Carrying rubber gun at work?

[Falconeer]

My employer does not allow weapons on premises. I was thinking about purchasing a blue or red gun and start carrying that in my IWB holster at work. Keep the real gun on me en route to work and when I arrive at the parking lot secure the real gun in the car, replace it with the rubber gun, and wear that during the day. I figure it's good practice, it allows me to keep the holster on all the time without having it collapse, makes it that much easier to rearm when I get back to the car, and cannot be considered a 'weapon' by my employer if it were accidently seen. Any thoughts or experience with this idea?

[Gordon Fink]

The problems that you guys in shall-issue states concoct for yourselves never cease to amaze me! :D

~G. Fink

[dctag]

I guess do whatever floats your boat. If I was your boss and I found out you were always carrying a concealed rubber gun I would probably send you in somewhere for a psychological evaluation. But do whatever makes you happy.

-David

[atlctyslkr]

I see so many potential problems with this. First off it's going to cause you alot of hassle if you get made with your rubber gun. It may not get you fired but it will no be soon forgotten. Then there's the issue of the real gun in the car. Generally employer's gun policies carry over to the parking lot as well. I would be very careful with whatever you decide. Leaving a gun in a car in a parkinglot isn't such a great idea. If you have a place to lock up stuff at your work maybe just putting it in a breifcase and locking up the breifcase would work. That is what I do. I believe in don't ask don't tell on this one. My employer has made it clear that they are not responsible for my saftey.

[James T Thomas]

Falconeer:

I'm at retirement age, so I offer what I would do, not being in jeapordy as you are. However, I review the times when I knuckled under to an employer at various times and issues, and if I had to do it again, I would not do so. And I would be outspoken about it too. That is just me. Work has always been available as I reflect back on those times.

Truly, I would not only defy his requirement, but should I be called on it -knowing that dismissal was next, I would let him know before as many in the company that would over hear, just how tyrannical his policy is. I would keep it civil in tone, but loud and clear.

Get a small concealable pocket pistol and pocket holster that you are confident with, and keep it out of sight. Be discreet and on guard. But I wouldn't be anxious either.

Now, sir if your'e in debt, and the wolves are at your door, that might change the situation. There are circumstances. One of the good reasons to have a savings cushion. It provides some freedom for alternatives. Are you a father, have a wife, responsibilities? I'm sure you will meet them, regardless, but you have to live with yourself, and that integrity is your foundation for your family; not who you work for. Sometimes you will be able to provide more than enough, and occasionally things may be hard to come by.

I hope it works out well for you.

Jim

[sarhog]

I figure it's good practice, it allows me to keep the holster on all the time without having it collapse, makes it that much easier to rearm when I get back to the car, and cannot be considered a 'weapon' by my employer if it were accidently seen. Any thoughts or experience with this idea?


:what: I haven't spewed coffee onto a keyboard and monitor in quite some time.:neener:
:eek: Good practice for what??:confused:
Here's an off the wall idea....if you choose to disarm to satisfy your employer; take the holster off with the gun, or get a holster that does not collapse.

What, exactly, do you hope to accomplish with this plan???

The problems that you guys in shall-issue states concoct for yourselves never cease to amaze me! :D

That certainly seems to be the case here.

Good luck with it!:)

[Byron Quick]

Seems to be a bit of trouble for no benefits.

[hso]

I'm sure that you would have come to the conclusion that it was a silly idea eventually, but several people have done that thinking for you.

If the holster was the concern, then your concerns were misplaced probably.

If the experience was concerned, then your concerns were probably also misplaced. If you can't carry at work what experience benefits would you gain?

[Phantom Warrior]

WHY?


(For something constructive, check out Fobus paddle holsters here (http://www.fobusholster.com/catalog/). Twenty bucks and you can slip them on and off over your waistband. That solves the problem of dealing with your holster. I like them so much I carry with them full time.)

