Walking the Walk

[Andrew]

My son and I have a contest that keeps us from dying from boredom when shopping/visiting future purchases at the mall with our spouses. Of course it's "Guess Who's Carrying!". We decided to play while attending the rally in Austin. We set up on the lawn to the east of the steps near the big "Come and Take It" and had a great view coming and going of folks arriving, including the arrival of "Texas Mob Father" and his camo AR, from that side of the Capitol.
Due to the chill in the air most folks were wearing outerwear of some type and while printing wasn't an issue we did notice a very distinctive "walk". Strong side arm was slightly bent and held away from the body, support side swung freely/naturally. There was also a "hitch" in the stride as the strong side leg came forward, probably due to the unfamiliar pressure generated by the gun butt on the cover garment. A glance towards the bicycle troopers, whom everyone else didn't even register, was the final confirmation if there was a dispute.
My question here is, "Are we all that easy to read?" Am I hyper aware or are the BGs just as cognizant of threat? What do you think? What do or LEO members think? thanx.

[baldeagle]

Bad guys see one thing - a potential victim - or not.

[donniet]

This is just my opinion, so it's worth what you paid for it. I think those who exhibit these traits do not carry consistently. They are more aware of the firearm because it is not a part of their daily routine, or their carry is uncomfortable. I have found a comfortable method of carry and always carry my firearm. For the most part, after many years of carry, I am seldom aware of my weapon.
I have studied the "tell tale" signs. I do not think you will find any of them in my walk or mannerisms. However, I think that is because it is just a natural part of my everyday routine to carry.

I, like you, like to observe people around me and look to see if they are carrying. Isn't this just a normal part of being aware of your surroundings (condition yellow)?

[Bugler]

This is just my opinion, so it's worth what you paid for it. I think those who exhibit these traits do not carry consistently. They are more aware of the firearm because it is not a part of their daily routine, or their carry is uncomfortable. I have found a comfortable method of carry and always carry my firearm. For the most part, after many years of carry, I am seldom aware of my weapon.
I have studied the "tell tale" signs. I do not think you will find any of them in my walk or mannerisms. However, I think that is because it is just a natural part of my everyday routine to carry.

I, like you, like to observe people around me and look to see if they are carrying. Isn't this just a normal part of being aware of your surroundings (condition yellow)?

I'm always playing the "who's carrying" thing.

[yogihat]

I use to notice all that when I first started carrying, now I realize that no one else pays attention to that stuff. I make it a daily habit to wear my gun. As the advise goes, "Put it on, leave it alone and forget about it." My belief is that sometimes you just can't help showing some sign at one time or another. I do my best every day to conceal properly as to pose no sign that I am armed. It's been a few years now and no one has ever approached me about seeing my gun or asked me if I am armed. I do look for that in others, not as a game, but just from situational awareness.

[68Charger]

I hate always having to pull my shirt down, or see if it's exposed when leaving my vehicle. I think that's the only time I think I look suspicious. I try not to do it so conspicuously though.

[68blackbird]

I don't "look" for others who carry. I do try to keep my senses keen to my surroundings as far as unsavory looking folks, look for exits in places I go, ect...not paranoid, just aware. I'm glad to know that there are many people just like me doing the same.

[grim-bob]

I have no meat in the hind section so I'm always adjusting my pants anyway. Even with a good belt. The only thing I know I do different when carrying is index off my holster through my pants(IWB) on the strong side when adjusting. Kinda hard to explain but I basically utilize the holster to some degree when adjusting. Largely so I don't uncover while grabbing my belt/loops to pull 'em up as I would do when not armed. In reality I suspect nobody has ever really noticed. I have a few people around me often who know I carry and they like to guess if I strapped and they aren't consistent on being able to tell so I suspect someone who isn't really looking closely definitely wouldn't.

[Av8rtx]

I hate always having to pull my shirt down, or see if it's exposed when leaving my vehicle. I think that's the only time I think I look suspicious. I try not to do it so conspicuously though.

I doubt that looks suspicious, I think it is pretty common to adjust your clothes after driving for a while.

[TDDude]

I don't really care anymore so I simply make sure it's covered so I could probably be made pretty easily although I'm always within the bounds of the statute.

The word "printing" isn't in the statute. It states that "Through ordinary observation" or something like that. The ordinary observer is not a Secret Service agent. It is a normal, man about town.

I've carried every day for the past 12 years or so and when folks find out cause I let it slip, they are always very surprised. No one ever knew.

A "one size larger than needed" dark patterned shirt will conceal a howitzer. Well, maybe not that but you get the drift.

If I were to ever play that game, some tells would be an untucked tuckable shirt, an unbuttoned shirt over a t-shirt, any type of vest, a man's fly that is crooked (I hardly ever would notice that one), fanny pack (duh), a jacket when it's really not cold enough for one, all are signs that someone may be carrying. I've never noticed the swinging arm or a hitch in the walk.

[Wodathunkit]

I'm always pointing out people to the mrs that "he/she is carrying" . She will tell you statistically that I'm right 0% of the time.