TexasCHLforum.com

I think (not sure of your carry rig) that most of all you may want to look at a good quality gun belt. A good belt can be the difference in having or not having "the bulge". It will keep your weapon close to body rather than sticking out whe leaning over.

+1 on the belt. I've only got a mediocre one (Cabella's Double Duty) and I can tell the difference. At my next opportunity, I'm going for a bit higher end belt. I think one with a kydex insert may be the ticket.

I lifted “thoracic perpetrator“ from another thread. I'm not that clever....

CCreyeder wrote:I've often had a question that reading this topic has brought back to mind...

I understand once a person has been given verbal notice that they must leave the premises or be in violation. For sure, lets say for example the "person in charge" comes up and says "hey, I noticed your gun when your shirt came up and I am asking you to leave" kind of scenario.

But, what about in a case where that person doesnt know for sure: just thinks, assumes, guesses, etc. Nothing illegal about lying to a store manager is there? Could you say to the manager, "well, what you THINK or ASSuME is not my concern" and then if asked to prove it let them know you dont have to prove anything to them? Then, finish your meal ASAP and boogie on outta there lol

I dont know, my gut tells me that that would be a no go. Personally, I think if "management" says I must leave if I am carrying, regardless of whether or not THEY know, since I know, then, as the Borg say, "resistance is futile"

However, it's a question I've often pondered, so I thought I would throw it out there for discussion.....

If you don't leave & the manager calls the cops, then you're in some hot water. As a matter of practice, the cops will ask you for your ID, and once that happens it's all downhill from there. I might be inclined to play the "it's a medical device (my thoracic perforator that keeps my heart from stopping) that I'm not going to let you see/inspect" card & GTHO. But it's risky. I'm more likely to simply leave immediately if asked. Whether I pay the bill or not would depend on how the actual conversation takes place, though.

In resposne to the request for feedback, here's my thoughts on restaurant seating while carrying...

TexasCajun wrote: Stools are completely out - They encourage you to lean forward & slouch, causing a pretty noticeable bulge on the side or back. They are also usually at a higher level than regular chairs, putting your beltline at eye-level with those sitting in chairs.
Regular restaurant chairs can be ok - You just have to make sure that the gun butt doesn't hook around the vertical rail that attaches the chair back to the seat. You can minimize the risk by sitting with your carry side away from the main part of the room (preferably toward a wall).
Booths along a wall are best - The high & solid backs and wide tables give you physical cover in all directions except for the side you have to slide in & out from. But you do have to be careful that you don't uncover when you sit down or get up.

viewtopic.php?f=83&t=59190" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks like this is going to turn into a larger issue. I guess from now on, those of us that enjoy an atmosphere with the mediocre food and would like to still maintain the highest level of personal protection will have to cast our eyes upon other similar venues. I hear Twin Peaks and/or the Tilted Kilt can fit the bill.

Welcom G_T! I echo what others have said regarding your handling of the situation. But rather than re-hash the thoroughly hashed, I'd like to take the opportunity to offer a bit to the discussion in a slightly different direction while still remaining on topic. There are tons of threads on this and other forums about appropriate conceal method & dressing around the gun, etc. But I haven't seen much on the other effects being a CHL'r has on day-to-day life. So here's my take on choosing a seat in a restaurant while concealing....

I prefer to carry my glock 17 owb in a Fobus paddle-holster wearing an oversized shirt at 3-4. My 2nd preference is to carry my g-17 iwb in a DeSantis Tuck This tuckable with a front mag pouch at 4. And when I have to go ultra-incognito, I go with my Beretta Nano in a Blackhawk iwb at 4. So in my very limited experience as a CHL'er, here's what I've found/realized so far about eating in restaurants (scenic or otherwise).

Stools are completely out - They encourage you to lean forward & slouch, causing a pretty noticeable bulge on the side or back. They are also usually at a higher level than regular chairs, putting your beltline at eye-level with those sitting in chairs.
Regular restaurant chairs can be ok - You just have to make sure that the gun butt doesn't hook around the vertical rail that attaches the chair back to the seat. You can minimize the risk by sitting with your carry side away from the main part of the room (preferably toward a wall).
Booths along a wall are best - The high & solid backs and wide tables give you physical cover in all directions except for the side you have to slide in & out from. But you do have to be careful that you don't uncover when you sit down or get up.