CHL concealed but not secret

[hangfour]

I was reading another thread on this site where the issue of keeping my CHL secret (and concealed) came up. I'm interested in other opinions and practices on this matter.

Here's my post from the other topic:

On the matter of being secret about my CHL ... I am. If the purpose of having a CHL is defense, I've reasoned that having the element of surprise (even among my acquaintances ) would be to my advantage. Is this not true? I do a lot of community service work in my town. I can't imagine that it would be to my advantage in any way for those I serve to know that I'm carrying.

[C-dub]

In my opinion you are correct. Did someone chew on you a bit for that post?

There may be some people that you may want to know, family members or close friends, but otherwise it is on a need to know basis and most don't need to know.

[Barbi Q]

It should be as confidential as medical records and the home addresses of judges, prosecutors and undercover officers. If they want to leak things in the clear, they have no moral grounds to complain when they get the same.

[cougartex]

There may be some people that you may want to know, family members or close friends, but otherwise it is on a need to know basis and most don't need to know.

[HankB]

Outside of immediate family and a very few like-minded, discreet, and level-headed friends, I have not advertised my possession of a CHL or the fact that I carry everywhere it's not explicitly prohibited.

[C-dub]

As a side note, when the conversation of guns comes up and it often does, the level of one's participation can give others an indication into what type of job you have or if they are aware of CHL's that you probably have one. Otherwise, why would you know so much about various laws related to this subject. Think about this before you allow yourself to be dragged into one of these conversations if there are folks around that you don't want to know too much about yourself.

[Oldgringo]

Mrs. Oldgringo and I certainly don't view our CHL's as Batman licenses but by the same token, they're no deep dark secret. As far as we're concerned everyone should; especially strangers, assume that we have our CHL's and are armed and in a defensive mode - which is the reason we did the deed (CHL course) to start with. While our CHL's are not necessarily secret, "concealed is concealed".

Not only that, we'll speak to you should we meet in the liquor store.

[canvasbck]

There are some rare exceptions for me keeping it secret. An example would be this past Monday I went to the Arms Room for some range time. As I walked up with range bag in hand, the lady behind the counter said, "OK, your gun is in the bag".

I replied "No maam, it's on my hip, is that OK?"

I didn't see the real tactical advantage of secrecy in a room full of armed people.

[hangfour]

In my opinion you are correct. Did someone chew on you a bit for that post?

No, I did not get chewed on but I was getting the sense that many were not secret about the fact that they have a CHL and carry. Thanks everyone for the thoughts on this matter. I'm going to "stick by my guns" and keep it quiet except to that one person or persons who have a real need to know (i.e a BG).

[WildBill]

I'm going to "stick by my guns" and keep it quiet except to that one person or persons who have a real need to know (i.e a BG).

And he will "need to know" only at the appropriate time.

[BB 09]

It seems to me that if I told all my family and friends it would not be a good idea. Imagine you are in a place eating with a bunch of friends who know you carry. BGs bust in the door with guns yelling at people. You could have all of the people with you who know you are armed looking at you at the same time to see what you are going to do. Just like putting a big spotlight on you and now you are the focus of more attention than you would have been.

[E.Marquez]

Having been in the Military for 24 years and attaining a rang and duty position I do, with a security clearance consummate to both,, the Words "Secret" has a meaning others may not fully comprehend. As such, I disagree that my CCW should be a secret.. Confidential, low key, not advertised yes. My wife and sons know it's not a topic of discussion unless I bring it up in company, and they are never to acknowledge that i carry or give that info away no matter the bad situation we find our selfs in..

[WildBill]

Having been in the Military for 24 years and attaining a rang and duty position I do, with a security clearance consummate to both,, the Words "Secret" has a meaning others may not fully comprehend. As such, I disagree that my CCW should be a secret.. Confidential, low key, not advertised yes. My wife and sons know it's not a topic of discussion unless I bring it up in company, and they are never to acknowledge that i carry or give that info away no matter the bad situation we find our selfs in..

If you want to explain the difference, that would be nice.

[KFP]

Prior to becoming an instructor, the number of people who knew I had my CHL could be counted on one hand, including my wife and me. I was mainly concerned about the unnecessary attention that it might draw from friends, family, coworkers, bosses, etc. My transition came after a group from work expressed interest in doing a CHL course, so I discreetly offered to host the course at our house to those that I knew were serious about obtaining their CHLs. I quickly learned that the vast majority of people in my workplace were interested or already had their CHL. I also got tired of feeling like my hobby/interest/training was taboo, so I made the decision to become an "ambassador" for firearms, rather than hide it.

Since becoming an instructor, I have kept my CHL a secret from both of my sisters and their husbands, but have no issues with others knowing. I have no interest in getting into a debate with my sisters about the safety of being around their children with a firearm, so I choose to go about my normal routine when they are around, without having to deal with the negative comments/reactions. My wife is not interested in her friends or coworkers knowing, unless they directly ask.

Needless to say, I can understand various aspects involved in the decision. The decision is ultimately an individual one - no person should be faulted for the decision that they choose to make. Although it is intuitive, once you've told someone, it can't be taken back. They also have the ability to tell others that you may not have wanted to know.

[E.Marquez]

Having been in the Military for 24 years and attaining a rang and duty position I do, with a security clearance consummate to both,, the Words "Secret" has a meaning others may not fully comprehend. As such, I disagree that my CCW should be a secret.. Confidential, low key, not advertised yes. My wife and sons know it's not a topic of discussion unless I bring it up in company, and they are never to acknowledge that i carry or give that info away no matter the bad situation we find our selfs in..

If you want to explain the difference, that would be nice.

Many people through around the word secret in a nonsense way,., ie something that should not be told, but if it gets out... well no big deal.. My CCW is a "secret" ....
But the second and third order of effects if that "Secret" gets out are minimal at best.

My definition of Secret includes but not limited to information or data that has serious repercussions , physical well being of an actual life, failed mission etc.. this in my humble opinion is a different understanding and definition than many, to include many on this forum use for the word.

All that said... again.. i don't hold my CCW or consider it secret information... I do try and keep it low key or confidential,,, but I wont kill you if you find out