There will come a time...

[JamesJM]

Somewhat new CCW Permit holder. Since Feb. And this is simply an interesting thought, nothing controversial, (I hope).

Had a friend who pushed and pushed and pushed me into getting my CCW. I'm a life long hunter and 2nd amendment supporter but I had procrastinated regarding CCW. My friend, hearing that I had finally suffered the 'red tape' for a CCW Permit (I'm allergic to red tape and bureaucracy) made this prediction:

"There will come a time when you will feel naked if you aren't carrying". It happened today.

At first, and I think like most... it felt odd carrying into WalMart, or McD's, or any public business. NOT 'scared', or feeling 'guilty', I did NOT... just 'odd'. Kept wondering if a some new fangled detector would scope me and the building would explode in flashing lights and sirens.

Since I acquired my CCW I have carried every day. Today I took a trip to the town of Fresno to pick up my pickup, (repairs), and forgot my weapon. Don't ask, no good answer for why I did that.

I was about 10 miles from home, (35 mile trip to Fresno), when I realized I was 'naked'. YES! That's exactly how I felt. Naked. Vulnerable. I had a couple other stops, one in a not so good area of town, and I seriously considered putting it off.. until I was prepared.

Not sure I have a point here except pointing out the wisdom of my friend who predicted I'd 'come around'... and I think also the fact that I am now truly 'comfortable' carrying, really comfortable... and that's better for me, my family, and I think those I happen to be around unaware that I'm 'prepared'. - JamesJM

[wpod]

When I started carrying (again) it only felt strange carrying in (ironically) a gun store.
That has gone away.
I used to open and semi-conceal carried when I lived in AZ in the 70's & 80's (pre-constitutional carry). Back then, as long as any portion of the gun or holster was uncovered you were legal.

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[nstoolman1]

I know exactly how you feel OP. Since escaping Ca and becoming a resident I CCW all the time. Last weekend I flew back to Ca on Sat to help my daughter get her stuff together and we drove back Sunday. The whole time I felt naked. I told my wife it was a weird feeling.

[Sir Toast]

Interesting from my non-ccw perspective. Thanks for sharing.

[jeremiah12]

I have NV and UT CCW permits. I do take day trips to NV at least once a month. Last summer, the family took a 6 week vacation through UT, WY, and MT.

It took a week to feel comfortable wearing a gun. After 3 weeks I felt naked if I did not have a gun on me or at least within arms reach. I noticed that for the first time in years I felt more relaxed because I had the means to protect myself and my family from BG.

The minute we crossed the CA border and I had to disarm, my stress level rose. I am still very away that I do not have a gun in my pocket or close to me unless I am at home.

This has made me even more determined to move out of this state as soon as I can.