CCW on a Traffic Stop

[bluestang65]

I passed through a sobriety check-point the other night and gave the officer my license.  I had not a single drop of alcohol on the night becuase I don't drink and carry/drive.  I calmly informed the officer that I have a CCW license and I was at the time in posession of a loaded weapon.  He started grilling me...asking me why I had a gun, why I got my license and interrogating me like I have a habit of shooting people and small animals.  I didn't start into a rant about the Second Amendment like I wanted to.  Instead, I calmly told him that I felt it necessary for my job and for the protection of my family.  He sent me on my way.  I left, thinking to myself that what I have heard about the police in general is probably true, but I want to see what you folks think.  It is my opinion that there are basically two types of police when it comes to CCW.  Those that understand that you are an upstanding citizen who has passed the test and you keep your nose clean...and those who think that you are a dirtbag bounty hunter trying to do the work of law enforcement.  I am neither.  What kinds of experiences have some of you had with police?  I was in KC at the time, so should any police officer fault me for wanting to carry?  He won't walk around some of those places without a gun, so why should I?  Anyway, what are your thoughts?

[fatexfed2]

Without knowing exactly what was said by the officer, and what your responses were, there is no way I can have an opinion. Maybe he was just doing his job as he sees it. You have to remember most of what he sees concerning guns is the result of illegal activity. And then there are the ones who actually believe they should be the only ones with a firearm.

[Grendel]

One person's 'grilling', is another person's 'conversation'.

Insufficient data to comment either way.

[bluestang65]

I didn't mean to ask for opinions on my situation.  I am more interested in knowing what others are experiencing.  I believe that the police should have the benefit of the doubt because they put their lives on the line to uphold the law.  And from my experiences, I know they deal with a lot of BS.  Anyway, what are you finding?  My friends who are cops have differing opinions, but none of them are opposed to CCW.  On the other hand, some of them prefer "don't ask, don't tell," even though they know as soon as they run your plates or dl. 
This post is not designed to bash the cops, and specifically, it is not designed to bash the officer that stopped me.  He was cordial and professional, but it was clear to me that he did not like the idea of citizens having guns. 
I'm not the guy who wants to be the hero at a bank robbery or stop a mall shooting.  I carry to protect myself and my family and that's it.

[75Plus]

In Missouri, where I believe you are, the act that created Concealed Carry also made it legal to posses a loaded weapon in your automobile without a CCW permit. You must be 21 and lawfully own the gun. (You must be 23 to obtain a CC permit)

Here is a Q&A from the Boone County Sheriff's web site.

 Do I have to get a CCW permit if I only want to carry a concealed firearm in my car?

No. A citizen age 21 or older may carry a concealable firearm in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, as long as such concealable firearm is lawfully possessed.

[fatexfed2]

When you say "What are your thoughts?" you ARE asking for opinions.

[stdlrf11]

The cops around here, that I've spoken with, are of the "everybody has a right to carry a gun except the @$$hole I'm talking to right now," mentality.

Here in TX, it is illegal to carry with a CHL and NOT tell the cop you are packing. Cops ask the normal questions to make sure you're not an idiot or criminal, then they move along.

One cop asked me why I WASN'T carrying. I liked him.




stdlrf11

[texican]

I have a CHL, but I really wish I could publicly carry around a carbine (Mini 14).  I know it is legal in Texas, but I also know it would probably freak folks out, so I don't, of course.  Still it would be cool to walk around with a carbine or short rifle as if it were the Old West or something.

Maybe I need to move to Alaska or Montana or someplace where I could do that and not get stares.

[chiuszeto]

There are states in where you are not required to inform law enforcement that you are carrying with your CCW.

[Gary1911A1]

In Ohio you are required so I don't speed or even try to talk to the police if I don't have to. I don't even do it in a gun shop I go to that always seems to have a few officers there. You think it was a donut shop.

[armoredman]

Last time I was stopped, was while I was still a CCW permit carrying armored trucker, and was pulled over for an expired registration. The two Pima County Sheriff deputies were polite and very professional. I kept both hands on the wheel, and informed the deputy I had a concealed firearm and a permit. He asked what and where, so I told him, was my Witness 40 strong side. He then asked for my license, registration, proof of insureance, and permit. At no time did they ask to see the sidearm, much less try to disarm me, throw me down, etc. I got a ticket, (earned that one), and called thier supervisor to express how much I was impressed with thier professionalism.
Ihave been told there was a test case in Pima County many years ago where a deputy confiscated a lawfully carried sidearm, and placed it on the hood of his patrol car. The running engine vibrated it off the hood onto the ground, where some damage happened. The Sheriffs Dept bought the man a new sidearm.
I knew a guy down here who used to ride around with his AK on his back, 30 round mag in place, on a Honda scooter...with flame paint job. he got stopped every so often, but he was 100% legal, and was released without hassle every time.
I have yet to have the cajones to walk into WalMart with my vZ-58 slung, even though it is legal.
Macy's in Tucson Mall used to have a sign, "No Concealed Handguns"...waited for someone to legally carry a concealed rifle in there. Why not? Our CCW permit allows it, and thesign is kinda specific....

[chiuszeto]

Arizona is one of the states where you do not need to inform law enforcement that you are carrying concealed unless specifically asked.

[strictlycz]

I live in Az. and I have passed through many sobriety checkpoints (they have them every holiday), I have never let law enforcement know I have a CCW or that I am armed at all. I think if there was some sort of issue, or they felt they needed to investigate me further, I would then inform them I was armed and a CCW holder. I just don't see the need to open myself up to questions and suspicions, nor do I need to make their nights longer....they have enough BS to deal with.

Take care, Mike Arnold

[Craig M Arnold]

I don't volunteer any information to law enforcement. It works out better that way.

Best regards.

[armoredman]

At the time I was stopped, it was right after the CCW law passed, ('94), and we were told in class to inform officers.
Now I don't need a permit, and AZ has a bill in to remove penalties for CCW, basically go to a Vermont system.