While you may be excited to talk about Golf, that wasn’t quite what I had in mind…
Last week we talked about “shooting handicaps”. Do you have any concerns about your form or stance when shooting? Perhaps, you received a pistol for Christmas and are just starting your journey discovering the wonderful world of shooting . We hope by sharing our story, it will keep you on a straighter path; i.e. less costly mistakes.
Gun shopping is not like shopping most women are a custom to. For starters, you not likely to find this type of store at the Mall. So it may take a bit of planning for this type of shopping trip. Unlike things one may purchase at the mall, with guns once you buy it – it’s yours!
If you decide later that you don’t like the gun, there isn’t really a “Return Policy”. The Return Policy is up to you and how you want to sell it. So be sure before you buy- unless you’re into collecting guns and your income stream can support your habit ?.
Several things I didn’t realize when I was “trying on” i.e gripping and handled the pistol at the store…. I didn’treally hold it as in anticipation of shooting it down range.
First, I felt really self-conscious about gun shopping and trying to hold the gun, pull the trigger while not pointing the barrel toward any of the other customers all around me.
Secondly, I inadvertently adjusted my grip (and or wrist) around the grip of the pistol so that I could pull the trigger. This is my handicap – small hands and I have since realized finding a firearm for me will prove to be challenging shopping experience. Limp wristing is a good way to get malfunctions
Now, not all of this was realized purely by going to the range. It was through classes and drills of some likely self defense scenarios, that all the pieces began fitting together and the picture became clearer. Another reason why training and practice are important.
Single stack vs. Double stack – graphic /pintrest
Important finding (for me)- I cannot shoot a gun that has a double stack magazine. Not without having a malfunction. A double stack magazine means the grip is going to be bigger. “Double stack” refers to how the bullets line up within the magazine and typically holds about 13-15 rounds. This is good in one sense. More bullets = better protection, right? Also, it makes the gun heavier and therefore, less recoil, which is ideal. But for me, it means more malfunctions. Some might argue this is a good drill to work on clearing malfunctions ?.
So, are you a double stack or single stack gun owner? That
depends on YOU.
Some guns have interchangeable back straps that can help for smaller hands. However, you still need to have enough (of your index) finger to pull the trigger.
From the graphic above, you can see how the placement of your trigger finger effects the placement of the bullet on the target. The slightest adjustments can have less desirable results.
So, when shopping for a gun, remember to consider placement of your trigger finger, grip and your wrist. It’s not just about being able to pull the trigger… you want to hit what you aim for. (Important to remember ever bullet has a name on it).
What is this #IWIX thing? I don’t really get it? Why do I need special clothing to Concealed Carry?
For me, it was my first time carrying on body. But first, how did I arrive at this idea?
I took the basic courses and joined a lady’s group at my range to learn more about shooting and carrying concealed. There are options for women who want to carry a concealed handgun, only what I found were mostly for in-purse carry; or for first responders, and the typical tactical clothing or “shooting” clothes.
I already felt like there was a neon sign above my head flashing “she’s got a gun”! I didn’t want my clothes to say it either! The whole idea about concealed carry is that you’re hiding in plain sight, right? i.e. to be “INCOGNITO”. Wala!
Oh, I’d carry a gun in a purse, but that got heavy. And I would have to be very careful about where I set my purse down and worry about someone else going through it, finding it and discovering a gun. Fortunately, my children were young adults and I didn’t have to worry about that aspect. But many do, and should be concerned about what they do or where they leave their purse if they are carrying a gun in it. Or for that matter, if it gets stolen!
So, I spent several hours looking through my closet, finding nothing to wear.
What do you wear to hide a gun or how do you dress around a firearm? This was so new to me and no one really talked about what kind of clothes you needed to shop for in order to keep this ‘thing’ hidden but readily accessible.
So, off I went to the mall. But this time, I really didn’t need the excuse that I don’t have “anything to wear”. Not that my husband would have minded. Women love to shop, it’s really a social thing for us. My goal was to find clothing that was fashionable, but would also discreetly concealed a handgun. There just wasn’t anything suitable. I shopped online – Again, not much there in the way of clothing.
In my women’s shooting group class, I heard several women talking about having to work late or travel and some scary scenarios they might encounter – and what to do; how to respond – just in case. Of course, first and foremost is learning how to be situational aware of your surrounding environment.
I wonder, just how do you carry a gun in a dress?
I mean, you’re a working professional, executive, business women with a need to be fashionable and well dressed…And to be able to protect/defend yourself if something horrible arose.
I contemplated about what kind of clothes that would fit this need. The need to have work clothes for one, and two, clothing perfect for concealment of a firearm that (I) would feel that my gun wouldn’t print (through). You know, to make choosing something to wear easy; to pick out clothing to go with my gun. The goal in all of this would be to provide some type of clothing to remove any hassle of dressing for concealment, to empower you for every day carry. Surely, picking out something to wear shouldn’t take 30 or more minutes.
So, I think of it in terms of finding that perfect necklace, pair of earrings, or shoes that make the outfit – complete. That thing that makes you feel as good as you look! We are all want to feel beautiful, and be stylish with or without our gun.
This adds a whole new dimension to making a fashion statement.
Concealed carry is more than just being able to defend your life or that of another human being. We recognize the danger and power of carrying a loaded firearm, and what could happen if we are forced to defend our self, draw it, or even fire it. The rights given to us by the 2nd Amendment aren’t taken lightly, but with the utmost of respect.
For those who don’t get this whole gun tote’n thing, it’s not the law-abiding folks that you ought to be concerned about, but the one who don’t respect the law and authority.
Just because some people don’t swim, they don’t know how to, or were never taught, doesn’t mean that swimmers shouldn’t have specialized clothing. Bathing suits or swimsuits are specialized garments. Just because you may not want to swim doesn’t mean a swimsuit shouldn’t be made available for those who do.
There are an awful lot of people who love to swim and need swimsuits!
The same is true for those who believe in the 2nd Amendment, and want to concealed carry. They need specialized clothing too.
So, this is how Incognito Wear IXcame about. I set out to make some specializedclothes – casual tops, Maxi dress (that’s perfect for spring) and a professional work-wear dress giving 3 optional carry positions, a patterned tunic top, and soon to be developing pants and jeans. Even though men’s regularly available clothing is easier to conceal in, they too need specialized clothing. We are providing new clothing options for the concealed carrier that hasn’t been available- and especially for a growing group of women who are getting their concealed carry permits and carry on a regular basis.
We’d love to hear from you and how you carry or what obstacles you have overcome in order to protect yourself and loved ones in exercising your 2nd Amendment rights. Connect with us on social media:facebook, instagram, twitter, pintrest
