To tell or not to tell, that is the question. - The Firearms Forum

Pistolenschutze · 01-07-2006, 05:04 PM

I have a question to which I have gotten a variety of different answers over the last couple of years. I would be very interested in the opinions of the membership on this, and especially interested in what the LEOs, and former LEOs, among us think (bark, Dawg!

). The question is,

If a CCW holder is stopped by a LEO for some relatively minor thing, let's say a broken tail light or even for lead footing it a few miles per hour over the posted limit, is it better to tell the officer right up front, "I'm carrying a gun and I have a proper permit for it," or is it better to just keep one's mouth shut and only tell the officer if he/she asks? OK, I do know that the law on this varies from state to state. In some states one is required to tell the officer he/she is carrying. In others, Colorado for example, the law does not specifically require it. The local officers I've spoken to about it (some of whom have been students in my classes) almost universally say that they much prefer the CCW holder to disclose he/she is carrying a concealed weapon on the theory that anyone who discloses the fact up front is very unlikely to be planning to use it! This seems reasonable to me and it is the policy I follow. But I would like to hear what the rest of you think.

Marlin · 01-07-2006, 05:18 PM

Our state has no requirement to tell. I would prefer not to do so. If it is in fact concealed, it shouldn't even become a question.

22WRF · 01-07-2006, 05:24 PM

In FL the fact you have a CCW going to come up on the LEO's computer as soon as he runs your tag. (He'll ask)

Just hand him your CCW along with your DL

berto64 · 01-07-2006, 05:30 PM

AZ wants you to tell the officer but I don't think there is a penalty for failing to do so.

If it is a young guy and he seems nervous, hell yea I'll tell'im. I'm too fat & old for suicide by cop.

JMHO!

KyBlaster · 01-07-2006, 05:34 PM

It is not required to tell in Ky. However, I will tell if stopped by LEO. I don't want them to find out some other way. I think its better to be up front with LEO's.

polishshooter · 01-07-2006, 06:06 PM

In Indiana, we are not required, and to tell you the truth, MOST cops I've run into, state, county and local, since I've lived here are actually pretty cool about firearms and legal CCW.

But what the hey, it's a moot point.

I can carry LEGALLY according to my STATE and LOCAL laws but not my COMPANY'S and since it's THEIR CAR I can't argue.

It's a REAL pain, "full use" Company Car, but I gotta drive my WIFE'S car to a Gun Show just so I don't violate the "No firearms on company property" rule...

I told my wife if I get blown away by some gang banger because I busted his Ho', she better SUE big time that I wasn't allowed to LEGALLY defend myself...

inplanotx · 01-07-2006, 06:31 PM

Texas law specifically states that when you hand over your drivers license, you include your CCW. Nuff said!

pickenup · 01-07-2006, 07:46 PM

If he don't ask....I don't tell.

Pistolenschutze · 01-07-2006, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marlin

Our state has no requirement to tell. I would prefer not to do so. If it is in fact concealed, it shouldn't even become a question.

Marlin, that's true, but only to a point. Many states--Colorado is one of them--notate the issuance of a CCW on the records the police run if they check your driver's or automobile license. If the LEO runs you--and many do just as a matter of course--he/she will know you are likely to be carrying a concealed weapon. If you aren't up front about it, wouldn't that make the officer a bit hinky?

armedandsafe · 01-07-2006, 08:16 PM

I tell. I think it is a courtesy. Even when I ws carrying in a state where the legislators don't trust their constituency, I thought it better to tell than not. The guys I taught at the police range agreed with me.

Pops

cec · 01-07-2006, 11:04 PM

My state also doesn't require notification, but I would inform an Officer that I was carrying. Especially if I was asked to leave the vehicle. By that time a search is involved and I don't want there to be any misunderstanding when the gun is discovered.

Granted, I have only been stopped for routine traffic violations and I didn't have my CCW at that time so it was non-issue. However now is a different story.

JohnK3 · 01-08-2006, 02:37 AM

Georgia doesn't require, but I'd tell a police officer, if stopped.

I wouldn't mention the word "gun," however. I'd say "Officer, just so you know, I have a permit to carry and I have it on me now. How do you want to proceed?"

