CC questions

[bcp280z]

If I print is it bad?

What if it is minimal, like just the corner of the grip?

I typically wear IWB at about 4 o' clock and if it shows to much switch to belly band.

And what if I were to wear it at 3 o' clock and it would just show a bulge on my right under the shirt, it doesn't look like anything just a bulge to my figure, I don't do it because it looks funny.

If I bend over and part of the grip is exposed I usually correct myself and rub it off as pulling up my belt/pants, would that be illegal/trouble if the law were to see?

I know I can't go to a place thats main intent is alcohol ie bar/club, does that include restaurants?...And is it ok to have one(a gun) in my vehicle but not on my person?

That's all I have for now, a bit unsure and new to CC as I got it last Nov. Didn't know where to look so any factual info is appreciated.

 

[ultradoc]

I wear baggy shirts and shirts with patterns helps also to break up printing. In Ohio a law was just passed that you can C.C. into a drinking establishment but you can't drink if you are carrying.

 

[mljdeckard]

Start at handgunlaw.us

They have pretty detailed information as to the laws in individual states. My state has no restrictions on bars or restaurants, and the standard for carrying under the influence is the same as for driving. (.08.) We recently passed a law where we can carry in our vehicle without a permit. Look up Florida.

As for printing, I don't need to worry too much about it in my state, because I can open carry anywhere I can carry concealed. But we shouldn't be sloppy about it either. So, like the above poster, I wear baggy or loose-fitting clothes. I carry a full-size 1911 in the waistband, in a Crossbreed Supertuck. Jeans shorts, loose t-shirts, 100+ degrees, no problem.

 

[Sam1911]

"Printing" isn't a legal violation anywhere I've ever heard of. In states where open carrying is not legal sometimes there is a definition in the law of deliberately causing your gun to be seen -- akin to brandishing -- but if you're making any reasonable effort to conceal it, you're fine.

The fact that you might have a odd lump when you bend over is a non-issue. NO ONE (except possibly other gun nuts, and every so often a police officer) notices lumps and bulges around others' waists.

First off, as many open-carriers will tell you, people are grossly oblivious, and will generally not even notice you carrying a stainless .44 Mag open on your hip, let alone a service-sized or compact auto in a concealment holster. Second, everyone has so many cell phones, flashlights, PDAs, key rings, and other junk on their belts these days that an extra lump or two isn't going to attract any attention at all.

And if you are carrying legally, what someone else (even a police officer) suspects you might have with you is no cause of concern to you. You can't be frisked, searched, cuffed, and/or "stuffed" just because a bulge under your clothes might be a legally carried gun.

 

[danez71]

And if you are carrying legally, what someone else (even a police officer) suspects you might have with you is no cause of concern to you. You can't be frisked, searched, cuffed, and/or "stuffed" just because a bulge under your clothes might be a legally carried gun.

I agree and also disagree.

I really try not to print because I have a concern that if I'm in a store and a store employee see's a mystery lump under my shirt... they may think I'm a shop lifter.

If they think I'm a shop lifter....

 

[Sam1911]

If they think you're a shop lifter ... WHAT?

Well, you're not. So what then? You can choose to comply with their investigations or not, depending on state laws and such. (I'd just leave. Not sure exactly what powers a store clerk or mall security might have to physically detain you, but that really is irrelevant.)

And then what? You aren't shoplifting. They can't charge you with anything. They'll probably get REAL wide eyes if/when you decide to make clear what that bulge really is, but you're legal so you have no concerns. They can ask you to leave the store ... again, no big loss: they just falsely accused you of shoplifting. Do you really want to hang around and spend your money there?

Seriously, worrying that someone's going to think I'm shoplifting because of a slight bulge under my shirt would be very far from a concern. More a cause for high humor than worry.

I've always wanted to use that old phrase, "No, that's my colostomy bag. Gee, thanks for mentioning it!"

 

[danez71]

If they think you're a shop lifter ... WHAT?

Well, you're not. So what then?

You know 'what'.

I then have unneeded and unwanted attention and also am inconvenienced.

None of things are good IMO.


I prefer to just really not try to print and accomplish what I'm trying to do which is conceal my gun.

 

[Sam1911]

You know 'what'.
I then have unneeded and unwanted attention and also am inconvenienced.
None of things are good IMO.

Well, that's true. But you'd better keep your cell phone, PDA, fanny pack, key chains, and any other carried items very low profile too. Seriously, even store "loss management" personnel aren't going to hassle you over a bulge at your waist line. Unless they see you taking something, they aren't going to approach you. They know better than to hassle every customer who has something under their shirt at their waste line. Discouraging blatant theft is important to them, but even one false "hit" is a big mistake. They'd rather lose a few CDs or whatever than drive off customers by pulling the Gestapo routine on folks who didn't take anything. They do that more than once and their management will be encouraging them to seek other employment.

