CTYankee,
I've had my pistol permit since 1991. After I got my permit I purchased a S&W 6906. Its about Glock 19 sized. I strapped it on and soon realized while bending and stretching in front of the mirror that I could never conceal it 100%. So I bought a Seecamp and carried it every day.
Pocket carry was how I carried every day for almost 20 years. Then I discovered the OC movement. While I have no interest in OCing, the work of guys like Rich and Ed and Shawn has made it so I no longer fear inadvertent
printing or even if a little of the handgun shows.
I rarely carry a pocket pistol now. I'm still a wuss when it comes to weight, but the ability to carry in an owb belt holster (I like leather pancakes) has been very liberating. My every day carry guns are a Kahr P9 and a S&W 340PD. The S&W weighs about 13 oz loaded and the Kahr weighs about 20 oz loaded.
Both are more comfortable in an OWB holster than a Ruger LCP was in my pocket.
I've done numerous experiments to see just what people notice and have been completely astonished. As a new carryer, whether open or concealed, its normal to think that all eyes are on you and that you must conceal 100%. This could not be further from the truth.
My first experiment was to wear my Glock 34 to Stop and Shop in Old Saybrook. I used my Kydex IDPA holster. It is canted outward for a good grip and is far from idea for concealment. It also sits low, for a fast draw.
I "concealed" it under a white Tshirt which left about an inch of slide and the entire lone wolf compensator hanging below the hem. After shopping for food and not having a single person even appear to notice my gun, I brought my groceries to the car. I then noticed an OSPD car sitting in the lot. So I decided to walk directly in front of him to see if he would notice. . . .Nothing. So I went back to my car and went home.
This was very liberating. While I don't generally want to carry my G34, I can. I now carry exclusively OWB (comfortable) with nothing more than a Tshirt or a polo shirt over it. I've never had anyone notice.
On several occasions I've said to my wife at the end of an evening "can you see my gun" and she would say "oh my god, yes". But then I ask her if she had noticed it at any time durring the evening, and her answer would be NO.
So there it is. You CAN print. Nobody notices. Thats the reality.
I am now domiciled in MA with a residence in CT. I carry the same way in MA. (no open carry allowed in MA. Its not prohibited by law, but since its a may issue state, all you have to do is piss off your CLEO and you are done. You can't even OWN a gun in MA without his blessing)
It really is amazing how the OC movement has benefitted me. When I go out with my two children, I go "heavy". If I'm biking, I go light, but still OWB. If I'm walking the dog in the woods and more concerned about 4 legged critters than 2 legged ones, its a .357 magnum in an owb. All "concealed" under nothing more than a T shirt.
I hope this helps.
Don