Which guy are you?
Editor’s Note: The following is a syndicated article by author Bob Campbell that first appeared in USCCA’s Concealed Carry Magazine Volume 13, Issue 4, May/June 2016 under the title, “SHOOT ME! Improper Concealment, Unwanted Attention.”
When strategizing the discreet carry of a concealed weapon, most permit holders look at the issue from only their own perspective. Unfortunately, when it comes to carrying concealed, it isn’t how you view yourself but how the world sees you that matters. Training in spotting weapons that the bearer has attempted to conceal is an important facet of situational awareness; I have lost count of the times trained officers have been surprised by armed felons. I spot guns that I hope are being carried legally on private citizens on a weekly basis as I go about my daily routine.
Even if the handgun is concealed beneath a covering garment in a properly designed holster, there are physical indicators that can tip others off that you might be armed and certain other behaviors that are dead giveaways. You wish to avoid projecting such indicators while at the same time developing an ability to spot these indicators in others.
Remember, attackers come in all shapes and sizes and from all types of backgrounds, so profiling isn’t always an adequate tool. Profiling alerts us to the stupid criminals, but we wish to know whether the smart ones are armed as well.
Neither do we always wish to project a well-armed profile. I sometimes wear my old cop jacket with “RETIRED” stitched across the shield, but I do so because I like it. Conversely, not long ago, I was thinking that perhaps my Royal Robbins jacket and khaki pants were too obvious as I went about my daily chores. Well, perhaps not. I walked into the UPS store and the young lady asked, “Are you going fishing?” I wasn’t exactly quick on the draw and asked what she meant. She replied, “You look like you are going fishing!” So much for the tactical look … I did look like I was going fishing. Sometimes, it is the eye of the beholder that matters most.
All Eyes On … You
Lower-class strong-arm robbers might indeed be seedy looking, but those involved in road rage incidents and the generally psychotic are often well dressed. Such crimes know no social boundaries, but physical indicators of the presence of a firearm are consistent. For example, if you are legally armed, you’ll want to avoid carrying a heavy sidearm in the pocket of a garment that is too light to support the weapon. A jacket that sags to one side is a sure sign that someone’s carrying. Remember: You are supposed to be discreetly armed.
Most who carry concealed have only concealed the handgun from prying eyes but would not pass a frisk, as most carriers do not practice deep concealment under most circumstances. This reasonable effort at concealment does not invite closer observation, but a physical mannerism that invites a closer look just might show the outline of a pistol in the pocket (and might invite a rap on the skull with a blunt weapon in order to gain control of that pistol). The first indication might be weak, as in the case of a saggy jacket, but the second indication, the outline of a handgun during certain movements, is a stronger indication the individual is armed.
Another simple indicator is a certain stiffness while walking. Some people even seem to actually rest their elbow on the gun butt when moving about. A reluctance to swing the arm when walking is another indicator you are armed. Let’s face it: If a potential stick-up man gets the idea you are armed, you might as well scream, “Shoot me.” He will not take a chance, and if he does choose to confront an armed person, you know dang well that he’s armed too.
Out for Attention
So, what are some of the “shoot me” actions common among concealed carriers? The amateur touches, adjusts and generally gropes the weapon during movement. Sometimes, the root cause of such pawing is a poor holster and/or a belt that is unsuitable for concealed carry. (If you are carrying with no holster, there is little I can do to help you. Get with the program!) The movements most commonly associated with such behavior are when the concealed carrier stands from a seated position or dismounts his vehicle. A properly fitted holster and gun belt combination will eliminate the need to adjust the gun and a change in the mindset will eliminate the movement.
It isn’t always one indicator but several that alert you to the fact that a person is armed — and it cuts both ways. You might walk with a limp or favor one side of the body if your gun cuts into tender flesh, such as an ankle holster chafing the leg. It is true that a person with a limp will walk with an affected gait, but they will not appear nervous; again, the totality of the situation is important.
Stop the Presses
Simply put, printing is a visible outline of a handgun against a cover garment. Frankly, I thought I had things down pat and did not allow my gear to print, but, recently, I took a few images at the range and learned I was wrong. I was firing one handgun for a report and the images were shot from behind as I ran a pistol through its paces. My carry gun was neatly printing against the fabric of the jacket as I engaged in tactical movement, and though it was neither severe nor constant, it was certainly exhibited. These chance images gave me much food for thought.
You’re going to have to match your lifestyle to your holster and vice versa. If you allow your sidearm to constantly print and announce the fact that you’re armed, you’re losing most of the tactical advantage concealed carry offers.
