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during a routine traffic stop i pulled out my drivers license, registration, and proof of insurance. montana doesnt require you to tell a police officer that you have a weapon, but as a courtesy to the highway patrolman and a service to myself (i didnt want any surprises if he noticed i was armed) i also handed him my ccw. as he thumbed through my paperwork he reached my ccw and asked if i was armed to which i replied "yes sir, i handed you my permit to prevent any surprises". as he looked at my ccw and looked back at me (to make sure i was the guy in the picture, i guess) he nonchalantly reached down and unsnapped the retention strap on his holster. he ran my license, and several minutes later he sent me on my way.
the officer was completely professional, respectful, and courteous (i would expect nothing less of montanas finest) and i was also courteous and respectful. i dont think he meant for me to notice that he had unsnapped his retention strap. what i dont understand, is what motivated him to do it.
i could understand if he had unsnapped his retention strap as he initially approached my vehicle. at that point, he knew nothing of me and im told that i can look "scary" sometimes. what i dont understand, is why he would unsnap his retention strap after recognizing me as a valid ccw holder. yes, my ccw told him that im armed (as is 99.99% of anyone you meet in rural montana), but my ccw also says:

the officer was completely professional, respectful, and courteous (i would expect nothing less of montanas finest) and i was also courteous and respectful. i dont think he meant for me to notice that he had unsnapped his retention strap. what i dont understand, is what motivated him to do it.
i could understand if he had unsnapped his retention strap as he initially approached my vehicle. at that point, he knew nothing of me and im told that i can look "scary" sometimes. what i dont understand, is why he would unsnap his retention strap after recognizing me as a valid ccw holder. yes, my ccw told him that im armed (as is 99.99% of anyone you meet in rural montana), but my ccw also says:
- i am not a felon
- i have passed extensive local and fbi background checks
- i have been fingerprinted and completed safety courses
- i have demonstrated respectable character
- i obey the law