[Nashmack]

I carry at work, even though it's prohibited. I normally carry an EAA Witness compact in an IWB holster and it's not all that noticeable unless you're looking for it. Other occasions I'll disarm and secure the weapon in my vehicle if I'm wearing my leather Galco belt slide, however I leave the holster on the belt.

I haven't been challenged on it yet, but my supervisor tells me he's going to shoot a couple people every day:scrutiny:

[Mannlicher]

so why does the term 'goofy' spring to mind?

[Falconeer]

My reasoning:

a) My job is business casual. I CANNOT get away with a paddle holster.
b) I cannot afford nor can I have (due to circumstances at home) 37 different guns depending on my weather/season/mood. I have a Sig P229. That's what I carry.
c) The size of my carry gun means pocket carry won't work. I have a C-TAC IWB holster.
d) I'm new to carry, and hoped to find a way to better integrate it into my life. The thought was I can ALWAYS have the holster on, and only put the rubber gun in those times when I can't have the live gun.

Maybe it's goofy, but it was my concern. As no one seems to have any input, I will withdrawn the question.

[sacp81170a]

??????????

Sounds a little goofy to me. If you wanna make a statement, make it somewhere besides on your employer's property on his time. Don't like the policy? It's a free country, find another employer whose views on personal defense are more in line with your own. Employer's property, employer's rules. Your property or a public place, do as you please as long as it ain't illegal. Not hard to figure out at all...:rolleyes:

[K-Romulus]

Back in my single, ccw-state dwelling days, I would just leave everything at home when I left in the morning and put it back on with the "house" clothes when I got home that evening. Plus carry on the weekends/holidays.

I don't think you would get any more significant carry experience following your idea than what I got with what I used to do, but you would have a lot more headaches with your idea.

[Lou629]

In terms of your salary, benefits, seniority & your overall job satisfaction? No offense intended but your idea will more likely get you noticed on the radar-screen with the powers-that-be as a potential nut case, than it will do anything for improving your tactical experiences. In most instances employers can hire and fire 'at will' and frequently do so with little or no reason at all. Why go and hand them an excuse?

[RyanM]

Just take the darn holster off. Or you could see if your cell phone fits in it. My cell phone fits in my G23 holster (actually it was made for a G26, but I got it cheap and the gun fits fine) like it was made for it.

[Falconeer]

Back in my single, ccw-state dwelling days, I would just leave everything at home when I left in the morning and put it back on with the "house" clothes when I got home that evening. Plus carry on the weekends/holidays.

I don't think you would get any more significant carry experience following your idea than what I got with what I used to do, but you would have a lot more headaches with your idea.That makes a certain amount of sense. Thanks for the input.

In terms of your salary, benefits, seniority & your overall job satisfaction? No offense intended but your idea will more likely get you noticed on the radar-screen with the powers-that-be as a potential nut case, than it will do anything for improving your tactical experiences. In most instances employers can hire and fire 'at will' and frequently do so with little or no reason at all. Why go and hand them an excuse?I understand what you're saying. I guess my thought was I wasn't breaking the rule, and if it did happen to get seen my explaination would make sense while not stepping on toes. But you're right that the perception would probably overwhelm the explanation.

Thanks kindly to the both of you for the input.

[jamz]

Indeed, I believe that an anti employer as well as a gun nut employer would see carrying a rubber gun as odd and noteworthy- not in a good way.

If you don't have to pass through metal detectors, or if your job doesn't require working around large magnets, or stripping down occaisionally, I say find a small concealable gun and carry anyway. But that's just me.

[oh blanky]

I don't use a holster, but I do carry rubber vomit or dog turds at work.

[mete]

In the NYPD those cops who were disiplined by having their guns taken away were referred to as the "rubber gun squad". Welcome to the squad Falconeer !!!

[James T Thomas]

It is not an excuse to be handed to an employer; personal safety and protection are for real.

I carry to protect myself, loved ones, and perhaps innocents; not for "tactical experience." Since you shoulder holster, the experience you will receive is drooped shoulder and sore arm pit.

