Hello all. My first post here.
Being a TX resident, where OC is not allowed, I've not had to consider the following questions. But, I'm planning a trip to visit friends in VA this summer and I plan to give OC a try and see what it's all about. I've been CC-ing for over 15 years, so, I have a bit of experience with concealed carry.
I've read the VA statutes and read through a bunch of info here and elsewhere, but was hoping for a quick, concise answer to two questions, specifically as they relate to VA law and more practically, how VA laws translate to the real world.
Here goes..
1. When OC-ing, is a "retention holster" required? (Thumb break, or other "active" retention feature)
From what I've read, there is not any requirement for any type of specific retention feature when carrying OC, but I've received some feedback from two sources that I should use a "retention holster" (their words)... So I thought I would ask, even though I believe the answer is no.
I have a good-quality, leather, molded, OWB holster that I would feel pretty confident jogging in, but it does not have a thumb break or any other specific retention feature, other than snug molding.
and..
2. I have a concealed carry license that VA recognizes (TX). If I carry OWB wearing a mix of clothing that at times will not cover the weapon at all and other times might completely cover the weapon until I bend, raise my hands, etc..... Will this cause any problems, practically or legally? To clarify, I might wear a T-shirt tucked in with an OWB holster. Clearly that falls under OC rules. But if I throw on a casual shirt on top of that, a shirt that I already know will do a good job concealing the weapon and holster, until some activity (or maybe a stiff breeze) unconcealed the OWB carry, will this violate any laws or accepted conventions?
What rules do I need to worry about with this type of mostly-covered carry? Is it a no-no or a no-problem?
How is this looked upon/received generally? (I don't want to do anything to harm the OC community by being a poor example.)
(In case location matters, I'll be mostly in the Charlottesville/Palmyra area, with some time in Manassas/Battlefield)
Thanks for your assistance.
Being a TX resident, where OC is not allowed, I've not had to consider the following questions. But, I'm planning a trip to visit friends in VA this summer and I plan to give OC a try and see what it's all about. I've been CC-ing for over 15 years, so, I have a bit of experience with concealed carry.
I've read the VA statutes and read through a bunch of info here and elsewhere, but was hoping for a quick, concise answer to two questions, specifically as they relate to VA law and more practically, how VA laws translate to the real world.
Here goes..
1. When OC-ing, is a "retention holster" required? (Thumb break, or other "active" retention feature)
From what I've read, there is not any requirement for any type of specific retention feature when carrying OC, but I've received some feedback from two sources that I should use a "retention holster" (their words)... So I thought I would ask, even though I believe the answer is no.
I have a good-quality, leather, molded, OWB holster that I would feel pretty confident jogging in, but it does not have a thumb break or any other specific retention feature, other than snug molding.
and..
2. I have a concealed carry license that VA recognizes (TX). If I carry OWB wearing a mix of clothing that at times will not cover the weapon at all and other times might completely cover the weapon until I bend, raise my hands, etc..... Will this cause any problems, practically or legally? To clarify, I might wear a T-shirt tucked in with an OWB holster. Clearly that falls under OC rules. But if I throw on a casual shirt on top of that, a shirt that I already know will do a good job concealing the weapon and holster, until some activity (or maybe a stiff breeze) unconcealed the OWB carry, will this violate any laws or accepted conventions?
What rules do I need to worry about with this type of mostly-covered carry? Is it a no-no or a no-problem?
How is this looked upon/received generally? (I don't want to do anything to harm the OC community by being a poor example.)
(In case location matters, I'll be mostly in the Charlottesville/Palmyra area, with some time in Manassas/Battlefield)
Thanks for your assistance.