clear weapon before surrendering it to LEO?

[punkndisorderly]

During a stop, keep your hands in view and away from the firearm unless instructed otherwise. If the officer wants you disarmed, he'll instruct you how he wants you to do it. Unless he's fresh out of the academy, he has much more experience with traffic stops than you do. Letting him do his job so both of you can get the stop in your rearview mirror.

The chances of him disarming you are slim. The chances of him damaging the firearm are slim. If you have the bad luck for both of those to happen, the complaint and small claims is likelythe best way to go.

[PvilleStang]

Of the times I've carried, I believe I've been disarmed 2 of three times. Both were along 290, one by Brenham PD, and another by a State Trooper Rookie. The Brenham PD one left me furious, since he disarmed me by having me lean forward while he TUGGED the gun out of my holster at 6 o'clock (ND could have left me paralized for life). Come to say I wrote the chief a long letter with the officer's info in it. The S.T. was smart enough to take the holster with the gun, making it much safer.

[Soldiernurse]

This is an excellent Thread Topic! As long as a TX LEO does not bang my gun around (i.e. abusively) or keep my loaded mag all's good for me. I can not blame them for wanting to be safe. I admire the LEO's responsibility during the course of a shift.

[texiss33]

Well, I got stopped this week for the first time since getting my permit. I had no idea why either - seems my registration sticker had expired. When I saw the lights, I pulled off my sunglasses and turned into the closest driveway (a gas station). I kept my hands on the wheel until the officer reached my car, then rolled down my window. He asked me for my DL and registration. I told him that I have a CHL and there was a loaded weapon in the vehicle. He asked where, I told him it was in my purse on the passenger seat. I didn't move my hands from the wheel until I asked him if I could put the purse in my lap, open it, and show him both the gun and my wallet. He allowed me to do that, took my DL and CHL and walked back to his car. That was it. After a few minutes, he walked back and handed me my plastic, tapped the expired sticker, smiled, and said, "Take care of that will ya?". I was so grateful he didn't make me get out of the car...it was H-O-T!!
Chris

[paulhailes]

Well, I got stopped this week for the first time since getting my permit. I had no idea why either - seems my registration sticker had expired. When I saw the lights, I pulled off my sunglasses and turned into the closest driveway (a gas station). I kept my hands on the wheel until the officer reached my car, then rolled down my window. He asked me for my DL and registration. I told him that I have a CHL and there was a loaded weapon in the vehicle. He asked where, I told him it was in my purse on the passenger seat. I didn't move my hands from the wheel until I asked him if I could put the purse in my lap, open it, and show him both the gun and my wallet. He allowed me to do that, took my DL and CHL and walked back to his car. That was it. After a few minutes, he walked back and handed me my plastic, tapped the expired sticker, smiled, and said, "Take care of that will ya?". I was so grateful he didn't make me get out of the car...it was H-O-T!!
Chris

Sounds like a pretty good encounter, I see not reason for a LEO to disarm a CHL if they are being friendly, courteous, kind and obedient (and the answer is yes). As for handing over my weapon if asked, during a traffic stop the man with the badge gets what he wants the way he wants if there are legal issues they can be sorted out afterwards.

[Beiruty]

It is good idea to tell the Officer that your firearm is loaded, i.e., one round in the pipe.

[thatguy]

Assuming a belt-clip type of holster, I've known people who had the LEO agree to let them unclip their holster and slide out the gun-holster as a single unit, thus handing the still-holstered gun to the LEO. Keeps the trigger covered and is far safer for all concerned, IMO.

Also addresses LEO concerns regarding letting someone handle their loaded handgun.

Kinda my plan as well, unless the officer says otherwise. Until then I try not to get stopped very often.

[johnson0317]

texiss33,

Seems like a very good encounter. I don't think having a CHL helps in these instances, but I sure don't think it hurts (with most LEOs). As long as you are courteous, they will probably treat you well.