Printing while concealed?

[Frog48]

I'm in the process of getting a CHL, and under Texas law it cannot be obvious that you're carrying.

I'm wondering how LEO's interpret the law, and how it is enforced. Will a slight bulge under your shirt drawn attention, or will LEO's generally leave you alone as long as you dont appear to be "up to no good"?

During the winter, its not an issue, as its easy to conceal when wearing jeans and heavy shirts. But summers around here are very hot and I'm concerned that concealing/printing might be an issue when wearing lightweight clothes like khaki shorts and t-shirts.

 

[alex_trebek]

I was really nervous and self-conscious about this when I first began carrying. I was sure someone would see the buldge in the summer, at first I actually only carried in the winter.

Later I started realizing that people don't pay attention at all to their surroundings. If you are in a public place and see a stranger that is keeping a close watch on others, then that person is either carrying or looking for targets. If that person is carrying, odds are they won't care if you are (as long as you aren't acting suspiciously). If they are a criminal, and happen to notice there is the possibility of a positive result (namely him/her simply leaving you alone).

Also, I realized that I was exaggerating the weapon's bulge, and it was mostly in my head.

I have been carrying for years now, when not at work (gov property), and not on campus. I have never been "made." To this day my own mother has to pat me on the side to see if I am carrying (always out of curiousity). I decided if my own mother can't tell, then a stranger won't either.

So my point is, it is probably worse in your head than in real life, and this is one of the facets of carry you will quickly get used to.

Out of curiosity, what handgun are you planning on carrying?

 

[csmkersh]

Don't sweat printing.

And don't worry overly about the wind blowing your shirt or jacket open and inadvertantly showing your carry. Pay close attention to all of TxPC 46.035 including the new part in section (h) that provides a defense to prosecution for brandishing if deadly force would have been justified.

​

 

[freddd]

+1 to what alex said. I was so afraid someone would make me, but I forgot that nobody is looking for it. One can easily overestimate how much is "poking" out because you're not used to carrying. Besides, what's to say it's not a cell phone or something else. People are usually clueless.

 

[Frog48]

Out of curiosity, what handgun are you planning on carrying?

That still up in the air. I love 1911's, but I think my fullsize Springfield would be a little too big. So... I'm thinking of a 3" 1911 variant, such as a Kimber Ultra Carry or Springfield Micro.

 

[oneshooter]

Covered in Texas

I carry a full size SIG 220/45 in a IWB holster. Only a light cover shirt over it all. The shirt is somewhat oversized and is not buttoned. I have a little trouble with a high wind, but just hold my shirt closed on my gun side with my arm.

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas

 

[pruav]

With cells phones and what not hanging on belts these days I don't think a bulge would be a problem. It only becomes a problem if the pistol becomes unconcealed.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

These days a bulge underneath a shirt could be anything - cellphone, PDA, medical device, Gameboy, etc.

I've been carrying for eight years now and my family knows that I carry. Just the other day, one of them spotted me printing for the first time. By and large, people are not real observant and there are plenty of plausible explanations that should pop to mind before "gun"

 

[freddd]

Be a man. Carry a full size 1911. It can be done.

 

[maestro pistolero]

Not a particularly good idea to let it show. The most common mistake most people make when CCW is the "security check", where the person carrying can't keep their hand off the gun. It's what a poker player might call a "tell".

Get a secure holster, hide it well, and then leave it alone in public. There is nothing to be gained by allowing others to see it, or by calling their attention to your 'bump'. And you will lose the element of surprise if you need to use it to deter an attack.

I'm not saying you shouldn't display the weapon FOR A REASON such as a lower level threat, such as a perp attempting to intimidate you at an ATM (happened twice to me).

 

[vegasHeat]

I got my CCW in Nevada last week. I was so nervous when i carried for the first time. I thought people would notice even with it being under my shirt.

Almost a week later, its part of me like my watch and wedding band. At times, my grip may print a bit, but no one ever seems to notice, even when i wear a white t-shirt.

BTW - i carry an XD9 Service - my next is the SC version.

 

[Elza]

alex_trebek: Also, I realized that I was exaggerating the weapon's bulge, and it was mostly in my head.

Very true. I finally got it through my thick skull that the “bulge” was in my mind. I carry a Ruger P90 IWB. The point of the butt will occasionally show but doesn’t really suggest a gun. Only a fellow gunny would notice (maybe).

My big problem is keeping my hand off of it. For years I carried my cell, flashlight, and knife on my left side. I would commonly and unconsciously hook my hand on them. Now they are on the right side and the gun is on the left. I have to be very careful not to hang my hand on it.