First, mention the word "gun" or "pistol" etc to a police officer and you may trigger responses you don't want. Second, by asking him how he wishes to proceed, you are letting him know he is still in charge of the situation and you are willing to allow it to remain that way. As berto said, I'm too old and fat to want to commit suicide by cop. I want him to feel comfortable in the situation and not nervous. Nervous, and he might take actions to make himself feel more comfortable that would make *me* feel mighty uncomfortable.

Since I don't know if a license check would reveal the existence of a CCW in Georgia, I'd err on the side of caution and notify him in a non-threatening manner so he doesn't feel that I'm trying to hide anything.

Pistolenschutze · 01-08-2006, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnK3

I wouldn't mention the word "gun," however. I'd say "Officer, just so you know, I have a permit to carry and I have it on me now. How do you want to proceed?"

First, mention the word "gun" or "pistol" etc to a police officer and you may trigger responses you don't want. Second, by asking him how he wishes to proceed, you are letting him know he is still in charge of the situation and you are willing to allow it to remain that way. As berto said, I'm too old and fat to want to commit suicide by cop. I want him to feel comfortable in the situation and not nervous. Nervous, and he might take actions to make himself feel more comfortable that would make *me* feel mighty uncomfortable.

Since I don't know if a license check would reveal the existence of a CCW in Georgia, I'd err on the side of caution and notify him in a non-threatening manner so he doesn't feel that I'm trying to hide anything.

John, I think you make some very, very relevant points here. "Gun" is indeed the code word many departments use to warn of a threat, so psychologically it is probably a good word to avoid in that situation. I also agree with your non-threatening approach. If you think about it, and put yourself in the shoes of the officer, it's not hard to understand why the LEO must be extremely careful. He/She simply doesn't know what's going to happen even in a minor traffic stop. I wouldn't make a very good cop for several reasons, among them being I would want to dismount and carry my 12 gauge at every traffic stop. Most departments consider that rather "bad form" for some strange reason.

stash247 · 01-08-2006, 02:37 PM

Pistol, others:
Unlike a Homicide, Narcotics, or other division, cop, a Traffic Officer has a unique situation; he NEVER knows, at the outset, with whom, or what, he is dealing.
Advice I have been given, and will share, includes:
Stay in the vehicle, until otherwise instructed.
Turn on the dome light, as you pull over, and leave it on, if in the hours of darkness.
Keep BOTH hands on the steering wheel, in plain sight of the officer, until otherwise instructed.
Be polite, and truthful. Admit nothing, offer nothing, unless asked.
In Texas, the drill was to surrender the CHL with your driver's liceense, when asked for ID; I believe this has changed to 'if you are carrying', under the law, but would still be my course of action, in any case.
A traffic cop does not just decide to hassle you; something had to earmark you as 'out of the ordinary', to get his attention. That being said, why not make him/her as 'stress free' , during your encounter, as possible?
If the officer is put at ease, by honesty, and action, at the outset, your chance of injury, embarassment, and citation, is minimised; chances of a warning, as opposed to a ticket, go WAY up!!!
My son in law is a Texas State Trooper, so this is not totally unbiased, or un-informed, advice.

Deputy Dawg · 01-08-2006, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stash247

Pistol, others:
Unlike a Homicide, Narcotics, or other division, cop, a Traffic Officer has a unique situation; he NEVER knows, at the outset, with whom, or what, he is dealing.
Advice I have been given, and will share, includes:
Stay in the vehicle, until otherwise instructed.
Turn on the dome light, as you pull over, and leave it on, if in the hours of darkness.
Keep BOTH hands on the steering wheel, in plain sight of the officer, until otherwise instructed.
Be polite, and truthful. Admit nothing, offer nothing, unless asked.
In Texas, the drill was to surrender the CHL with your driver's liceense, when asked for ID; I believe this has changed to 'if you are carrying', under the law, but would still be my course of action, in any case.
A traffic cop does not just decide to hassle you; something had to earmark you as 'out of the ordinary', to get his attention. That being said, why not make him/her as 'stress free' , during your encounter, as possible?
If the officer is put at ease, by honesty, and action, at the outset, your chance of injury, embarassment, and citation, is minimised; chances of a warning, as opposed to a ticket, go WAY up!!!
My son in law is a Texas State Trooper, so this is not totally unbiased, or un-informed, advice.

