What do you do when asked?

[Charles L. Cotton]

Not enough choices for me, so I answered other. It really depends on who is asking, what their reasoning is, etc. Every case if going to be different.

For example, if it is a friend who has a CHL and we are both witnessing a robbery and he asks if I am carrying, then the question is going to be answered appropriately.

However, if it is some clerk at a quickstop that thinks they see a profile of a gun, then it's none of their business.

I agree with Keith, it depends greatly on the circumstances; who's asking, location, etc.

I've been asked countless times, primarily by people who don't know me or who don't know me well. This almost always happens during one of my seminars, or during an NRA TSRA function, political activities, etc. All family members and friends know I have a gun all the time, unless it's illegal at that particular location. My standard answer is something like "My personal policy is to carry a defensive handgun everywhere it is legal to do so." This gets the message across without actually saying "I'm carrying now" and it emphasizes the "defensive" aspect. Other situations may prompt different responses.

I recently did an interview with Allison Triarsi of Houston's CH.11 TV news on the campus-carry topic. The interview was at their studio and I could tell she and her cameraman were trying to see if I had a gun. I was a little surprised that she never asked.

Chas.

[nils]

My answer would be "Yes...anywhere and everywhere I can legally carry, I do"....I wouldn't expose the location, or show off my weapon, but I wouldn't be against letting some people know that I carry....I'm going to be a proud CHL member....if it ever comes!!!!!!!!!!

[seamusTX]

Maybe I should expand on my earlier answer.

I was assuming that the question referred to a stranger asking in a public place

If it were a LEO or someone acting in an official capacity, of course I would answer truthfully and in a way that would not be alarming.

If it were someone who looked like a member of the Million Mom March, who was going to panic or call 911, I would do my best to shift the conversation in another direction.

If it were an opportunity to educate someone in a positive way, I would do so; but I am rarely in that situation.

A couple of times I have heard people make erroneous statements, for example, that "assault weapons" are machine guns, or that your weapon is likely to be used against you. I gently correct them. Even in those situations they have not asked.

I suspect the majority of people don't know about CHLs or think they are extremely hard to get, as they are in some states.

- Jim

[Liberty]

Not enough choices for me, so I answered other. It really depends on who is asking, what their reasoning is, etc. Every case if going to be different.

For example, if it is a friend who has a CHL and we are both witnessing a robbery and he asks if I am carrying, then the question is going to be answered appropriately.

However, if it is some clerk at a quickstop that thinks they see a profile of a gun, then it's none of their business.

I agree with Keith, it depends greatly on the circumstances; who's asking, location, etc.

I've been asked countless times, primarily by people who don't know me or who don't know me well. This almost always happens during one of my seminars, or during an NRA TSRA function, political activities, etc. All family members and friends know I have a gun all the time, unless it's illegal at that particular location. My standard answer is something like "My personal policy is to carry a defensive handgun everywhere it is legal to do so." This gets the message across without actually saying "I'm carrying now" and it emphasizes the "defensive" aspect. Other situations may prompt different responses.

I recently did an interview with Allison Triarsi of Houston's CH.11 TV news on the campus-carry topic. The interview was at their studio and I could tell she and her cameraman were trying to see if I had a gun. I was a little surprised that she never asked.

Chas.

I know a couple of CHLers that I get curious about, because I know they carry. But they are smaller guys with well fitted clothes, and I've always wondered what kind of rig they are packing. MaybE somewday I'll ask.

[Broge5]

Same here. It just depends. During a conversation brought up by a co-worker about wanting a CHL, I encouraged it, and even admited that I have one. When asked if I was carrying, I just lift my arms and say somthing like, "I have a 45. Where am I going to hide it in dress clothes?" Both times they agreed that would be rediculous. Those without CHL's usually don't realize how small a 1911 can get, or how well it can be hidden.

If I'm not at work I carry a different way, because it's easier access. But it has also given me the ability to talk guns with a co-worker (away from work) who can see that I obviously couldn't carry that way in dress clothes. (without a jacket)

There are only a few people at my job who know. I don't want it used against me someday or blabbed. Nor do I ever tell if someone else is carrying.

In other situations, I want to get at the motive for asking before I give any information.

[KBCraig]

I read a post on opencarry.org today, where a student, who wasn't carrying, but who was wearing his Students for Concealed Carry sweatshirt, was standing at a fast foot counter waiting for his order.

All of a sudden, he felt someone patting his waist. Then it dawned on him that he wasn't being patted, he was being patted down. He turned around, and there was an 80+ "little old lady" feeling all around his waistline, demanding, "Where is it? I read your shirt! Where is it at?"

About that time his order arrived, so he grabbed the bag and scooted out.

[seamusTX]

What was that "little old lady" going to do when she found it, I wonder.

- Jim

[SCone]

Regardless of who is asking (unless it's my wife) it would be best to find out "why" before giving any type of answer. Isn't there something about telling someone you're carrying? Don't remember chapter & verse, but it's in there somewhere. Part of the "concealed" idea and all.

[seamusTX]

I agree that is a good idea to find out who is asking and why.

It is a violation to intentionally fail to conceal your handgun (PC §46.035(a)).

All other gun store legends about verbal disclosure are just that. No one has every been arrested for saying they have a CHL or are carrying.

You can get into trouble for statements that a reasonable person would consider to be threats.

- Jim

[SD4]

I generally have no problem answering that question. If it is a LEO, the answer is obvious. Family or friends -- no problem. Just the other day, I was at a friend's place with a couple of our coworkers and the discussion turned to firearms and protection. A couple minutes in, my buddy looked at me and said - You're carrying, right? I said yup, and the conversation turned to CHL (well, it's Oklahoma equal). By the end of the conversation, it looks like one of the guys there (who I didn't even realize was into guns a hour prior) is planning on getting his CHL.

As far as people I don't know, I don't think I would. A Quik-E Mart employee or a teller at the bank have no reason to know, and as far as I know, I've never given them a reason to wonder.

[CodeJockey]

If it is someone that knows I carry regularly (my wife, parents, in-laws, etc.) I will tell them truthfully that I am. If it is someone else, I will usually just deflect the question if I can.

[Odin]

Who's asking, and under what circumstances?

[BShook]

"It's a medical device that I must have in order to stay alive, why?"

[aardwolf]

"I'm just happy to see you."

[Furyataurus]

If it was a total stranger I'd lie. If someone came up to me and asked if I carry I'd say "No, not yet, but I plan to get mine soon." and go from there to put it in a positive light even though I already do carry. Unless I am being "detained" for reasonable suspicion then LEO's don't need to know.