As I mentioned last week, I recently moved to Iowa. Aside from getting the job I really wanted, I was also looking forward to living in a state that allows concealed carry. As soon as I had some free time after the move, I went to my Sheriff’s office and applied for a concealed carry permit. The Sheriff processed my application the next business day, and I am happy to say that I now have an Iowa concealed carry permit. While I am happy to have this permit, and will carry to the fullest extent allowed by law, I truly hope to never ever have occasion to use a concealed pistol in self defense.
I’ve decided that I’ll carry my subcompact Springfield XD, chambered for .40 S&W, although I was seriously considering an H&K USP too. I’m still on the fence about what holster type and brand I prefer, so I bought a few more holsters and am waiting for them to arrive in the mail. In the coming weeks I’ll probably write some reviews about those various holsters. If anyone has a holster they would like to recommend that I try, please do let me know soon.
One other note: I’ve had longer than normal work days this week, coupled with reviewing for the bar exam and unpacking from the move. As a result, I haven’t had time to write as many posts as I would have liked, or to answer all my email. If you sent me an email and I haven’t replied, please rest assured that you will get a reply soon 🙂
Congrats!!!
3 different holsters? Wow, you're as bad as I am when I go shopping on Amazon.com. 😉
I gather you're going for something that would fit under a suit jacket… hence concealed?
I guess the other option would be a hidden pocket in a fanny pack, but that probably wouldn't look professional at work.
I hope the holster straps don't stain your shirts… 😛
Don't stress too much on the infrequency of the posts. I think you deserve to give yourself a little time off to settle in and catch your breath.
Oh, and my joking around on the knife rights post? I actually really like knives and swords. I just can't see using them for self defense. That requires alot of skill. However, as tools (the knives, anyway), I can totally see the utility. Am embarrassed to admit I still have my Girl Scouts knife.
I confess that, in November 1994, I went to a sci-fi/fantasy convention, and came back with a pair of Japanese swords, complete with a nice wooden display to place on a shelf. After I got them home, and played a little with them, I realized that there wasn't much more I could do with them. I couldn't take them out in public. I certainly wasn't skilled enough to defend myself from home intruders with them. They were just… cool. And completely useless to me.
After trying, and failing, to justify keeping them, I gave up and sold them. 😛 That was about 13 to 15 years ago.
Ironically, about 5 years ago I bought a replica of Darth Vader's light saber. Looks really neat in the dark. Took pictures of my toddler holding it on Halloween. 🙂
Yeah, I don't feel the need to justify keeping that, lol. 😉 It's not leaving my possession.
I'm 40 going on 12, lol.
For OWB holsters, my favorite are the Blackhawk Serpas. They come with both a belt, and paddle attachment. I prefer the paddle myself.
I'm looking forward to any IWB holster reviews, as I've yet to find one myself. I'm think I may get the Crossbreed supertuck at some point, but unsure yet. Currently I use an Uncle Mikes holster.
Congrats!
Just wanted to offer you my congratulations. I just got my permit in December, so I know where you're coming from.
If you're looking for a holster recommendation, I've been using this one – http://www.desantisholster.com/storefrontB2CWEB/b…
It's pretty comfortable with my Walther PPS, and I picked it up on the recommendation of another blog that I respect.
Congratulations! Being an Illinois resident, I am suddenly reminded of how it felt when older friends got their driver's licenses before me.
Now I'm 31 years old, and I'm still being treated like a child by my state.
Congradulations on your move and CCW permit! I also wish you the best of luck in passing the bar exam too!
May I suggest Galco's belly band. It is extremely versatile and you can "pack" just about anything it!! It also has a couple of compartments for spare mags, cell phone, whatever! It is very comfortable to wear and is very flexible on how you can position it!
Worth a look (and maybe a review?).
Regards, Congrats, ans best of luck to you!
Keep up the great work!
On the holster issue, I suggest you look at the following, assuming each makes a version specifically for your chosen gun: Fobus, Blackhawk Sportsman Serpa, and Uncle Mikes, all in the paddle, OWB version which can be put on/removed without having to remove your belt. Each holds a gun securely, rides high enough for effective concealment, is relatively inexpensive and almost indestructable. The Blackhawk Sportsman Serpa is a bit more expensive than the other two because of an added security feature that locks the gun into the holster, requiring the index/trigger finger to slide across the release button in a very natural way when acquiring/drawing the gun from the holster. Depending upon the circumstances, I use either the Fobus or Blackhawk for my Kimber Ultra-Carry, preferring the Fobus to an Uncle Mikes because I believe the Fobus to be better-made. Final word of advice repeated: buy only a holster that is specifically designed for your make and model pistol. Welcome to the carry fraternity; you now have the responsibility of deciding when – and when not – to exercise the ultimate self-defense tool. Don
Congrats! I’m anxiously awaiting mine but apparently, the demand has been so great lately for new permits, that Oklahoma is taking around 90 days to issue them. 47 days down and counting!
Correction to my previous post on holster selection.
Substitute the word "Sportster" for the word Sportsman in the description of the holster.
Sorry for the error.
Don
I bought a crossbred supertuck iwb and am vary happy with it,I could carry all day and hardly know it;s there.I carry a Springfield 1911 A1 45.