To be clairvoyant and take off your weapon during parts of the day that you know that you will not need it would be a good thing. I have to bear mine or have it within reach constantly. All bad guys take notice.

May I recommend a "Tactical Catechism" seminar to you?

[rocky]

I would think a training gun carried would be only problems with no positive side to having 1.

[Byron Quick]

Falconeer,

After viewing your subsequent posts, perhaps I have a better grasp of your intentions with this concept.

A)You're new to carry.
B) You'fre still extremely self conscious when you carry with paranoia that everyone is looking at you
C)You conceptualized this as a way to become accustomed to carrying in a shorter length of time.

It's understandable when viewed as such. (My assumptions are probably all wrong.:D) I still think it is not a good idea. One thing I see happening is forgetting to replace it with the real gun after work. And then needing to draw the real gun on an assailant. OOPS. Another thing I see happening is trying to explain why you are carrying a dummy gun at work. Even if you squeak by with the dummy gun it will get you strange looks for quite some time. As well as having co-workers and supervisors wondering about your mental health.

If your goal is to become accustomed to carrying-be patient. It will come of its own. The only time I'm aware of mine is when it's not there.

[The_Antibubba]

In some states (I don't know which one you're in), if it looks like a gun, and someone sees it and panics, you are in as much trouble as if you had the real thing. It doesn't sound like it's worth it.

Try ordering some T-shirts that express how you feel. One of favorites says: I AM UNARMED! PLEASE DON'T HURT ME!! and is illustrated by a cowering stick figure.

[repo]

I don't mean to offend but it sounds a little nutty to me.

[gezzer]

Carrying a rubber gun is called SUICIDE!! It is bad enough some security companies issue them but wanting to carry one yourself, I am sorry it shows serious MALL Ninja tendencies that are going to get you maimed or killed..

I am sorry to seem abrupt but it would be a shame to see you killed over this.

[Falconeer]

After viewing your subsequent posts, perhaps I have a better grasp of your intentions with this concept.

A)You're new to carry.
B) You'fre still extremely self conscious when you carry with paranoia that everyone is looking at you
C)You conceptualized this as a way to become accustomed to carrying in a shorter length of time.

It's understandable when viewed as such. (My assumptions are probably all wrong.)No, you're right on the money.

I still think it is not a good idea. One thing I see happening is forgetting to replace it with the real gun after work. And then needing to draw the real gun on an assailant. OOPS. Another thing I see happening is trying to explain why you are carrying a dummy gun at work. Even if you squeak by with the dummy gun it will get you strange looks for quite some time. As well as having co-workers and supervisors wondering about your mental health.

If your goal is to become accustomed to carrying-be patient. It will come of its own. The only time I'm aware of mine is when it's not there.Thanks for your helpful reply! The more I learn about armed self-defense, the more I want to be carrying whenever possible. There are some times when I simply cannot. Work is a prime example. But I was also concerned about putting the holster on when I get out to my car. Trying to put it on sitting in the car is damn near impossible, but I don't want to be standing outside my car when everone else is getting off work, strapping on my pistol. So I figured I'd always wear the holster. But I've read that wearing a holster without a gun in it for extended periods of time is bad for the holster, and will cause it to collapse, crack, etc. So I thought of the rubber gun after seeing one at TH101 last weekend.

For some of the rest of you: See, there was a logical progression to the idea. No goofy stuff, no 'boy I can't wait to be a victim', no 'I wanna be a mall ninja'. :)

[LT1coupe]

"I haven't spewed coffee onto a keyboard and monitor in quite some time."

I don't care who you are that's funny :neener:

I was still reading :uhoh: , looking for the punch line when I saw your comment & almost got diet coke up my nose

[gunsmith]

for under two, just stick that little thing in your pocket

[Henry Bowman]

I don't think your idea is nutty at all. I understand your motivation (and did from the frist post).

I think, however, that you need to admit to yourself that your plan also is intended to serve as an experiment, which, if successful, will lead to you carrying your real gun concealed while at work. Should you do that? I can't say.

