Printophobia ... the unnecessary fear of those who CCW

[AZ Heat]

Reticular Activator

I think that a lot of it has to do with a person's reticular activator. Kinda like, when you buy a new car and then all of a sudden you notice that your same car is everywhere, when you never saw them before. Or when you are looking for your keys and they are right in front of you but you just cant see them. Unless people are looking for a gun, their brain will usually block them out, even when they are staring right at it.

 

[fistful]

Yeah, printing is no big deal. People never seem to notice my loaded FN Mag 58 general purpose machine gun, or the belt wrapped several times around my shoulder. Usually they're very polite, most step aside to give me plenty of room. At movies the theater empties right after I get there, so I get to sit up front. For some reason, when I go to my kids' recitals, there are never any other kids there, so I just listen to my offspring's performance, and then leave. Real convenient. Even if someone trips over the Claymore sword I also wear, they politely apologize and hurry off to their urgent business. I have a devil of a time being waited on at stores, though.

But nobody ever notices my weapons.

 

[Model520Fan]

Good point, fistful. I seldom say anything when I see someone else's weapon, so why why should I assume that others would?

 

[only1asterisk]

I think people are so self absorbed that most of the time you could wear a sign. Many years ago I worked a side job as security for an art gallery. 6 of us walked around with duty belts and 4" or 6" 357's under blazers. It was obvious, but nobody ever noticed. In fact, many people were shocked to notice my gun when I would take off my jacket at the end of a shift.

Printing? Not a concern. Uncomfortable body language is what I would caution people about. People will spot you much faster and generally have a more negative opinion about you.

David

 

[1911Tuner]

Getting "Made"

Over the years that I've carried concealed and have known a lot of other guys who did....even before CCW Shall Issue laws passed, I've noticed a few things.

One is that Joe Average is about 99.9% oblivious to the fact, even if the gun becomes visible briefly...sometimes even if he looks straight at it.

The "Trained Eye" of the street cop probably won't even spot it unless it's
not well concealed...Gun too big...Clothing too tight...etc. Cops look for other clues, and many of us will provide them without understanding the
unmistakeable "Body Language" of the Pistol-Packin' Papa.

Clothing that is inappropriate for the season or the situation is a dead giveaway. Fanny packs are always suspect. Let it sag under a little too much weight for a wallet and a few personal items, and you're made.

Not being comfortable with the gun is a sure way to get spotted. Most people are acutely aware of the gun because they haven't gotten accustomed to it yet. They'll put their hands on it...or tug at their short or coattail to make certain that it's still out of sight. If the gun is stable enough that it doesn't shift around a lot, it will make you more comfortable
and less likely to feel the need to adjust. Good leather and good planning
is the key here. Wear the gun around the house for a while to get accustomed to its weight...then conceal it for a while and pay attention to
any printing/flashing that you do with it.

Learn to give your shirttail a discreet tug with your index and middle finger as you swing your arm past it while walking casually. A little practice is all it takes. Tug on it as your hand goes forward.

If you must adjust things...make sure that you're in a spot that's hidden from view. Step behind a display or clothing rack and do it quickly. Practicing adjustment at home makes for a more efficient and furtive
adjustment. Step into a bathroom stall if necessary.

Beware of the "Bump Frisk" and learn to tuck your arms against the gun
whenever someone seems to be approaching you purposefully. Keep the
gun guarded discreetly whenever you're in a crowded environment such as a line in a steak house or movie theater ticket line. This will guard against the accidental bump frisk. Standing with your hands grasped behind your back in a sort of "At Ease" stance is both natural and casual...and it won't draw undue attention.

Learn to spot others carrying by watching their body language...and don't do what they do. For strong-side carry...If you have to pick something up, feign a stiff back and bend at the knees to keep the butt from sticking out like a beacon. Whenever possible, turn your carry side to a wall or other covering object to block you from full view when you stoop down. As you exit your car, hitch up your pants or adjust the pistol while in motion and while the door is still open if possible...to use the car and the door to block full view of what you're doing.

In short...Learn to be sneaky about it. The cops aren't the problem...even if they make you. Many won't even be more than mildly concerned if your demeanor and actions suggest a guy out running errands or escorting his wife/family/girlfriend in a public place. The problem is the criminal. He knows the body language too...and once he knows that you're armed, he can make you his primary target before a robbery attempt or an assault.

Luck!

Tuner

 

[only1asterisk]

That's the thing I love about THR, whenever you think you have said something worthwhile, somebody comes along and says what you were thinking so much better it makes you embarrassed that you took the time to respond at all.

I can live with that.

David

 

[Shootcraps]

The first time I carried I was real nervous about it and everytime someone looked at me I thought, "Oh crap, can they see it?".

Remember what Tommie Lee Jones said in MIB? "A person is smart. PEOPLE are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals." The majority don't have a clue.

I just started carrying again after 4 years and I still get a little nervous. Just need to get used to it.

 

[22luvr]

Zundfolge: I agree totally.....

I wish I could quote C.R. Sam verbatim on his pithy observations on concealed carry but cannot remember.

