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OK, I walk into a gun store to check out some IWB holsters. How do I legally un-conceal to try some on?

Depends on the store. It it's a small operation, simply asked, "Are you comfortable with me taking my carry weapon out to test this holster?" I did something similar when buying my UC9; I asked him if I could conceal it in an IWB holster that I brought with me and he let me walk around the store with it. He won't be a cop doing a sting operation, but don't do what I just said in front of a LEO.

At Cabela's or Academy you have to unload it and bring it to the front and they'll take it and walk you to the department. I find that process annoying because I'm licensed to carry the gun in the store, but this guy has to carry it to the department. And they never clear the gun, they always asked if it's unloaded. Another option is using their gun if they have one like yours.

Let's not get into the debate of how it's illegal to open carry to and from the store; I've seen enough of those threads and there is no resolution.

Embalmo

Embalmo wrote:Depends on the store. It it's a small operation, simply asked, "Are you comfortable with me taking my carry weapon out to test this holster?" I did something similar when buying my UC9; I asked him if I could conceal it in an IWB holster that I brought with me and he let me walk around the store with it. He won't be a cop doing a sting operation, but don't do what I just said in front of a LEO.

So basically it's illegal to un-conceal and try on a holster with my gun, even with the store owner's permission?

Other, "more motivated" members of this forum will quote the statutes, but yes, it's illegal to pull your gun out in public. When going to ranges, and testing holsters, practicality dictates that you have to openly transport your firearms, which many will indicate is illegal as well. When I shoot at Eagle Peak or Red's I pull my gun out of its concealment at the range and then I return it to concealment before I leave; I'm honestly not sure about the legalities, but the range officer is the real law there. Like anything, gun carrying is often a matter of figuring out what is cool and what is uncool.

Embalmo

I don't carry mine in "concealed" i put it in a pistol case, unloaded and walk up to the counter.Tell them i have and unloaded pistol and want to try holsters.
Less excitement that way.If you are affriad to go unarmed that long then conceal some other gun and don't tell you have that one on you.

texjames wrote:I don't carry mine in "concealed" i put it in a pistol case, unloaded and walk up to the counter.Tell them i have and unloaded pistol and want to try holsters.

Thanks, but what's the "legal" difference for a CHL if I carry it in a pocket holster, or in a pistol case. Either way they are both concealed and on my person. I realize that I need to speak to the gun store employee, but it would seem to me that in a gun store one should be able to un-conceal for whatever reason. Isn't the gun store private property, and usually aren't the employees are open carrying? What I'm looking for is the law that prohibits me from un-concealing in a gun store, on private property, with the owner's or his representative's permission. It seems 46.02(1) would prohibit me from even walking in and opening a gun case, which would be rediculous in gun store.

Yes the laws and store policies are goofy and there's no way to follow them perfectly; but I guarantee that if you take your gun out at Wal-Mart, Academy, or Cabela's you will be arrested.

Embalmo

I usually just ask to try one of the guns they have on display.

C-dub wrote:I usually just ask to try one of the guns they have on display.

Well, I wasn't addressing big chain stores that happen to sell guns. I was addressing gun stores. Unfortunately, the gun I am searching for a holster is an oddball, and no gun stores have them in the configuration of mine (laser mounted). The law (46.035 ) tells me it's illegal to un-conceal, so I was hoping that some other statute I had missed would allow me to do otherwise at a gun shop with the owner's or employee's permission. Guess not. Thanks for all the answers.

what gun with what laser?
maybe someone on here can advise what holster they have used or can suggest manufacturers to go to to fit precisely?

Teamless wrote:what gun with what laser?
maybe someone on here can advise what holster they have used or can suggest manufacturers to go to to fit precisely?

Kahr PM9. I have several holsters designed specifically for the PM9 and laser, but had I had the opportunity to try them first I wouldn't have bought them. Hence my question about trying them on for fit and comfort IN the store before spending the cash. BTW, both PM9 pocket holsters I bought were highly praised by other PM9 owner's. Guess they fit them fine, but not me. Of course I could always buy jeans made by Omar the Tentmaker

Embalmo wrote:When going to ranges, and testing holsters, practicality dictates that you have to openly transport your firearms, which many will indicate is illegal as well. When I shoot at Eagle Peak or Red's I pull my gun out of its concealment at the range and then I return it to concealment before I leave; I'm honestly not sure about the legalities, but the range officer is the real law there.

Shooting a handgun on a range is an exception to Texas gun control.

is engaging in lawful hunting, fishing, or other sporting activity on the immediate premises where the activity is conducted, or is directly en route between the premises and the actor's residence, if the weapon is a type commonly used in the activity

G26ster wrote:

texjames wrote:I don't carry mine in "concealed" i put it in a pistol case, unloaded and walk up to the counter.Tell them i have and unloaded pistol and want to try holsters.

Thanks, but what's the "legal" difference for a CHL if I carry it in a pocket holster, or in a pistol case. Either way they are both concealed and on my person. I realize that I need to speak to the gun store employee, but it would seem to me that in a gun store one should be able to un-conceal for whatever reason. Isn't the gun store private property, and usually aren't the employees are open carrying? What I'm looking for is the law that prohibits me from un-concealing in a gun store, on private property, with the owner's or his representative's permission. It seems 46.02(1) would prohibit me from even walking in and opening a gun case, which would be rediculous in gun store.

I have done it several times and it has been no biggy but like the other fellow said when it comes out from concealment on your person people get
real excited and yes you probably get the police on ya, then your CHL will be suspended, When you buy your gun its in a gun box...thats not concealed!
Your over thinking it i believe...

texjames wrote: When you buy your gun its in a gun box...thats not concealed!
Your over thinking it i believe...

Sure it is, unless the gun box is transparent. What's the difference between a gun box, a fanny pack, and a concealment purse? (No, that not the first line of a joke.)

Point is, if you can't see the gun, it's concealed. Doesn't matter if it's in a gun-shaped box with the words "DANGER -GUN" stenciled on the side -- it's still concealed.