Overcritical of Carry Appearance

[ripnbst]

Does anyone else think that we are too critical of ourselves for "printing"? Or maybe, classifying certain things as printing that really we shouldn't be worried about? For example I have seen some posts where a slight "bump" can be seen so people consider that a failure and write that holster off as no good. To me printing is when someone bends over you can clearly make out the handle of a gun, or any other time that the handle of a gun is VERY noticeable. A slight change in profile or slight bump or small crease in a shirt to me is practically expected, granted I am 5'11" and about 160 lbs soaking wet. I also have large hands so for me carrying a bigger gun that is more controllable is my choice over carrying smaller and not having ANY evidence I may be packing heat.

What is your opinion? I am not someone who carries everywhere I am legally able though I keep telling myself I am going to. So, for me, what I do is put the gun on when the wife isn't looking and then spend the day with her per usual. In the evening I take my gun off and ask her "Could you tell I had my gun today?" Your significant others are pretty in-tune with what your normal behaviors are (well, maybe not in some relationships) so if she cant tell then I consider it a success.

What do you guys think, are people who excercise their CC rights typically overcritical of their carry gear and the appearance of what might be considered a firearm? Some of the nimrods out there are too busy with their own lives to notice even an AK folder slung over a shoulder.

 

[piston10]

Yes, I think most are, but not a bad thing. At least till nov 1! I carry OWB all the time, don't even own a IWB, never had an issue. I have gone all day and then my wife ask me if I was carrying, even tho she knows I always do, because she could not tell, or did not notice. It all depends on your clothing style. I wear bigger untucked shirts when not at work, so it's easy for me. I spend 11-12 hours a day at work with my shirt tail tucked in and long sleeves, so out side of work I like to relax.

 

[Lithiumokc]

I was when i first started carrying. But as time went on it dont even give it a second thought. I carry all the time even at home, you just never know and my place is not in the best of hoods. When i get out of the truck i will give my shirt a quick tug to make sure its not acutally sticking out, but i dont really worry about printing. Im 5' 11" 200 pounds on a good day, if i wear an XL shirt, its all good. I used to do a quick mirror check to make sure but have stopped doing that for the most part unless i get a new shirt or something.

 

[Boehlertaught]

I've carried concealed so long I actually don't worry about printing. It is so second nature for me to check my shirt when wearing my Milt Sparks IWB holster (holds a .45 Para 12.45 most of the time)...I don't recognize my thoughtless check until I am checking. For my back up, a J frame Smith in a front pants pocket, there is no print due to the help of a Rafter's Gun Leather pocket holster.

 

[PistolPackin'Honey]

Since open carry will be legal in November, I haven't been trying so hard to make sure I'm not printing. Being a woman, and it being so danged hot out there, it really sucks to have something that close to your skin.

Next weekend we are having an open carry event at my house. We are planning on barbecuing. Everyone is welcome. It is a pot-luck, so we ask that ya bring a dish of something. And lawn chairs.
It is through an organization called the Oklahoma Open Carry Association (OKOCA).

The address of this get-together is 2312 N Atlanta Place in Tulsa. July 7th at 6:30pm

 

[BadgeBunny]

Does anyone else think that we are too critical of ourselves for "printing"?

What do you guys think, are people who excercise their CC rights typically overcritical of their carry gear and the appearance of what might be considered a firearm? Some of the nimrods out there are too busy with their own lives to notice even an AK folder slung over a shoulder.

I'm with you -- folks worry WAY too much about printing. If you're wearing a speedo and not much more I can see cause for concern but it has been my experience that the vast majority of non-CCWrs out there are simply not paying the least bit of attention to you. A couple of years ago, GC and I were out at dinner when we saw a fellow CCW holder with the grip of his gun plainly in sight (his t-shirt had ridden up and gotten tucked behind his gun and IWB holster). At first we were a bit stunned and looked around to see if anyone else had noticed. Not a single solitary person in the place but us looked like they had a clue.

I went over and quietly told him when he was seated what the deal was and he, too, was amazed that he had walked through the entire place and we were the only ones to notice and say something to him. We all kind of laughed and said, well if the po-po shows up then we'll all know that somebody else saw something, huh?? Nothing ever came of it. Like we thought, nobody else in a restaurant full of people noticed.

Anybody with a bulge now days is just another guy with a cell phone ...

Heck, when I worked for H&H they sent me on an errand one day and I completely forgot that I had my gun holstered on me. I obviously wasn't a JBT (had on a lovely H&H green polo shirt), yet no one noticed me. One of my co-workers asked me when I got back and we were unloading the car if I'd gone "out in public" like that. Opps! LOL Yep, I sure did ... I'm telling ya, people just do NOT pay attention.

 

[SMS]

If I can tell you are carrying a gun then you are printing. Whether it's a peek at the bottom of a holster or just the bulge of a grip...whatever.

That being said, I could care less if you print or not. Like BB said, most people won't notice or care. Of course if you are acting shady or like an ass, I might drop a dime on you.

 

[David2012]

In all the time Oklahoma has had Concealed Carry, I have never once heard of anyone having been criminally cited for accidently exposing their weapon. Nor have I ever heard of anyone going before a OSBI SDA administrative law judge for such a violation.

Technically, if your OWB holster shows below your shirt.. that isn't printing.. because holsters are legal to sell over the counter and wear without a gun. Now, if the barrel shows below the holster.. you might have some trouble.

In Texas, it is a totally different matter. If the police can see the holster or even the slightest imprint... your in violation. Some Texas LEO's just don't have a sense of humor or common horse sense when it comes to printing.

 

[redmax51]

I've been carrying for 22 years and have NEVER had anyone say anything or give my carry area ( strong side owb) a second look. I carry a full size Glock sometimes and it does print some, but no one seems to notice or care. Here in Oklahoma , and in other gun friendly states I suspect, people mind their own business.

 

[okav8tor]

I never worry about printing .... unless someone invades my personal space and looks inside my hip pocket they will never see my LCP. Although they may think I am loaded and have to carry two wallets ...