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

[CutMan]

Okay, I'm a newbie and I have searched for this question here. I haven't found the answer yet, so I decided to post it. Please be nice.

How should I, or would you respond to a stranger asking if you are carrying a firearm?

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. That's the law, and their ignorance of it is not my problem) However, when I am in these types of places, my little J-frame .357 in my pocket seems very conspicuous. Although I know it doesn't print. What would you say? What should I say? To a store employee?

I feel that my initial response would be 'none of your business', which might as well be the same as 'yes'.

 

[wow6599]

"Maybe, maybe not.......why?"

I have used this line a few times, but only to friends or co-workers.

 

[zxcvbob]

Ask them if they are wearing underwear.

 

[armsmaster270]

Ask them "Are you."

 

[Gunnerab]

I am? Is what I usually say with the question mark, because it can mean I am carrying a gun or im not carrying a gun. Try to confuse them a bit haha

 

[wep45]

respond to a stranger asking if you are carrying a firearm?

response: why would i need a firearm?

 

[TempestP226]

"Why? Do I look pregnant?" Coming from a guy, it usually gets an akward look.

 

[MarkDozier]

I would pull out my pen and ask for name, phone number, address and tell them i am required to report all foriegn contacts to my goverment.

 

[N003k]

I'd probably just give them a wierd look, and ask them if I know them, and why they would walk up to a stranger and ask if they're carrying a gun.

Odds are that'll get them moving along, or at least change the subject.

 

[ultradoc]

Have been carrying for years and this hasn't happened to me [yet] and hope it doesn't. But there are some good answers that I should remember if ever the time comes.

 

[zxcvbob]

There's always the "I'm just happy to see you" line

 

[Unistat]

I tell everyone who asks that it's my colostomy bag.

 

[Jonah71]

I too have been carrying for years. I've never been asked by a stranger. Only one LEO in the line at a Caseys Store and he was only curious about the caliber. I think I may be tempted to just ignore a stranger and pretend not to have heard the question. If I believed them to be the owner of the business, I guess I'd answer "Yes, but if it'a a problem I will leave now." I'm positive business owners in my area that have those signs up could tell I was carrying but have never said anything. But in the very small, rural towns I'm talking about the response may be different.

 

[Vartarg]

Long time

I've been carrying regularly for16 years....never happened once. Relax...everyone's not paying attention to you.

 

[Bubbles]

Q: Are you carrying a gun?

A: Why do you ask? Do you think I should?

I've found that most folks are so unobservant that they don't notice even openly-carried firearms, never mind concealed ones.

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

I've been carrying for a decade and have never been asked. If you conceal well enough then nobody will know you have it. I even use the typical hawaiian shirt to conceal my Glock in the summer and have never been approached.

 

[zxcvbob]

I've found that most folks are so unobservant that they don't notice even openly-carried firearms, never mind concealed ones.

I have worn a very-poorly-concealed (bottom third visible below my shirt) empty holster to work a couple of times just to see if anybody noticed. They don't.

 

[IlikeSA]

Of course! Where's yours? (in a super friendly tone) If they say they aren't, give them a weird look and say "why not?" I make them seem to the be the strange one.

 

[hermannr]

I don't think you will ever have anyone other than LE ask you that, and if someone I did not know asked me, I would consider the circumstances, but my standard reply would be to ask them an unrelated question.

Under normal circumstances, it is none of their business but just saying that is too impolite for me. It is much more polite just to divert the conversation.

I have also never been asked, except when OC, and then it was a polite "hunting?" (answer yes) by a Sherrif's Deputy. And, as I said the holster was fully exposed.

 

[ForumSurfer]

Honestly I'd say no unless I was legally obliged to say yes. Any response other than "no" will reveal a "yes." I don't like to lie, but I'm not going to compromise my safety to answer someone's curiosity.

I've never been asked except by a police officer after I informed him of my CHP (a legal requirement here in NC).

 

[Old Fuff]

There is an old saying, "Concealed means concealed."

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.

 

[md2lgyk]

I've carried for years and have only been asked that question once: at an interview for a job with the WA State Police.

 

[Cop Bob]

Would probably just draw a dirty look, like are you nuts? and continue with my business...
I have been carrying for about 37 years now... never been asked... ever...

When My slip has shown accidentally, In the days before CCW, I was asked once, in a marina,burger joint/bar, I produced the needed documents.. but never an issue...

Heck here in Texas, in most areas outside of the large citys, it's not a big deal to most...

 

[Nushif]

Of course! Where's yours?

I actually do say that, or something along those lines. Usually I get a reply like "I dun have one" or "At home. What do you carry?"
edit: My usual reply actually is "Sure! You?" now that I'm thinking back to when it happens.

Think about it this way:
If the person asking you is actually concerned, saying something dodgy or being evasive means that there *is* something wrong with it. But a simple and honest answer shows them that there's nothing wrong with it and that you really only have something over it out of courtesy.
Of course a friendly demeanor helps a lot. Reading some of this board though I'm not sure my answers would work for about half the people. Needing a friendly and open demeanor and all. >.O

 

[Roger Ronas]

"Why, am I going to need one?"