TexasCHLforum.com

Now, first off, I realize that "Concealed means concealed"...but ever since I read about that guy that got made and had to go through all that hassle including getting cop guns aimed on him, I'm obviously concerned. I understand, if cops get called, it ain't going to be a good thing. However, if someone, somehow, spots "it" and says something to you about it, what is the best way to respond to AVOID getting cops called? I'm talking about if in a store or restaurant, that sort of thing. I'm looking for serious advice that can help me prevent, or deal with, issues. I want to do things right and make this work the way it should. Thanks in advance.

I would cover it up, apologize, note that I am licensed, then leave.

Heartland Patriot wrote:Now, first off, I realize that "Concealed means concealed"...but ever since I read about that guy that got made and had to go through all that hassle including getting cop guns aimed on him, I'm obviously concerned. I understand, if cops get called, it ain't going to be a good thing. However, if someone, somehow, spots "it" and says something to you about it, what is the best way to respond to AVOID getting cops called? I'm talking about if in a store or restaurant, that sort of thing. I'm looking for serious advice that can help me prevent, or deal with, issues. I want to do things right and make this work the way it should. Thanks in advance.

It depends. In general the best way to handle them is to act normal. If you act guilty, people will assume you're guilty. If you act calmly and confidently, people will usually pick up on that too. At least that's my experience.

If the management asks me to leave, I will leave.

Alright, I understand if they actually saw it, cause it got uncovered somehow, but what if they saw a bulge or lump and said something? I know that there is no such thing as "printing" in Texas law, but I also know that some folks are very anti-firearm. I guess I'm most concerned with some Brady Campaign type who wants to cause others problems. They want the benefits of living in a state like ours (no income tax for instance) but hate that firearms are a part of life here. The instructors tell you in the class how to deal with the police, but didn't really talk much about things like I'm asking about. And I guess I should have asked more questions, but I didn't want to hold the class up. I just got my license and I'm trying to work out responses and situations mentally so that I can be prepared for potential problems. I hope the things I'm saying make sense.

See this thread.

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=38998" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

@cougartex:

Thanks, that helped a little...I guess I'm looking for that certain magical phrase that someone said lies between "none of your business" and "its a gun". Just like I feel like I need to be prepared for physical trouble (though hoping to NEVER find out how ready I really am), I just want to be ready for SOCIAL trouble as well. The definition of concealed GC §411.171 (3) "Concealed handgun" means a handgun, the presence of which is not openly discernible to the ordinary observation of a reasonable person." just seems to leave a LOT to be desired to me. What do "openly discernible" and "ordinary observation" mean? I know, I should probably talk to a lawyer about stuff like that, but then again, I ain't made of money, just a lowly mechanic. Thanks for the link.

JCole wrote:I would cover it up, apologize, note that I am licensed, then leave.

This pretty much sums up what I would do.
And I think the word "licensed" will go a long way to ease the possible anxiety which may arise.

Hmmm, I always liked the response, "Lady, this is Texas. Get over it!"

My gut feeling is that in the state of Texas, if you are "made" the normal observer is probably going to assume that you must be an LEO. Especially if you behave like you are supposed to be carrying. It also is noted by many in and out of the LE community that the average BG does not use a holster, while I would guess that 99.9% of TX CHL holders do.

Define "made".

"Hey, buddy, what's that big bulge under your shirt?" Nothing important. If they push the issue, I'm still not telling them. Not to be rude, but concealed means concealed.
If my shirt rides up and someone comments, I'll apologize and tell them I have a concealed handgun permit and did not intend for my shirt to ride up over it. If they make a big deal, I'll leave. If I can't leave, and they make a stink (like I suspect they're calling the cops), I will call the police.

Hasn't happened yet (been carrying for about a year), but if someone asked about a bulge in my shirt, I would probably just tell them that its a cell phone, etc. If they specifically asked whether I had a gun under my shirt, I would deflect the question or just flat refuse to answer ("sorry, but I'd rather not say"). As others have said, they would probably assume I was a LEO. I think it would be very odd for someone to take enough interest in my physical appearance that they would actually ask the question, but I suppose it could happen.

If I accidentally exposed a gun, and someone saw and/or made a comment, then I would immediately cover it back up, apologize and leave.

PS:
We hit Bucees today for Icees on the way home from picking the kids up from school. Wind is blowing pretty good, and when I looked at my reflection in the window I realized that it was pressing my shirt into the outline of my 1911

I was flat out "made" one day. Working on a sink at a location owned by my company and in the ackward position you put your body to climb a 76 inch frame under a sink my shirt pulled up. I figure i was exposed for probably 20 minutes, and at least 3 or 4 dozen people saw me, none took notice. One employee that came to ask about the sink saw my weapon and asked "is that a gun?!" to which I replied "Company policy does not permit me to carry a weapon on the premiss." as i covered it up and quickly wraped up my business there. Off i go and no issue came of it.

The way I carry one would have to be staring at my (How do I stay within the forum rules?)....gluteus maximus to notice.
I have all kinds of responses in my playbook. All depending on the tone in their voice, sex and age of the person who outed me.

Actually I think I was outed the other day at a Kroger. I was standing in line with my daughter. A Muslim woman and her two children were behind me. I turned to look to my side as I do scanning my surroundings and out of the corner of my eye could see the kids pointing and whispering. I said to my daughter when we left the store that I think I had been spotted and she said "yeah I think so to" nothing came of it though.

i carry a full size 1911 iwb at 9 oclock all the time and no one has a clue....even people that know that i carry and where.

if you get made, act natural like carrying a gun IS natural and go about your business. if you freak....they freak.