TexasCHLforum.com

First off, if this thread is in the wrong section my apologies. I thought about putting it in the other states chl section but my question wasnt regarding laws. I will be going to florida for thanksgiving vacation and already know florida honors texas chl's. I was planning on packing my firearm up and taking it with me. I will be staying at my aunt's house for the most part. However, i will be spending alot of time with my cousin and his three kids. Would it be a good idea to talk to him first to see if he is okay with me carrying around his kids or should i just keep my mouth shut? He knows i have a license and have firearms so its nothing new. What would you guys and gals do in this situation?

Your respect for your family is honorable.
If it were me, I would keep it on the DL and just make sure my gun stayed very well concealed.

Concealed is concealed and "loose lips sink ships".

Why do you have concerns? If you think it's not right then it's not right.

I think it depends on how likely you might be to accidentally expose your CCW and their potential reaction. Being in close situations, changes of clothes, pistol laying on dresser while not on your person, etc., could lead to a higher incidence of accidentally being found out.

When I started carrying under CHL, I let my extended family (In-laws, Mom, Sister/Brothers) know I was carrying so it wouldn't be a surprise if they accidentally saw my roscoe. Of course, none of them have issues with me carrying as I used to be a LEO, so carried before. Our families on both sides are hunters and gun owners. Additionally one BIL was a LEO for over 30 years (Chief for 6 of those), and the another is currently a Corrections Officer with the state, so they carried with their jobs.


Bottom line it depends on your personal situation and if you feel they would freak out if they saw your pistol or would they be OK and cool with it.

Oldgringo wrote:Concealed is concealed and "loose lips sink ships".

Why do you have concerns? If you think it's not right then it's not right.

OG, with all due respect, it is not that simple. The ramifications of either decision have the potential to be very huge. I have posted and participated in similar threads. But it is hard not to be a little frustrated by responses that seem to oversimplify the potential consequences.

To the OP, it is a very difficult decision and I can't say what I would do in your shoes. Please let us know what you choose and how it goes.

Only my two grown children and DIl know I carry. Two of the 3 just got their CHLs.
The rest of the family may or may not know, but they know I have firearms.
My policy is to carry discretely in all such situations.
If it is noticed then respect the wishes of your hosts.
So far it's never come up.

I just got back from a 4-day car trip with a couple from my wife's work. I carried almost the whole time, with several times I needed to leave my weapon in the car due to local laws. I was discrete but not secretive. They never noticed AFAIK..

terryg wrote:

Oldgringo wrote:Concealed is concealed and "loose lips sink ships".

Why do you have concerns? If you think it's not right then it's not right.

OG, with all due respect, it is not that simple. The ramifications of either decision have the potential to be very huge. I have posted and participated in similar threads. But it is hard not to be a little frustrated by responses that seem to oversimplify the potential consequences.

terryg, I certainly did not mean to cause you unnecessary frustration or angst; however, In my view, which was requested by the OP, life is a pretty simple process. I suspect the OP probably knows what is the right answer for his particular situation and will go and do the right thing. But then again, I'm not as smart and all-knowing as I once was.

I think the answer depends on your knowledge of the people involved. My immediate family members know I have a CHL, but generally I don't tell any of them when I'm armed. My wife may see me arming or disarming at times, and she may assume I'm carrying, but I don't tell her that I am. I highly doubt I'd say anything to anyone outside my immediate family. My son has a CHL and I don't ask him when he is carrying or tell him when I am. I especially would not let children know, and that would also condition what adults I'd want to know, since I'd want to be sure they weren't going to spread it around to children, or the wrong adults. I don't think you want a child saying "uncle Joe has a gun," or an adult, in some potentially threatening situation saying, "you've got a gun, do something." That's all without even getting into the issue of anti-gun family members and other emotions.

Honestly I think a few people here have given sound advice, personally I would rather carry and be very discreet. Just make sure that your weapon is always on your person or locked up while the kids are around. If anyone voices any concerns especially with the kids I would have a gun lock handy or something that way you can show them and ease concerns. Just something to consider as I understand your situation I often stay with my in-laws who don't know and may not approve of me carrying around them.
Xd

Thanks for the advice everyone. Normally, im like many of you, just conceal and dont say anything. However, when it comes to my family besides my parents, things are a little different. Im the only one in my family that has ever owned firearms, and probably shot them. So there is that normally reaction that any person who isnt familiar with them can have if they were to catch a glipse. Plus, im not sure who is anti-gun and would like to avoid those types of conversations. Im leaning towards bringing it and keeping it locked up when its not on me. i will probably just take my keltec p3at instead of the glock just to make it less likely to be caught.

Whats the old saying? "easier to ask for forgiveness than beg for permission"?
Personally I think that "concealed means concealed" and there is no use in unearthing something that should remain hidden in the first place.
Have your mind made up about the situation...wheather or not its open for debate; and what you intend to do when faced with the decision to disarm around your family or no longer participate in functions located in their homes.

Above all else, remain steadfast and confident. If your made and you start acting flakey its going to make others nervous. If you treat it like its no big deal your very much more likley to put the entire situation at ease.

My view? Unless obligated by law (and it is in some states), im not declaring anything if im in someones residence.

Unless your cousin (or aunt) has told you they don't want guns in their house, I think DADT is the best policy. If they have told you not to bring guns in their home, I think it's best to follow their wishes in their home, even if not required by law.

I agree with those who stated that it was a difficult decision ... I'd pray about it. Let us know what you do.

nickel's worth of free advice :-)

its none of their business, really. You have every right to carry. So do it. It isnt a big deal, really.

I am assuming that you know to keep it locked when not on you, so carry.....because it is your right!

14 replys, 14 opinions.
I would not "tell".
That sounds childish.
Having been in the same situation with friends and family, I have never brought up the subject.
I consider my concealed weapon firstly for MY defense.
It is as much a part of me as my eye glasses.
It is legally, ethically and morally defensible.
Nuf said.