You've had the risks spelled out for you. Now decide for yourself.

[mr_dove]

I don't think your idea is silly at all. Its good practice when you're just getting used to CCW. It tests your concealment methods as well as the alertness of those who might notice. The campus cops saw my empty holster once. They were calm and professional about it although it probably would not have gone well if I had been carrying. (law school is too expensive to risk expulsion)

I regularly carry an empty holster in places where CCW is prohibited. Party because it is a hassle to remove my holster from my belt.

I say, "go for it", and if you feel more comfortable at some point maybe you'll decide to carry for real.

[Black Majik]

"Is that a gun in your pants or are you just happy to see me?"

"I got rubbers"

:D

[AJAX22]

I wouldn't do it, it calls attention to you that will not be positive.

Either have a gun at work (Not in a holster but oh say in a bible case or briefcase, well hidden but accessable)

or don't and have one in the car.

but don't do anything that would attract added attention.

Its a sad fact but this hoby of ours is not well received by those around us typically, and if there's not a rule against what you are doing specifically, there will be once it makes someone uncomfortable.

Be discrete, don't get caught, and don't get used to walking in with a holster on. what if you're in a rush one day and you forget to do your rubber gun swap?

Try very hard not to be 'that crazy guy with the guns'

[Falconeer]

Thanks to everyone for their ideas and opinions. You've given me a great deal of info to take into account. The legal right to carry vs a property owner to limit those rights is a very deep conundrum. :p

[crofrog]

Its a sad fact but this hoby of ours

This isn't a hobby. This is a way of life.

A hobby is collecting stamps, or coins or baseball cards.

[Phantom Warrior]

Alright. My last post was less than informative. I'll try and give you a reasoned answer this time. Reading some of the posts since also gives me a little more background.

I once was as you are now. I got my permit when I was 20 (still pretty young, though I'm not sure on your age) and I had a lot of times when I couldn't carry. I worked at McDonalds a lot, which is obviously the wrong uniform to carry in, and was a college student during the school year. I can still remember the first day I got my permit, sat in the car and loaded up my magazine w/ American Eagle FMJs, and went out to run errands. And I was carrying a Glock 23, about the same size as your gun. I thought for sure everyone would notice.

They didn't. People are, in general, very clueless. I've carried for three years and none of my liberal friends outed me until last summer. And then only because one of them asked jokingly if I carried a gun around and I answered seriously. There have been lots of times when I couldn't carry. I just carried when I could. Carrying is not something you need to do 40 hours a week to get used to. You will get used to it pretty quickly.


Thanks for your helpful reply! The more I learn about armed self-defense, the more I want to be carrying whenever possible. There are some times when I simply cannot. Work is a prime example. But I was also concerned about putting the holster on when I get out to my car. Trying to put it on sitting in the car is damn near impossible, but I don't want to be standing outside my car when everone else is getting off work, strapping on my pistol. So I figured I'd always wear the holster. But I've read that wearing a holster without a gun in it for extended periods of time is bad for the holster, and will cause it to collapse, crack, etc. So I thought of the rubber gun after seeing one at TH101 last weekend.


I think having a rubber gun will buy you the worst of both worlds. You get potentially negative attention from people at work, but still no way to defend yourself. I'd recommend just carrying when you can, outside of work. That's what I've done. I'd prefer to be armed 24/7, but that just isn't an option. More incentive to start my own business some day.

I suggested a Fobus holster because it is very easy to slip on and off, even sitting in your car. I've done it probably hundreds of times.

[sacp81170a]

The legal right to carry vs a property owner to limit those rights is a very deep conundrum.

Actually, there's no conundrum here at all. We 2nd Amendment supporters who are so very picky about the government infringing on our sacred rights must also respect the equally sacred rights of others or our position is logically inconsistent. When we fully support the rights of property owners to do as they please, have whom they please, or allow what they please on their own property we have standing to ask that they respect our rights. If they choose not to, hey, their sovereignty over their property trumps ours to be armed on said property or even to remain on said property.