And, on second thought, shoplifters probably try to keep their pilfered goods on the down-low. Maybe NOT having bulges at your waist would look suspicious! What then?

I prefer to just really not try to print and accomplish what I'm trying to do which is conceal my gun.

Well, no one's TRYING to "print," and it is reasonable to make an effort to cover your gun from view. My only point was spending a lot of time in front of a mirror making sure it is completely undetectable and then worrying about it while you're out and about is silly.

 

[PcolaDawg]

If I print is it bad?

What if it is minimal, like just the corner of the grip?

I typically wear IWB at about 4 o' clock and if it shows to much switch to belly band.

And what if I were to wear it at 3 o' clock and it would just show a bulge on my right under the shirt, it doesn't look like anything just a bulge to my figure, I don't do it because it looks funny.

If I bend over and part of the grip is exposed I usually correct myself and rub it off as pulling up my belt/pants, would that be illegal/trouble if the law were to see?

I know I can't go to a place thats main intent is alcohol ie bar/club, does that include restaurants?...And is it ok to have one(a gun) in my vehicle but not on my person?

That's all I have for now, a bit unsure and new to CC as I got it last Nov. Didn't know where to look so any factual info is appreciated.

I agree with what others on here have said about people generally being oblivious. The only time anyone has ever noticed I was carrying was when I was carrying a Taurus Judge in a holster on my hip with nothing but a t-shirt covering it. That having been said, for my OWN comfort level, I would just as soon NOT print, and I generally try to carry in a way that I won't. And that includes making sure the grip cannot be seen regardless of my movement.

 

[Creature]

danez71 wrote:

I really try not to print because I have a concern that if I'm in a store and a store employee see's a mystery lump under my shirt... they may think I'm a shop lifter.

If they think I'm a shop lifter....

Have you even been detained by store security on suspicion of shoplifting because of "printing"?? I worked security for several years at a large department store chain and we had very strict guidelines to follow in order to avoid civil suits and worse. Generally, security can only question you if you are seen stealing either on surveillance video or eyes on.

 

[2wheels]

You know 'what'.

I then have unneeded and unwanted attention and also am inconvenienced.

None of things are good IMO.


I prefer to just really not try to print and accomplish what I'm trying to do which is conceal my gun.

What are you afraid is going to happen?

I work with an ex Home Depot security guy, his job was to walk around the store all day in street clothes and catch shoplifters. I've talked to him quite a bit about how businesses like that deal with shoplifting.

Realistically, they aren't going to approach you unless they SEE you stuffing something down your pants. They might follow you around the store to confirm any suspicions, but it's doubtful they'll mess with you over a bulge.

I'm all about not having my time wasted by people barely making above minimum wage, but I don't think being bothered by store security is something to worry about.

 

[ForumSurfer]

I carry daily (when I can) and sometimes I do print when I lean over, bend over or reach over my head. Hell, if I'm carrying OWB and I reach waaaaay over my head you may get to see a tiny bit of kydex. I could complete avoid it if I wore shirts a size larger and longer but I refuse. I spend at least 5 days a week in the gym and I'm never going to wear my chunky clothes again, thank you very much.

If my ever so slight printing ever causes a problem, I'll post it here.

Edit:: I'd also like to agree that most people's Droid or iPhone hip holsters "bulge" more than my glock or whatever I may be carrying.

 

[PX15]

Yep...

"Printing is bad"..

The very idea of CONCEALED carry is that your weapon of choice actually be CONCEALED..

Not "almost concealed", or "generally concealed", but 100% concealed... All the time..

A little "printing" is like being a "little bit pregnant"..

No such animal.

IF the weapon you are trying to carry concealed cannot be easily carried concealed without "printing" (little/large) I respectfully suggest you have made the incorrect choice in what you are carrying.

As with everything in life there is a trade-off in carrying a concealed firearm.

The physical make up of some folks allow for cc of a larger firearm than a runt (such as myself)... The weather will impact what you can carry and when. For example, here in S.E. it is 7 times hotter than the depths of hades in the summer.. So, no outer garment can be worn to help with the "concealed" part of "concealed carry".. There are many variables that will affect what you can carry, but no matter what you carry, it should be 100% CONCEALED, always... There should be no concern for "printing" and as soon as someone picks up the fact that you are carrying a firearm it is no longer a concealed firearm.

For me personally I have found that I can carry my LWS380, or LCP in a rear pocket holster 12 months out of the year. A quality (rear) pocket holster will have an anti-PRINT flap and accidental "printing" is not a problem.