I should not have to say this, but just because someone “doesn’t look right” and is carrying a weapon doesn’t mean you are about to be assaulted or that he is an armed robber. Simply take this information into account and ramp up your situational awareness a bit. After all, the individual could be a plainclothes or off-duty cop or a fellow legally and responsibly armed concealed carrier. A sobering thought I often point out in class is that, on practically a yearly basis, one undercover cop will shoot another. There is no more professional and effective group of women and men than those who patrol the subways of New York undercover, but they are at danger of being shot not only by criminals but by their fellow officers in cases of mistaken identity. They are well trained and good at what they do; but they can make mistakes, and so can you.
An individual that is constantly adjusting something in his pocket might be carrying a handgun without a holster. Holster-less carry is like lifting weights without support or snowboarding barefoot: It just doesn’t make any sense to me at all. But the clearest of all indications of an armed individual is when the weapon is actually observed. The grip frame of the handgun might be seen from beneath the jacket, peeking out of the pocket or even from below. Climbing steps in a short jacket with a handgun on the belt will almost certainly expose the handgun to unwelcome attention. You must use a good gun belt and a properly fitting holster; there are many ways to scream, “Shoot me,” but common sense will avoid this exclamation or invitation to trouble.
Discover how you can join nearly 300,000 responsibly armed Americans who already rely on the USCCA to protect their families, futures and freedoms: USCCA.com/gunsamerica.
I carry a G23. Though lighter than some, it’s still no feather weight. I use a good IWB holster but, I have an age and geographic advantage. Living in Texas, no one takes a second glance at the sight of a big leather belt and buckle.
My age advantage is that being old and fat, I don’t draw overmuch attention by wearing galluses in addition to a belt (For you younger types, “galluses” = suspenders or braces.)
One other thing I do is wear odd ball hats. While it does call attention to oneself, it also has the effect of redirecting that attention away from anything other than the hat. In many cases people will actively look away to keep from being observed as staring. Some examples are my old Civil War reenactor’s kepi, a derby or bowler hat, a 1930’s “cabbie hat” and in colder weather a good German Army M43 peaked field cap (Minus any insignia. I just like the cap style. The fold down flaps frequently come in handy.)
For the record, I don’t really do it intentionally to misdirect attention. I really am just an oddball that likes to wear oddball caps. The side effect is just a bonus.
When I started to carry my Milspec 1911, none of the holsters I tried were fitting comfortably.
I settled on a right hand Bianchi 1911 leather IWB holster and after a few months, I have to touch it to know it’s there.
I wear loose fitting shirts anyway as my weight fluctuates about 15 pounds and if anyone has noticed, they have never indicated it to me.
I also wear suspenders as without them, I had to adjust my belt all the time, but with them, I never need to even after getting out of the car.
And several police interaction confirm that they had no clue I carried.
Has the author never tried a clip on the side of their gun? I carry a Ruger LCP this way, fits over your pants and behind your belt. Very secure but easy to draw. Carried on duty with a holster since 1967 (Necessity since it was a Six inch Revolver) Never make a blanket statement about the way someone else should do something, someone somewhere will prove you wrong. When working now I carry a compact 9mm.
(quote)”Never make a blanket statement about…”(end quote)
AMEN Brother! An all encompassing statement is almost always wrong and I distrust them on sight. A smart writer would/should preface such blanket statements with something like; “As a general rule…” or “More often than not…” or other such like qualifier and then they can proceed with their subject matter. People will recognize there are exceptions and the writer doesn’t have to give up precious space listing or describing them. Further, there will most always be something overlooked to spoil the whole thing.
I open carry. I tried concealed, and hated it. I have a S&W Combat 357 I’ve carried for 34+ years. I have a Glock 30 in a paddle holster. I have a Remington 1875 Army in a Comstock rig I carry (people LOVE it!).
Situational awareness is the key. I will know your intentions before you dare to try anything, and I am watching you. I was trained to do this.
I get told “Thanks for carrying” all the time. People behave when there’s an armed man in the room. I like it that way. One time, in a QT gas station, a young cop was eyeballing my sidearm. I smiled and said “Good morning” to him. When I got the same derisive stare I said “Easy, Rookie” and carried on, His obviously veteran partner smiled at that.
In 34+ years, I’ve never had to draw my weapon, nor have I been attacked.
I own everything within 100 yards of me, because I practice regularly, and am situationally aware. Nobody said freedom would be easy.
