A dozen tips for the beginner CCW.
1) Take a handgun retention class as soon as you can. Take some kind of defensive tactics class. Learn about the legalities. 'nuff said about that.
2) You will feel like everyone can see the gun. It's natural. Even after years of carry i have times with new outfits that I wonder if things are showing more than they should.
3) Small exposure will NOT be noticed by most. In fact, people usually dismiss bulges like cell phones and such all the time. I know one person who carries in a PDA holster in open sight because looking at it, he looks like a geek with a palm.
4) Learn to squat to reach low. Don't bend over.
5) Strong Side belt is the most common carry, but there are other methods that work. Pocket holsters with a seecamp or similar is not the 'best' but better than nothing. I can easily hide my .32 in a normal bathing suit. Some love the 'Thunderware' holsters, but others find it not so comfortable. My favorite carry in an 'on the belt' holster that isn't much wider than the belt. Very comfortable, easy to hide with the untucked shirt/vest/jacket. Since the gun is all black, and just the barrel sticks out the end of the holster, any peeking from under the shirt is never seen as 'gun'.
6) Gun belts are for guns, dress belts are for dressing. The difference between a solid gun belt and a flimsy dress belt are amazing. There are a lot of great quality gun belts out there that also look good too. They can get pricy, but they also last a long time. I've had great luck with Mitch Rosen and Kramer Leather belts. I'd try others, but I'm still waiting for these to wear out. (^_^)
7) Nobody Knows. Period. Yes, your wife will, but that's it. in fact, my tailor probably know more about my carry habits than my best friend does. As with anything, the fewer people who know a secret, the better.
8) Everyone is different. No matter what people reccomend or suggest, if something looks better to you, try it. We all have a collection of holsters that didn't quite do it for us. It's just a fact of the art.
9) CCW is 99% reliability and 1% skill at arms. No use being the best shot there is if you get a jam with your life on the line. Run hundreds of rounds through the gun and find the combo that best works. Same deal with you. You need to practice so that your actions are instinct as you will not have time to think beyond the decision to act. Draw, engagement, and all the other motions have to be smooth and reliable. Facing Mungo is not the time to learn that your pistol's hammer likes to snag on that stylish fleece vest.
10) Understand that 'gun' is the last answer in a series of techniques you should have. If 'gun' is your only answer, you are going to be in some legal trouble.
11) While not required by law, carry a cellphone. Usually the first person to report a crime is the victim. You don't want to have to start hunting for a phone while a witness calls about a 'man with a gun'.
12) Don't be a hero. While it is legal to assist another, unless you know the person very well (like family) don't do it. Instead, call for help and be a good witness. You never know who is the real 'good guy' and who is the real 'bad guy'. Cops have been shot jumping into situations of mistaken identity.
BONUS ADVICE:
Understand that using the gun for self-defense very well may cost you EVERYTHING. Your home, your job, your life savings, your freedom, your family, your friends, your life as you know it. Be sure that when you use it, circumstances are so dire that it is worth that loss.