CCW Confessions: I’ve Been Made Twice

In about 4 years of carrying concealed daily, I’ve been made twice:

• If I’m carrying behind the hip I generally try to avoid bending over or squatting down in public as much as possible, but sometimes it can’t be avoided. I was carrying my Glock 19 in an IWB holster behind my hip. It was a hot Carolina summer afternoon, and I had to run to the store to get dog food. For the longest time, the only food my dog would eat was Ol’Roy from Wal-Mart, and it was sold in 50lb bags. Picking one up off of the bottom shelf requires some bending. I squatted down and picked up the bag when I felt my cover garment ride up a bit, just as a guy walked behind me. I placed the bag in the cart, then pulled my shirt back down when I noticed the guy was still standing near me. I looked in his direction and with a grin he said “Forty?”, and I replied “Nine”. He smiled and walked away.

• The second time I was made was when I was trying out a very nice Galco shoulder rig. I’d always been told that they were awful so I bought one to try out. I’d been using it under a winter jacket for a few weeks without issue. I actually liked carrying with the shoulder rig while driving, and everything was going well. One thing to note here is that the holster, straps, and mag pouch were all a tan leather, which contrasts a lot with my black jacket, and the black T-shirt I was wearing at the time. I stopped to get gas, and after filling up my car, I went inside to buy something. When I got to the cash register the cashier took my money, and said “What’s that strap under your jacket?” He knew. I knew. He knew that I knew that he knew. I was so embarrassed, I said something like “Huh? What are you talking about?” as I walked out the door. I put the shoulder rig up for sale the next day.

Have you ever been made?