Reply #34: My experience is with Florida ...

[spin]

Among the shooters I know who have permits and regularly carry, only one carried a full sized handgun. He was a businessman who owned his own business and carried a SIG-Sauer in a holster on his belt under his suit jacket. In his office he often took the jacket off but none of his employees ever bitched about him carrying. When he wasn't wearing the suit, he wore scrubs and was sometimes confused with a hospital worker.

When I first got my permit, I tried to carry a full sized 1911 Colt Auto. When that didn't work, I tried a Ruger SP101 revolver which did work better. My favorite handgun right now is a S&W Model 642 Airweight in a pocket holster. Sometimes in the cold months I carry a S&W Model 60 in an IWB holster under my jacket.

In the summer I have heard that some natives will conceal a full sized firearm under a loose fitting Hawaiian shirt. That's a giveaway that you are packing heat unless you are in an area with a lot of tourists. Try walking into a gun store wearing a Hawaiian shirt and watch the reaction.

I'm sure some Floridians do carry full sized weapons on a daily basis but I have rarely met one. Of course some people just carry when they feel they need a weapon. If I found myself in a situation where I felt that a handgun might be needed, then I might suffer the discomfort and carry one.

When the outside temperature is 95 degrees and over 80% humidity, concealed carry can be sweaty and uncomfortable if you choose the wrong weapon.