CC Question

S

sarmstrong806

New member
I have not taken a concealed carry class yet, but could not wait to ask.

Is it against the law if someone can tell that you are wearing a gun, or do they have to physically see it?

I ask this question because I usually wear shirts untucked and figured it would be realitively easy to spot what was under them, even if someone couldn't directly see it.

When people talk about carrying in their pocket, do they use a holster that disguises the shape?

I'm curious as I try to figure out what method of carry I will use.

Thanks,

Stu
 
When you can tell a concealed weapon is present without removing the covering it is called "printing". From the outline printing through the cover garment. Most of the time it isn't a violation of the law (in theory it could be any blocky object in your pocket or under your shirt) but it is bad form and kind of disregards the whole point of carrying concealed.

On the flip side, as a newer gun carrier you will tend to think that everyone can tell when you are carrying, that certainly that new bulge at your waist or in your pocket stands out like a sore thumb. You will usually be wrong. It is kind of like the mysterious 5 lbs. your sig. other talks about, you can't see it but to them it is painfully obvious.

If you do a search on "being made" or "printing" here on the forum you will see case after case where the average uninformed non-gun carrier doesn't even recognize an UNconcealed weapon as such, much less a faint grip print.

Most folks just aren't that observant.
 
Is it against the law if someone can tell that you are wearing a gun, or do they have to physically see it?

They must physically see it. You can carry a 5 lb. .50 AE Desert Eagle if you prefer and as long as it is not visible you are good to go. Most laws specify "in plain sight". Concealed means just that...concealed.


When people talk about carrying in their pocket, do they use a holster that disguises the shape?

Some do, some dont. There are several pocket holsters on the market. What they will do is keep your gun from shifting and they will somewhat disguise the outline. They also keep lint and other things from cluttering up the gun. Its not really a great idea to put a small gun in your pocket by itself, it can be also difficult to get out quickly as the sights,hammer and evee nthe grip tend to get hung up occasionally.

I'm curious as I try to figure out what method of carry I will use.

If you're like most folks, you'll have to figure it out by experimentation. I personally prefer small of the back and can carry a full sized Government Model Colt or a Sig p220 without anyone noticing. That depends on your size and build. If you are somewhat small and slender, it may not work. Once you figure it out, you'll want to start buying your pants a full wasite size larger to make room for your piece. You may even have to start dressing a bit differently. Lots of people will wear an open shirt with a colored T-shirt underneath. Others will wear a nice shirt untucked. Some may wear a shirt tucked in. AS already stated, you'll be extremely self concious when you first decide to tote, but fact of the matter is.., the average Joe and his wife are living in la-la land and wont even notice.
 
sarmstrong806 said:
Is it against the law if someone can tell that you are wearing a gun, or do they have to physically see it?
Click to expand...

Hi, Stu--Welcome to TFL! Good question, but it is hard to answer without knowing where you live, since laws regarding CCL vary so widely from state to state. Your best bet would be to ask the instructor who teaches your concealed carry class. In fact, it is something that should be addressed whether or not you ask.

carebear has given you some excellent advice. If I can rephrase, conceal to the best of your ability, excercise prudence, and don't go around tugging on your shirt.

An excellent source for all things legal related to concealed carry is www.packing.org --though I'm not sure you will find the answer to this particular question there.

When people talk about carrying in their pocket, do they use a holster that disguises the shape?
Click to expand...

I certainly do. I routinely carry a Kel-Tec P32 as a BUG (back-up-gun). The holster (if it happens to get the fabric tugged tight against it) makes it appear that I have a wallet or similar square object in my pocket.
 
Thanks for the advice

I'll be sure to ask, as I'm going through the class later this month.

Really glad I found this forum, I have learned alot in very little time.

Thanks again.

-Stu
 
They must physically see it.
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For Texas, this is wrong.

Packing.org is a good site, but there is no reason to not go to the source for Texas gun laws, Texas DPS.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/ftp/forms/ls-16.pdf

GC 411.171 "Concealed handgun" means a handgun, the presence of which is not openly discernible to the ordinary observation of a reasonable person.

So, it isn't actually illegal if the gun prints, but doesn't print in a manner that it can be recognized as a gun. People carry a lot of things that print. Sometimes you can tell what it is underneath, sometimes not. Can the observer determine that the print is actually that of a gun at the exclusion of other items?

Also, there are circumstances where a gun can actually be seen directly by an ordinary observer and the gun carrier isn't breaking the law. For example, the carrier could experience a gust of wind that blows open his jacket and reveals his gun. As the act would be unintentional, no violation occurs. If this happens repetitively and the gun carrier fails to prevent repeated events, then the carrier may be in violation. Also, the carrier is in violation if s/he intentionally displays the gun in a circumstance where disclosure is not warranted.

Not to worry sarmstrong806, this will all be covered in your CHL class.
 
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