This is the same advice I have given to my family and friends, and which I folllow myself when driveing if I happened to be pulled over.AS it was stated early in Texas it is the law to hand over your CHL along with your Driver license,even it is was not a law i would still do it anyway, because of the background checks you have to go through and of being finger printed, if you hand a LEO your CHL license it should put him or her somewhat at ease knowing they are dealing with a CHL holder and not some serial killer, unless he is a jerk, and as in anything you could run across a bad apple, If I was carry a weapon in my car without a license and I was pulled over I would not admit to it,if asked I would say no and take my chances, if they wanted to search my car my answer would be no.If it is for only a traffic infraction and you do not seem overly nervous they should not have a reason to search your car.Before Texas had the CHL law i carried a gun in my car for 15 years without any problems and I was Not an LEO either.

BobMcG · 01-08-2006, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marlin

Our state has no requirement to tell. I would prefer not to do so. If it is in fact concealed, it shouldn't even become a question.

Plus one here. Out of sight, out of mind.

In the twenty five years plus I've had my NY CCW license I've been stopped four times for minor traffic violations and had my DL checked out. Not once has the issue of me having a CCW license come up. Never heard of any friends being asked about theirs either.
Been back and forth between NY and Canada a few times too (not carrying) and been checked out without the issue coming up.

Country101 · 01-09-2006, 08:33 AM

It's not required in Arkansas and I usually wouldnt say anything unless asked or if I had to move in such a way that I might think my gun would show(whether it actually would or not. It'll show up when he calls me in anyway. Might just give him both my licenses.

Marlin · 01-09-2006, 06:20 PM

I have carried since 1962 and no one has asked in that time.

45Smashemflat · 01-10-2006, 08:20 AM

I echo the earlier advice - which is practically the same advice given by Mas Ayoob.

Stay away from words like "gun" and "pistol."

I tend to remain quiet about it if not asked to exit the car. (I'm in GA.) Its concealed, they don't know, its not like I'm gonna draw on him.

If asked to exit the car, at that point I go with the earlier mentioned, "sir, I have a carry permit and I am carrying at this time. How would you like me to proceed?" If he doesn't freak (and none have) I tell them where it is at - of course hands have been in full view on the wheel the whole time. (Under no circumstances "point" at your gun....)

Another thing to consider - depending on your primary carry method - strong side hip in my case - you may want to consider where you carry your wallet. Reaching for your wallet in your back pocket can look a lot like you are going for the gun you just told him about. While driving, I toss my wallet on top of the console for easy reach. If walking around, its located somewhere other than under the holster.

As has alreay been said, if you act like a professional - they usually do to.

ken w. · 01-10-2006, 09:52 AM

I think that if you have your gun on your person and the issue is getting to be more than a traffic stop,you should mention this.I prefer not to say anything because out of sight is out of mind.I feel by bringing the subject up you are opening up a possible nightmare of problems.I have been pulled over in PA for a ticket after leaving a gun show and have had cases of ammo all over my truck and clips piled up on my seat along with guns behind my seat in the open and was not even asked about it.I went thru a seatbelt check here in NY and had my bolt action .22 mag in the front seat and was asked to pull over and then my truck was searched and me personally patted down.I was out woodchuck hunting.I think the less info the better.

Pistolenschutze · 01-12-2006, 09:54 AM

Folks, I'd just like to say "thanks" for the great posts on this topic. When I proposed the question I was truly interested in getting some reasonable and helpful responses. I certainly have here, which, by the way, is so very typical of TFF and speaks well of all of you. I think this is a very relevant question, especially in today's world where LEOs are often in a much more difficult position than ever before, and I think that we, as responsible CCW holders, have an even greater obligation not to make that job any more difficult than it already is. Great advice has been presented here!

pickenup · 01-12-2006, 11:14 AM

As a side note. Here is the story about the two times this subject has come into play.

I was riding with my son, in his car, who was pulled over by the state patrol.

(He was driving in the left lane on a highway. We didn’t know that they had just passed a law that you “must” drive in the right lane, for other than passing. He just gave my son a warning.)