Anyway, It has always been a mental thing with me, as If there is a large, blinking neon sign affixed to my person that advertises: "Hey world, look at me, I'm carrying a loaded handgun!" What, to my mental state, feels like a brick or cobblestone in my pocket, the rest of the world blithely goes about their own way, totally oblivious to me and the small package in my pocket!

The only time I'm aware of handguns in public are the LEOS who carry them openly and then I am simply curious as to what type of handgun they have in their holster. The rest of the time, I truly don't see anyone else carrying either and, believe me, sometimes I give certain people a close scrutiny.

I was always a little concerned about Y'all who conceal-carry full-sized ballistic cannons on your person. Zundfolge is right, no one pays any attention to us; they are too wrapped up in their own thoughts, views, and intentions.

It is not like I'm toting around a grenade launcher or shotgun down in my pants. My rig is a Kel-Tec P-3AT in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. Can it get any s-m-a-l-l-e-r than that ?? Still, I remain a bit self-conscious, but why? I am "John-Q-Average and just about as invisible as a 58 year old balding guy can get.

I guess just relax and savor your right to legally carry the handgun of your choice. Those of you who can't, petition your elected officials and get involved in the crusade for your constitutional right to carry!

Nice thread here; appreciate the opportunity to share......

 

[cratz2]

Well, I must say that I just don't worry about printing at all. Only places I carry that I'm not 'supposed to' are two theaters that have a no weapons policy posted and I'm not too worried about that.

As others have said, most folks simply aren't looking. Most folks that are looking, almost definately carry themselves and probably aren't too worried about others carrying.

 

[spacemanspiff]

i do watch to find others who are carrying, but up here i'd guess that 1 out of 5 adults are carrying.

i know my weapon prints from time to time, but i dont think much about it. all i want to make sure it stays out of sight.
i'm positive i've been spotted by police as they drive by and i'm walking or on my bike, its a rather odd shape to be sticking out of my hip.

 

[Gunmeister]

Ah yes, printophobia, the scourge of those who CCW. I'm 68 years young and have been carrying concealed for over 20 years. Here in Florida, shorts and "T" shirts are uniform of the day almost year round. I CCW a Glock G26 in the right front pocket of my cargo style shorts. To this day, the only person who has ever noticed was my 9 year old Grandson, "Got your gun in your pocket Pops?" No one else has ever noticed the "gun sized" lump in my pocket. As previously said, the average person normally tries to avoid being caught staring, especially at the lower front part of your shorts.

 

[trapperjohn]

the only time i was made was by a 5 yo hispanic boy. I was passing through NM and had to open carry. I was in the bathroom in a dennys and heard a small voice saying "pistola!, Pistola" I just turned and smiled and chatted with the little feller, he was with his dad who seemed a little embarrased at his sons mouth.

 

[JohnKSa]

I'm not trying to conceal from the average man on the street.

It's the people who already KNOW I'm a gun nut that I want to fool.

My in-laws visited awhile back and I carried the entire time they were here. They know I'm really into guns and that I have a carry permit but they don't really understand why and are prone to argue a bit. Anyway, I carried 100% of the time they were here and as far as my wife and I can tell, they never even suspected.

 

[Steven1281]

My live in fiance knows that if I have pants on, my airweight j-frame is also on. Usually wear it IWB 4:00 with shirt untucked. A few weeks ago, as we were leaving the house to go to dinner, she very obviously noticed that my shirt was tucked in. (I just felt like looking a little nicer that night - didn't really anticipate the game that would follow). The look on her face was instantly "where's the gun?". Her thoughts were clearly "he would NEVER leave this house without a gun". Bump frisked me all the way to the truck. Found nothing. After dinner, I lifted my pantleg showing her an ankle holster I occasionally wear for a little deeper concealment as necessary. "I didn't think about there!" was the response I saw.

So here is a person who basically KNOWS 100% that I am carrying, and couldn't figure out where - even when very actively looking for it visually and with bumps/gropes over several hours of normal activity. And I don't think a simple ankle holster with a .38 j-frame is deep, deep, deep concealment. Although I did make sure my body language didn't give off any clues.

Nope. People haven't got a clue. Even when they have clues.

Now the good people in Ohio who have to duct tape their gun to their forehead when they drive might be another story...

 

[Shootcraps]

So here is a person who basically KNOWS 100% that I am carrying, and couldn't figure out where - even when very actively looking for it visually and with bumps/gropes over several hours of normal activity.

Bumping and groping for several hours? Sounds like you're having way too much fun with this.

 

[Edward429451]

Way back in the day I had printophobia. I'm pretty casual about it now. If I'm out alone I take more care to do the things that Tuner described. If I'm out with the wife-family I care less b/c having clean cuttish people with you offers even more for people to look at than just me and we're easily profiled as a family out n about which is a type of camofflauge of its own.

When I was first learning to do the 'girlie stoop' I had more concern of if people thought I was gay than if they seem my gun! Then I realized that with the more & more acceptance of gays in general that effemminate body language like that may even profile me as a non threat in a way also. Not necessarily true but generally. No offense to anyone.