That's why eminent domain abuse is as much a hot button issue for me as 2nd amendment rights. The Constitution specifically prevents *government* entities, not private parties from infringing on our rights.

It's a pain in the tuckus, but if your employer says you can't carry on their property you take your chances by doing so. Note that unless the property is properly posted, you can carry without incurring criminal liability from the state, but you can still lose your job. Fair trade, if'n ya ask me. I carry at work even though my personnel handbook says employees may not carry weapons at work. If I have a CCW, Arkansas state law says I am not guilty of the offense of "carrying a weapon". None of the required signs are posted, so I am perfectly legal. I choose to interpret the handbook in light of state law. It also helps that I'm a part time LEO and my department requires me to carry while off-duty.

IANAL, YMMV. Carry at every opportunity and you'll get used to it quickly enough. ;)

[meef]

You could carry a rubber-band gun instead. That way if somebody at work ticked you off.... you could really have the office talking about you.

:D

Actually, while career suicide may not be as final as hara-kiri, it still conveys its own degree of exquisite pain.

I can relate to trying to get used to carrying a gun. I have never, ever been totally comfortable packing the freaking things. What a nuisance. Except, of course, on the couple of occasions when the need to have one handy was acute - and boy, did it ever feel good then.

It's all a trade-off.

[ctdonath]

Either carry for real or don't. Substituting a fake gun is just bizzare, and you're going to have just as hard a time - maybe even harder - trying to explain to a superior why you are trying to conceal a fake gun (as if "the real one is in the car" is going to elicit a satisfactory conclusion).

Yes, the decision to carry at work when prohibited from doing so is difficult. That is a personal decision, and I can respect either choice (frankly, the odds of getting fired and having no income are much higher than having to actually defend yourself, at least in my cube-farm environment). Either way you choose, take it seriously.

If you choose to carry at work, note what others said: while you may be hyper-aware of your gun and expect everyone be staring at you, fact is most people haven't a clue until the thing goes THUNK on the floor in front of them. Concealed means concealed, and if done right it won't be noticed.

If you choose to not carry at work, get suitable equipment: a Mitch Rosen Workman holster can pop on/off the belt trivially yet be secure, and a safe for the car can be obtained. If you have to fumble with it, you don't have the right equipment.

A rubber gun does nothing to protect you, complicates your thought process to no good end, and makes people think you're extremely, even dangerously, strange if they find out - I'd bet you'd get fired anyway. Don't play with toys when you're dealing with weapons. Make your choice - carry or don't - and do the best you can with either.

[meef]

Also keep in mind we're living in times when a grade school kid can point his finger at a classmate and say "Bang!" and get suspended for it.

Some of the offices I've been in have pretty much the same mentality.

[psyopspec]

Edit: This thread sticks out in my mind, and I too have given it some thought. When I first started carrying, I would wear a new leather holster empty to work, concealed, to help break it in and get used to the feel. Every employer I've worked for since I started carrying has banned guns on their premises (though the policies did not have the force of criminal law behind them). Eventually I just saved the pennies and dimes and got a Kahr PM-9 with two holsters: one for pocket carry and for tucked IWB carry. The gun is hardly a joy to shoot, I don't use it in competition, and on most trips to the range it stays in the holster or the safe. It sucks having a gun I don't enjoy carrying (that tuckable IWB is hardly comfortable) in places where the property owner would rather I not, but it is comforting to have that protection discreetly by my side at all times. It's not easy to get to this point if finances aren't right, but it's certainly worth the trouble. I hope you'll give more thought to deeper carry, as there is little benefit to an empty holster or one with a rubber duck in it in the context you describe.

[Tim Burke]

With all that switching of guns in the holster, I'd be afraid I'd try to draw my blaster, and pull a red gun out of the holster.:what:

[jeepmor]

it might as well be for a REAL gun. I realize you may be doing this to figure out if you'll be safe packing a gun at work and going unnoticed, but if you get caught, either with a plastic gun or a real gun, the results might be the same....Termination of your employment.

