Is it rude

[Old TexMex]

Here's a question asked of me by a ladyfriend today:
"Is it rude to ask if someone is carrying their gun?"
I said yes, then qualified my answer by adding that it depends on the situation.
She wasn't quite happy with my answer....

 

[Rastoff]

Yes, it's always rude to ask...
-A person if they're carrying a gun
-A lady's age
-A sniper how many people they've killed
-A police officer if they've ever killed anyone

The list goes on. There are just some things you don't need to know and shouldn't need to talk about in public.

 

[usm1rifle]

I've got to agree with you, it is rude. And none of their business.

 

[hdfinder47]

People who know me know the answer. People who don't know me don't need to know the answer.

 

[Mule Packer]

I've got to agree with you there, TexMex. I'm not sure if I would actually call it rude...more like inappropriate. But again, like you said, it depends.

For example, if someone comes up to me at a social gathering and asks, "Hey, are you carrying a gun?" I would consider that inappropriate and not deserving of an answer.

On the other hand, if my wife and I are going out to dinner and we happen to be walking in a seedy part of town, and she asks, "By the way, are you carrying tonight?" To me, that would be totally okay.

Like you said, it depends.

 

[Rastoff]

On the other hand, if my [wife/brother/friend] and I are going out to dinner and we happen to be walking in a seedy part of town, and she asks, "By the way, are you carrying tonight?" To me, that would be totally okay.

Like you said, it depends.

(my edit in brackets above)

I agree with you on this point, but anyone close enough to me to even think to ask the question, wouldn't ask because they'd already know the answer. Everyone else will find out if necessary.

 

[murphydog]

The only situation I can think of when this would be a relevant question would be one in which you should be drawing, shooting or running (depending on whether your verbal answer would have been "yes" or "no".)

 

[pawncop]

Was at a wedding reception some time back and a friend of my son in law asked me if I was carrying. My response was "Do not ask me a question I might have to lie about."

 

[hoc9sw]

In Texas, I am told, it is illegal to answer, as you would disclose that you were carrying, thus no longer be concealed., or be lying if you said no (if you were). The correct answer would only be 'I can't answer, so you shouldn't ask'.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

My brother and will tease each other, with no words. A tap with the hand on the appropriate pocket, or a tap lightly on the ankle. We use a similar communication to draw attention to people that need an eye kept on them. Our wives know, and never ask, as do our children, nobody else needs to know. Ivan

 

[MrJT]

Is it rude / inappropriate?

Depends on who it is asking, in my opinion.

 

[JayAychOh]

I have been asked, because I work with people who were evidently born in barns. I generally quote James Bond.... "That isn't the sort of question a gentleman answers."

 

[Memphis]

Tell them "no you're just glad to see'em".

Roger

 

[lowriderfxr]

Here's a scenerio , my girl asks if I am carrying my gun. I say no. She says ok then I'll bring mine. Doesn't seem rude in that case.

 

[zonker5]

In Texas, I am told, it is illegal to answer, as you would disclose that you were carrying, thus no longer be concealed., or be lying if you said no (if you were). The correct answer would only be 'I can't answer, so you shouldn't ask'.

Horsefeathers.

It is not against the law to admit you are carrying nor is it against the law to tell a lie unless you are under oath.

 

[JohnSW]

"Is it rude to ask if someone is carrying their gun?"

"Is that a [revolver] in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?" -Mae West

Doesn't sound rude to me.

 

[WNC Seabee]

Generally speaking, yes it's rude.

As others have said, there are limited exceptions mostly dealing with close friends/family.

 

[Arik]

Depends. People who don't know me don't know to ask. People who do know me sometimes ask because we may have all of a sudden made a wrong turn. But generally people who know me don't have to ask, they know the answer is always yes.

Aside from that I don't really see it being rude. But then again I don't understand why it's rude to ask a woman her age? Why is that an insult. Excuse me mam did you have breakfast today? OMG you're so rude! ???????

 

[Brian41]

I've only been asked by my wife or brother and those I didn't mind. Anyone else however I'd consider it rude and not answer. I do have to notify law enforcement here and would answer them if asked.

 

[S&WIowegan]

I'm not sure 'rude' is the right word but inappropriate and/or obnoxious fit according to the situation.

There's a corollary question I always refuse to answer: How many guns do you have? If you've lived long enough you know even your best friend might blurt the answer. Then you have no idea how far the word spreads. Eventually that could lead to an unwelcome visit to your home at night.

Keeping your mouth shut is always a good idea when it comes to guns.