Do you ever "make" someone carrying? Lets do an experiment.

I am unlucky enough to live in a no-carry state, Illinois, but there is something here that is commonly called "the fanny pack exception". I assumed that law enforcement would be especially curious when seeing a man with a fanny pack or similar item. I actually own something from Coronado Leather called a cross-carry bag that some would call a man-purse. I have used it when traveling to carry my sunglasses, cell phone, camera and where legal, a sidearm in the part of the bag made for that purpose. I have "tested" this bag by going to places here in IL or nearby WI where security is high, such as the State capital building, carrying this pouch (without a gun, just to be safe) and have never yet been stopped by an LEO or have them ask if they can look into the bag. Maybe its because I am now a white-haired, slightly paunchy senior citizen. The purpose of this long post is that I think most people, including LEOs, are probably much more sensitive to strange or suspicous behavior than to what you are wearing and will likely not notice that you are carrying unless you really make it totally obvious.
 
I spotted one the other day. He was open carrying in the line at the pharmacy at Wal-Mart.

Other than open carriers, I've never spotted another person carrying a firearm that I could positively identify as "a firearm". In 16 years, I've never been made while carrying concealed. I do open carry about as often as I carry concealed.

Daryl
 
I consider it a waste of time to be so intent on attempting to determine who is carrying. I have other things I would rather focus on.

Regards,
Jerry
 
I consider it a waste of time to be so intent on attempting to determine who is carrying.
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Some people might consider it a waste of time; to each his own. But as for me, I try make it a point to observe other people when I'm going about my business. It's all a part of being aware of what's going on around you.
 
I was at a CVS drug store a few weeks back and saw one guy with his shirt caught behind his holster, it wasn't that way when he walked in. I looked at him and asked "do you have another holster that says Open Weapon Permit." He looked confused and I told him his gun was showing, he was carrying one of these.

http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/belt-slide-holster-with-permit-holder.aspx?a=767995

IMHO one of the stupidest concepts ever marketed, but that's just me.
 
While I didn't see a handgun, the coil of plastic cable strapping on his rear view mirror was sort of a giveaway. But I might have been wrong.
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I don't understand the relevance of a plastic cable. Could you elaborate?
 
I can pick one out every now and then. Here's how I do it, I look for a guy with a decent quality clip knife in his pant's pocket. After I see a nice clip knife, I eyeball him pretty close.
 
I haven't made a practice of looking for handguns, but occasionally something will jump out at you. Today at the grocery store I saw someone carrying a fanny pack with the strap over the shoulder instead of around the waist. My guess is that if you like fanny packs you wear them as intended. If you don't like fanny packs you don't use them--UNLESS you need them but don't like them.
I can pick one out every now and then. Here's how I do it, I look for a guy with a decent quality clip knife in his pant's pocket. After I see a nice clip knife, I eyeball him pretty close.
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I read an article some years ago about an area that started having a significant number of CHL holders mugged for their guns, clip knives and wallet. Unfortunately I have not been able to find a link to the article online and can't find a hardcopy. The muggers were apparently using your technique.

I guess they figured at worst they were getting a wallet and a clip knife and at best they'd get a gun as well.
 
I think the tight t shirt crowd wants the gun to be seen. Sort of a " I'm a tuff guy with a gun, but if you didn't see the gun you wouldn't know I'm a tuff guy. ( yes tuff )
 
wogpotter wrote"

"Printing" is really tough to read.

Not really. Let me expand.
...


Shiny strips on the jacket over the right & left shoulder....
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hmmm how can you be so sure it is not just Perry suspenders the guy is wearing ?

perrysuspenders_2143_18174481
 
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I consider it a waste of time to be so intent on attempting to determine who is carrying. I have other things I would rather focus on.
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Yet you found time to post this. :barf:


Not a lot of success on my experiment so far. A lot of talk about the past and hypothetical stuff but nothing for today? I was out shopping for a new car all yesterday and today. I didn't see any at all. I'm going to keep looking.
 
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I consider it a waste of time to be so intent on attempting to determine who is carrying. I have other things I would rather focus on.

I couldn't disagree more. Sure, we're all busy, going about our daily routines, but that is often one of the ways we are singled out as victims - being TOO focused on other things. We should perhaps work on improving our situational awareness, becoming more aware of our surroundings. Sure, that guy by the paper towels might just be a law-abiding CCW holder.. or he might be a criminal, looking the store over and waiting for the right time to make his move. Wouldn't you at least want to be as aware as possible of who is around you and what they might be capable of? My personal opinion - it's never a bad thing to take the time to look around you and be aware of what is going on. Read people's body language (do they seem anxious?).. their style of dress (is it appropriate for the situation?) ... their general behavior? A heightened sense of situational awareness can potentially give you the crucial few seconds which might save your life by giving you the time to act appropriately to neutralize the threat, or perhaps even avoid it altogether. Training yourself to spot those who might be carrying just might not be a bad way to practice.
 
wogpotter wrote:

hmmm how can you be so sure it is not just Perry suspenders the guy is wearing ?

Quote:
the right being heavier/wider.

Ya gots ta read the hole dang post ya see.
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hmmm I do not see your point. I doubt you go up and measure this.
 
Having gotten that out of the way a short, & true story.

I go to a rendezvous every year in a remote backwoods area. There are usually the same group of folks there & we stay in contact through the year.
I have always assumed they all carried, I've never seen them either print through, or flash, much less brandish. I just assume that geography, terrain, presence of bears & other critters, combined with the experience & nature of these guys means they carry in the woods.
I don't. I'm not from a state where carry is "accepted" & so I just keep a rifle handy, besides I'm a rifle shooter & all of the guys know this. There is no problem with this ever it's just something we do.

We had a new member recently, a holder of a CCW. We knew that because we were informed of the fact every single morning when the "Pistolet Du Jour" was produced & brandished for all to see so we could tell the person was carrying.:rolleyes:

On the last night we were gathered round the campfire & this person said:
"I can't believe you don't carry a big magnum in the woods! Bears will need at least an 8" .44 Magnum!"

We just smiled & didn't invite the person back.:o
 
wogpotter

You should have just looked at him and said, "yup, but my .88 Magnum shoots through schools", then spit in the campfire and put another marshmallow on your stick. :D
 
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