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I know that you have to conceal your handgun, but what about a spare magazine? An empty Holster (yes I know, why carry an empty holster?)
Having recently taken the course, and not having my CHL yet, I am doing as my instructor suggested (and I agree wholeheartedly) to keep learning, and this site is incredible for learning.
I have read literally hundreds of threads on this forum, and just haven't seen that question and doing a search, I did not find the answer.

Thanks in advance for your help.

There's nothing in the laws that prohibit you from revealing an empty holster. You might get some looks, but it's not illegal.

A spare magazine...that is also not illegal as far as I know, but might draw even more attention. It certainly indicates that you are possibly armed, and could attract unwelcome attention. So while it's not illegal, it's not advisable.

That being said, I keep some speed-loaders for my .357 Magnum in plain sight in my truck, but they're stored with the bullets pointing inward in a cubby on the console, and unless you're a shooting enthusiast and know what speedloaders are, they're not immediately recognizable to the average person. The weapon itself is concealed and out-of-sight. All you can see is the black plastic of the speedloader with the grey metal HKS knob. No cartridges are visible, and since I normally don't have strangers in my vehicle, I don't worry about it. My side windows are tinted dark enough that it would be impossible for a bad guy to spot them through the window.

However, on your body, it's best to conceal everything, in my opinion.

That being said, I'm not a lawyer, and your mileage may vary.

As far as I know, there is no law that says you can't wear those items openly. However, it is likely to cause people to give you a closer inspection (look for printing). In fact in my CHL class, the instructor said we could openly strap on as many clips, magazines, or even bandoliers as we cared to, and legally that wouldn't be a problem so long as the gun is concealed.

camlott wrote:However, it is likely to cause people to give you a closer inspection (look for printing).

Printing itself is not illegal.


I carry a full size 1911 at 3:30 and 2 x spare mags at 8:30. The majority of the time I just wear a t-shirt over them and do not worry about it at all (97% of the time it does not print at all). I just bought a new vest that I have been wearing. I do not worry about the vest flying open because it is not illegal to carry magazines on your person and you must "intentionally" show your gun for it to be against the law in accordance with TPC 46.035.

With all that being said it is not illegal to openly carry spare mags or an empty holster. As stated above it is not advisable as it will bring some attetntion your way you probably do not want.

Train as you fight. If you do not have your CHL and you want to get used to the holster and mags by all means thats a great idea but also practice your concealment of said items. This way when you get your CHL and you are able to carry you do not have to worry about concealment.

Thanks to all the replies and any more that follow.
I do not intend to open carry an empty holster, or walk around with a magazine in my hand (or just in the open) and yes, I also think it would cause others to look twice at a person.
Just good information to have, as it was not stated in the instruction.

Here is a link to the Penal Code.

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Open the Statutes and scroll down to Penal Code. Weapons is Chapter 46.

I have always believed in "DO NOT ADVERTISE". That you may be armed, of course. It is not illegal, but if someone calls 911 out of a concern, it can get sticky as to why you are doing it that way. If the officer sees no problem, it will be a good day. If the officer does not like it, who knows!

icarry247 wrote:I have always believed in "DO NOT ADVERTISE". That you may be armed, of course. It is not illegal, but if someone calls 911 out of a concern, it can get sticky as to why you are doing it that way. If the officer sees no problem, it will be a good day. If the officer does not like it, who knows!

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?p ... ber=290518" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Someone said "Train as you fight"

That said, I too am waiting on my license. I'm retired so I do a lot of odd jobs around my property. I've been carrying concealed on my property and practicing different techniques, finding what works for me and my body type and how I dress. Over the past two weeks no one new I was carrying, until today when I accidently put on a tight T-shirt.

Good thing: I'm used to carrying a XD 4" .45.
Bad thing: I need to buy some bigger t-shirts.

A little off topic but thought I would add my 2 cents

UncleBob wrote:Someone said "Train as you fight"

That said, I too am waiting on my license. I'm retired so I do a lot of odd jobs around my property. I've been carrying concealed on my property and practicing different techniques, finding what works for me and my body type and how I dress. Over the past two weeks no one new I was carrying, until today when I accidently put on a tight T-shirt.

Good thing: I'm used to carrying a XD 4" .45.
Bad thing: I need to buy some bigger t-shirts.

A little off topic but thought I would add my 2 cents

Tall
Big and Tall section of men's clothing stores are fantastic

RPB wrote:

UncleBob wrote:Someone said "Train as you fight"

That said, I too am waiting on my license. I'm retired so I do a lot of odd jobs around my property. I've been carrying concealed on my property and practicing different techniques, finding what works for me and my body type and how I dress. Over the past two weeks no one new I was carrying, until today when I accidently put on a tight T-shirt.

Good thing: I'm used to carrying a XD 4" .45.
Bad thing: I need to buy some bigger t-shirts.

A little off topic but thought I would add my 2 cents

Tall
Big and Tall section of men's clothing stores are fantastic

But what if you're already big and tall? I'm 6'6" and 275 lbs, and I need big and tall on a daily basis...
(Actually what I do is buy from JC Penney...they have an "Extra Tall" category that works perfectly...)

MojoTexas wrote:

RPB wrote:

UncleBob wrote:Someone said "Train as you fight"

That said, I too am waiting on my license. I'm retired so I do a lot of odd jobs around my property. I've been carrying concealed on my property and practicing different techniques, finding what works for me and my body type and how I dress. Over the past two weeks no one new I was carrying, until today when I accidently put on a tight T-shirt.

Good thing: I'm used to carrying a XD 4" .45.
Bad thing: I need to buy some bigger t-shirts.

A little off topic but thought I would add my 2 cents

Tall
Big and Tall section of men's clothing stores are fantastic

But what if you're already big and tall? I'm 6'6" and 275 lbs, and I need big and tall on a daily basis...
(Actually what I do is buy from JC Penney...they have an "Extra Tall" category that works perfectly...)

I do too, and prices aren't bad there either.... I picked up some colored, screen printed T-shirts for about $9.00 on clearance in Extra Tall there.

Cool - Thanks

Sorry, didn't check the "notify me" button.