[nickcarr]

Okay, so I'm not a LEO. Presuming that you 'think' you have concealed your pistol on your person, what happens if someone (another citizen) spots your carry 1911, especially if you're in a *very* public place.

I'd carry more often, however, I *am* afraid of having joe shmoe or jane shmoe cry out that "HEY - he has a gun!" phrase.

Now in some places this could induce panic or a riot - in which, correct me if I'm wrong, then this could bring a hefty $$$ fine on my part.

(Okay, so I've been to McDonald's where several feds hang out. They are in suits wearing their SIG's on a pancake holster - very proudly I might add. No one says a thing. So, is this possibly an over-reaction on my part?)

Just for the record, whenever I carry my 1911, I make sure it's damn secure and very well hidden.

Is this just a fear that we all have accept when we carry?


Thanks
-Nick

 

[Danomite 45]

if it does not show, who is to know?
Daniel

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1 peter 5:8

 

[maddog355]

Well it depends greatly on the laws of your state and how jumpy your local D.A. is! In TN we do not have a CCW it is a HCP handgun carry permit. It doen not have to be concield for just that reason that way we aren't breaking the law if it is inadvertantly noticed. I would expect that if you act as though you are doing nothing wroung nothing will be said. I have even seen people (might have been LEO I have no idea) carry in walmart in a tac holster in plain view while grocery shopping! You will just have to make some phone calls to the local police and DA to find out.

 

[Soujurn]

Originally posted by nickcarr:
I'd carry more often, however, I *am* afraid of having joe shmoe or jane shmoe cry out that "HEY - he has a gun!" phrase.
Just for the record, whenever I carry my 1911, I make sure it's damn secure and very well hidden.

You have to make sure you are doing all you can to make sure your carry gun does not show. If you are carrying responsibly, and are not someplace you should not be carrying, and your gun is noticed, you should be ok. As long as you don't appear to be a terrorist. Or acting in a reckless manner.
A good IWB holster and proper attire will help show the LEO, IF they get involved, that you are a responsible person, who circumstance just happened to frown upon.
Though if you are ever challenged by the law always do exactly as they say when they say to do it.

 

[LAK]

Just another good reason (though not the most important) to have open carry legal everywhere. In places where it is - no one gasps, points, panics or anything else. Oh - except the tourists.

And of course you don't get those insolent stares and gestures from street thugs etc. They give you a *wide* berth and generally only quick glances.

Of course fear and panic is what politicians want these days more than ever. Otherwise - who has any use for a government who's "protection" (implied only and not codified at all) is not needed?

 

[gm45]

I'm guessing you're fairly new to carrying. I know most feel that way right at the start, since it seems so obvious to you. Try wearing it among friends and family to see if anybody notices. You'll probably find that unless they are looking, they won't notice.

Put on your gun, walk into the kitchen and say "Honey, in a couple of minutes I'm going to put on my gun and see if it shows". Then help around the kitchen a few more minutes and then leave. Come back after pretending to put it on and see if they notice it. If she didn't see it when you were there the first time, you're fine.

 

[nickcarr]

gm45,

Actually, I would carry more often, but my place of employment doesn't allow firearms on campus. So, I quickly found it was a major pain. (I admit though, I miss having it when walking into the local 7-Eleven or grocery store at 12am...)

Don't get me wrong, there's that one moment in ones life that you'll want your .45 on you, and it won't be there.

However, I figured it's just as bad to have a .45 on you, but you're so disgusted with carrying it, that you become lazy and careless. That's when trouble seems to find you.

I only carry now when I have to run to the bank ATM machine. Mine is enclosed in a locked room, but it's nice to have my .45 there just in case.

 

[Mus]

Hey maybe sojourn can help me out on this but i do believe that RCW states that your just fine legally unless you "purposefully make your firearm visible" or you have the intent to intimidate. since we all live in washington we should be able to sort this out pretty easy. fact is only a total horses ass would yell something like that because he *might* have seen a gun printing under your shirt. the fact is tons of working people wear multi-tools, cell phone holsters etc. i really dont see this happening. its never happened to me and ive been packing every day sometimes wearing only a tshirt over my kimber, for a year or so now. IF it does happen for god sakes dont say you have a gun or make it visible. just look around like your looking for the scary guy with the gun, and then go about your business ignoring the jackass hooting and hollering about seeing a gun.

 

[John T Wylie Jr]

I have been carrying concealed for 5 years ( 1991A1 compact ) and have never been spotted yet. Only the people who really know me know that I carry. I was paranoid at first but when day I was driving and said to myself " Oh crap..I forgot my gun...but I didnt ..it was there on my side...it must be that Alessi Talon+ holster that makes me forget it's there sometimes ! A good belt goes a long way in hiding the fact that you are carrying . I found this out really quickly!

be safe..be alert..be armed !!
God Bless the USA & our armed forces !

 

[elsworth]

Hi nick,

I assume you have a permit? If so, then there is really no problem.