Anyway, I saw no reason to inform the officer that I was carrying. Possibly “starting” something. After the “warning” we went on our merry way.

*****

(Keep in mind that I do NOT have the clean cut, suit and tie, kind of appearance. I have been, what some would call a “biker” all my life, and look that way.)

This was the second incident where a CCW came into play.
I was riding the HOG a “little” faster than the posted limit.

When asked for my license, I flipped open my wallet, which has my CCW opposite of the license. He saw the CCW and asked if I was carrying. I told him “Yes Sir” He asked where it was located, I told him. He asked that I keep my hand in plain view and away from it, which I did. No more was said, he was very professional about it. Since we were both riding Harleys, we chatted a little when he returned my papers. It was no big deal.

berto64 · 01-12-2006, 01:06 PM

Up here in Idyho, your CCW has your DL# on it and they both show up on a DL check.

The local SO know me and we get along fine. It's only when I go to Boise that I perk up & watch my driving and manners real close.

I messed up one time when driving to the south coast of Oregon.
I was towing a pickup on a car dolly late at night and was pulled over by Police in a small Oregon town because a tailight was out on the dolly.

The officer was at the driver's window and asked for my papers.
So I leaned across the seat and went into the jockey box and was shuffling around for them.

Suddenly he says he wants me out of the vehicle just as I uncovered my Taurus 44 sp. Bulldog in the box.

After I got out and they call in that pistol and clear it, one of them asked me if I had more so I tell them about the 1911 in my suitcase in the back in the bed. They call it in and it's OK.

The officer who stopped me then asked in a joking manner asked if there were anymore, that's when I was able to tell them about the P-32 in my front pocket. This time before they ran those #'s they both asked if there were ANY more. I told them no, they had them all now.

After I checked OK they told me to find a place to spend the night since no replacement units were available that late at night.

The Officer who stopped me was a Vietnam Vet and the Police Chief for that small town. We visited for a while and he told me to keep my weapons unloaded and seperate from the ammo. YESSIR!

Oregon does not recognize Idaho's CCW and I could have be straight away taken to jail, but because of my demeanor and possibly our bond of being VV's all I had to do was stay the night in a motel were he could check on my vehicle to ensure I was indeed there and nothing was said about the pistols.

This Chief gets my vote!

henry0reilly · 01-12-2006, 06:02 PM

It has been my experience that in Indiana the police usually ask if you have any weapons. One of the clerks at the local gun shop was stopped in Noblesville some years ago; the police asked if he had any weapons; he replied in the affirmative.

They took his NAA .22 mag from him and kept him sitting on the tailgate of his truck for about 45 minutes. Finally they issued him a ticket for running a red light (which he said he didn’t do). They handed his gun back to him in pieces and told him not to reassemble it until he got out of town.

An attorney that belonged to our gun club offered to file a lawsuit for him, but he let it go.

I don’t volunteer the information but I do always admit to carrying if asked.

AGB · 01-13-2006, 05:17 AM

I tell always when sttoped. First I look at the agent/officer/policeman that I have a CCW in my pocket, and the gun also. Normally if the guy is just doing his job, he just check the papers and let me go. If he is into more than seeing the papers as a first reason, when realize that I have a CCW and a gun, they normally just check the CCW and tell me to get out immediatelly. Been thru this more than 20 times, always works.

View Poll Results: Tell an officer up front if you are legally carrying?
Yes, tell the officer whether you are required to or not.	25	59.52%
No, remain silent unless asked by the officer.	17	40.48%
Voters: 42. You may not vote on this poll

01-07-2006, 05:04 PM	#1
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	To tell or not to tell, that is the question. I have a question to which I have gotten a variety of different answers over the last couple of years. I would be very interested in the opinions of the membership on this, and especially interested in what the LEOs, and former LEOs, among us think (bark, Dawg! ). The question is, If a CCW holder is stopped by a LEO for some relatively minor thing, let's say a broken tail light or even for lead footing it a few miles per hour over the posted limit, is it better to tell the officer right up front, "I'm carrying a gun and I have a proper permit for it," or is it better to just keep one's mouth shut and only tell the officer if he/she asks? OK, I do know that the law on this varies from state to state. In some states one is required to tell the officer he/she is carrying. In others, Colorado for example, the law does not specifically require it. The local officers I've spoken to about it (some of whom have been students in my classes) almost universally say that they much prefer the CCW holder to disclose he/she is carrying a concealed weapon on the theory that anyone who discloses the fact up front is very unlikely to be planning to use it! This seems reasonable to me and it is the policy I follow. But I would like to hear what the rest of you think. __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter) -->

