Posted: 2/4/2008 4:47:14 PM EDT
| Been seen printing? How did it happen and what was the end result? |
I used to print all the time...back when I played Star Fleet Battles, we'd copy off 100 ships, all variants of the D-7 Battlecruiser class...  D-7C all the way, baby...! Then we'd trounce those Federation dogs... 
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Concealed carry means just that. If you are printing, look into a different carry rig or a better concealment device (jacket, shirt, etc...). You may also experiment with different carry positions on your hip. The best method is to put your pistol where it's comfortable and then look in the mirror. Adjust as necessary for both comfort and concealment. The end result of me being seen printing, was me learning how not to print. |
But that's not what he asked...*if* one prints, then yes one needs to re-assess how and with what (clothes, holster, weapon) one carries... But if one prints, how did it happen (while bending over, brushing against people, etc) and did people freak out, cops called, etc? (I've never knowingly printed, so I couldn't/didn't give a straight up answer the first time) |
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What may be printing to you may not even be noticeable to someone looking from the outside. If you pocket carry, there will always be a lump, but the plan is to make people think it is something else. Hell people carry so many things on their waste anymore, why would someone even think a small lump was a gun unless you told them you carried. Maybe it's your cell phone, pda or poo bag 
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So your first answer was just an attempt to raise your own post count. 
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+1 ... I always get all paranoid about it, only to realize my firearm sticks out less than my blackberry, now I don't worry about it! |
No, it was an attempt at humor and remeniscing... |
...This one is an attempt at raising my post count... 
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I briefly considered carrying a "Batman" style belt, until I figured I'd just look (more) dorky than I do already... 1. cellphone 1a. pager (for work) 2. multi-tool 3. holster/weapon 4. mini-mag lite (or D-cell holster; yes I used them daily) 5. extra mag pouch 6. key ring clip (I have a crapload of keys; 3 cars, house, mailbox x 2, shed, bike, P-38, etc) But then I got a desk job, so half the stuff went into my jacket... |
No cops called or anything though? |
Exactly. So there must be a snactical translation too....? |
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for ODT: Printing means having your clothes show or define the outline of a concealed weapon that is being carried. For everybody else: That being said, I do not consider "printing" to be counter to concealed carry. There is no way to carry a concealed weapon that will not "print" given the proper circumstances, so just because you do occasionally print, it does not mean that you are doing it wrong. The only way to NOT print given various circumstances, is to have the weapon in such deep concealement that it's immediate use is negatated by the effort involved to access it. Keep in mind that there is a HUGE difference between printing and SHOWING. Printing is just outlining your weapon with your clothes, showing is like what PCR described and having your weapon come into open view. Once again, given the proper circumstances, anybody can show as well as print. That dosn't mean you are carrying incorrectly, it means that you are not adjusting your actions and behavior according to your choice to carry a concealed weapon. Instances such as what PCR described are why I don't reach for things on the top shelf of a store rack while carrying, I also don't bend down in certian ways when getting things off of the lower shelf, I instead choose to squat so that the grip of my pistol remains more inline with my body while retrieving low items. I always use the stalls in public restrooms so I can close the door unlike the urinals. I ONLY sit in booths at restaraunts, and will ONLY sit with my weapon facing the inside of the booth, not the outside. Honestly though, printing isn't so bad. Many people carry things on their belts these days and the grip of your pistol is more often then not mistaken for a cell phone, pager, or multi-tool if it prints. Hence, it's really no big deal unless it REALLY sticks out (imagine a 120 lb. guy tyring to carry an HK MK23 SOCOM under nothing more then a tee-shirt). Choice of dress has just as much to do with the success of concealed carry as does your choice of holster, weapon(size, bulk, lenght, etc), or carry location(hip, SOB, ankle, cross draw, shoulder, etc.). With the proper clothes, that 120 lb. dude COULD effectivly conceal that MK23, but the biggest guy wearing swim shorts with a tank-top still won't effectivly conceal a Kel-tec unless it's in his crotch and is effectivly useless should he need it RIGHT FUCKING NOW. There are many aspects to CCW that one must look at and one must also realize that given the proper situation, circumstances, and behavior, printing isn't neccessisarily bad, concealed really should mean CONCEALED, and if you choose to carry, it is somthing you will have to think about and adjust your life accordingly to. Remember, it's a lifestyle choice, not an accident. Either you choose to do it right or you suffer the consequences. |
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+1 Grumpy In my experience (carrying daily since I was 21), printing isn't noticed. The only time I've ever been 'seen' was at a movie theater, Glock 23 in a Uncle Mikes small of the back holster. Stood up to let someone by and the whole theater saw my gun. Sherrif Deputy (this was in Lakewood) asked to talk to me, led me out to the front, I showed him my permit, he said keep it covered and I went back in. I switched to a shoulder holster after that and when I got my Kimber I bought a Undershirt holster from Dave Workman. That's the best $$ I've ever spent on a gun accessory. People are amazing ignorant of their surroundings. Unless you actually reveal your gun the odds are printing isn't going to get noticed. |
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I was walking through a park with my sis-in-law once. It was a windy summer day, so i was wearing a thinner over shirt. Well wouldnt ya know right as we walk by some probably hippy types from WWU (we were in Bellingham) a big gust of wind blew and the girls sun bathing saw a perfectly outlined 1911 hammer and slide and one sad to the other he has a gun. I clamly stopped and said dont worry im with homeland security(figured it was the fastest way to avoid catastrophe and if they asked for ID i do have a .gov ID card). I dont think they knew what to make of that, since them i try to wear slightly thicker shirts... |
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once, when i first started carrying, i was in a store and the ladie in front of me in line was holding a little kid. the kid dropped a toy and i bent down to give it to the kid. when i stood back up my shirt got hung up on the hammer of my kimber. lucky me a cop was standing behind me and was kind enough to point out that my pistol was showing. he asked if i had a permit and wanted to see it. i showed him and all was cool. i'm glad he did not make a scene and freak out the sheep, he talked quietly and kept it low key. PSA: no dogs were injured in this story |
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Hasn’t been a problem….YET. I typically wear one clothing size too big and that helps. Besides, everyone has something on their hip these days… What surprises me most is about a month ago we had a post on the legalities of open carry. So what’s the big deal? To me concealed, is concealed though… We’ll see how I adjust in summer. |
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Probably lotsa times. The guy next to me saw in church last weekend when I leaned forward in the pew. I was carrying IWB 6 o'clock, and reached down under the pew to pick up a toy that a kid had dropped. He froze, and stared at me. I ignored him. If he wanted to make a scene, I'd address it then. After I ignored him long enough, he relaxed and shrugged it off.
+1 |