Why so paranoid?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Jun 10, 2009
Messages
220
Location
National Training Vendor
Riddle me this: Why are so many internet-CCW guys sooooo paranoid about "printing" and/or having part of their more-or-less concealed weapon being seen?

The butt of my J-frame peeking out of my trouser pocket draws lots less attention than the butt of a young lady peeking out of her low-rise jeans...

In 20 years of carrying, only once has someone notified me that they could see my "round butt" (of my revolver!).

"Printing" is a far-cry from "flashing" and even farther from "brandishing".

So, why so paranoid?
 
I am paranoid about it. It is crazy how many people think only police and military should have guns. The sheep mentality is rampant these days. I believe sheep mentality is a result of so many people being educated in government run schools. Be careful or one of the sheep will make a big deal about it. I also don't like to attract attention. I don't need an unnecessary confrontation with some fool who saw my gun "printing."
 
Last edited:
Some states require the gun to be completely concealed. TX and FL come to mind. Granted, printing wouldn't be considered brandishing, but could cause unwanted attention.

Otherwise you just don't want people to gawk at your sidearm if it's rather obvious you have one.
 
I guess I have the opposite viewpoint. Why do so many internet CCW guys seem so eager to print and/or make sure that at least part of their "concealed" weapons can be seen? Do they need others to know that they are "ready for anything" and can be called upon to protect the "sheep" if necessary? :rolleyes:
 
I live in an open carry state. Other than certain areas/situations, I really don't care if my weapon is exposed.
 
In California concealed carry (if you're lucky enough to be granted CCW) means CONCEALED. If you print, you're open carrying. If you open carry a loaded firearm here you get arrested, charged with a felony, thrown in jail, have your home invaded and searched, spouse cuffed, and have all your weapons confiscated. Oh yeah, you get a spot on the 6 o'clock news, too.

Location, location, location, right? :rolleyes:

-MW
 
Moved West- agreed, CA is definitely a pain. Not too many ccw's issued in so cal. I get hassled when I'm hunting legally. If I run into anyone (hikers, cops, rangers, etc) they act as if my bird vest, scatter gun, and 8 shot is tactical gear and they think I preparing to rob a bank. Gun people are a rare bread here. Location is everything
 
In some states if you are "made" it is considered brandishing, which is a crime. Fortunately, I now live in Arizona where such foolishness is not practiced. I used to live in Idaho. At the time if you were carrying concealed and were spotted as carrying a gun it was brandishing. It just depends on where you are and the laws in that place.
 
bubbaturbo said:
Why do so many internet CCW guys seem so eager to print and/or make sure that at least part of their "concealed" weapons can be seen?
I must have missed those, at least on THR.

loop said:
In some states if you are "made" it is considered brandishing, which is a crime.
That sounds like a good reason to me.
 
First year I carried I was paranoid, past 12 years not so much.
I carry concealed, which to me means no one knows I'm carrying, I don't use a partially exposed weapon to spark the interest of other as some do.

After carrying for a few years I realized 95% of the population is in condition "semi-conscious" meaning they wouldn't see a .50 cal barret under your shirt.
 
1st I would rather see the girl with the low jeans;). Thats just my point of view I am just shocked I am the 1st one to say it.:what:
I also live in Mass wich has the thoughest gun laws in the United States and here if somone sees your gun wide open you might as well stole a baby because thats how you will be treated. I just keep my tee shirt untucked and im good cops have seen it and other people but only by mistake when I reach up or what ever the reason that makes my tee shirt go up. I have only been questioned one time with no problem.people who make such a big deal about it and try to hard to hide it are the ones people worrie about because they think somthing is wrong. People just need to relax thats all.
 
I'm not paranoid but it is called concealed carry for a reason.

I'm not worried about the average Joe seeing my ccw, I just don't want to let the BG who may be planning something to know that I'm carrying.

I'd rather surprise him with the unknown than to have him know and devise a plan that might put me at a disadvantage.
 
In 20 years of carrying, only once has someone notified me that they could see my "round butt" (of my revolver!).

I usually carry concealed, but I sometimes carry open. When I'm concealed only my spouse and I are aware and she only became aware recently (2-3 months). When I carry openly I have never had anyone speak to me about the gun on my hip. My poimt is in 20 years of carrying you have only encountered 1 person nosey enough to mention to you that your gun was exposed. You have likely encountered many others who have become concerned as to why the but of a gun was sticking out of your pocket and done the smart thing and removed themselves from the danger zone.

If you are going to carry concealed then conceal what you carry, otherwise carry open. Partially concealed carry just makes people nervous and draws unwanted attention from the anti-gun people.

Don't missread conscientious and responsible firearms handling as paranoid, and cover up your gun the next time you go out.
 
Read some of the wisdom from SM about how bad guys looks for signs of who has what where on them.
 
"So, why so paranoid? "

It's not paranoia, it's sensible.

I would no more walk down the city streets here with 10 hundred dollar bills hanging out of my pocket than I would with a $1000 Rohrbaugh hanging out of my pocket. Or openly carried for that matter.

I don't want to be blindsided with a brick or 2x4 and robbed when it's just as easy to conceal the valuables.

John
 
In some places, "printing" is a crime.

In other places, like Ohio, open carry is perfectly legal.

A while ago, I inadvertently uncovered my firearm. A local cop threatened me with "inducing panic" and all of the other imaginary charges cops threaten people with when they don't like open carry. I didn't back down an inch. He had to return my gun and allow me to go. The Chief of Police got a letter (with copy to my lawyer) telling him that he needed to properly train his officers (naming the person in question) lest bad things happen.

Everybody should obey the law.

If the law prohibits display, you should obey that law.

If the law permits (or doesn't prohibit) open carry, the police should obey that law.

If either of you willfully violate the law, you shouldn't whine about the consequences, and there SHOULD be consequences, whether they're criminal prosecution for you or civil lawsuit against the cop(s) and the city.
 
I guess I have the opposite viewpoint. Why do so many internet CCW guys seem so eager to print and/or make sure that at least part of their "concealed" weapons can be seen? Do they need others to know that they are "ready for anything" and can be called upon to protect the "sheep" if necessary?

Or they are very insecure people who want to feel important or special.
 
In wyoming, it's the total opposite. Open carry is completely legal, so if it is hidden EVER, then it's considered concealed and you have to have a permit. So, if you are open carrying and have a long shirt or jacket that covers it up accidentally or temporarily, then it becomes concealed and you need the permit. If you are carrying concealed, and your shirt pops out and the gun becomes exposed, then it's not a problem because open carry is legal and it just became "Open Carried". Much more common sense approach.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top