Tennessee Firearms Assoc. Inc.

Isn't this illegal, unless on official business? I understand that while in Spring Hill, if the Spring Hill detectives want to have lunch in the bar, there are few who will arrest them. However, while at lunch today, two walked in without coats on, fully displaying their handguns, sat down and ordered lunch. I know one is a detective, since he is a neighbor, and I did recognize him; I only assume the other is also a detective.

I just recently had a discussion with a few Bartlett cops about that subject in general and the reply from all three of them was " Your permit is as good as a badge to us , you are one of the good guys and we like the idea of more people carrying. Come to think of it most cops I have ever talked to on the subject of carrying had that mentality. A West Virginia officer asked my why I wasn't carrying when I was up there last summer. I said my permit is no good in WV . His reply , "Hell , all I care is that you have one whether we officially recognize it doesn't matter to cops."

As I agree that most seasoned officers have no problem with a licensed handgun permit holder, the younger gung-ho types might; or at least that is from my experience over many years. So, do I want to take a chance and carry just because some say it is ok? Can't answer that (admit nothing); however it is illegal, and not all LEOs are handgun permit holders, and you know that outcome of Murphy's Law.
I know plenty of NP rangers, and the greater majority of them are welcome ot the idea of permit holders carrying in the National Parks, but it is against their CFRs, and even though many rangers will turn their back, some won't and I don't want to be the test case.
You also have to remember one thing, and that is if you are pulled over, and they run your license, your permit pops up. At this point you will be asked if you have a handgun in the car. Now, if I have one, I would always admit this the moment the officer came over to the car. This would be whether or not I am carrying a loaded handgun legally, or have it locked in a case in the back of the car for those states I'm legally (per Title 18 US Code) transporting a handgun.