During the cooler months, when I feel the need for a bit more firepower, I carry (in addition to my mousegun) a 9MM pistol in a FIST Kydex iwb.. FIST makes an extremely ugly, but extremely thin and well designed holster, molded to the the gun of your choice. As long as I have an outer garment, jacket, etc. I'm good to go.

There are many ways to carry a firearm concealed and everyone has their preference... You have heard mine, but I have absolutely no axe to grind in that if YOU or anyone else has found a better way for that person to cc a firearm, more power to them..

But if you are accidently "printing" you have made the wrong choice.

IMHO.

No offense,

Jesse

 

[ForumSurfer]

I don't get the big deal about printing. My wallet prints which could be mistaken for a LCP in the pocket, right? My cell phone in my pocket prints. A cell phone on my hip would print, and given the size of today's phones it could be mistaken for a small semiauto or a spare mag depending on what phone it is. My keys may even print a little. If you are that worried about your gun printing, are you that worried about everything on your person printing?

For me personally I have found that I can carry my LWS380, or LCP in a rear pocket holster 12 months out of the year. A quality (rear) pocket holster will have an anti-PRINT flap and accidental "printing" is not a problem.

No offense, and I'm not trying to be argumentative...but that gun, combined with the holster and the flap may not print, but doesn't it create a bulge? Isn't a bulge just a large print?

Granted, when I say "print" I mean the occasional bulge from the butt of a handgun when you are moving about at odd positions (like bending over and grabbing something from a bottom shelf)...not a giant handgun shaped impression on a tight t-shirt.

 

[ny32182]

I used to worry about it, but now I don't care. I carry regularly, and don't spend my time looking at other guys' waistlines. Even if I did, I would not assume that any "bulge" I thought I saw was a gun. The chances of it being anything else are much higher.

People who don't carry are going to be 110% completely oblivious to anything attached to your belt under your shirt. Don't let any actual gun or holster poke out (that is my policy), and you will be just fine. Even if you did, the chances that anyone would actually notice are extremely slim. It is just not the concern you think it is when you start carrying.

 

[Sam1911]

Yep..."Printing is bad"..

Eh, stewed carrots are bad. Printing is somewhere between unfortunate and no issue at all.

Many of us live in states where OC is as legal as CC. "Printing" in such places has neither any legal -- nor usually any serious social -- consequences.

Consider it the equivalent of going out with your fly not completely zipped.

For most of us it would be less significant than that -- like having forgotten to button your collar button.

The very idea of CONCEALED carry is that your weapon of choice actually be CONCEALED..Not "almost concealed", or "generally concealed", but 100% concealed... All the time..

So how about those of us who just prefer to CARRY, and "concealed" is a minor sub-condition of the general state of going armed?

A little "printing" is like being a "little bit pregnant"..
No such animal.

Look, a trained person can spot various "tells" to indicate that someone is carrying a gun even if it is completely invisible to the eye. On the other hand, your average mall-goer wouldn't notice a gold-plated Desert Eagle on your hip. "Printing" certainly has various shades of meaning. Speaking in absolutes makes you appear foolish.

IF the weapon you are trying to carry concealed cannot be easily carried concealed without "printing" (little/large) I respectfully suggest you have made the incorrect choice in what you are carrying.

Or that you don't really care about being detected by a careful observation and that you'd rather have at your side a weapon that works better for you, sits in a fast and secure belt holster rather than buried in a pocket, shoots more powerful ammo, or holds more rounds than some pocket-mouse gun.

Much ado about nothing.

 

[PX15]

Hey Folks,

I'm an old fart..

When I say "printing" of a firearm that is supposed to be CONCEALED is bad, I am expressing my personal opinion and speaking for myself and myself only..

If you have no problem with your firearm printing, then more power to ya.

For me personally I don't want ANYONE to know I am carrying a concealed weapon, but that's just me.

I've held to that theory for the over 4 1/2 decades I've been legally carrying a concealed weapon, but I have absolutely no quarrel with someone who has a different opinion..

Just conversin', not confrontin'

Jesse

 

[Sam1911]

Gotcha. Sorry to jump on ya!

 

[bcp280z]

Thanks for the replies, Main reason I asked, I recently acquired 2 new Glocks, a 23 and 27, they're much fatter than my 438 but smaller than my M&P so I thought I'd try carrying them. Perhaps later I'll invest in a good holster I was just using the Blackhawk soft IWB (cheap and easy) clip on holsters they came with. But for now I guess I won't worry about it.

For fun I like to practice trying to see if others are carrying, I haven't actually noticed another's gun yet.

 

[ForumSurfer]

Hey Folks,

I'm an old fart..

When I say "printing" of a firearm that is supposed to be CONCEALED is bad, I am expressing my personal opinion and speaking for myself and myself only..

