Gun Thread: Well I Suppose That's One Way to Do It - [Weasel]

Interesting Variation on Classic IWB Carry

Anyone else using the IWB Lower Back Muzzle Peekaboo style for concealed carry?

A few weeks ago we talked about buying a first gun, and today I'd like to discuss carry permits and carrying a weapon.

I firmly believe that the single best carry gun in the universe is the one you actually have with you when you need it. Regardless of caliber, sights, custom trigger and all the rest, the gun you left at home in your sock drawer isn't going to do you a whole lot of good in an emergency. This is why some gun owners take the extra step to obtain a concealed weapon permit, and then carry a concealed weapon.

Before we begin the usual banter and fun commentary, a serious note:
Not everyone wants to carry a gun, and if you aren't comfortable doing so, then you probably shouldn't consider it further. I'd feel better if you did, but it's a big responsibility, and not something ever to be taken casually. Carrying a firearm is a very serious business and needs to be treated as such. If the unthinkable occurs and God forbid you use a weapon to defend yourself or others, in the time it takes to pull the trigger you will have changed your life, and presumably the target's life, forever.

Think about that, too.

The Permit
I live in Virginia, and like many states today, at one time it was nearly impossible to get a concealed carry permit here. Things have changed, and today as long as you pass a background check and can demonstrate competency with a firearm, you should be approved for a permit. For me the process was straightforward; submit an application and fingerprints, show that I'd attended a brief but practical course on the topic, and pay a fee to the city where I live. A few weeks later, the permit came in the mail. There are going to be some variables to the process based on where you live but Virginia is likely representative of other "shall issue" states, where one must only meet the criteria specified in the law and is not required to demonstrate a subjective 'need' to be considered for approval.

Do you have a permit? For those living in "may issue" states, what was the 'need' you specified and how were you required to support the claim?

What to Carry
You've gone through the process of obtaining a permit to carry a concealed weapon, and your next decision is likely what concealed weapon to carry.

As mentioned above, any gun is better than no gun. I would much rather be armed with some puny girly-man caliber handgun than relying on throwing bags of Fritos and Slim Jims at the bad guy holding up the gas station late at night. So which handgun is my carry gun, you ask? Well using my super-genius reasoning, they're all candidates, only varying by degrees of suitability. My usual carry gun is a Kimber Compact Custom in 45 ACP with a 4 inch barrel.

Kimber Compact Custom

Another handgun that I carry is a revolver, the S&W Model 686 in .357 Magnum with a 2 1/2 inch barrel. I carry this gun mostly at the farm with the first two or three cylinders loaded with snake shot.

S&W Model 686

The common element for both guns is absolute reliability and a short barrel, and I practice with them enough to hit the center of a target at a reasonable distance.

Which gun do you carry and why? Is bigger always better, or is comfort and concealability a greater consideration for you?

How to Carry It
Now you've gone through the process of obtaining a permit to carry a concealed weapon and found the ideal weapon to carry - so what are your options for carrying it around?

Most people like to use holsters, but other options do exist. Like a handbag or purse for girls, and the manbag or satchel (*snicker*) for boys. There's even a rig employing the underbewb or frontal overhang region as a concealment area for the ladies (and some of the gentlemen). All sorts of contraptions exist to conceal a firearm, but in my opinion, the farther you get away from a simple and straightforward sidearm holster, the less useable the firearm becomes. Unless of course you're a super-badass quick drawing mo-fo with cat-like reflexes, of which the internet breeds many.
And don't forget that states have very specific definitions for weapons in vehicles and what is considered 'concealment' - know the laws wherever and however you travel.

I prefer Outside Waist Band (OWB) holsters over Inside Waist Band (IWB). They seem to be more comfortable to me, but either style will work. The best holster for you is the one that is comfortable for you, and isn't such a miserable experience you're tempted to leave the whole mess at home to begin with. Ask around and don't be surprised if you have to try a few over time to get one that feels right.

Garret Silent Thunder(l) and Galco Pancake {w/o MS} (r)

I like these holsters - do you have a favorite brand or style? What, if any, special clothing choices have you made to make concealing a weapon more practical?

Reloading Bench
This week, I suppose 'Ammo Counter' is a more appropriate title for this section. I use commercial handgun ammunition with heavy hollow point bullets in my carry guns without exception. While I have loaded thousands and thousands of handgun and rifle cartridges and never had a failure to fire solely related to ammunition that I can recall, the reason has to do more with making a compelling defense if I ever end up in court after defending myself with a firearm. See second link below.

Link-O-Rama
Recommended Read: The Law of Self Defense
GunDigest Article: Handloads and Concealed Carry
NRA Resource: Concealed Carry Reciprocity by State
Ammo.com Article: Girlz 'n Gunz
Pew Pew Tactical Article: Concealed Carry Holsters

Final Thoughts
Before you accept the responsibility of carrying a weapon, please do a few things:
- Get licensed: Having one may just save you a lot of legal grief when Officer Friendly realizes you have a gun in the car during a traffic stop.
- Get training: Drawing and firing from a holster is remarkably different than standing at a range bench and shooting. Very remarkably different.
- Get Educated: Buying a gun and a holster isn't the end of the process, it's the beginning. Know your rights and your responsibilities.

Ho-Lee-Krap! Is this ever a great old gun and story to go with it! The Lurkers are really bringing their 'A' game, that's for sure! C'mon and get with the program, Commenters!

French St. Etienne Model 1873 Revolver

Lurker with an Old Frenchy Gun writes:

This is a French St. Etienne Model 1873 revolver, caliber 11mm. It was manufactured in 1882. The holster is original with the gun and even has 2 original cartridges in it. The story behind it is that my great uncle "removed" it from a Nazi soldier in WW2 whom he killed in hand-to-hand combat. The gun was already quite outdated for WW2 usage, and was certainly not something a German would have carried, so the German had likely taken it from a French gendarme or possibly a resistance fighter. Anyway, I've never fired it and have no intention to, but it's a very solidly made revolver. Virtually every part has the serial number stamped in it. The lockup is as tight as any modern production revolver. I'm proud of my great uncle's service and this gun will be passed on to my son someday.

Thank You Lurker with an Old Frenchy Gun!!! Join in the discussion anytime you like!

Please note the new and improved gmail account for sending stories and pictures: morongunthread at gmail dot com. If you care to share the story of your favorite firearm, send a picture with your nic and tell us what you sadly lost in the tragic canoe accident. If you would like to remain completely anonymous, just say so. Lurkers are welcome!

That's it for this week - have you been to the range?

posted by Open Blogger at 07:05 PM

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