01-07-2006, 05:18 PM	#2
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. Our state has no requirement to tell. I would prefer not to do so. If it is in fact concealed, it shouldn't even become a question. __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

01-07-2006, 05:24 PM	#3
22WRF Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pea Ridge, FL Contributor Posts: 4,253	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. In FL the fact you have a CCW going to come up on the LEO's computer as soon as he runs your tag. (He'll ask) Just hand him your CCW along with your DL __________________ NRA GOA CCRKBA Happiness is a warm barrel

01-07-2006, 05:30 PM	#4
berto64 VMBB Admin Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Owyhee County, Idaho Contributor Posts: 7,388	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. AZ wants you to tell the officer but I don't think there is a penalty for failing to do so. If it is a young guy and he seems nervous, hell yea I'll tell'im. I'm too fat & old for suicide by cop. JMHO! __________________ Be who you are & say what you will, Those that matter won't mind and those that mind don't matter. I'm a bitter clinger, One Nation Under God.

01-07-2006, 05:34 PM	#5
KyBlaster V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 250	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. It is not required to tell in Ky. However, I will tell if stopped by LEO. I don't want them to find out some other way. I think its better to be up front with LEO's. __________________ "From my cold, dead hands"-- Charlton Heston 2000

01-07-2006, 06:06 PM	#6
polishshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 7,863	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. In Indiana, we are not required, and to tell you the truth, MOST cops I've run into, state, county and local, since I've lived here are actually pretty cool about firearms and legal CCW. But what the hey, it's a moot point. I can carry LEGALLY according to my STATE and LOCAL laws but not my COMPANY'S and since it's THEIR CAR I can't argue. It's a REAL pain, "full use" Company Car, but I gotta drive my WIFE'S car to a Gun Show just so I don't violate the "No firearms on company property" rule... I told my wife if I get blown away by some gang banger because I busted his Ho', she better SUE big time that I wasn't allowed to LEGALLY defend myself... __________________ The problems we face today are there because the people who work for a living are outnumbered by those who vote for a living. Last edited by polishshooter; 01-07-2006 at 06:10 PM..

01-07-2006, 06:31 PM	#7
inplanotx Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 8,897	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. Texas law specifically states that when you hand over your drivers license, you include your CCW. Nuff said! __________________

01-07-2006, 07:46 PM	#8
pickenup Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains Posts: 6,838	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. If he don't ask....I don't tell. __________________ The gene pool needs chlorine

01-07-2006, 08:16 PM	#10
armedandsafe Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Moses Lake, WA Posts: 10,344	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. I tell. I think it is a courtesy. Even when I ws carrying in a state where the legislators don't trust their constituency, I thought it better to tell than not. The guys I taught at the police range agreed with me. Pops

01-07-2006, 11:04 PM	#11
cec Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 501	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. My state also doesn't require notification, but I would inform an Officer that I was carrying. Especially if I was asked to leave the vehicle. By that time a search is involved and I don't want there to be any misunderstanding when the gun is discovered. Granted, I have only been stopped for routine traffic violations and I didn't have my CCW at that time so it was non-issue. However now is a different story.

01-08-2006, 02:37 AM	#12
JohnK3 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,636	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. Georgia doesn't require, but I'd tell a police officer, if stopped. I wouldn't mention the word "gun," however. I'd say "Officer, just so you know, I have a permit to carry and I have it on me now. How do you want to proceed?" First, mention the word "gun" or "pistol" etc to a police officer and you may trigger responses you don't want. Second, by asking him how he wishes to proceed, you are letting him know he is still in charge of the situation and you are willing to allow it to remain that way. As berto said, I'm too old and fat to want to commit suicide by cop. I want him to feel comfortable in the situation and not nervous. Nervous, and he might take actions to make himself feel more comfortable that would make me feel mighty uncomfortable. Since I don't know if a license check would reveal the existence of a CCW in Georgia, I'd err on the side of caution and notify him in a non-threatening manner so he doesn't feel that I'm trying to hide anything.

