CHL Instructer says to re-arm in full view of public

[flintknapper]

Got a response. He told me "You should always conceal your firearm at all times. Go somewhere private to arm yourself. " I hope that it was just a misunderstanding on my part about what was said in class....

BTW I do know how to spell, I guess that my spell check didn't catch instructer.. it is instructor.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This is good advice...and is in keeping with the law.

One scenario...that makes it difficult for CHL's...is when LEO disarm someone they stop. Often the weapon is unloaded (and ammo removed from the cylinder or magazine), the weapon placed in the trunk (which I would NOT allow) or in the back seat.

This pretty much forces you to re-arm in public. One member here...even had their weapon placed on the grass near a sidewalk IIRC.

[A-R]

A lot of Texans practice OC in Texas, today, under the exception of "travelling". Check with Open Carry forum for OC stories in Texas or google it.

Yeah, I've been reading about that a bit this morning. Fascinating.

[pcgizzmo]

A lot of Texans practice OC in Texas, today, under the exception of "travelling". Check with Open Carry forum for OC stories in Texas or google it.

Yeah, I've been reading about that a bit this morning. Fascinating.

Any links? I did a search and came up with a bunch of stuff that didn't apply.

[A-R]

A lot of Texans practice OC in Texas, today, under the exception of "travelling". Check with Open Carry forum for OC stories in Texas or google it.

Yeah, I've been reading about that a bit this morning. Fascinating.

Any links? I did a search and came up with a bunch of stuff that didn't apply.

a few examples (seems to me these folks are really pushing the edge of the envelope):

http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/showt ... t-Accompli" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/showt ... d-in-Texas" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/showt ... Travelling" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Oldgringo]

There's a 50-50 chance that you could pull this off:

* Dress like you are somebody
* Make eye contact and act like you are somebody
* Openly retrieve the gun and holster it like you do it everyday everywhere
* Walk out like you are somebody with nothing to hide

If it's the weekend and if the baggage terminal is not real crowded or is very crowded, you'll probably pull this off. The people who do notice your action will think that you're some sort of G-man or secret agent or something.

OTOH, you might not...

[Dragonfighter]

hirundo82 beat me to it.

austinrealtor,
under your analysis your CHL would be worthless.

Also, to be clear, the traveling exemption gets one out of the prohibition on carrying a handgun in general, and there is no requirement that if one uses this exemption the handgun must be concealed (unlike for the CHL exemption), thus it must be legal to carry openly while traveling. Same goes for the exemptions for LEOs and judges, etc.

Doesn't make it a good idea, but that's the law.

Many, many moons ago before CHL I was preparing for a trip. I routinely carried in my glove box but since I was venturing away from home areas into uncharted LEO territories, I called the DPS attorney's office. They "advised" me, "Texas does not recognize a difference between loaded/unloaded concealed or not, just whether or not you are carrying legally. But we would prefer it be kept concealed so that you don't venture into 'public disturbance' or 'calculated to alarm' vagueries." Yes he said vagueries. Advice I have taken to heart and now Texas does differentiate between concealed and unconcealed.

I doubt the OP's instructor has ever done this in actuality but wants to come across as...well something other than what he is. I shudder to think what might happen by armed security present, or another CHL (not in secured area) if he/she hears a slide dropped behind them. And like landing an airplane, charging a weapon is the one time where there is a potential for serious error.

BTW, RPB had the perfect answer as to how to proceed.

[jordanmills]

Please cite the "traveling" exemption in the most current version of PC 46.02.

Sec. 46.15. NONAPPLICABILITY.
(b) Section 46.02 does not apply to a person who:
(2) is traveling;

Not saying it applies in this case, but it is still there.

In my (not-formally-educated-in-law) opinion, it does apply. But it's asking for trouble. Too easy for your intentions to be misinterpreted or to be subject to the whims of an LEO who doesn't know or understand the law. *I* wouldn't do it - but I believe such an action is lawful.

[Westfield]

This instructor is an idiot. But I really can't believe he said that. If he did he needs his head candled !

[G26ster]

This instructor is an idiot. But I really can't believe he said that. If he did he needs his head candled !

I agree, but there are really two questions going on in this this thread. 1. Is it smart? and 2. Is it legal? The answer to question 1. is NO! NO! NO! The answer to question 2. (IMHO and I am not a lawyer) is YES under PC 46.02(a)(2). If I am wrong, someone please correct me.

[WildBill]

Got a response. He told me "You should always conceal your firearm at all times. Go somewhere private to arm yourself." I hope that it was just a misunderstanding on my part about what was said in class....

It appears that Skaven's instructor clarified his position on this matter.

[NiTRoX]

G26ster hit the nail on the head.

1) It is for sure not smart. If airport police see you (and engage you) re-arming in public legal or not, you have now created a alarming situation for other bystanders.

2) It might be legal according to the law... but do you really want to test that in a court of law where 12 non CHL holders are deciding your fate..

[jmoney]

I think you misunderstood what he said, I'm willing to bet when he picks up that certain piece of luggage it is in the luggage office where he can re-arm in private. There are several people that do this, and I seriously doubt that someone could simply pick their luggage, with a handgun inside of it, off the normal luggage belt and then on top of that would be stupid enough to have it out in the open at an airport. I don't care if the law says I could do it, that is a real easy way to cause mass hysteria and get yourself shot.

[CleverNickname]

The people who do notice your action will think that you're some sort of G-man or secret agent or something.

Those types of people are already legally carrying on the plane and/or have enough sense not to draw attention to themselves like that.

[E.Marquez]

I'm willing to bet when he picks up that certain piece of luggage it is in the luggage office where he can re-arm in private. There are several people that do this, and I seriously doubt that someone could simply pick their luggage, with a handgun inside of it, off the normal luggage belt.

That is exactly what you do. There is no special pick up location, none at all. Your bag comes out with all the other luggage. You claim it and go on your way.

[VoiceofReason]

Should I report him to DPS, or just hope that no one he teaches gets thrown in prison?

I would report it to the DPS and let them sort it out. Sounds like the DPS needs to send undercover officers to sit in on random classes so instructors like this don't get people arrested or shot.

Just my opinion.