How concealed??

[DeepSouth]

My question is if you have a CCW and a license just how concealed does it have to be? for instance if someone carries a Ruger Blackhawk in their front pocket you would probably be able to tell as soon as they walked into the room that they were "packing." But you couldn't actually see the gun so is it legal? Is there a limit on how bad a weapon can print? Would this vary from state to state.

 

[Zundfolge]

Depends on where you are.

In general if you live where open carry is legal and unencumbered than printing and flashing are not an issue.

In some jurisdictions, printing too much will cost you your permit.

Would this vary from state to state.

Hell, this could vary from county to county or town to town too.

where you at?

 

[shotgunjoel]

I've often thought about this, but since Illinois has no carry whatsoever it wasn't anything I really looked into. I'll keep an eye on this one.

 

[sernv99]

you may have the right to carry conceal but use common sense. A gun sticking out would certainly cause concern in a lot of places. How do the other folks know you are not gonna do a V-Tech style slaying and start going bonkers? You will be surprised by how many people who live around that don't know CCW is legal, unless you live in a town with a population of 20 LOL Sort of like when you hear in the news about folks of Middle Eastern descent being hassled because they talk about in public, the safest place to sit on a plane in case of an emergency during the flight. Yeah they may have the right to talk about anything they want to but in this day and age, it's common sense that dictates that perhaps you shouldn't be discussing such things in public given your ethnicity.

 

[Jim K]

CCW carriers should definitely make sure the gun is concealed, and some areas require it. Further, even when you are entirely legal, the police have the right to stop you and ask to see your license IF they see you are carrying. That is a bother and an inconvenience even with friendly LEOs; with unfriendly ones it can be a big hassle.

And if someone sees your weapon and panics you could be charged with disturbing the peace and possibly lose your license.

Even when I carried legally out of uniform (as a LEO), I made sure the gun was concealed, and I advise anyone else to do the same.

Jim

 

[twoclones]

In my experience, it would take a LOT of printing to attract any attention at all. I don't worry about printing but neither do I carry a Blackhawk.

People carry all manner of devices [cell phones to measuring tapes ] on their belts and in pockets. All of us are accustomed to these bulges and simply do not notice them.

Flashing might be more of a problem particularly in an area not accustomed to open carry.

 

[Japle]

Not worth worrying about. People are too wrapped up in their own lives to be looking for guns or to notice any lumps under your clothes.

I carryed a S&W M29 in an OWB holster for a couple of weeks just for fun. I'm 5'9" and 150 lbs and was wearing Hawaiian shirts and cargo shorts. The gun is huge and sticks out a mile. The speedloader pouches are almost as bad. No one gave me a second look. My wife says it's because of my face.

Anyhow, printing is a non-issue. Maybe if you carry OWB under a tight white T-shirt it could be a problem. Otherwise, no.

 

[jakemccoy]

If it's not showing, I don't think it's an issue. I've never noticed a handgun if it's not exposed. Then again, how would I know for sure without actually seeing the gun? Every handgun prints at least a little. Nowadays, there are so many things in pockets or on belts that could be handguns. Of course, you could be hassled for anything.

 

[ACBMWM3]

Yes depnds on your area. when i carry i usually do it in an inside pants holster.
I do sometimes keep it in a kydex paddle holster if im wearing a jacket.
We dont really have a law on open carry here in WA, but its looked down apon and can usually can result in problems with the PD who think there is a NO OPEN CARRY LAW in washington, which there is not...

 

[armedandsafe]

I wear a square-tailed vest all the time. This does all the concealing of my IWB that is necessary.

If you are in WA, there are a couple of letters floating about and a training sheet from one of the wet side cities that I can lead you onto that explain in plain language that the AG and the LAW does not forbid open carry. I still wouldn't try it in Seattle or Olympia, though.

I do know one WA State Legislator who carries on the floor. (S)He says (s)he is not the only one. No, I will not tell you who.

Pops

 

[Dr. Fresh]

CCW carriers should definitely make sure the gun is concealed, and some areas require it. Further, even when you are entirely legal, the police have the right to stop you and ask to see your license IF they see you are carrying. That is a bother and an inconvenience even with friendly LEOs; with unfriendly ones it can be a big hassle.

And if someone sees your weapon and panics you could be charged with disturbing the peace and possibly lose your license.

Even when I carried legally out of uniform (as a LEO), I made sure the gun was concealed, and I advise anyone else to do the same.

Jim

This really depends on the state.

 

[ACBMWM3]

armedandsafe,
ive carried open in Seattle and I also would not recommend it. People just get freaked out, i mean its not a big deal get over it people.

 

[texas bulldog]

in texas, the statute says the permit holder may not "intentionally fail to conceal" the weapon. so in theory, your shirt coming up over your gun shouldn't be a problem...unless the officer, in his judgment, feels it was done on purpose. of course, that judgment may vary considerably depending on which officer or department we're talking about. so your best bet, IMHO, is to not let it come into question.