01-08-2006, 02:37 PM	#14
stash247 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,815	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. Pistol, others: Unlike a Homicide, Narcotics, or other division, cop, a Traffic Officer has a unique situation; he NEVER knows, at the outset, with whom, or what, he is dealing. Advice I have been given, and will share, includes: Stay in the vehicle, until otherwise instructed. Turn on the dome light, as you pull over, and leave it on, if in the hours of darkness. Keep BOTH hands on the steering wheel, in plain sight of the officer, until otherwise instructed. Be polite, and truthful. Admit nothing, offer nothing, unless asked. In Texas, the drill was to surrender the CHL with your driver's liceense, when asked for ID; I believe this has changed to 'if you are carrying', under the law, but would still be my course of action, in any case. A traffic cop does not just decide to hassle you; something had to earmark you as 'out of the ordinary', to get his attention. That being said, why not make him/her as 'stress free' , during your encounter, as possible? If the officer is put at ease, by honesty, and action, at the outset, your chance of injury, embarassment, and citation, is minimised; chances of a warning, as opposed to a ticket, go WAY up!!! My son in law is a Texas State Trooper, so this is not totally unbiased, or un-informed, advice. __________________ Don't start no s*t and there won't be none, Terry Last edited by stash247; 01-08-2006 at 02:43 PM..*

01-09-2006, 08:33 AM	#17
Country101 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dardanelle, AR Contributor Posts: 2,029	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. It's not required in Arkansas and I usually wouldnt say anything unless asked or if I had to move in such a way that I might think my gun would show(whether it actually would or not. It'll show up when he calls me in anyway. Might just give him both my licenses. __________________ Gainfully employed= shooting somebody elses bullets and getting paid for it Country101

01-09-2006, 06:20 PM	#18
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. I have carried since 1962 and no one has asked in that time. __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

01-10-2006, 08:20 AM	#19
45Smashemflat Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,494	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. I echo the earlier advice - which is practically the same advice given by Mas Ayoob. Stay away from words like "gun" and "pistol." I tend to remain quiet about it if not asked to exit the car. (I'm in GA.) Its concealed, they don't know, its not like I'm gonna draw on him. If asked to exit the car, at that point I go with the earlier mentioned, "sir, I have a carry permit and I am carrying at this time. How would you like me to proceed?" If he doesn't freak (and none have) I tell them where it is at - of course hands have been in full view on the wheel the whole time. (Under no circumstances "point" at your gun....) Another thing to consider - depending on your primary carry method - strong side hip in my case - you may want to consider where you carry your wallet. Reaching for your wallet in your back pocket can look a lot like you are going for the gun you just told him about. While driving, I toss my wallet on top of the console for easy reach. If walking around, its located somewhere other than under the holster. As has alreay been said, if you act like a professional - they usually do to.

01-10-2006, 09:52 AM	#20
ken w. V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Buffalo,New York Posts: 216	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. I think that if you have your gun on your person and the issue is getting to be more than a traffic stop,you should mention this.I prefer not to say anything because out of sight is out of mind.I feel by bringing the subject up you are opening up a possible nightmare of problems.I have been pulled over in PA for a ticket after leaving a gun show and have had cases of ammo all over my truck and clips piled up on my seat along with guns behind my seat in the open and was not even asked about it.I went thru a seatbelt check here in NY and had my bolt action .22 mag in the front seat and was asked to pull over and then my truck was searched and me personally patted down.I was out woodchuck hunting.I think the less info the better.

