Printing

[scottkennedy05]

So being new to carrying, I've been experimenting with OWB and IWB to try to figure out what is more comfortable and concealing. Either one works for me except that I can't find a way to keep my G19 from printing with anything that I wear with either holster configurations. My question to all of you experienced CHLers out there, how important is it to keep your gun from printing or is printing considered a part of noncompliance of concealment?

Thanks for your suggestions.

[cbucher]

You may have to make adjustments to your wardrobe. Printing is not good in any form. I am a big guy and have had to go up a size from normal on my shirts. I carry a 1911 mostly OWB.

[C-dub]

Too much printing is bad just like too much of anything is bad. However, there is no law against printing. The gun cannot be visible and it cannot be obvious to the average person that the bulge or whatever under your shirt is a gun. Many of us will almost always have a little bump or lump visible to an observant bystander, but most people just flat out won't notice or care.

I had a friend that refused to give up his form fitting t-shirts and just got them longer. I didn't know he had a CHL and we made a Whataburger run for some friends together one time and there was almost a full silhouette staring me in the face as I was behind him in line through his white t-shirt. I asked him about it and suggested he might want to try some looser shirts or an over shirt if he didn't want to give up the form fitting t's. He didn't get it and argued that since it wasn't visible it was okay. I told him I can tell its a Glock and either a 19 or 23. His eyes got a little , but still wouldn't change his mind. That's way too much printing IMHO.

[Lambda Force]

Printing is like dressing in drag. It's not illegal but it can attract unwanted attention.

[Crossfire]

I told him I can tell its a Glock and either a 19 or 23. His eyes got a little , but still wouldn't change his mind. That's way too much printing IMHO.

If you can tell the brand and model of the gun, then that does not meet any definition of the word "concealed".

If you can read the serial number, then you seriously need to consider making a wardrobe adjustment!

[MasterOfNone]

there is no law against printing

This is an over-simplification. To quote 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.

Nothing in this definition says that the gun must be seen. If a "reasonable person" using "ordinary observation" can "openly discern" "the presence of" the gun, it is not concealed.

[RPB]

As for suggestions:

loose T shirt (I get 1 size loser, and TALL so it's longer), covered by a loose shirt.
Tucked or untucked.
if tucked, "blouse" the shirt a bit above the belt.

2 layers are more concealing than one. any "bump" in the top shirt is probably a wrinkle in the undershirt ... so people assume.
plus, looser clothing is cooler.

[scottkennedy05]

Thanks for all the input. I'm not sure at times if I really am printing as much as I feel like I am. I have been changing my wardrobe, most of which includes an extra layer; button down shirt over a t-shirt. Again, I'm still searching for what works for me. As a friend pointed out to me today, I'm probably not printing as much as I think I am. Being new to carrying, we tend to be more aware of our carry than other are actually perceiving. At least I hope it really is that way.

[WildBill]

Being new to carrying, we tend to be more aware of our carry than other are actually perceiving. At least I hope it really is that way.

That's the way it is. As someone said, "take a picture, it lasts longer." If you see it from a different perspective you'll wonder what the fuss was all about.

[Running Arrow Bill]

Form fitting t-shirt ok as long as looser cover shirt over it. Also, light colored solid color shirts exacerbate printing, as well as wrong type holster in wrong place. FWIW, denim, 100% cotton, or canvas shirts further facilitate concealment. Knit or 60/40 or 80/20 shirts are too flimsy and easier to print.

I'm a small guy. I can carry my Baretta 96 in a DeSantis holster at 3:00 with a western shirt tucked in and a correct size denim unlined vest with not being buttoned...also a "black gun" with no shiny parts helps. I have learned to put something in my vest pocket(s) as well as properly positioning myself when around other people.

Practice makes perfect! And, concealment. The vast majority of people haven't a clue as to your carrying since "most" people tend to look at your face and not at your belt-line (or below the belt) LOL!

IMO, staying with darker colored heavier fabric shirts, vests make it a heck of a lot easier to conceal.

[cbunt1]

Printing is like dressing in drag. It's not illegal but it can attract unwanted attention.

Holy COW! Great line...mind if I steal it for my CHL classes?

[striker55]

I think printing should be discussed more in the chl class, pictures would be helpful.

[The Annoyed Man]

I think printing should be discussed more in the chl class, pictures would be helpful.

It gets discussed plenty here, that's for sure: search.php?keywords=printing&terms=all& ... mit=Search" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

....and that's just a search for threads with "printing" in the title...

[ex_dsmr]

Define "printing", and forget that its a gun for a second. Does it LOOK like a gun? Would joe schmoe off the street instantly think "gun"? Or do you mean that there is sometimes an ambiguious lump on your hip? If its the latter, forget about it.

Solid colors help as do patterns.

I carry a 5" 1911 and while I notice a little bulge/dissimilar symmetry it sure doesnt scream "GUN" and I dont worry.

[Crossfire]

Solid colors help as do patterns.

So, umm, what else is there besides solid colors and patterns?