I’ll throw my hat in the ring. I’ve carried concealed for over 30 years, mostly a full size 1911, while in military uniform, overseas, on the job and as a civilian. Now I rock an M17 as it’s lighter and not as cold(getting old over here)
@shamus275 and others had really good advice.
Only a couple things I’d add:
Carry around the house as much as possible so you get comfortable carrying. Try doing stuff while carrying such as vacuuming, dishes, mowing the lawn, working on the car, etc. You need to get comfortable carrying so you aren’t constantly checking your firearm retention. You can always tell a new CCW carrier out in public cus they’re the guy or gal who keeps touching their side or readjusting their waist or fiddling with their hip.
Experiment with different holsters and carry positions. I have a stealth gear ventcore that’s awesome for summer and hiking and a belly band that’s great when wearing shorts or something.
I’d look into the mantis x or similar systems to train with when you can’t get to the range but there is NO substitute for sending rounds down range.
CCW requires lots of planning ahead. Say I’m going to work then stopping at the grocery store then I gotta mail a package. Whoa there bud hold up. No CCW in a govt facility. It’s unfortunate but the good guys are the only guys that follow the rules. Gotta stop at school and pick up the kids? Better stop and think. If some dad picking his kids up sees you printing your day maybe just went south really fast. Where I live I can’t take that chance at all as there’s tons of govt and prior military types where I live.