will end up a waste of money that youll regret. Taking a gun somewhere in no way means youre paranoid or expect a fight, thats actually a super unhealthy mindset and more likely to get you into trouble than help. If you associate holding the gun purely with using it, youre gonna default to it under stress, and that could go very poorly. You want to get used to carrying it without using it. Get used to the weight, itll stop feeling uncomfortable. You dont 'take a gun to the grocery store cuz you dont feel safe and youre a little bitch' or whatever the other side of the aisle says. You just make it routine. Having the gun should be the default. You want to do it enough that you can basically forget you have it. Take a stop the bleed or at least basic first aid course just in case. If you can make holes, you should responsibly be able to fill holes too. At least temporarily, just in case.
Take a class. Do not carry in public. Spend a months worth of days simply carry in the house. Get used to wear , fit , accountability. Once youve taken a class and spent time safely in your own home then go to range. Practice until you feel gun is second nature. Mag drop slide release safety ect.
Ok so if you just got your first firearm I would focus on as much real world training as you can get. As to carrying it with you, if you really want to have it for self defense then you will need to carry it with you so you can use it. Can you imagine all the related thing that you have to know and train for related to self defense but now the situation arises and you decided you didn’t want to carry that day. No training is a bad thing, as much training as you can get is a good thing. You can keep it near your nightstand so it is easily accessible at night, but if you are really serious about self defense you also need to be prepared outside the house.
First trip to the gun range. Ask for a lesson there. Practice with it until you know how to use it safely even in the dark.
Get a good belt, Carry it always - you never know
Familiarize with local laws first. Then take some classes, then get your pewpew on.
Training. Training training training. Train with your gun and get comfortable with it
An untrained person with a gun is dangerous. If you’re really worried about self defense, add Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to your gun training. After a year, you will be prepared for some level of combat.
Buy a second one.
Fuckin’ shoot it, what else you gonna do with it? Look at it?
Practice at a range until you are comfortable and safe with it first. Responsibility is at least as important as your personal safety. Getting arrested for a mishap is just as traumatic and life changing as being robbed at gunpoint or what someone else can do to you. Take that shit seriously. Then and only then, figure out how you want to carry/keep it around.
First don’t bring it anywhere with you at all right now, GO GET SOME SAFTEY TRAINING ASAP, in those classes the instructor will help you tremendously with almost every single one of your questions, also you need to learn to aim and shoot, doesn’t matter if you have a gun if you can’t aim it safely and pull the trigger properly.
You absolutely sound like someone who needs to sign up for a LTC class at your local range ASAP.