If you did get caught, wouldn't you rather have them looking at you with an inkling of respect for having enough cojones to carry a gun rather than pointing a finger at you and laughing because you were caught with a rubber gun?

If your job means that much to you, you should respect your employers wishes. If your safety means that much more to you, carry the gun and just keep it undercover, knowing it puts you at risk for termination, but not permanent termination, just employment termination.

If you have a job where you feel it necessary to carry, you might want to pick up a Sunday paper and start looking.

jeepmor

[Tom Servo]

Try ordering some T-shirts that express how you feel. One of favorites says: I AM UNARMED! PLEASE DON'T HURT ME!! and is illustrated by a cowering stick figure.
I have a couple like that. I wear 'em to the range.

Let 'em wonder :)

As far as the plastic gun, it's not enough to just carry it. Every now and then, you should jump out of your chair, do a "tactical" roll across the floor and come up with the gun drawn. Yell, "here come the zombies!" and make gunfire noises.

It'll keep your co-workers alert, that's for sure.

[Doggieman]

you could use it to shoot rubber bullets at rubber bad guys

[carnaby]

You could always stick a banana in there and have a quick-draw lunch. :p

[jeepmor]

Pack an airsoft. You can practice your draw and shoot with all the pop cans that pile up in cubicles. Set them on the cubicle wall tops and have a lunch plinking session.

I can hear the stories already. Remember that guy that went nuts at work and started shooting all the pop cans with the peashooter.....:evil:

jeepmor

[Dacoda]

you guys are killing me!!!!! my freakin sides hurt!

I have the same problem with my job. And I know for a FACT that if I carried at work, which I don't, for fear of losing my job, and I got caught... I would get terminated instantly... but... lets say for some reason I didn't get terminated, lets say I challenged the rules, went to court, and won...

I know my existence there would be very short still... cause they would FIND a way to get rid of me... even if it meant setting up someone to make a bogus sexual harrassment claim.. anything. They would do this just to get rid of me.

I'm not so great at giving advice, but just something to think about... they WILL find a way to get rid of you. So I suggest you find pictures of your employer cheating on his wife... haha.

[Boom-stick]

My first thought was.....

how about taking a 'real' gun to your 'fake' job???


Nah, in all honesty, if you can't carry on your belt, carry in a hand held organiser style holster or just throw a NAA in ya pocket, hell , before the clamp down over here I spent an evening with a 3" barrel 5-shot .38 in my pocket, no holster and no-one noticed, even I forgot it was there:confused: . (just make sure your pants aren't tight enough to 'print')

PS. could you use the rubber gun as a cosh? in which case you'd still be kinda armed?

[Boom-stick]

Edit Double post

[sterling180]

:eek: A few years ago,I helped one of my friends do a film,for his university project and he specifically asked me-because I had a collection of blank-firing guns and I could get more.So I wore a shoulder-holster-under my jumper,that contained a Umarex licensed replica of a Walther PPK.Now after playing my part-as one of the persons,who were harrased by the psycho-I forgot to take off my holster(including the gun,with it) and pack it away in my holdall and to lock the gun up,in my pistol carrying-case.My friend took a Colt Python replica and another kid took a Glock 17.

We managed to get through several rounds of ammo-in magazines and loose bullets.What a noise we made in the woods,by firing them.We all wore ear plugs,so our hearing wasn't damaged-but we did scare the crap out of this kid who accidently stumbled across a whacko,wearing a balaclava,combats and a tactical vest.:evil: :) We explained that it was a student-film and he was okay with it and went away.

We ended up carrying our guns in our holsters out of the woods,into Bexley Village,past two unsuspecting coppers and back to my friends house.He decided that we should go out for a drink locally-and so we went into one of the local bars and ordered drinks from the bartender-still with our guns holstered.Because it was a hard and stressful day for us,we simply forgot to remove them.I still laugh at the fact,we walked past two cops with them holstered in shoulder and belt holsters.But the thing was we couldn't feel the bulk,because we were filming in winter and wore thick jumpers and jackets.

