When stopped by police.

Your advise is correct but what about if you are in a State that requires immediate declaration of carrying. Your not going to be given a chance to say anything and anything you try to say will/could escalate the already tense situation. Its all about control in a felony stop.
Thankfully i live in a State that does not require immediate declaration.
 
If guns are visible, I would point that out before removing my hands from the wheel - "I'm on my way to a match and there are several guns on the back seat as well as a couple on the passenger seat next to me".

If they're out of sight, but in a console with my vehicle registration or other papers needed, I would disclose that and ask how he wants to proceed - "There is a loaded 9mm in the console where my registration is. How would you like me to proceed?"

I've only been pulled over a couple times in my life, and having a gun(s) in the vehicle hasn't been a problem -
"May I see your license and registration sir?"
"Before I do anything, be advised there is a .45 in the glove box where my registration is."
"OK, please open the glove box with one hand so I can see the weapon."
"Thank you, can you please remove it and lay it on the seat in plain sight? Thank you."
 
Your advise is correct but what about if you are in a State that requires immediate declaration of carrying. Your not going to be given a chance to say anything and anything you try to say will/could escalate the already tense situation. Its all about control in a felony stop.
Thankfully i live in a State that does not require immediate declaration.
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See below... Keep in mind that if you do get charged with failing to notify, it is likely a judge will understand your point of view when you tell him "The officers were pointing shotguns at me and telling me to do exactly what they said and I figured if they heard the word 'gun' it would not end well for me."

If guns are visible, I would point that out before removing my hands from the wheel - "I'm on my way to a match and there are several guns on the back seat as well as a couple on the passenger seat next to me".

If they're out of sight, but in a console with my vehicle registration or other papers needed, I would disclose that and ask how he wants to proceed - "There is a loaded 9mm in the console where my registration is. How would you like me to proceed?"
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A felony car stop is not at all like a regular car stop. You will be ordered to follow their instructions and things get very tense if you don't follow their script. Between road noise, their idling engines, PA speaker and the radio chatter they'll have a hard time hearing you because you'll be facing away from them most of the time.

You'll be ordered out of the car and told to put your hands high up over your head. Jackets and shirts pull up, jackets spread open and they are likely to see your gun as they tell you to turn around slowly. If they see it, they'll tell you to stop, tell you they see a weapon and if you reach for it you will be shot. At this point, you can nod and shout "I have a permit and I will comply with your orders." Which gives them a reason for the gun's presence and also says you'll follow their instructions (submit to custody). If told not to speak, then don't. Do your explaining later.

Once walked back and told to kneel an officer will grab the hands on your head and then search you with his free hand. A quick "It's on my right hip", "Under my left arm" or "check my left ankle" lets the officer know to expect a weapon. Tell him about any other weapons (Back up guns, knives, pepper spray, etc.) you may be carrying. Once they've secured the vehicle, you can talk to them.
 
From the policeman's view, I always appreciate being advised that the driver has a ccw permit and a firearm in the vehicle.
 
Depends on what I am stopped for and what kind of mood I am in. I usually inform them I have a gun in the car/truck.

If the police officer is polite, I cooperate. (I also send a letter to the police chief and inform him/her that the officer was very professional.)

If the officer approaches with an attitude, I comply with his/her request and that is it.

I am very friendly towards law enforcement and try not to get stopped.
 
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It depends on where I have the gun. If it's in a console or glove box, I would say nothing (unless in a state that requires you to disclose). If I have the gun on my person or wedged between my brake handle and gear shift, I'm going to say something. Mostly common sense.
 
BillCA said:
A felony car stop is not at all like a regular car stop.
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I was arrested on felony charges in October of 2000, and other than 6 police cars, 11 policemen and 1 policewoman, some of which I knew, it wasn't a big deal - no loudspeakers, no guns drawn, no screaming or hollering. They took possession of a Glock 26 I had, I spent the night in jail, charges were dropped the next day, gun returned, and I went on my way. (Day two of a divorce straight from hell)

I think location and demographics also play a huge role in such things. California and Montana are so dissimilar they might as well be different planets. California is slightly larger, but claims ~37,000,000 people, and who knows how many undocumented residents. Montana hasn't hit even one million yet, and in my 56 years, I've never heard anyone conversing in Spanish. Our biggest city is only around 100,000, and there are entire counties where the population is counted in the hundreds, not thousands. Petroleum County in central Montana covers an area nearly as large as Delaware, but has only about 450 residents.
 
Petroleum County in central Montana covers an area nearly as large as Delaware, but has only about 450 residents
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Have y'all ever thought of changing the name of that county? You might pick up a few more residents. Maybe Kerosene County?:D
 
traffic stops, conduct....

I'd suggest checking www.handgunlaw.us or buying a 2012 copy of the Gun Law Guide; www.gunlawguide.com . Atty David Wong markets a legal guide to gun & knife laws for travel in the USA/related areas(PR, DC, etc).
I'm not an active sworn LE officer or hold a JD but in general, for traffic stops, I'd stay calm, be polite and follow the state/local laws re; concealed carry, firearms.
If I were in a LE contact or stop, I'd hand my DL, vehicle reg, insurance card-ID and my valid CC/W license. If the trooper or officer asked me if I had any weapons or ammunition in the vehicle, I'd be honest.
Many sworn LE agencies train LEOs to be alert or key in on any movements or watch out for weapons.
Dont twitch or act jumpy when you are in a stop. I'd also be ready to provide any documents/IDs quickly. This speeds things up and avoids any hassles.
As a MP for four years, I can honestly tell you that some drivers act properly in traffic stops and some wig out over every little thing. :(
Keep in mind that sworn LE officers are mainly concerned about their safety. They may not know you, your background or your concealed license status. They aren't out to "get" you or frame you on a personal level.
I've had many traffic stops over the years and can only think of 2 incidents with uniformed LE where I felt they were unprofessional or could have handled the stop better.
In closing, know & understand the local-state laws, be calm and you'll be okay.
ClydeFrog
 
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