Plus, Texas is not anal about printing as are some states. As long as you make an honest effort to conceal it you shouldn’t have any problems.

 

[HKUSP45C]

Plus, Texas is not anal about printing as are some states. As long as you make an honest effort to conceal it you shouldn’t have any problems.

I really wish more Texans would realize this. The charge is "Intentional Failure to Conceal" which means you didn't try in the first place.

I have heard, ever since the law was passed, that anyone who could see any dicernable bulge in your waistline could call the cops and on that evidence alone you'd be doing 40 to life for "open carry." It's hog wash.

Here is a quote from a training document\memo on the matter:

2. Prohibited Conditions:
a. Any time the license holder intentionally fails to conceal the handgun (Officers intending to arrest a licensed handgun holder who, although not at a prohibited location, failed to conceal the handgun, must be able to demonstrate that the failure to conceal was intentional)

Full text here:
http://www.accd.edu/district/dps/policy/402-10 Concealed Handgun License Holders.pdf

If you print a bit or your shirt blows up you're not going to be arrested for terrorizing the public ... Now, if you wear a sheer shirt and pants so tight that the unmistakable outline of a gun is presented for all who look at you there might be an issue. Obviously open carry would be a non-starter (for now).

You must simply take reasonable care to conceal you weapon from detection by a normal person.

 

[Frog48]

Thanks yall.

I hadnt thought about the cellphone/PDA/etc. I dont carry any of that junk on my belt, so it never occurred to me that most people would, if they happened to notice, assume that its an electronic gizmo of some sort.

I guess I'll just start buying one size larger shirts, and call it good.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Grant48, also consider what type of holster you are using.

I bought a Glock 26 for my concealed carry gun back in 2000. I carried it in several Galco holsters while my Hi-Power was off at the gunsmith. I also ordered some Milt Sparks leather to go along with my new custom Hi-Power.

When the Hi-Power came back, I was surprised to discover that the full-sized pistol in good leather was more concealable than the Glock 26 in a variety of Galco holsters (pocket holster, Deep Cover and paddle slide).

I think a lot of people don't appreciate how much difference a good holster and belt can make in concealment. I can carry the Hi-Power with nothing but shorts and a t-shirt and have great concealment.

 

[3KillerBs]

I hadnt thought about the cellphone/PDA/etc. I dont carry any of that junk on my belt, so it never occurred to me that most people would, if they happened to notice, assume that its an electronic gizmo of some sort.

I'm trying to convince DH to get a belt holder for his cell phone. The bulk would not only provide a handy explanation for the lump, it would raise the fabric away from the gun butt AND provide a visual shield if his shirt was blown open.

 

[poet]

Yes we have CCW permits here in California, it a small club. The general public is not observant enough to notice if you are carrying concealled. Like previously posted, just don't wear skin tight shirts, move and act naturally, you get over the initial weird feeling after a short time.

 

[Frog48]

I think a lot of people don't appreciate how much difference a good holster and belt can make in concealment. I can carry the Hi-Power with nothing but shorts and a t-shirt and have great concealment.

Is there a particular brand that you'd recommend? I've had my eye on Galco Yaqui paddle holsters... good choice, or no? Seems to me like it might be a good choice, since it isnt a bulky design.

 

[vegasHeat]

A good belt is recommended also. Don't use some cheap 1'' belt. get a good, sturdy one. it makes all the difference. check out www.thewilderness.com

 

[Frog48]

Already have several 1 3/4" thick leather belts from American Eagle Outfitters. I know... fasionable doesnt necessarily mean quality, but they carry some really nice, durable leather goods like belts, wallets, sandals, etc.

http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?catId=cat90022&productId=0223_0655

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Is there a particular brand that you'd recommend?

I am a huge Milt Sparks fan. I have the holster box like everyone else; but when I got my Milt Sparks, I stopped buying new holsters for the most part (though I still don't have a holster I like for concealed carry of my Glock).

It isn't cheap and it takes a long time; but it is absolutely worth it in my mind. Having said that, there are a bunch more good holsters out there that I haven't had the time or inclination to try.

In doing a local force-on-force class, I ended up using the $10 Glock-brand holsters for the Sims Glock and discovered I actually liked it better than any of my much pricier Glock holsters (except it was OWB) - so you never know. On belts, the width doesn't hurt but a nice rigid belt helps to support the weight of heavier pistols (like a Hi-Power with 17rd of 9mm). I had a nice black leather belt I bought from a saddlery place in Salinas. It was 1.5" wide and had good thickness to it. I figured it would do fine as a gun belt and it did do a decent job; but the dedicated gun belts do a better job almost every time.