wallet & weapon on same side = problem?

[downtownv]

All you bad boys , behave yourselves. I like the 4, 7 and 9 positions for iwb carry kidney ares (when you need your wallet) may display your gun in public and that can be a problem, these days. 2 cents worth

[Planedude]

In Texas, you are required to produce both license (DL & CHL) if stopped. The database now shows the officers if you have a CHL and if you have current insurance. Not producing these will raise eyebrows and start your interaction with the LEO off badly. I was stopped about a year ago on my way to work. I can't carry there (gov property) and did not hand the officer my CHL as I was trying to find my current insurance card. The one I had on me was expired. The officer asked about my CHL, I produced it and he reminded me to do so always, even if I'm not carrying. He then informed me that he already knew my insurance was good (the card I had was expired by four days) and he handed me my back all my stuff, with a chuckle then sent me on to work. I was honest and forthwith with all his requests and we stayed low key and easy. The officer just pulled me over to inform me that the rules about the turn I had just made had changed after thirtyone years of making that turn...
It is best to know what the rules are in your state and follow them exactly.

Oh and sitting on my wallet (left cheek) started to really hurt a few years ago. I moved the wallet to the left front pocket and have not looked back. I pocket carry the P380 in the right front and the CW40 at the 5 o'clock (at different times). Works for me, comfortable and comforting.
Have a good one.

[JFootin]

The key thing is to know the laws in your state and any other state that you might carry in. In NC, we are required to inform any LEO who approaches us in an official capacity, not just being in the same place.

The Italian leather wallet I have used for years has a seperate mini folding wallet with 2 display windows. It slides into a slot behind some card slots. I keep my driver's license in one side and my CC permit in the other. I can insert it in a front pocket or in a little slot on the left side of my dashboard for easy presentation.

[jlottmc]

Planedude, you need only notify if you are carrying, and since 07, that is questionable in a vehicle. Many officers prefer you to hand both regardless of carrying or not, but it is not required as described above. Having said that, I still hand them both regardless.

[Bawanna]

Here in Washington we are not required to present the CCW.

I've found the key to a harmonious outcome is remembering that police officers DO NOT LIKE SURPRISES.

I don't mention my gun unless it comes up in discussion. If I need to go anywhere near it to retrieve anything they want I will tell them and then present the license if asked. Usually they don't ask and they don't really care and thank me for the heads up.

Under my first and favorite chief she was very much about ethics and frowned on announcing that you are LE to get out of a ticket, I've stuck to that ever since. Many will use the I'm carrying a weapon as an opportunity to let the officer know they are an officer too.
Sometimes this helps and often times it doesn't.

If an officer seems suspicious of me I will let them know I'm a civilian puke and tell them straight out I have no ill intentions.

I drive a van, with semi tinted windows (hate em but it came that way) which is a scary rig for a traffic stop. I help by having my window down and both hands on the sill so the approaching officer can clearly seem them. I do not rummage around looking for license until asked and have them handy.

[wyntrout]

Well, I only saw ONE comment... jzorn... about carrying the wallet on your gun side. I have always carried my wallet in the left rear pocket and my gun hand is free while I can do something with the left hand and wallet to distract a thief while possibly drawing my weapon. I always try to keep my gun hand free... part of situational awareness.

I have never had to mention carrying a weapon and I've been stopped (only) a few times while carrying concealed... in FL and out of state. If I were asked to get out of the vehicle OR asked if I had any weapons, I would certainly tell the officer then... before moving! My hands are staying on the steering wheel in plain sight and I will do nothing to alarm an officer and I'm ALWAYS respectful and polite! I've had no problems, but am careful and have thought about my actions in advance.

I do think that you should consider the location of your wallet, pistol, and reloads... if might be very important at some point to be able to reach stuff with your weak hand and retain the free use of your gun hand! Juggling everything with one hand and trying to act in your defense... drawing or ducking for cover... takes some thought beforehand. If you wait until your life's on the line, it might be too late!

Wynn

[sierrajb]

Planedude, you need only notify if you are carrying, and since 07, that is questionable in a vehicle. Many officers prefer you to hand both regardless of carrying or not, but it is not required as described above. Having said that, I still hand them both regardless.

Absolutely correct, jlottmc. This is the procedure I follow when stopped. Present the officer with both licenses and proof of insurance in Texas.

[PYROhafe]

I hadn't even thought about the risk of exposing your weapon when going for your wallet if they are on the same side. I did like the idea of "reaching for your wallet" for a bad guy, and coming out with gun in hand instead of wallet, but I guess you could still do that. The bad guy doesnt know where your wallet actually is. Been looking for a new thinner wallet anyways (likin the idea of the mighty wallet) so maybe Ill get used to carrying the wallet on the left (big change after all these years of on the right) and a new wallet at the same time.

[jlottmc]

... I did like the idea of "reaching for your wallet" for a bad guy, and coming out with gun in hand instead of wallet, but I guess you could still do that...

That very thing was just done no too long ago allegedly.

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/201...light-edition/

[Longitude Zero]

I have always carried my wallet in my left rear pocket. Since I am right handed my right hand is not bothered with going for my wallet. It is my "gun" hand for a reason.

As to required notice here in OK if you are carrying you are REQUIRED at the instant of first contact with a LEO that you are carrying. Many permits have been lost for failure to abide by this law. It also applies if you are in a car and stopped for traffic. This is where the majority of failure to give notice infractions occur. Many "technical" infractions are treated lightly. Failure to give notice is one in which EVERY violator has been pretty much hammered.

If you want to see a smooth delivery search for the video that William Shatner pops that mugger in both feet and knee.

[GROTMAN]

I hadn't even thought about the risk of exposing your weapon when going for your wallet if they are on the same side. I did like the idea of "reaching for your wallet" for a bad guy, and coming out with gun in hand instead of wallet, but I guess you could still do that. The bad guy doesnt know where your wallet actually is. Been looking for a new thinner wallet anyways (likin the idea of the mighty wallet) so maybe Ill get used to carrying the wallet on the left (big change after all these years of on the right) and a new wallet at the same time.

When you ever end up marrying that girl of yours..don't worry.. your wallet will be much thinner !!

[ltxi]

In Ohio it is the law and I don't see police officers as the enemy. You might consider it anal, but I consider it using good judgement. I don't want to make any law enforcement officers nervous should he discover during the course of his duties that I'm armed. I think what I do is referred to as a professional courtesy. What you choose to do is your business.

Yeah...rest my case.

Bawanna's post is good advice.

[Bawanna]

Wow, thanks Ixti, 14,000 post and my first good one. Hell yeah! I'm a little slow with the good stuff most of the time.

Jocko will never let me hear the end of this one. I don't think he's had his first good one yet neither.

[Armybrat]

Don't worry so much....the pros outweigh the cons....look at the positive side when bad guy says give me your wallet :33:

If I'm travelling, I have a "clean" throwdown wallet with nothing but a $20 bill in it.

A good distraction for the perp while I assess the situation and draw the CW45.

[Bawanna]

I carry nothing in my pockets sitting full time. My wallet is in a little zipped pack hung in front under my legs. I figure I can go into my curled up please don't kill me while getting out my wallet which puts me in a perfect position to grab the PM45 on my ankle.

I used to have a gun in my little back pack but I never liked it there. Easy to get to but being near deaf others could access it behind me without me knowing, probably not a good thing.

Figure about the same if I have to throw myself on the floor and curl up. Provided I don't break both wrist when I hit the floor.