Real World Conceal Carry Experiences

So, about a month ago, I finally received my Texas "CHL" in the mail. These things are called all kinds of things ranging from Concealed Handgun License to License to Carry and just about anything in between. The reality is that here in Texas, it allows the holder to carry a handgun (aka pistol) either "concealed" or "open carry". Given the kind person that I am, it's unlikely that I'd ever carry a firearm in the open..... maybe in the woods or something like that, but certainly not walking around town!

I've carried my gun every day since receiving the license that I wasn't working (which means, being at school). And since being on break, I've literally carried it every single day. This is what I've learned.

Some months ago, in preparation for conceal carry, I bought a smaller pistol; a Walther PPS. Compared to my PPQ or MR9, it's thinner, lighter, shorter in length and not as tall in height either. It was the right call. I carry this gun inside the waistband at what's commonly called the 4 O'Clock position, behind the right hip as is seen above. That dude is carring a 1911 type pistol, and I certainly can't imagine myself doing that with my double-staked duty pistols! I don't take it out when I get in the car. I've carried it under a jacket, sweatshirt, and untucked collared shirt. So far, so good. The other thing I was right about? My PPS is the one on the right, or the "M1" version. The other one is the "M2". I'd rather have the M2: see how it's design is pretty much that of the PPQ? However, the M1 has one critical advantage. It's mag release is the paddle style, same as my other two pistols. I haven't had automatics (pistols) for long, but I sure don't want to have to learn different magazine releases for different gun that I use on a regular basis! There are some sacrifices though. See how flat the grip is and how few contours there are?

The PPS moves around in my hand more than I like when I shoot it. So I tried the Talon grips.... basically skateboard tape die-cut for the pistol it's made for..... feels like sandpaper. I carried the gun like that for a couple of weeks, but I found that my shirts would get hung on it and I kept having to pull it down.

My solution ended up being the Hogue Handall Jr. grip sleeve. Gives me the feel of the M2 with the all important paddle-style mag release of the M1.

One of my most concerning issues was how the gun was going to feel in my back while driving a car. After carrying for a few days, I noticed that I didn't have a problem while driving. Then I realized that it was because we have these cheap mesh back supports in our cars. We normally keep them to allow a little airflow back there during our 9 months of summer here in Texas. It turns out that these $5 devices give me enough flex to keep the gun from digging into my back! There's nothing better than effective and cheap. 

We'll see how well these things work when dealing with the full-sized PPQ carried in an "Outside-the-waistband" holster!