I've been carrying 24/7 for eight years, mostly a Glock 19, but this summer I've made friends w/ the BHP and Government Model.

Even a 1911 is not visible if you have the right holster and clothing, and don't bend over too far.

I've had a gun spotted once in eight years that I know of. I was being VERY careless. It was a .38 snubby just shoved hastily in the pocket of my coveralls. Printed like crazy. The person's eyes nearly bugged out of their head, but they didn't say a word.

I think what the other people have said is right. Only a horse's ass would start yelling that you have a gun.

Don't worry about it too much. Strap on that .45 and make a commitment to carry it. You will soon get more comfortable with it, and develop a natural awareness that helps keep you from letting it print.

Elsworth

 

[nickcarr]

john, i know what you mean! I wore a 3/4" belt for a long time, but when you carry, you need at least an 1" - depending on the weight of the gun. A good belt+holster is a must.

elsworth, yea, here in WA state, we now have a CCP. (I renewed my license a year ago.) If remember correctly, we used to have a CWP, but WA state changed this. (Mus, can you verify this?)

Like John, I'm sure I'll get over the paranoia-feel, but it'll take some getting used to.

 

[Soujurn]

Originally posted by Mus:
Hey maybe sojourn can help me out on this but i do believe that RCW states that your just fine legally unless you "purposefully make your firearm visible" or you have the intent to intimidate. since we all live in washington we should be able to sort this out pretty easy. fact is only a total horses ass would yell something like that because he *might* have seen a gun printing under your shirt. the fact is tons of working people wear multi-tools, cell phone holsters etc. i really dont see this happening. its never happened to me and ive been packing every day sometimes wearing only a tshirt over my kimber, for a year or so now. IF it does happen for god sakes dont say you have a gun or make it visible. just look around like your looking for the scary guy with the gun, and then go about your business ignoring the jackass hooting and hollering about seeing a gun.

In the current climate where people may have a heightened sense of danger, it could happen that someone who suspects you of carrying a gun would go out of there way to mention it to a LEO. But as has been stated, as long as you are carrying legally and are taking steps that are reasonable and prudent to conceal your gun, you will be fine. Being reckless can be a matter of opinion, but like I said before, using a good holster and loose flowing shirt with a pattern that breaks up anything from printing will suffice. The bottom line is we who carry must modify what we wear to fit the situation so our carry piece isn't seen.
Bending over and stretching should be done with a concious effort not to let anything slip out or show. But, if it does, and some "horses ass" does raise a stink, shrug it off. In the RCW here in Wash., the 9.41.270 may be applicable wherein it states;
1) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.

So, if you arent drawing or showing the weapon (even an empty holster can be interpreted as threatening deadly force if displayed in such a way as threatening), with intent to intimidate or cause alarm on part of another person, you're ok, even if someone accidently sees your gun.
Here is a link if anyone wants to read it for themselves. Use 9.41.270 as the search string. http://search.leg.wa.gov/pub/textsearch/

[This message has been edited by Soujurn (edited 09-22-2001).]

 

[Mus]

thanks soujurn. Anyone ever actually caught a person packing concealed? i never spotted one and i know theres lots of us out here.

 

[oldanbo]

Mus...hi from a fellow washingtonian. The last number of active CCP permits in this state I heard is around 260,000. The easy ones to spot use fanny packs ( I have one too for those rare occasions). Otherwise I have only been able to spot a couple of others and at that I was guessing. I wonder how many are in the greater Seattle area vs. how many are in the sticks (like me)

Regards,
Dan

 

[GLV]

Pretty difficult to say that because a person has a fanny pack/vest/etc, that it conceals a gun.

I travel a lot, and I see the above everywhere, on men, women, kids, old, young and in between.

I don't think an LEO would stand a chance in court of using only a fanny pack as probable cause for a search.

In my 50 years of carry, I do not know that my gun has ever been seen while carrying concealed. GLV

 

[Powderman]

I have stopped people whom I have observed carrying a sidearm. In each case, the person either let the gun show when their jacket or other garment slid open or up, or when the firearm "printed". In each case, I approached the person from their blind side, identified myself, and asked them for their permit to carry. Each time, the folks produced their permits, and after running the name (with it coming back clear), they received a stern warning to keep their weapons fully concealed.

Yes, you CAN lose your CWP for flashing your firearm, even if by accident.

------------------
"Be not afraid of any man, no matter what his size;

When trouble rises, call on me and I will equalize."

 

[Electric_Armadillo]

Originally posted by Mus:
thanks soujurn. Anyone ever actually caught a person packing concealed? i never spotted one and i know theres lots of us out here.

I've seen two, and both times it was hastily flashed in a careless moment. One guy had it in a belly holster, and he yawned and stretched (I knew that he was a cop beforehand, so I decided to not yell "He's got a gun!") and one IWB carrier that stepped out of his car on a windy day.

I've learned from both of these incidents, and they've made me more careful about how I carry. I know what to look for now, too.

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-Electric Armadillo-