Why does adding "...while carrying" change anything?

[C9H13NO3]

I'm not raggin' on anybody, or saying anyone is wrong...but I keep seeing things like "pulled over while carrying" or "did something else while carrying"...

How is a traffic stop ANY different while carrying? You're doing something completely legal. It's not something that's borderline illegal. It's not anything that's going to change anything. You're just another citizen who got pulled over. Not like the guy pulling you over is a BG...I don't understand what's different about being pulled over with your weapon on you.

I don't really see how it "changes" anything else in life either. It's a tool. I carry a knife, a leatherman, a gun...all are tools to make a job easier or possible. The only situation it changes is the one where I have to use it.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[kingdaddyoh]

I understand where you are coming from. It's like "OMG I was caught voting".

[Patti]

Perhaps for folks who are new at carrying, it makes their heart rate go up a little bit?

[LSU Fan]

It's most likely because some LEOs can be less than professional (to put it nicely) and might make a big deal out of it. Sometimes people want to share that kind of experience.

As for people with routine traffic stops... good for you, but it doesn't really make for a great post.

[HowardCohodas]

In Ohio and in many other state you are required to notify the officer you are carrying. Were I able to simply keep quite about my concealed status, your position would be understandable. But there is a certain escalation of the emotions and heart rate to have to tell the officer you are armed.

It's not the carrying that changes anything, it's the obligation to tell that changes everything.

[bandit383]

I believe the end result is (was) to pass on the good, the bad, or the ugly of the encounter. Thus, others can learn from the good, the bad, and the ugly...surely not a badge of honor. I have personally learned a bit about traffic stops...

Rick

[TN_Mike]

I'm not raggin' on anybody, or saying anyone is wrong...but I keep seeing things like "pulled over while carrying" or "did something else while carrying"...

How is a traffic stop ANY different while carrying? You're doing something completely legal. It's not something that's borderline illegal. It's not anything that's going to change anything. You're just another citizen who got pulled over. Not like the guy pulling you over is a BG...I don't understand what's different about being pulled over with your weapon on you.

I don't really see how it "changes" anything else in life either. It's a tool. I carry a knife, a leatherman, a gun...all are tools to make a job easier or possible. The only situation it changes is the one where I have to use it.

I completely agree! Plus, ANYTHING I do is done "while carrying" as I have a gun on me all the time......well, I guess I do not take a shower "while carrying" but that's about it.

[KralBlbec]

It's most likely because some LEOs can be less than professional (to put it nicely) and might make a big deal out of it. Sometimes people want to share that kind of experience.

As for people with routine traffic stops... good for you, but it doesn't really make for a great post.

I agree with this here. Hearing about a stop where everything went as it should is different from a story about how something went wrong, such as in a cop with attitude.

[Froggy13]

I will have to agree with you however, being new at CC as I am, everything seems a little strange at first "when I carry". It is a newness that is not in line with what we have been fed for years weather or not we concisly buy into it or not. It still feels like I am doing something wrong "when I carry" even though I know I am not. It is kind of weird to consider it in those terms but I think it is true and it is a new to carry guys perspective we are seeing when we see someone qualify a statement with "when I carry". Believe it or not you guys that have been doing this for a while are helping to get my mind squared away because you are absolutely right, it is my right to carry and I have jumped through the necessary hoops to do so and I will exercise my rights. Thanks.

[havegunjoe]

The only time I would mention it in MN where we are not required to tell is if I knew my gun would become exposed reaching for my license or if the officer asked me to exit my vehicle. Otherwise it has nothing to do with a routine traffic stop.

[shamanjp]

I am new to concealed carry and am still trying to get used to it. As long as it stays concealed there is no problem. My concern is in what reaction I will get when disclosing the concealment which I must do by law. Hopefully it will be reasonable but who knows?
shamanjp

In Ohio and in many other state you are required to notify the officer you are carrying. Were I able to simply keep quite about my concealed status, your position would be understandable. But there is a certain escalation of the emotions and heart rate to have to tell the officer you are armed.

It's not the carrying that changes anything, it's the obligation to tell that changes everything.

[youngda9]

C9H13NO3, perhaps it gets their ADRENALINE going a bit...thought you might understand that....given your online alias and all :)

It's just sharing their experiences, good and bad, of all things relted to the lifestyle.

[tngunner]

One of my gripes I see on here is when posters refer to being "MADE" IE; I got Made today by a family member. I got made today in the supermarket by the stock boy. I dont understand the reasoning behind that statement. We are not criminals, We are the law-abiding people that follow rules. Just my rant sorry if I offended anyone.

[BamaSteve]

If you take 1/2 the posts here, they are about complete crap or repeated stuff over and over (i.e. gun lube, good lord I've seen that a billion times) but that is exactly what this board is for, people talking about their experiences while carrying or questions related to firearms. Whether it be a cop's reaction to the news, or someone's reaction when they see you with it in a store, or a family member's reaction. It's just a story that could serve as some good food for thought for someone. Just because it's not useful to you doesn't mean it's worthless for everyone. On top of that, some people just like to shoot the breeze.

I have yet to be pulled over while carrying. Have only been carrying a month or so and haven't been pulled over in like three years. And I'm not required to notify, but some of the stories on here have persuaded me to notify even though I'm not required.

Carrying does change things. It has changed the clothes I wear, how I bend over to pick something up, how I analyze the world around me, the comfort I feel knowing I'm a little safer, etc.

[C9H13NO3]

Valid points. I guess it just seemed like some people saw it as a taboo almost. Didn't really think about the rest...and that it's still a CC related experience. I'm probably one of the lucky ones as far as it changing things for me...none of my friends or family are uncomfortable with it, I didn't have to change my wardrobe or how I do things, etc, and I've always considered myself "armed" since I can remember by carrying knives. Question answered :)