Carrying... If asked, how do you reply?

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Carried daily for 35 years and have not had that happen yet.

Its called CONCEALED CARRY for a reason.

BUT,if asked I might wonder if the asker was LEO and spotted it [ I was LEO for 26 years ] and yes they are trained to spot it.

If the asker was an LEO then I would I.D. myself asap as a lawful CCW person.

And at NO time would I reach or even shift the firearm.

I see many that dress to conceal,and I presume they too are armed.

Its their business as I am not working any longer.

Only reason to note or react is if an expectation of danger.
 
In many jurisdictions it's against the law to tell someone that you're carrying concealed. Texas is especially strict concerning this issue. So, even jokingly I wouldn't say yes. I reply "That's really none of your business". or "why are you getting ready to do something violent?"
 
I have been asked 'why' I am carrying when I was carrying openly. My answer to that person is the same answer I'd give if asked if I was carrying (when it's concealed). "I think that's my business."

I don't understand why anyone would feel obligated to engage someone they don't know in a conversation.

I don’t believe in making cutesy replies or evasive responses. Several people will suggest that if someone sees a bulge in their shirt and asks what it is to say it’s a colostomy bag. Yeah, it’s funny, but my position is that my business is just that, mine. Just because someone starts talking to me doesn’t make me feel like I must reply.
 
How... would you respond to a stranger asking if you are carrying a firearm?
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I would be honest. If I've failed to keep it concealed, then I am effectively open carrying. There's nothing wrong with that; no law against it here. If they happen to notice, it's sort of the same as if I'm open carrying, and they ask if that is a gun on my hip. What would I say then? No? Concealment failure is really my failure, my fault, and I don't fault them with anything. So I would own up to it. I'm not going to play some childish game by using the, "it's my colostomy bag, none of your business, aren't you carrying one too?" type of responses. The type of person to notice, is most likely the type that is quite knowledgeable of firearms (i.e. a gun person themselves) in my experience.
 
If im ever asked IF im carrying a firearm my NEW response will be Roger's "why?, do i need one ?/ :) If im asked WHY I always ask that person if they have car/home insurance,, just in case right ?? :neener:
 
Old Fuff said:
There is an old saying, "Concealed means concealed." :uhoh:

If you are concerned about being outed you need to review the weight & size of the handgun, wardrobe, and method of carry, - as some adjustments probably should be made. This is especially true if you are pocket carrying or using an IWB holster.

A different pocket holster might help, as well as going to a lighter revolver. If you don't want to change guns, consider an inside-waistband or shoulder holster, covered by a garment. How about pants with a "baggier" look?

The Old Fuff has carried various handguns - both large and small - for over a half century, and so far no one has ask any questions. But to be honest many that might have, didn't because they knew me well enough to presume I was. ;)
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Well, as I said initially, my revolver does not print and can not be seen. I've had lots of friends check. It's really just one of those thoughts that runs through my head. And, I've wondered what the correct reply would be. I'm probably over-thinking this scenario.

Also, I have an acquaintance who considers carrying concealed as having a huge visible gun-shaped bulge under the right side of his polo shirt.

Thanks for the Great responses from everybody, and I am leaning towards answering the question with a question if it ever happens.

Of course, L.E. is a different situation, and I wasn't referring to that scenario. If that happens I would respond with 'yes, sir'.
 
I open carry 95% of the time, so it usually would not do me much good to answer no. If I was concealed carrying, the only time I would say no would be if I thought the person had criminal intent. Thankfully, where I live, carrying a gun is no big issue.

Normally, instead of people asking me if I am carrying a gun, they usually ask me what caliber it is.
 
I've never been asked whether I'm carrying a gun except when I was carrying openly. I've been asked exactly once, "Is that a gun?" to which I replied, "Sure is. I always carry a gun." The next question was, "So I guess you're a cop, hunh?" to which I replied, "No. I'm a law-abiding American citizen," followed by a Second Amendment educational chat.
 
Moot point

Carrying a gun since 1958 - dang, 53 years!
NEVER been asked when carrying concealed. Mostly positive comments when carrying open. Frankly most people don't notice a 1911 in an open holster.
 
I respond with, "why do you ask?" Regardless of their answer, I simply say "oh" and make it obvious that the discussion is closed.

BTW, it has only happened twice.
 
Lots of good answers.

I have thought that my response, when needed, would be-"that is a very personal question."

On reading these, Ill try to remember some of them, should the need ever arise.
 
[ I was LEO for 26 years ] and yes they are trained to spot it.
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Not always, and not everywhere.
It's is also based on how people conduct themselves around others. Not just a bulge at there waist line.
I think I may be giving myself away a little bit.
 
I am asking this because I frequent business establishments that have 'no guns' signs on their doors, which I view as a request that I ignore here in Texas. (no 30.06 sign, no problem carrying.
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Only a 30.06 sign makes it mandatory. However, they may still ask you to leave. If you refuse, then it's trespassing.

If they ask if you are carrying, say "No." It's none of their business and that answer will make them feel better.

Carry your S&W in an appendix holster on your belt under a loose shirt. It will never be detected.
 
I don't think most people (if any) randomly approach people to ask if they are carrying a handgun. So, considering Texas has decently strict no-show laws, chances are you printed enough for them to think you might be carrying one. And if they don't like that, they probably already called the cops/left. Someone actually asking you that is probably another gunowner curious about your choice of weapon :)

(no 30.06 sign, no problem carrying. That's the law, and their ignorance of it is not my problem) Actually, I think some business owners put those up knowing they have no legal force, simply to placate idiots who feel safer with them in the window
 
I'm in the "never been asked" group. I do have 'friend' that found my CCW by accident.
 
If it's a cop, don't lie. Notify if it's required, then just keep repeating, "Officer am I free to leave?" If not, invoke your right to remain silent and shut up.

If it's just some schlub on the street and you're bored, "Why, are you planning to try to harm me?"

Otherwise, "None of your business."
 
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