If you have no problem with your firearm printing, then more power to ya.

For me personally I don't want ANYONE to know I am carrying a concealed weapon, but that's just me.

I've held to that theory for the over 4 1/2 decades I've been legally carrying a concealed weapon, but I have absolutely no quarrel with someone who has a different opinion..

Just conversin', not confrontin'

Jesse

No problem. I'm not trying to jump on ya.

I like it here because we can respectfully disagree in a friendly way. Most other sites degrade into finger pointing and name calling at this point. I like reading your opinion and others that differ from mine. I'm pretty open minded and willing to change if I discover my technique is wrong.

I just like to state my opinion because many new comers read these posts. I don't want them to think that if you print you'll be tackled, handcuffed, gagged and stopped constantly.

you don't really care about being detected by a careful observation and that you'd rather have at your side a weapon that works better for you, sits in a fast and secure belt holster rather than buried in a pocket, shoots more powerful ammo, or holds more rounds than some pocket-mouse gun.

Many of us go at it with this approach day in and day out for years. I've never been hassled because of it and I'm pretty sure I've been spotted after standing up and exchanging glances and nods (like when I get down on a knee since they always insist on putting 9mm and 223 on the bottom ammo shelf ).

To each his own.

Main reason I asked, I recently acquired 2 new Glocks, a 23 and 27, they're much fatter than my 438 but smaller than my M&P so I thought I'd try carrying them.

I carry a 19. I also just bought a 26. To me, the smaller one is a bobtailed version of the larger with a beveled finish on the slide. Either carries just fine in jeans (or shorts) and a t-shirt in a crossbreed style holster. I also just purchased a owb holster from a member here who makes them(similar to the raven concealment) and I can carry either no problem OWB with a tshirt and a button down cover shirt. I could carry in a t-shirt, but the t-shirt would need to be too long for my tastes to cover an owb holster.

 

[danez71]

I'm with PX15.... jeez... I state that I dont like to print and give my reasons and I'm replied to like I'm saying something wrong.

Sorry... but I'm not wrong. I just believe concealed means concealed.

If others dont mind printing fine with them.


Yes, I have been approached by security. I had a cell phone and keys in a front pocket. Apparently someone saw me adjusting and thought I may be shop lifting.

So... 2wheels and Creature... that may be YOUR experience but it certainly isnt FACT every where every time.

If someone isnt concerned about concealing.... they should just OC IMO.


Jiminey Crickets.... it isnt about being 'right'... its about discussion and sharing.... isnt it?

And no... I dont stand in front of the mirror for hours. I know I do print on occassions... very minor though.

 

[Guardrail]

I agree and also disagree.

I really try not to print because I have a concern that if I'm in a store and a store employee see's a mystery lump under my shirt... they may think I'm a shop lifter.

If they think I'm a shop lifter....

Most shoplifters aren't armed. Shop robbers on the other hand...

Guardrail

 

[smince]

If you are worried about printing, carry a tiny pistol with sub-optimal rounds that is so deep and concealed in the pocket you can't get it out if you need it.

Printing will be the least of your concerns.

 

[PX15]

smi:

Respectfully,

I carry my LWS380, or my LCP in a back pocket holster and I assure you I can access it as fast, if not faster, than you can however you choose to carry your cc weapon of choice..

Withdrawing my pistol from my left rear pocket is simple.. As simple as pulling out my wallet from the right rear pocket if I had a choice of shooting some one, or giving him/her/them, my wallet...

I'm not killing anyone for the little cash I have in my wallet, and only if I think my life is threatened will I pull out my firearm vs the wallet..

But, nice to have the option..

I don't worry about "printing" which either is, or is not, a concern for some folks (it is for me) and while the performance of the 6+1 Federal Premium 90gn Hydrashok jhp's are considered "minimal" by some, they are light years better than those 9's/40's or 45's that reside in my higher caliber pistols I had to leave at home because they could NOT be carried and concealed for one reason or another.

And living in S.E. Georgia one of those reasons I leave my hand cannons at home for the comfort and concealment ease of my mouseguns is because it's simply too darn hot to do otherwise.

When the temperature exceeds the century mark and the humidity is beyond belief there is simply NO WAY some folks can cc a larger firearm....

I've yet to here of anyone asking to be shot with ANY caliber firearm, and actually having a small caliber firearm on my person when nothing larger is practical works for me.

Best Wishes ,

Jesse

 

[smince]

When the temperature exceeds the century mark and the humidity is beyond belief there is simply NO WAY some folks can cc a larger firearm....

I lived in south Ga for 4 years. Alabama humidity isn't very much different. Somehow, in all the discomfort, I manage to carry a Glock 19 and spare magazine daily, concealed, with no printing problems.

As for the rest, I hope it works out for you...