Hate towards you and others feeling uncomfortable around you can only happen if you've told folks you're carrying. One of the rules of concealed carry, "CANT=Carry Always, Tell Never." The only people who I've told that I carry are close friends who also carry and family. Even then, I don't announce it to my family every time I'm w/ them that I'm carrying. My wife doesn't say anything about me carrying, but body language shows she's not excited about it. OTOH, a few months ago we were in a situation (out of town, very dark night, totally foreign surroundings, etc) that was a little unnerving. She turned to me and says, "You DO have you're gun, don't you!?"

One thing folks notice more when after they start carrying concealed is situational awareness. I find myself being a LOT more aware of circumstances and taking MORE precautions to avoid potential problems now than I ever did pre-cc.

Someone who cc will have additional responsibilities, as well. Depending on they're state of residence, they may be required to tell police they're carrying; there are a LOT of places one can't leagally cc (in LA, church, parades, courthouse and parades are just a few; federal law excludes legal cc in federal buildings, as well, e.g. post office); someone who cc will need to be safe w/ storage of their gun(s) at home and in the car (especially if any young ones are at around).

Nevertheless, to me it's a worthwhile endeavor. I've also encouraged a number of my friends and family to pursue it.

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Posted by dawg23

Baton Rouge, La

Member since Jul 2011

5065 posts

Posted on 11/16/12 at 2:06 pm to TigerOnThe Hill

quote:
there are a LOT of places one can't legally cc (in LA, church, parades, courthouse, and parades are just a few;

For clarification:

Louisiana Concealed Handgun permit holders cannot carry in the above-listed places -- plus law enforcement buildings, State Capitol, bars, polling places, et al.

The one that is taught erroneously in many classes is "parades." You cannot carry in a parade. Examples: riding on a float, driving or riding in a vehicle that's in the parade, walking with the band that your child plays in. etc.

You certainly can legally carry at a parade. (If you're catching throws, you're not in the parade. If you're tossing throws, you probably are.)

Another BIG benefit that no one has yet mentioned is reciprocity with other states. In some states (like Alabama) you cannot have a loaded handgun in your vehicle unless you have a carry permit.

Your Louisiana CHP is recognized by 35 states (maybe a few more -- who's counting). Texas has roughly the same list. So, subject to their laws and rules, you can legally carry concealed in public and can have a loaded weapon in your car while you are in one of those reciprocal states.

This post was edited on 11/16/12 at 2:41 pm

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Posted by bapple

Capital City

Member since Oct 2010

11914 posts

Posted on 11/16/12 at 3:49 pm to TigerOnThe Hill

quote:
OTOH, a few months ago we were in a situation (out of town, very dark night, totally foreign surroundings, etc) that was a little unnerving. She turned to me and says, "You DO have you're gun, don't you!?"

AMEN! So many people think I'm crazy until they feel uneasy. Then they turn to me and ask this EXACT same question. Funny how I'm crazy until you're scared, right?

quote:
One thing folks notice more when after they start carrying concealed is situational awareness.

quote:
Someone who cc will have additional responsibilities, as well.

The law holds you to a higher standard because of your permit. For example, it can be revoked for 5 years from getting a DUI.

quote:
I got my CHL the first year they were offered in Texas, and one positive that I haven't seen mentioned is that having one has gotten me out of a number of moving violations.

I actually got out of my 3rd ticket yesterday. I jumped a curb to get into a turning lane and an officer was right behind me (I know, genius). He was pissed at first but I notified him of my weapons in my car and showed him my permit (not that I NEED it for car carry, just good to do).

After him telling me why I'm a dumbass, we got into a conversation about holsters. He recommended me some good CC stuff and was very cordial. He let me off and I learned my lesson.

I 100% believe I would have been ticketed if it weren't for that. Just the officer knowing you have the permit garners you more respect due to the higher standard you must hold yourself to.

quote:
In some states (like Alabama) you cannot have a loaded handgun in your vehicle unless you have a carry permit.

Absolutely!!! This has made traveling so much easier. I don't have to worry about their car-carry laws because of my permit. Pretty much every state in the country respects my permit, minus all those gun-hating blue ones.

Even if they hardly ever carry, I always suggest a person get a CHL if they are competent and confident with a firearm. It's just simply a good thing to have and a good option to include in your attire.

Keep calm and carry one!