Unconcealed Mag - Your opinion?

[Griffen]

I just wanted to ask those more experienced / knowledgable than I, regarding a hypothetical that came up in conversation. The question is if a holstered mag became "unconcealed" by accident - does this violatate the requirement that weapons remain concealed?

A) Mag is on left side, gun is on right side, mag become unconcealed but not the gun?
B) CHL wears the holstered mag only - no gun (I know - odd scenario, but it could happen). Does the CHL violate the law since there is no "firearm" on his person.

My take is that the rules codify the wearing of a handgun, and therefore includes any accessories. (Mag). But not accessories only. So in my view, A) would violate the law, but B) would not. I'd be interested in anyone has encountered this scenrio in real life as well.

C) A mag is visable in plain site in a vehicle, but gun is not contained in auto. Is this within the law since there is no weapon available?

Any thoughts or experience out there??

[PRO]

I know of no law prohibiting or requiring ammo being concealed. I can walk down the road all day with a box of 9mm in my hand. I don’t know about the magazine, however, a magazine is not a handgun. It’s only a part of a handgun and IMO it wouldn’t be any different hand carrying the grips of a handgun w/o the gun.

Edited: I need to add that the mag could possibly cause alarm as it would seem to imply that there is a weapon.

[MoJo]

How many people who aren't gun people will even recognize a magazine? As far as I know a magazine isn't a gun so, having one unconcealed is no problem.

[LarryH]

Even if the gun becomes "unconcealed by accident", as you said, that is not a violation of the law.

46.035(a) says that "A license holder commits an offense if the license holder carries a handgun on or about the license holder's person under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, and intentionally fails to conceal the handgun."

[dicion]

A magazine is not a concealed handgun.

You can walk around all day with a loaded magazine in your hand, it is not illegal.

[PRO]

Would bandoliers cause concern?

[gigag04]

Probably ok legally, depends on situation.

However, if it is willfull, I see nothing good coming from it...

Technically you could unconceal the upper of an AR pistol...but why...

[Purplehood]

A magazine is not a concealed handgun.

You can walk around all day with a loaded magazine in your hand, it is not illegal.

A magazine is not a handgun, unconcealed or concealed.

[dicion]

A magazine is not a concealed handgun.

You can walk around all day with a loaded magazine in your hand, it is not illegal.

A magazine is not a handgun, unconcealed or concealed.

True, I was just referencing the 'intentional failure to conceal' statute ;)

A Magazine is just like a box of ammo that's for public display in wal-mart... except it carries less.
(Unless you're shooting one of those FN Five-nines... those things carry a whole box in one magazine )

[Purplehood]

A magazine is not a concealed handgun.

You can walk around all day with a loaded magazine in your hand, it is not illegal.

A magazine is not a handgun, unconcealed or concealed.

True, I was just referencing the 'intentional failure to conceal' statute ;)

A Magazine is just like a box of ammo that's for public display in wal-mart... except it carries less.
(Unless you're shooting one of those FN Five-nines... those things carry a whole box in one magazine )

If I ever buy another pistol that FN is way high on my list.

[ddstuder]

I keep an extra mag for my 1911 in a black velcro Gerber knife sheath. This looks like a knife to everyone that sees it. Even Hawk-Eyed CHL spotters can not tell the difference!

[hangfour]

I keep an extra mag for my 1911 in a black velcro Gerber knife sheath. This looks like a knife to everyone that sees it. Even Hawk-Eyed CHL spotters can not tell the difference!

CLEVER! thanks

[TxA]

I keep an extra mag for my 1911 in a black velcro Gerber knife sheath

I believe I've seen several black nylon/Velcro holders from the major online suppliers resembling knife/flashlight, etc holders. Bet you this type of holder wouldn't draw a second glance if exposed.

[Mike1951]

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They have a broad selection. The leather sheaths often are open on the sides, so don't disguise as well.

[glbedd53]

I carry my extra 1911 mag in a Puma knife sheath, black nylon. It has a flap with velcro but I wanted it that way. It's a perfect fit.