caught twice in a day

[Xaved]

I was at a semi-formal family event, and dressed for the occasion. Slacks, button-up shirt, etc. I was wearing my m&p 40c IWB in a Comp-Tac Minotaur tucked at about 5:00 and I had made it through most of the day when my uncle taps me on the shoulder and quietly asks me, "Hey Dave, are you... packing right now?"

I was a little caught off guard and I politely confirmed the fact, because since I'd been caught there was no use in denying it. He just nodded and tapped me on the shoulder, reminded me to be careful, and went about his business. I guess he noticed the two clips that hang over my belt, because I could not discern any printing at all upon a quick run to the restroom to check my concealment. Then, not even a half hour later, my cousin comes up to me and asks me "Do you wear a gun on you EVERYWHERE you go?" I tell him that I do, because you never know when something is going to happen, and that the one time that you don't prepare, chances are that will be the time it happens. He accepted the answer and started asking details about the CHL process, which I filled him in on.

I don't know if he found out from my uncle or what, but it was a little unnerving because this is the first time I had ever been caught by any of my friends or family who don't know that I carry. I guess the odds that someone would have caught me were increased, considering that I have 11 aunts and uncles, all of whom have offspring.

[chasfm11]

You missed the chance to directly ask each of them how they knew. Maybe it was the more formal attire that printed. I'm totally comfortable with my shirttails out but am not looking forward to the first time that I have to tuck when I'm carrying.

[cheezit]

when ever I see someone with a think belt on I always look for the 2 straps for a holster.

[Texas Dan Mosby]

That's one of the reasons I opted out of a commercial IWB designed holster and made my own.

Granted, most folks wouldn't notice any clips associated with a "super tuck" type of holster, but having NO visual clues is what I wanted.

Plus, I'm cheap and didn't feel like forking out cash for what I could make myself....

[BrianSW99]

The velcro clips available for the MTAC and Supertuck holsters work really well if you get a velcro lined belt. You'd never notice them.

[NTexas_V-Star]

My grandfather remarried last summer. At the church, before the ceremony started, I could hear my uncle from across the room mention to someone (no idea who) that I always have a gun on me and odds were that I had a gun on me right then.

I immediately checked my concealment, and all was good. I guess it just came up in conversation. I wasn't too pleased with him about it, but nothing was said by anyone else about it. No questions or anything.

[Westfield]

When people like that KNOW that you carry, then it is easy for them to spot you because they are looking at HOW you carry. For those that don't know if you carry, unless you are printing badly, they won't know. And idiots that ask loudly if you are carrying are just that - idiots.

[Zoomie]

Hugs are killer, especially when your 6' or taller.

[Humanphibian]

When people like that KNOW that you carry, then it is easy for them to spot you because they are looking at HOW you carry. For those that don't know if you carry, unless you are printing badly, they won't know. And idiots that ask loudly if you are carrying are just that - idiots.

Agreed! I have carried for going on 2 decades now. I am ALWAYS looking, and I am ALWAYS spotting gun toters. Funny thing is, you don't even need to see any printing, belt loops, fanny packs etc. You can look around and spot the "Sheep Dogs" in any crowd. When I see one, I check them out (they are normally doing the same thing to me, lol) and can usually tell what type of carry method they are employing....but only because I study the CHL/UCC Craft. If I see a guy that is wearing and IWB and a "Moisture Wicking" shirt of some particular brand (Under Armor polo's are one) and the material is thin and doesn't drape right....it goes in the mental Rolodex. I don't add them to the Xmas or Birthday wishlist. If I see something that works well....it does

EVERYONE has a "tell". You may have to observe for a while, but everyone has one. The vast majority of the time a CHL'er will out themselves through simple personal habits rather than physical appearance. Ever been to a restaurant and deliberately chosen a spot with your back to the wall, next to the emergency exit. Did ya notice that all of the other people around that door were watching everything around them....just like you? I thought so :) How about the mens room? Ever fight for, or waited on, that spot against the wall that keeps people from coming up to you on your strong side?

You don't have to print, expose loops, or hitch your pants up to tell the world you are "toting"....all ya have to do sometimes is be yourself.

[Jumping Frog]

Hugs are killer, especially when your 6' or taller.

You need to perfect the preemptive move where you go in with your left arm up high and hug around their shoulder while you right arm goes in low and hugs their small of back. The natural response is for them to have their left arm up over your right arm hugging your back and they never get near your gun.

My holster is on my right hip, so translate left-right if you carry leftie.