I carry one of the weapons on my permit at all times unless it is illegal or highly inappropriate to do so. My wife and I had the flu or something so we went to the local family care walk in medical place near our house. In the course of examining me, the doctor asked me to raise my shirt so he could listen to my lungs. My first thought was "CRAP",
I don't want to shock the doc by uncovering a 1911 Style 45 Auto as an unexpected surprize. I thought for a split second, then informed him that I wanted to make an anouncement prior to removing my shirt as not to startle him. He looked a me a bit strangely, then said "OK". I then said that I held a Concealed Weapons Permit, and that I was carrying a firearm at the time. Before he could respond, I asked if he would like to see the permit, not wanting him to have to ask, or just take my word for it. He looked at the permit and thanked me for informing him in advance. I placed the gun in my wife's purse and left it there until we left the examination room. A week or so later, we returned for a follow up exam with the same doctor. It was as if the whole thing never happened. When you first get the CCW, your weapon is like a new growth on your body of which you are always aware. After some time, it becomes like an article of clothing as far as physical awareness, and is therefore not always in the front of your mind. The situation could have been avoided had I thought about it and left the weapon in the car, or put it in my wife's purse and carried the purse for her. It helps to think about the fact that you are carrying and evaluate in advance how that fact may complicate your day.