My friend got an A* for his film and was grateful for my acting experiance and my collection of guns as well.He is pro-gun by the way-I fully-converted him.:evil:

Working on a film set,is harder than most people think.We did have a crew with us as well.These were student or trainee operators,cameramen,sound guys,etc.

[leadcounsel]

A really dumb idea.

Either stand up for yourself and continue to carry secretly and risk getting reprimanded if caught -- and the only likely reason to get caught is if you have to use it to defend your life in which case you'll be glad you had it and might be a hero at the office: Worst case you can lose your job for violating company policy.

OR

Stop carrying it altogether, possibly lock it in the car.

Worst case you are cowering your rights and could be left defenseless, or your gun could get stolen from company property, leaving you with a police report and you'd lose your job anyhow.

If I was victimized due to a workplace policy against self defense weapons, I would certainly sue the employer.


Save the money spent on a toy gun and buy a better concealable holster or better fitting clothing.

Carrying a fake gun could leave you with a lot of explaining to do and make you look like an idiot if you're ever made or feeling stupid if you ever need a gun and don't have one.

[carterbeauford]

My job is business casual. I CANNOT get away with a paddle holster.

You could get away with a Kel-Tec of one caliber or another carried IWB with a belt clip. This is what I do when I have concerns about my holster printing. A P11 would compliment your 228 nicely.

I carry a P11 this way at work, no one knows it's there but me.

[XLMiguel]

+1 Byron

Practice on your own time, in your own territory. Explaining why you're carrying a rubber gun to your employer will not be a career-enhancing experience, nor will it earn you the respect and admiration of your co-workers.

If you really feel the need to be armed at your current job, get something really discrete for pocket carry and be real careful while you look for another job at a CCW-friendly company.

[Roadwild17]

I'm not allowed to carry at work either, and with armed guards walking around who have orders to "shoot to kill, ask questions later" and to quote atlctyslkr
My employer has made it clear that they are not responsible for my safety.

The security force is there to protect the facility first. but with what I'm getting paid and having the ability to lock my gun in the car behind armed guards, I guess it works.

[Chrontius]

American Eagle FMJs

Those were my first too, in .380. I thought the gun had exploded the first time I squeezed, and I'm fairly sure I missed the paper.


You could carry a rubber-band gun instead. That way if somebody at work ticked you off.... you could really have the office talking about you.

Thank God I wasn't drinking something when I read that. The airsoft idea is actually pretty funny. Maybe get one of those executive sticky-target desk sets?


The security force is there to protect the facility first. but with what I'm getting paid and having the ability to lock my gun in the car behind armed guards, I guess it works.

That's still adequate protection in my humble opinion. Much better to have other people with guns than you with guns, as they will draw fire from you. :evil:

[evan price]

Wow! Awesome & radical idea! Just make sure you get a rubber replica duplicating your carry gun. Get everybody used to the idea, and cracking jokes about you. Then when office gossip dies down, take your REAL gun, paint it Neon Blue, and start carrying your real gun and they all think it is rubber! Absolutely cunning plan! Let them laugh, you have the last laugh knowing- ITS REAL!

Red diamond DOES make Sig 228's...!

[Roadwild17]

Maby you should get a hard plastic modle instead, the rubber wil bounce of a perps face :uhoh: , the hard plastic might atleast break ther nose, do you throw like a girl??? :neener:

[Correia]

On a serious note, for those of us who dress business casual, and who carry in violation of workplace safety rules (not saying that I would) ;) your best option is a belly band. Even with something like a Sig 229. Wear the band around your waist, gun in standard IWB position. Tuck the shirt in over it, cinch up the belt tight, blouse shirt a little bit. Gun is very secure, and damn near invisible. Wear heavier weight dress shirts, and have your pants one size larger than normal. It is comfy, and even full size guns are easily concealed.

