Re: Looking for concealed suggestions
18ssp
LoneW - pretty much laid it out in his first post.
Regarding safeties and 'shooting like shit':
- Is there anyone around you (individual or club) that can give you some instruction? Would you consider taking some dedicated carry pistol training - specifically geared toward working from the holster?
- Short of that there are some books and vids that many of us can suggest.
- Dry fire - just like with your rifle if you want to be good with a HG, dry fire and be able to call your shots. One of my favorites is a variation on a drill called El Presidente. I just call it '3 Hat'. Randomly place 3 baseball hats around the house and use the logos as POA. MSU training (make shit up) - some runs are just like an El Presidente, others are on the move only, partially obscured, tac order, whatever. The whole point is to always be working on your chops. Dress just like you would carry, all draws are from concealment, practice your reloads on every run. See the FS each time, call your shots. Trust me - you play that game for 5 - 10 minutes every day for 6 months, you won't feel like you do in your OP. Play that game every day for 12 months and you won't care if someone hands you a Raven deuce deuce (insert POS here), you know you'll score the hits and make the reload without ever looking at the magwell. Special note on safety - since one of your concerns is related to not having an external safety - you need to remind yourself your brain is the only real safety. Thus every time you clear the leather - consciously think about making sure your trigger finger is straight on the frame just above the trigger guard. Once sights are on POA, place the pad of the index finger on the trigger and then with a smooth squeeze break the shot and be able to call it. Standard caveats apply - confirm the weapon is unloaded and do not have live ammo around when you are doing this.
This will get you up and running accurately, safely, and providing that you are properly instructed or read some good books (watch some good vids) you'll get the basics down very well over 6 - 12 month period if you really do this daily for 5 - 10 minutes. Then start reading (asking questions) about how to go faster, or what is a better way based on a given situation.
Holsters - very personal things; and many folks have a drawer full of them. If you haven't already, solicit opinions of comfortable rigs based on your use (range / comp / carry) and your gun type. Then cruise the various forums and buy a used one if you can. I myself am a giant Milt Sparks fan. Also, for carry (unless your really fat) it is generally best (for not printing) to carry with an inside the waist holster - buy a good one - you pay for comfort. Take some cues on how to dress - IWB, you may need to go up a size on your pants - when you buy new pants take your rig with you and try it all on together; buy a good sturdy 1.5" wide belt - b/c the wider the better, but not as many pants manufacturers of day to day pants make their pants with loops for 1.75". (Hint until you buy a good belt, a leather tool belt from Lowes is a cheap alternative and if you die them and change the buckle they are acceptable looking); over garments - long story made short - avoid 'shoot me first vests' and learn to draw from your day to day shirts and coats which you will buy a little big and a little long.
If you just gotta have a new gun - I get that, and have fun shopping. Otherwise, a bit of training, a new holster, and a good bit of work - your world will turn.
Good luck