Despite what the gunloon would like to think, it's fairly easy to spot someone carrying a concealed handgun. First off, they are going to be wearing loose clothing so that they don't "print" too much ("printing" is where you can see the firearm, which is next to impossible to totally eliminate). People who carry concealed firearms dress around their guns with rare exceptions. Also, most people who carry keep their weapon on their waist, usually on the side of their dominant hand.
Police mention the following behavioural traits as indicators that someone is armed. Things like:
- frequently touching the firearm for reassurance,
- adjusting the weapon for comfort, or because it has moved out of place,
- an unusual walk or gait, and
- blading their weapon side away from you, similar to the “interview stance.”
I've included this handy chart as a beginning step in to how to spot someone who may be carrying. You should ask if you believe that someone is carrying on your property: whether home or business.
The thing is that the property owner has every right to preclude people from carrying weapons onto their property. You have the right to know since that can bring you legal liability as the property owner. You are well within your right as a property owner to exclude someone from bringing a firearm onto your property without your permission.
Of course, think if every body called the cops because they suspected someone was carrying on their property--you get the idea why this idiotic idea has been allowed to flourish.
In fact, it's rude for someone to carry a concealed handgun onto another's property, whether a business or personal residence. After all, how do they feel if someone brings a gun onto their property? Especially if the person carrying may have unlawful intent.
I should add that it is probably more frightening to these people that they could be spotted "packing heat" since they like to believe they are inconspicuous. It's probably more frightening and disconcerting to them than having someone grab their gun from them.
Nothing would bother them more than the question "do you have a handgun on you?"
See also:
- Spotting An Armed Subject
- Is He Carrying a Gun?: More on Spotting an Armed Suspect
- Dead Right: Recognizing Traits of Armed Individuals