should show if passenger?

[Skipper5]

once again....a great thread...KBCraig and TX....as normal > both great insight and advice!! I would imagine that the normal stress from an LE pov on a stop is to do anything possible to avoid surprises. My Dad taught me early on about solid eye contact being helpful and appreciated!

[Venus Pax]

I have recently changed where I keep my insurance card to the dashboard console. (I have a small storage area above my A/C controls.) I put it there b/c I sometimes have my gun in my glove box. I don't want to open my glove box with my hand reaching toward a gun. I figure the officer would not take too kindly to that.

I'm with the rest: if the LEO doesn't ask anything of you, then just let it be.
If its a case like Jbird's, then inform him/her just to prevent surprises, but don't offer it if there isn't good reason unless he/she asks.

[yerasimos]

Agreed with the general principle, "Ask = show, Don't ask = don't show". I am not sold on the whole "declaring armed" thing, though if asked I will give a complete answer. I think it is more important to let the officer lead the conversation, keep the hands visible and domelight on, and be compliant as required by law, while refraining from saying or doing anything that will cause trouble for you later.

On the whole insurance card thing, I keep it in the wallet with the DL & CHL, as this minimizes rooting around in the car and is one less thing to lose if the car is stolen or broken into. I have never been stopped here in Texas, but if it were to happen, my plan is to tell him that my wallet is in location X, and I will reach for it by doing Y, BEFORE I actually reach for it. I will let him react as he will when he sees the CHL, answer relevant questions truthfully if they are asked, let him know that he is in control of the situation, ask him how he wants to handle matters and comply with his instructions.

The tales of driving around with guns loose on the seats or inside glove boxes, are scary. Guns will never do you much good in those places when you need one; you may as well have left them in the safe at home. It is great to hear that prior offenders have reformed their ways.

[jbirds1210]

The tales of driving around with guns loose on the seats or inside glove boxes, are scary. Guns will never do you much good in those places when you need one; you may as well have left them in the safe at home. It is great to hear that prior offenders have reformed their ways.

Sir,
With all of the respect you have coming and more.......have you ever seen a 300 pound man try to get a Glock 17 out of his waistband while driving a Toyota Corolla? People might get killed but it will be a combination of uncontrolled laughter and traffic accidents.

Adjustments have to be made at times so the gun can be reached. I have solved my issues, but completely disagree that a gun in the console or glove box is the same as no gun at all.

[yerasimos]

The tales of driving around with guns loose on the seats or inside glove boxes, are scary. Guns will never do you much good in those places when you need one; you may as well have left them in the safe at home. It is great to hear that prior offenders have reformed their ways.

Sir,
With all of the respect you have coming and more.......have you ever seen a 300 pound man try to get a Glock 17 out of his waistband while driving a Toyota Corolla? People might get killed but it will be a combination of uncontrolled laughter and traffic accidents.

Adjustments have to be made at times so the gun can be reached. I have solved my issues, but completely disagree that a gun in the console or glove box is the same as no gun at all.

Jason (not sure if I remember the name correctly, and I apologize if I am mistaken), the way I see it, if someone cannot get their gun on target within a few seconds after they realize they need it, it makes no difference if it is 2 feet or 2 miles away. I know that if I stored my gun in my glove box or in my back seat, it could take me an extra 2-3 seconds + to get it into action, and I would hate to give up that time if I perceived a threat while seated in a stationary motor vehicle and had no option to move the vehicle (stuck in traffic, engine not running, etc). A lot can happen in a couple seconds, so I will take any timesaver I can find. Otherwise, I stand by my original statement.

[jbirds1210]

if someone cannot get their gun on target within a few seconds after they realize they need it, it makes no difference if it is 2 feet or 2 miles away.

That part I definitely agree with! I guess we all have our own method that works out best for us...what works for me is terrible for others.

Whatever the method we decide to carry our weapons...it can be perfected with adequate practice.

I have been a "sloppy" gun carrier in the past and discussions such as these have helped me see the light. Have a wonderful evening. Take care.
Jason

[Venus Pax]

I can't imagine it taking too long to reach for my gun in my glove box, as I have a micro-car. Also, if wearing it, the seatbelt increases draw time.
I keep my doors locked (as all of us should do), and that buys some time.

[jbirds1210]

I can't image that a little "dry" practice in the garage could hurt!

I am going to add that to my routine. A great deal of the above conversation was for just that....conversation. I carry now in IWB 100% of the time, but it is common for me to have another gun in my range bag or duffle if I am travelling.

Adding this to our regular practice will only improve our skills if we get stuck in that situation.
Jason

[txinvestigator]

I can't imagine it taking too long to reach for my gun in my glove box, as I have a micro-car. Also, if wearing it, the seatbelt increases draw time.
I keep my doors locked (as all of us should do), and that buys some time.

Keep in mind that if you are yanked out of your car quickly, or have to exit rapidly you will likely not be getting your gun to go with you.

Thats why I keep one well placed for easy access while seated with the seat belt on, and I always have one on my person.