If you feel so strongly that you need to hide your sidearm, then maybe you aren’t really ready to protect yourself, your family, or your country. Are you? Having a sidearm and having the will to use it if necessary are two very different things.
My open carry allows me to draw, rack, and fire in under 1 second. I practice it (unloaded) regularly. Do you? Can you, with it stuffed in your pants?
I have been known to open carry on occasion but, I prefer to leave them wondering. But, as a rule, my cover is a western style vest. It gets swept aside with the same movement I’d use to draw my gun that I’d use w/out the vest. I keep a little weight in the pocket to make the vest flip aside more firmly.
Furthermore, my IWB holster allows my piece to be readily available to hand. It is hardly “stuffed in my pants.
Generally speaking, your arrogance is alarming and I’d say that your not having had to use your piece was more a matter of luck than your attitude.
Have at it Bud. I figure you will want to strike back at this. Go ahead. I’m done. I’ve had my say.
I was an undercover police officer in the early 80s. I was of course in excellent condition from that an being an Army reservist. Off duty I usually carried my S&W Model 49 in an exceptional (and expensive) 2nd hand holster. One evening I danced with a girl who had her hand on my sidearm for the entire evening and never noticed it through my sweater. Now that was concealment … it passed the ‘unintentional’ pat-down test.
On my first evening in Metro-Narcotics, I was carrying a 9 mm of some type in a pancake holster. The LT introduced me to may partner who immediately said, “what the f___ are you trying to do, get us killed”? He ripped me a new one and pointed out that “splibs’ never used a holster and since we were trying to look like them, I should get with the program or get out. He taught me how to securely carry that way. For the next four years I carried holster-less on duty without incident.
That was a long time ago and for 32 years (after the department), I might carry occasionally but not on a regular basis. Well the world went nuts in NOV 2016 and I have carried every day since. I am 37 lbs heavier now and it is much more difficult to keep my ‘drawers’ us with belt carry. I am back using holster-less carry when I can to keep it fully concealed.
It is important to remember that there are some things you cannot do carrying holster-less. You cannot:
1) Run or chase someone
2) Sit in a car comfortably (we stowed our firearm under the right thigh)
3) Wrestle with a would be attacker. If you are assaulted this way you have to make peace with the fact that you will have to draw.
4) Someone really needs to teach you how!!!! With departmental liabilities and the general state of affairs, few if any police officers probably carry in that manner today. Your best bet is an “old” retired Narc or me police decoy.
5) Check your local CCP/CCW guidelines. In some states it is illegal for a civilian to carry without a holster of some type.
6) If you have an AD carrying in this manner, you can expect to be charged with “unlawful discharge” of a firearm or “wanton endangerment”.
Final note: If you are the typical civilian CCP carrier, USE a holster.
At work my thought process shifts from personal protection to active shooter so I scale up the gun size and scale down my emphasis on Concealment. It’s a toss up. What best fits the scenario.
Great graphic! I love it when an ‘open-carry’ dude is in my vicinity. I know for sure I will not be the first one shot in event some crazed shooter shows up.
What “graphic” are you referring to? I am an open-carry citizen, and I have yet to see ANY graphic that indicates that OC citizens are more likely to be shot than CC. And, I will gladly stand by you any day. Maybe the guy that is worried about me is a bad shot, and shoots you, after which I drop him.
You are far too wrapped up in the “what if” scenarios.
Here in my part of WV we just assume everyone is armed, because of that you don’t go looking for gun prints and jackets sagging on one side. Unless someone is looking for a gun most people would miss one being carried open, which is real common even though our state laws allow concealed carry by anyone not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
The author shuns carrying without a holster and maybe it is because he hasn’t ever really tried it correctly. I was a street cop for many years and then a detective and firearms instructor for the police department. I carried off duty without a holster for years, carried on the job when a detective without a holster much of the time; and have carried as a citizen for decades since then, all without a holster. I’ve run after criminals in back streets, fought them, and been in some hairy situations with the weapon carried without a holster and never had it slip out or cause problems. I knew others who carried the same and have never heard of a problem from any cop caused by carrying without a holster. I’m thinking the author bases his statements on ignorance instead of reality.
Steve,
I believe you. Can you give some tips on carrying without a holster?
Good advice, but in a hot climate like FL, I have two options: [1] wear clothing to conceal and burn up or [2] wear light weight shirts, stay as cool as possible, and print. I’ll take my chances and print … and hope I don’t wind up in a Batman or Die Hard movie where all the bad guys are ex-special ops and know to shoot me first.
