If you are going into someone's home and you conceal carry, do you normally let that person know beforehand? One of my girlfriend's old friends has invited us to their home for dinner with their family. I do not know what their stance is on gun control. Do you all usually leave your firearm in the car, tell them ahead of time, or say nothing at all?
Conceal Carry Etiquette
- Thread starter Praxidike
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It depends on your state. In Arkansas, I'm required to notify someone if I'm CC-ing in their home. In other states, such notification may not be required. Either they know that I'll be carrying (I've given a few people a "standing notification" that I carry, so that I don't have to keep reminding them), or I don't carry in their house.
If not, then the question of "Must I tell them?" has been answered. The question of "Should I tell them?" is a different matter entirely. If the "old friend" is a good friend of your girlfriend, is there any chance your girlfriend could sound out the old friend about her family's position on guns?
Speedo66
Member
If they spot it and you didn't tell them, would that create a problem?
Ask your girl friend's opinion, she knows them best.
I don't leave guns in cars, so I'd probably leave it home if I wasn't sure how they'd react. Or perhaps your GF can call and ask ahead of time.
Ask your girl friend's opinion, she knows them best.
I don't leave guns in cars, so I'd probably leave it home if I wasn't sure how they'd react. Or perhaps your GF can call and ask ahead of time.
Arkansas Paul
Member
All of my friends just assume I'm carrying, whether I am or not. Because they know me. 
Seriously, in the situation you mentioned, I'd leave it in the car or at home, depending on how you feel about leaving one in your vehicle.
Seriously, in the situation you mentioned, I'd leave it in the car or at home, depending on how you feel about leaving one in your vehicle.
Outlaw Man
Member
I have friends to whom I say, "I'm a vampire," alluding to the idea that vampires can't come in unless invited. Otherwise, depending on the circumstances, I either leave it in the car or at home. Some people can't understand, but I respect their property rights.
Al Thompson
Moderator Emeritus
For other folks, be cautious. Lots of CWP holders here (SC) don't realize that you have a duty to inform a homeowner if you carry into their abode.
If you come to my house unarmed, suitable firearms can be lent.
If you come to my house unarmed, suitable firearms can be lent.
cowtownup
Member
I would notify or not carry in their home... If you carry concealed in my home and don't tell me and I spot it, you will be asked to leave. IMO, it's simply respect for another persons home. I faced a similar scenario recently and elected to not carry just to avoid the whole issue, plus I felt safe in this persons home. Good luck with whatever you decide...
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
I'd no more discuss my gun than my underwear. I've carried many, many places where permission was not sought nor required.
But do check your state laws to be sure (www.handgunlaw.us).
And of course no request would ever be half so willingly granted.
But do check your state laws to be sure (www.handgunlaw.us).
Schwing
Member
+1 on this sentiment. I would also add that I have a friend who's wife made it very clear that there will "Never be a gun allowed into my home".... He comes to my house when we get together.
jad0110
Member
Notification is not required in my state, and I don't do so. Carrying has become so natural and common place to me that I don't really even think about it. It's no different than wearing a watch to me.
wally
Member
Don't ask, Don't tell. If its concealed properly, nobody will know.
Zaydok Allen
Member
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This for me
But, new aquaintance, I'd ask my GF.
LOL!!!! Nice
But, new aquaintance, I'd ask my GF.
LOL!!!! Nice
I do not ask nor do I tell, unless it comes up via discussion.
The same is true of my pocket knife. I do not ask permission to carry my Spyderco into their home, no do I feel the need to tell them about it.
Depending on circumstances I do pay a little more attention to concealment.
The_Armed_Therapist
Member
Why would they spot it? Carry on!
Concealed doesn't necessarily mean that nobody knows (or suspects) that it is there.
Not everybody will carry the same gun the same way.
A S&W 642 in a Smartcarry under jeans probably won't be spotted. A mid size gun IWB under a T-shirt just might.
Dr_B
member
That describes me as well and also goes for my coworkers who run into me off campus. I suppose there are some friends who I do not discuss guns with, so they probably never think about it. But generally my gun is sort of like my wallet, it goes everywhere with me. Just carry unless you are required to tell the person by law.
ArmedOkie
Member
Don't say a damn thing. Personally, I don't usually go in people's homes that I don't know well enough that they already expect me to be carrying a gun when I come over. And none of my friends are gun-fearing either.
Bobson
Member
Everyone I know well enough to visit at home already knows I'm carrying.
huntsman
Member
I don't tell anyone what's in my pocket nor do I let anyone stick their hand in my pocket so as they say concealed is concealed.
BullfrogKen
Moderator Emeritus
It's been over a decade since I referred to my wife as my girlfriend. Even still, my wife at the time knew my position on firearms, and trusted me because she knew me and loved me.
I'd have asked her if where I was going would have been a serious issue before we went.
Through the passage of time, my girlfriend-become-wife came to know I'd have a gun on me as sure as my debit card. And we both became just as comfortable with it. So did her family. And friends are fleeting . . .
So I'll leave you with this.
If you carrying your gun isn't yet as comfortable as you carrying your wallet, don't bring it. Just go without it and enjoy the visit in their home. Leave it in your vehicle if that makes you happy.
My family - my extended family - doesn't bat an eye knowing I have a gun on my hip. They accept it as commonplace as the wallet in my pocket.
Contrary to what the popular media would have you believe, gun ownership is mainstream. And its becoming more accepted that Carry Permits/Licenses are mainstream, too.
If you handle it as mainstream, and as commonplace as your wallet, the more those around you will see it the same way.
That's not hyperbole. I know a lot of people in my office who have a PA License to Carry. The majority of them are women. No joke.
I'd have asked her if where I was going would have been a serious issue before we went.
Through the passage of time, my girlfriend-become-wife came to know I'd have a gun on me as sure as my debit card. And we both became just as comfortable with it. So did her family. And friends are fleeting . . .
So I'll leave you with this.
If you carrying your gun isn't yet as comfortable as you carrying your wallet, don't bring it. Just go without it and enjoy the visit in their home. Leave it in your vehicle if that makes you happy.
My family - my extended family - doesn't bat an eye knowing I have a gun on my hip. They accept it as commonplace as the wallet in my pocket.
Contrary to what the popular media would have you believe, gun ownership is mainstream. And its becoming more accepted that Carry Permits/Licenses are mainstream, too.
If you handle it as mainstream, and as commonplace as your wallet, the more those around you will see it the same way.
That's not hyperbole. I know a lot of people in my office who have a PA License to Carry. The majority of them are women. No joke.
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