It's pretty easy to wade through a crowd with an elbow surrepticiously on the butt shifting to n fro to keep the weapon on the off side from people. Probably the worst thing is the 'Windy day pirouette (?)' so the tails/flaps dont fly up, feigning the 'oh no I've got a hair out of place' gestures when in fact I'm keeping the jacket down.

We was at a buffet one day and my jacket was just a little too much to keep on inside so I dropped it off my shoulders and let it remain around my waist still giving me coverage and spaced it, went to the line and got another platefull of food only to return to have my wife saying what're you doing? I realized what she meant and sat down. No one seen, cared, said anything. They were oblivious. I think the wife worries about me getting made more than I do.

I got escorted out of K-Mart (Nevada & Fillmore) one day for open carry because I wouldn't unholster it and drop the mag for the security guy. I understood, he understood. Nice guy doing his job.

The biggest trick for me (having no permission slip) is keeping it hidden from the sheeple and yet somehow being able to unconceal if mr po po is heading my way, without looking like I'm going for it or anything. I've a couple things I do which help me to accomplish it, nothing I want to put in print at the present time. Po Po phobia ya know.

I like playing 'Spot the CCW' on people. It's hard. The only people I've spotted are older gents who are semi casual about it and the younger guys who aren't adept at it yet.

 

[dave3006]

I carry a Glock 27 in an IWB everyday in Kalifornistan. I would have to duct tape it to my forehead to get people to notice me. The sheep are clueless. You are not even on their radar screen.

When I first started carrying, my wife did not even notice. I told her after two weeks.

 

[cane]

For those of you who use a fanny pack to carry; It's a dead give away to have your wallet in your back pocket.

 

[azrael]

I hate to agree with a mod, EVEN one from "Gods Country"!, but he hit the nail on the head..

Spotting CCW's isnt really that easy, unless you watch the person closely...The ones that have done it for awhile, dont have any "tells"...The newer ones will fidget and adjust all day long...

I have watched guys that bought holsters from me before, just to see if they were printing...Not much of a problem..But once that hand goes to adjust or "pat" the weapon, I am thinking "Gotcha!"

And now for something COMPETELY different..

Tommorow is "Troma" Sunday..

we have on the list for my holster making pleasure

Redneck Zombies
Tromio and Juliet
Legend of the Chupacabra
Terror Firma
and one other that I cant remember the name for..

 

[P95Carry]

Hey Dave .. another brief visit eh!

''Adjusting'' and ''patting '''' yep for sure .. the dead giveaway.

''Sneaky is - as sneaky does'' ... as Forest Gump might say ........ the various ''tricks'' that need employed can be mastered and, they work ... the (in my case) elbow tucked in a bit - totally protecting piece from a ''bump'' from anyone ... and the ''Gawd, my back hurts'' type of bend to pick something up with a knees bend! ... haha .. so many ways to fool the audience!

With my Smith & Alexander vest -- which to those who don't know is nothing like a ''photo vest'' - much more like biker gear - well more so in my case when I still have my dew rag on too! .... the piece is is well protected when a hand in each pocket with vest unbuttoned.. keeps vest nicely controlled.

My suggestion to any newbie ... think up an everyday move to encompass any and all the needs you feel to ''check and adjust'' .... it's not hard.

 

[AirPower]

excellent discussion. by the way, as far as laws are concerned, how "concealed" must your piece be? some people have sharper eyes than others, it's a totally subjective issue unless there is some predefined parameters to follow.

 

[c_yeager]

I have a little hobby of trying to spot people who are carrying out in public, usually at the shopping mall. Now, of course i have no idea how many people that i miss. But, obviously i am paying WAY closer attention than the average person and i having carried myself i have an idea of what to look for. There have been very few times that i was nearly %100 sure that a fellow was carrying and in ALL of those cases the only reason that i noticed was because of their behavior rather than the printing of their gun. People tend to worry about being spotted and that worry translates to walking stiffly and constantly allowing their hand to wander to their sidearm to make sure they arent printing. That sort of action alone is a good tip.

In other words even a person who is paying attention and knows what to look for has a real hard time finding someone who is carrying despite how sloppy their method might be (among people i know 'mexican carry' is disturbingly popular). And even if you have a guy like me paying attention it's not like i'm the guy who is going to narc you out of get scared. The absolute worse fate you could possibly have is the disturbing experience of catching me looking REAL close at your beltline.

edited to add: Even though it's been mentioned before i think it bears repeating that high-and-tight hardoos and fanny packs DO NOT MIX. Especially if you tend to wear 5.11 pants and assorted tacticool gear along with it.

 

[Drjones]

Very well said, and very, very true, Zundfoldge!


Heck, several of my relatives, one of whom is starting to carry herself, actually put her hand right on my 1911 that was covered up only by a hawaiian shirt!

I kinda paused for a sec, wondering what she would do/say, but she didn't even notice it.

Wow.....and this is from someone who's going to be carrying soon herself!!!!!

If THAT doesn't say it all, nothing does.

Indeed, don't freak out about printing....it is a molehill made into a mountain.