I teach lots of people who work at places that have corporate rules saying no guns at work. I've also taught women who actually had stalkers who wanted to rape them to death who have worked at such places, and I'm pretty sure that they didn't give a damn about the stupid rule.

[30 cal slob]

i was about to suggest the belly band.

if you have a compact pistol, an ankle holster works well too.

if i am not prohibited by law from carrying in the office, i will carry discreetly and safely and responsibly in the office.

[Optical Serenity]

I worked at a place a long time ago where guns were a no no...well, one guy kept his holster in without any gun in it. Well, he got caught with the holster somehow by the owner, and guess what? He was fired immediately! Don't do it or get a different job.

[pete f]

On the days i have to in and out of city hall or court houses to file for building permits, trash permits etc, I just use a galco paddle holster. I live in business casual and have not figured out how you can not get by with a paddle. if you wear pants and a polo get in the habit of wearing a sport coat over it heading out to the car or back. After a while slipping a paddle on and off in the car is automatic and no problem

Prior to running my own company, I worked for a national homebuilder who had a NO GUNS policy. I would carry to work, slip the gun/paddle out and slide it into a "dayplanner" cover and slip them both into my briefcase. High speed low drag no even close. But one day when I was in the office we did have an off his Meds homeowner come in looking for the company president. Had that individual had a firearm rather than a piece of closet rod, I would have I hope, been able to defend my department. NO one ever questioned my briefcase, I even just carried the "day planner" in to the office a few times. No one ever doubted that either.

I have a good friend who works in a NO GUNS law office, he keeps a J frame in a bright red fold up shaving kit bag from LL Bean. It gets dropped into his safe every night, gets pulled out every day. My wife carries in a gun purse, from coranado leather, she has her purse inspected fairly often but has put a few "monthly necessities" in the same slot as the pistol. NO guard will ever do more than look in that pocket.

The little yaqui slide holster are just the right size to hold a cell phone during the day if you decided to keep your gun in the car.

Quite frankly, I would feel that the most likely place for me to need a firearm today would be in an office building with angry customers, former employees, suppliers etc showing up.

[Falconeer]

For those of you who have answered with thoughtful, helpful ideas thank you very much. I appreciate your input.

For those of you who felt the need to belittle, insult, or otherwise make fun of the question, I'll leave my opinion to your imagination. :)

[Steven1281]

Ankle holsters are a very good tool to have when you are in holster on/off situations in the car. Most people would just think you are tying your shoe... Rarely does one carry method apply well to all situations, and you need to adapt a little based on what you are doing. You will likely wind up with a variety of carry guns and holsters as you go through the early years of carrying (takes awhile to find what will work for you). I'm pretty confident most of us have tried a variety of methods, and abandoned some and implemented others. Finding something you could pocket carry (with a holster, of course) also seems like a good solution for you.

[NineseveN]

If they find a rubber gun on you, they'll have reason to search you car (they may be able to do that, check your employee handbook) and then it's just as bad as if you'd had it on in the first place.

And that rubber gun won't protect you in the office or on the way to and from your car.

Concealed means concealed. Either carry or don't, you're trying to be "kinda pregnant" and things just don't work like that.

Good luck in whatever you choose.


P.S. Shoulder rigs and stiff dress shirts with prints on them work well, don't ask me how I know, I'll plead the fifth. ;)

[dawg23]

Posted by Falconeer: My reasoning:........................c) The size of my carry gun means pocket carry won't work. I have a C-TAC IWB holster.


Not only is the idea pretty flaky, I seriously doubt that you really carry concealed.

The Comp-Tac "C-Tac" holster doesn't need your rubber toy to keep it from collapsing. If it does, you need to contact Greg at Comp-Tac and discuss this with him. I'm sure he will gladly replace the holster at no charge.

I hope you were just jerking our chain.

[bogie]

To me this sounds like grounds for a checkup from the neckup...