Printing

ocergryan331

New member
Is printing legal with a cwp in SC? I have heard that it is and that it isn't.
 
printing

Printing is when the outline of the firearm is visible through the clothing but you are not actually able to see the gun.
 
I can't say for sure, but I suspect the "reasonable man" standard would have to apply. If you're walking down the street, minding your own business, and there's a little bit of a bulge poking out on your strong side...and an LEO sees it, but no one else seems to be noticing, then you've made a good faith effort to conceal, and you should be ok. The LEO may stop you and ask for your permit, and point out that you're printing a little, if anything.

On the other hand - let's look at the same scenario, except that you're wearing a thinner tighter shirt. So much that a passerby is certain you're carrying a gun and calls it in to the police. LEO shows up on the scene and can practically tell the brand of firearm from the outline. Now in that case, you're obviously NOT making a good faith effort to conceal...and more serious charges could result if open carry is prohibited in your state.
 
Nope

Unless things have changed since I moved out, I was told in my CWP class that printing was not concealing, and you could be slapped with brandishing a weapon if you're printing badly enough. So if you're carrying a double-stack and wearing a tight shirt...well, don't. :) But honestly, even if there's a bulge, you might get a knowing smirk from a LEO or another CWP holder, but most people are going to think it's a cell phone or something like that.

I think my instructor said most people that were caught violating the concealed part of CWP were caught because they were reaching for something on the top shelf at Bi-Lo and the bottom of the gun peeked out, not because there was a bulge right where a cell phone usually goes.
 
printing

Thanks for all the comments. It is quite confusing because an employee of a reputable local gun rage told me that printing is perfectly legal. I guess it's the degree to which you are printing. I'll conceal as best as possible to avoid these problems.
 
Dress to conceal...why look for trouble. Don't try to play the percentage game ie: your gun is 50% hidden...100% is the magic number. We legal gun owners already have enough to worry about!
 
You might ask this in the SC forum.... to get better answers from those more familiar with the laws there.The advice given so far in this thread is good though...
 
I can't say for sure, but I suspect the "reasonable man" standard would have to apply. If you're walking down the street, minding your own business, and there's a little bit of a bulge poking out on your strong side...and an LEO sees it, but no one else seems to be noticing, then you've made a good faith effort to conceal, and you should be ok. The LEO may stop you and ask for your permit, and point out that you're printing a little, if anything.

On the other hand - let's look at the same scenario, except that you're wearing a thinner tighter shirt. So much that a passerby is certain you're carrying a gun and calls it in to the police. LEO shows up on the scene and can practically tell the brand of firearm from the outline. Now in that case, you're obviously NOT making a good faith effort to conceal...and more serious charges could result if open carry is prohibited in your state.

Nicely put
 
printing

I guess the questions spawns from the fact that I live in the coastal area of southern south Carolina and am not usually wearing a heavy coat or think shirt when it's 100 degrees. When I walk the dog I'm wearing a tshirt but obviously still want to carry so how do you still carry while staying comfortable? Any suggestions?
 
Think loose-fitting Hawaiian style shirts, with low shirt-tails, worn untucked. That...or get yourself a smaller firearm, one that can be carried (with a pocket holster) in the front pocket of your pants / shorts. Incidentally...those have the advantage of being able to grab hold of your gun and have it basically 'at the ready' without facing a brandishing charge.
 
Dress to conceal...why look for trouble. Don't try to play the percentage game ie: your gun is 50% hidden...100% is the magic number. We legal gun owners already have enough to worry about!

When I was much younger, I had a "V" shaped upper torso and could carry a weapon under a shirt without printing. I am much older now and have a "U" shaped torso. The only way I can keep from printing now is to wear a blazer or other large garment but there will still be a bulge. If the LEO doesn't like that, I can take my outer garment off and open carry. It is legal to open carry here, consequently, I don't think he will mind the bulge.
 
I live in SC also and am always wearing shorts and either a tank top or t-shirt. I carry a PF-9 in an IWB holster. I find that a dark shirt or one with a complex pattern hides alot better than something light colored. I used to carry in my pocket but since I have found a comfortable IWB thats the only way I carry now. I'm not a young or a small person but this works for me.
 
Printing IS NOT the same as brandishing. To a trained eye, it might be enough PC to an LEO to question you. A large mass protruding from under your shirt could be anything. When in doubt, look it up:

Link Removed

SECTION 23-31-210. Definitions.
(6) “Concealable weapon” means a firearm having a length of less than twelve inches measured along its greatest dimension that must be carried in a manner that is hidden from public view in normal wear of clothing except when needed for self defense, defense of others, and the protection of real or personal property.

As for CC in the sultry South. Big shirt, untucked OR Tee with shoulder holster and BIG shirt over it. I CC a 1911A1 but I have the girth for it. Chest is bigger then the belly (for now).
 
I guess the questions spawns from the fact that I live in the coastal area of southern south Carolina and am not usually wearing a heavy coat or think shirt when it's 100 degrees. When I walk the dog I'm wearing a tshirt but obviously still want to carry so how do you still carry while staying comfortable? Any suggestions?

SC is not a open carry state, printing is not illegal but will most likely cause you an issue if somebody called the cops.
 
Printing IS NOT the same as brandishing. To a trained eye, it might be enough PC to an LEO to question you. A large mass protruding from under your shirt could be anything.

Agreed - printing and peeking not brandishing. But frankly, I don't trust the frightened sheeple in this state to not whip out their cell phones make a panic call to 911 if my .45 peeks out while I'm reaching for soy sauce on the top shelf of Aisle 6. "OFFICER - COME QUICK - THERE IS A MAN WITH A GUN IN AISLE 6 OF THE STOP N SHOP!!"
 
Dress to conceal...why look for trouble. Don't try to play the percentage game ie: your gun is 50% hidden...100% is the magic number. We legal gun owners already have enough to worry about!

Nailed it! Out of sight, out of mind, out of the hands of the LEO.

BTW, did you know that a concealment vest can scream (visual communication folks) "gun" even more than your clothing "printing" against your firearm?
 

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