TexasCHLforum.com

Ive already begun the process of my CHL application by filing online, most of my requirements fulfilled, and with my class to be taken on the 30th.
Ive been browsing this forum and a few others with CHL discussion sections and I havent seen this topic covered much so I thought id ask.

So, the question is....whats your "excuse" for what your your CCW is in the event that your "made"?
Is it your cell phone?
Insulin pump?
Other?
Do you answer honestly and tell them its your CCW?
Or do you try the old "I didnt hear you so im going to talk about something totally different" ploy?

Im referring soley to being made by feel, not by them actually seeing a weapon. Someone bumps into you, asks about a bulge under your shirt, etc...what do YOU say?
How about those who wont/dont believe your little white lie and wont let up?

How about, "none of your business"? You could say it with a smile if it is someone you like.

"It's a device to make people ask questions. It works, don't it?"

A Snickers IWB with FBI cant.

"It's my infected goiter. Should be bursting any day now. Wanna see?"

I won't know until it happens. Too many factors to guess.

"Wanna see a colostomy bag???"

Stainless steel garlic press?

I have never had any situation involving someone detecting my carry by feel. My wife knows I carry, and where on my body I carry. There are those occasions that I know I will be among many people hugging me; foremost, something like a family reunion or big family holiday get-together.

When I know I'll be in that situation, I change my carry. For my set up, my IWB semi-auto moves over for a revolver pocket carry in holster.
Know thy situation. Imagine, and have a plan before those days come up.

Very few people should be making me by feel. "Don't worry about it" or "nothing important".

I just point to my CHL Sash and then nothing needs to be said!

Just whip out my dorky big bad CHL badge. Enough said - Then they know I am an officially recognized dork.

About a year ago, I had a BNI associate of mine — an older woman — gave me a friendly pat once to say "hi" before I could cover my strong side with my arm. She patted me right on my gun - a 5" 1911 in an OWB holster.

She didn't bat an eye. I felt compelled to take her aside for a moment and explain because it had to be obvious what it was. She is the local Republican party official for my area, and she's quite conservative. She's also a friend. I was fairly certain that I could just tell her what it was if I did so discretely and it would be OK. So I did. She just smiled and said, "Honey, I was a nurse here in Texas for 40 years. Nothing surprises me anymore."

So it really depends who who is asking. If it is a stranger that I don't care about offending, then my answer is "not really any of your business, is it?" If it is someone who I do care about offending, then my answer is going to depend very much on who is asking, and what the circumstances are.

It happens to me quite often -- we're a hugging bunch at our Church! No one asks about it though, because everyone already knows.

Just as new CHL's tend to worry too much about printing or a bulge, I think some folks worry too much about others finding out they carry a gun. In my personal life, as opposed to my professional life, the vast majority of people who know me know I carry a gun all the time, except where it is prohibited. Even in my professional life, at least half of the attorneys I know are aware I carry a gun. When people ask I always tell them the truth and it often gives me the opportunity to talk about owning, carrying and using guns.

I understand that some people may face work or family situations that might/would make it preferable that few people know they carry, but I suspect those folks are few in number. Others may simply want to keep that information confidential and that too is fine.

Chas.

Charles is fundamentally talking about being a good ambassador. I agree with that, and that is why I am willing to discuss it with people who know me.... ....and even occasionally with someone who doesn't, if the conditions are right for it.

Do you answer honestly and tell them its your CCW?

i tell them i carry it because a cop is way 2 big and won't fit in my IWB holster.....and they go...