01-12-2006, 09:54 AM	#21
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. Folks, I'd just like to say "thanks" for the great posts on this topic. When I proposed the question I was truly interested in getting some reasonable and helpful responses. I certainly have here, which, by the way, is so very typical of TFF and speaks well of all of you. I think this is a very relevant question, especially in today's world where LEOs are often in a much more difficult position than ever before, and I think that we, as responsible CCW holders, have an even greater obligation not to make that job any more difficult than it already is. Great advice has been presented here! __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter)

01-12-2006, 11:14 AM	#22
pickenup Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains Posts: 6,838	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. As a side note. Here is the story about the two times this subject has come into play. I was riding with my son, in his car, who was pulled over by the state patrol. (He was driving in the left lane on a highway. We didn’t know that they had just passed a law that you “must” drive in the right lane, for other than passing. He just gave my son a warning.) Anyway, I saw no reason to inform the officer that I was carrying. Possibly “starting” something. After the “warning” we went on our merry way. ***** (Keep in mind that I do NOT have the clean cut, suit and tie, kind of appearance. I have been, what some would call a “biker” all my life, and look that way.) This was the second incident where a CCW came into play. I was riding the HOG a “little” faster than the posted limit. When asked for my license, I flipped open my wallet, which has my CCW opposite of the license. He saw the CCW and asked if I was carrying. I told him “Yes Sir” He asked where it was located, I told him. He asked that I keep my hand in plain view and away from it, which I did. No more was said, he was very professional about it. Since we were both riding Harleys, we chatted a little when he returned my papers. It was no big deal. __________________ The gene pool needs chlorine

01-12-2006, 01:06 PM	#23
berto64 VMBB Admin Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Owyhee County, Idaho Contributor Posts: 7,388	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. Up here in Idyho, your CCW has your DL# on it and they both show up on a DL check. The local SO know me and we get along fine. It's only when I go to Boise that I perk up & watch my driving and manners real close. I messed up one time when driving to the south coast of Oregon. I was towing a pickup on a car dolly late at night and was pulled over by Police in a small Oregon town because a tailight was out on the dolly. The officer was at the driver's window and asked for my papers. So I leaned across the seat and went into the jockey box and was shuffling around for them. Suddenly he says he wants me out of the vehicle just as I uncovered my Taurus 44 sp. Bulldog in the box. After I got out and they call in that pistol and clear it, one of them asked me if I had more so I tell them about the 1911 in my suitcase in the back in the bed. They call it in and it's OK. The officer who stopped me then asked in a joking manner asked if there were anymore, that's when I was able to tell them about the P-32 in my front pocket. This time before they ran those #'s they both asked if there were ANY more. I told them no, they had them all now. After I checked OK they told me to find a place to spend the night since no replacement units were available that late at night. The Officer who stopped me was a Vietnam Vet and the Police Chief for that small town. We visited for a while and he told me to keep my weapons unloaded and seperate from the ammo. YESSIR! Oregon does not recognize Idaho's CCW and I could have be straight away taken to jail, but because of my demeanor and possibly our bond of being VV's all I had to do was stay the night in a motel were he could check on my vehicle to ensure I was indeed there and nothing was said about the pistols. This Chief gets my vote! __________________ Be who you are & say what you will, Those that matter won't mind and those that mind don't matter. I'm a bitter clinger, One Nation Under God.

01-12-2006, 06:02 PM	#24
henry0reilly Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 553	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. It has been my experience that in Indiana the police usually ask if you have any weapons. One of the clerks at the local gun shop was stopped in Noblesville some years ago; the police asked if he had any weapons; he replied in the affirmative. They took his NAA .22 mag from him and kept him sitting on the tailgate of his truck for about 45 minutes. Finally they issued him a ticket for running a red light (which he said he didn’t do). They handed his gun back to him in pieces and told him not to reassemble it until he got out of town. An attorney that belonged to our gun club offered to file a lawsuit for him, but he let it go. I don’t volunteer the information but I do always admit to carrying if asked. __________________ The only Thing necessary for Evil to Triumph is that Good Men do Nothing. Recruit someone for the NRA today!

01-13-2006, 05:17 AM	#25
AGB V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Brasilia, DF, Brasil Posts: 144	Re: To tell or not to tell, that is the question. I tell always when sttoped. First I look at the agent/officer/policeman that I have a CCW in my pocket, and the gun also. Normally if the guy is just doing his job, he just check the papers and let me go. If he is into more than seeing the papers as a first reason, when realize that I have a CCW and a gun, they normally just check the CCW and tell me to get out immediatelly. Been thru this more than 20 times, always works.