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As a CHL holder, how do you respond to someone who inadvertently discovers you are carrying? For example, hugging someone at church - I always try for the side-ways hug on my left side, away from my weapon, but sometimes a person might put their arms around my waist, or they approach from my right side. Another common scenario would be if your jacket is blown open while walking into a restaurant.

I don’t think it’s a legal issue since it isn’t a matter of intentionally un-concealing; just wondering how people respond if someone notices and says something.

I'm guessing you're new to being a CHLer?

I've been carrying for well over a decade and only "once" did a stranger inadvertently put a hand on my vest concealed hand gun.

I promptly removed said hand. I don't recall the details of how it happened, but it was at Home Depot. I do recall it was a woman and when I removed her hand she acted offended. (excuse the heck out of me madam...)

Suffice it to say, she had no clue what she put her hand on. Said nothing about what she touched, but officiously advised me she wasn't trying to steal from me.

It was rather a bizarre occurrence to say the least.

The point is: Don't sweat the "what if's". Chances are in the very unlikely happening you've outlined, the toucher, if you will, won't have a clue what they've come into contact with. If they do, just put your fingers to your lips with the universal, please keep silent gesture. Most probably, they will... If not, buck up, your legal.

I had a lady hugger undoubtedly hug me and my M&P (I carry 3:30 OWB 98% of the time) a few months ago. I was a bit concerned but there was zero reaction from the hugger. No worries. I was ready with "it's a large phone, knife, etc." response.

The best response I've heard is to say to them, "It's Texas, lady, get over it."

A lot of people carry smartphones on their belts, because many are too large to comfortably carry in your pocket. This is a good thing since people will just automatically assume that the bulge on your side that they just felt is your iPhone or something else harmless.

I have carried since 2004 and I have only had one person hug me and ask what was on my belt. It was my great aunt who also has a CHL and was glad to find out that I carry 100% of the time.

The only "what if" that you need to worry about is: "what if I need my gun on a day that I decided to leave it at home?"

Don't sweat it.

Should someone notice and be so rude as to ask, tell them it's your colostomy bag...and it must be coming loose. That'll divert their attention....

Act offended toutching someone is considered an assault

I don't say anything unless they say something. If they do, I just grin, give 'me the "aww shucks" routine, and let 'em figure it out for themselves.

I always go for the "It's a insulin pump". Since I am a type 1 diabetic, they usually ask no more questions.

Only close ones know I carry. Though, I love when they start having conversations about certain types of weapons and I throw up all sorts of weapon knowledge. I then encourage to get their license.

I've actually used the its my "American Express... Don't leave home without it!" All my grandmother did was

I must have hugged hundreds of people over the years. I'm a hugger and all my patients would get a small hug as they left. If you are carrying on the strong side, just put the arm on that side down along the gun and raise your other arm for a hug. Their arm will end up over the one you are blocking the gun with. No problemo.
How do i know it worked? 99% of them were staunch liberals. If they had detected a gun on me it would have been a 911 reaction; "I dunno, she just passed out..."

Concealed carry is just that. However in the real world people do find out. Shirt opens up, ect. Simple explanation should suffice if they ask. They may not ask, and just call 911. When LEO arrives just be cool. These calls do come out for CHL and LEO's . If you are a chl holder then you are doing nothing wrong. They will check and move on. Even if you are a CHL holder and in a place you shouldn't be (although we know that never happens), still be cool. This would not be the time to cop an attitude. The LEO does have the right to contact you. They will and move on.

They will check and move on. Even if you are a CHL holder and in a place you shouldn't be (although we know that never happens),

Since it was brought up, how many of you HAVE accidently carried somewhere prohibitated and were "caught"...and what were the outcomes?

Oldgringo wrote:Don't sweat it.

Should someone notice and be so rude as to ask, tell them it's your colostomy bag...and it must be coming loose. That'll divert their attention....

No kidding! That'll back them off and get most of them mumblin' and bumbling'...

Jeff B.