You censor as much as Facebook, Twitter, and Google. Leaving now
Seriously, I am REALLY getting tired of all these “experts” telling everyone else how to carry. I hate to cause anyone a stroke, or get their panties in a wad, but I open carry as often as I conceal carry. And NO, it isn’t to show off, or trying to look cool. I don’t play with it in public, pat it adjust it, or twirl it. I open carry because I want to, it’s because, it’s my right, it’s because, I want to remind others it’s THEIR right as well. It’s because, I want others who are to timid to voice their own opinion in public, and that they aren’t alone as a patriot and a conservative American Citizen, have as mych guts as the other side does. It’s because, I want others to know CLEARLY it’s ok to publicly support our Constitution and our founding fathers, and the American way of life.
If someone has no better situational awareness than not to know who just walked in, or who is behind them in line, it’s not going to matter if their printing or not. The time for secretly keeping your Constitutional opinion to yourself is long gone. So is telling everyone else how to carry in their state.
Since I’ve discovered appendix carry, none of this is a concern for me. And I’m a lot quicker on target, too.
Isnt it great? S&W shield in a small leather holster.
I am in shape. That shape is round therefore I open carry where legal. Because of my girth even the best of gun belts will slide down. I carry a 1911 Officer model and two spare mags. I wear suspenders to hold everything in place. No one has ever questioned my open carry other than those who were interested in my choice of firearm. I do on occasion carry a Beretta Tomcat in my pocket with two spare mags on my belt but still need the suspenders. In the winter I can and do wear cover garments but in the summer I let it all hang out. I might be the first target of a bad guy but unless he’s crazy bad most will avoid starting something that they may not get to finish.
This is the same reason that I do NOT Open Carry….
Well, thank goodness that the undercover cops on the NYC subway aren’t at risk of being shot by a CC-ing citizen. 😏
Seriously though, while I can agree that in places where you must carry concealed it makes sense to be aware of how you present, in free states (e.g., N.H.) I’m not sure that it’s that big of a deal.
Has there actually been a case where a carrier has been shot first (not including a uniformed guard like in the Jewish center in LA in 1999)?
If I’m carrying mine. It’s in my coat pocket. Or in my pocket. Nice thing about a 38. It’s tiny very hurtin. Also serious finger pressure needed to shoot the 5 shot. I use a rubber holster that won’t pull out of pocket of blue jeans. In cost pocket that’s zippered. Only for surprise if I feel threatened. I never ever would pull it out of cost pocket. I would shoot through the pocket. In pants it’s full exposure. But no element of surprise. Only a easy swing to target. Pocket is for in my face. Arms length. Never show if you don’t pull.
“For example, if you are legally armed,”
There is a bull shit statement. What part of “shall not be infringed” is the author struggling with?
Yes Sir, The Constitution is my liberty given Carry Card! This needs to be permanently sheered in every US Citizens brain!
Whilst I agree from a Constitutionalists standpoint, I’m still smart enough to realize that going against an entire State bureaucracy is a fools errand, especially if a CCW system is in place.
The Author(‘s) just covered his/her ass, by making people aware, so your denigration is uncalled for.
But it’s your butt, do as you will.
You give a lot of credit to would be criminals. Not all are dumb buy any means but the majority of instances are impulsive acts. Most are not looking for someone concealed carrying. Strongly agree that if you look like a 5.11 catalogue threw up on you you should rethink your outfit. This tends to be more of a giveaway these days. Think grey, not the color but living in between the black and white. Blend in and you’lol be better off
Ever Tried to Hide a 1911 under anything?
The Nice Thing about the Commonwealth is open carry most all places
well guess you would just flip out to those of us who open carry then. all i know is i’ve open carried for years and not had any problems and if all this “first one to get shot ” were true all the ones who open carry would be on the 10 o’clock news every night, but they aren’t. i say carry how ever you want and won’t be one who tells you you’re doing it all wrong unlike most who carry concealed tell us open carry people. i think it doe more good to show you’re carrying as it’ll help those that say their scared that there’s nothing to be scared of and the who hate guns and want all of them taken away there will be nothing you can do to change their minds so why worry about them. i sure don’t just like i don’t worry about what anyone thinks or says. i’m legal and that’s all that matters to me.
I think you missed the point a little, Darryl. The author is saying that if you intend to carry concealed…then no one should be able to tell that you’re carrying. I have no problem with people who want to open carry, though I rarely do myself. If I see someone open carrying, I have been known to stop them and ask how they like their choice of sidearm. So, if you have time for impromptu chats like that as you’re going about your day, go for it.
Carry safe, no matter how you carry!
God bless!!