Spotting a concealed handgun...
- Thread starter hoytinak
- Start date
I carry my cellphone/pda in many of the positions on that chart and perform a lot of those behaviors with it. I would assume many other people do the same. So, I would counsel anyone that was trying to "spot" a concealed weapon to consider that what you are "spotting" may be something else entirely.
troy_mclure
New member
i play spot the gun all the time, its part of my situational awareness.
chris in va
New member
Broght to us by...
VonFireball
New member
LOL!!!!
+1 to "Erik" and "Hornett". Anyone who carries all the time and carries in a properly fitting, reliable holster/belt combo will not need to do these things. Someone who is experienced in carrying their weapon will be no more aware of it than of a cell phone on their belt.
Most of the mentioned actions are those of the inept carrier, which may be the person you REALLY want to spot, since most criminals are not gun experts, and often carry carelessly or amateurishly.
Most of the mentioned actions are those of the inept carrier, which may be the person you REALLY want to spot, since most criminals are not gun experts, and often carry carelessly or amateurishly.
Carryabigstick
New member
This is very educational for me as a new CCW holder. The one about turning away from people is especially true for me. However I'm wondering how to better conceal. I carry IWB and I'm long and skinny. I have narrow hips and broad shoulders so if my clothing is baggy I don't a have a problem but if tight then I can get some bulge. Is the bulge that big of a deal? I know most people will not notice but I do want to be totally concealed. Any advice? I carry a Sig P6.
Thanks
Thanks
chris in va
New member
You want to get a thinner/smaller gun for IWB if you can. The P6 is quite large for that purpose. The *only* one I have for that is my P11 if I need deep concealment.
onthejon55
Moderator
Sounds like fun!
Im starting today!
Everyone is making good points but subconsciously, we that carry will commit some of these errors without even realizing it.
I base that opinion on over 3 decades of carrying concealed and also...... has anyone ever seen a longtime uniformed cop off-duty? The arm on his holster side is always a little further away from his body than the other side. It is hard to get rid of the feeling that you have a holstered weapon tucked under your elbow.
We used to make fun of the new plain-clothes guys, still walking like a uniform.
I base that opinion on over 3 decades of carrying concealed and also...... has anyone ever seen a longtime uniformed cop off-duty? The arm on his holster side is always a little further away from his body than the other side. It is hard to get rid of the feeling that you have a holstered weapon tucked under your elbow.
We used to make fun of the new plain-clothes guys, still walking like a uniform.
Last edited:
Many people have been trained to always blade their body away from strangers or potential adversaries. It is commonly called the "interview stance". Noting that stance doesn't necessarily mean a gun, but it almost certainly indicates someone with some training in interview techniques, self defense, or a gun carrier.
All prior comments made by other posters about good quality holsters negating the need for many of the telltale movements are correct.
Most, (if not all) of Carryabigstick's problems can be corrected by changing from an IWB holster to a good quality (note that I didn't say expensive) OWB holster. I am not large framed enough to use a shoulder holster without it being pretty obvious, so I gave up on that and stayed with an OWB holster.
I use the same holster, firearm, ammo type, magazines in the same place for competition, on and off duty carry.
All prior comments made by other posters about good quality holsters negating the need for many of the telltale movements are correct.
Most, (if not all) of Carryabigstick's problems can be corrected by changing from an IWB holster to a good quality (note that I didn't say expensive) OWB holster. I am not large framed enough to use a shoulder holster without it being pretty obvious, so I gave up on that and stayed with an OWB holster.
I use the same holster, firearm, ammo type, magazines in the same place for competition, on and off duty carry.
itgoesboom
New member
Hornett said:
I don't think many thugs are really purveyors of quality leather holsters.
Many of these tells are useful because the people I am worried about carrying (criminals) tend to be lazy or not use holsters. Hornett said:
I don't spot many handguns, but I spot a far amount of people carrying.
Off-duty and retired cops are the easiest ones to ID, partly because of their assertive nature.
People who have previously been a victim, or who are new to carrying are sometimes easy to spot as well, they can at times seem jumpy or nervous.
CCW vests are an obvious give away that I see often, as are fanny packs (especially when the person has their wallet or keys in another pocket).
It's fun to play spot the CHL, but we are probably focusing on the wrong people, when we are looking for those who legally carry.
I am more interested in those who aren't carrying legally.
The Great Mahoo
New member
I saw this a while back elsewhere on the net.
The info isn't dated, but I believe it to be fairly old, from a time when concealed carry wasn't as commonly accepted and people didn't go to the trouble of having proper carry gear.
Eitherway, its still interesting.
The info isn't dated, but I believe it to be fairly old, from a time when concealed carry wasn't as commonly accepted and people didn't go to the trouble of having proper carry gear.
Eitherway, its still interesting.
We're built about the same(I'm short, not long
), and I've never had any problem carying full sized guns, as well as a double reload and usually a second gun too. Dont let someone tell you you cant carry a full size gun. I've been doing it for 30 some odd years now.IWB is THE best way to comfortably conceal a handgun. Nothing hides better, nor does it say put better. OWB holsters OK, but lack the advantage the IWB has for concealment. They also dont pull the gun in as tight or close to the body.
Wearing a proper holster and belt are a given. Dressing appropriately with any holster you use is also the key. Your attitude and how you carry yourself is also a big factor. Dress and act naturally, and you can get away with pretty much anything.
Wearing anything other than your normal attire will draw attention from people you know, and wearing things like photo or fishing vests, especially if your not fishing or in a war zone, is pretty much a give away. Looser fitting clothes are always best, and patterns and darker colors are usually better than light, but especially if your gun and holster are dark. You'd be amazed at how many people wont notice a black pistol in an IWB holster against a dark tee shirt, even when its not covered. [deleted sentence - pax]
Watch your belt too. A lot of gun belts "look" like a gun belts, pick one that goes with what you normally wear.
The easiest guns I usually spot are those carried in a shoulder holster. Most usually wear them with the wrong clothes, and many dont seem to have the holster adjusted right either. You can often spot the straps through the back of the coat or shirt, especially when they lean forward, or move thier arms forward. Along the collar is another spot that shows readily from the front, side, and rear if the wrong garment is worn. Not keeping the front closed is usually the other big give away, especially when wearing a holster that allows the gun (and reload) to "swing". Many who wear them just dont "look" comfortable or "right", especially those new to them. Another real big disadvantage to them is, you cant take your coat or outer garment off.
Anything that hangs below the belt outside the pants will end up being spotted at some point if you carry all the time and arent paying strict attention all the time (and who can?), especially if your wearing the wrong thing. One wrong reach and out it pops. A lot of times, just watching how someone does reach (or bend) is also a giveaway.
Jackets with elastic panels along the bottom are also not your friend. When they ride up, they tend to stay up, and your constantly fighting to keep them down.
If your a fan of pocket carry, be aware of the "skoal ring" thing. My buddy always carries his Walther TPH in a well used leather pocket holster. Most of his well worn jeans and pants have a nice "ring" of that TPH in them, and its easy to spot if you know what your looking at. He's to cheap to get a new holster and pants.
Last edited by a moderator: