Bathroom “know-how” with a firearm. Learn from my Mistake- #102
A gun and a stall…
Forging ahead with this topic because I feel like it’s one, we all wish someone would ask and talk about it but we don’t want to be the one to ask– how to use public facilities (restrooms) when concealing a firearm (on body). I believe this to be particularly more changing for women then men. Let’s face it, it’s pretty obvious, right?
Here’s some insight for you men understanding why women usually go to public restrooms in pairs or a group. It’s not because we’ll get lost or need help, it allows us more time to talk; continue the discourse, making it less uncomfortable staring at strangers in line, or perhaps occupying your mind until its your turn to go.
Let’s imagine there is a waiting line for the bathrooms and you are concealing a firearm around your waist. You can’t ask your friend to hold your gun, and take it off and freak everyone out in the bathroom because of their feelings about firearms. That would be like yelling “fire”. Not cool!
So, the question is how do you handle this obstacle? What’s the best way to manage a gun in a stall?
First, take your time getting into position. Slowly and carefully, holding the firearm grip with one hand, if possible, as you lower your drawers.
.Depending on the space between the floor and the bottom of the partition wall, you may want to keep your pants close to knee height. We assume you are leaving your gear attached to your pants vs removing gun and holster.
Once you’ve lowered your pants, you could buckle the belt back and or press knees apart to keep the waistband taunt and carefully arrange gun, keeping the barrel pointed in a safe direction.
Bear in mind, as you carefully maneuver your pants and firearm in the privacy of your stall, its likely the firearm will flip or point at you. This breaks one of the critical laws of gun safety so take your time.
This is challenging whether you have a double clip on your holster or a single clip. Do you unhook one side of the holster and leave the other side connected? Depending on your carry location, you may have other experiences.
I find appendix carry easiest to conceal and most comfortable for me.
If you remove your firearm and holster completely, what do you do with it? First, let’s acknowledge that you’ve now surrendered your control over the firearm.
I don’t suggest balancing your firearm on toilet paper rolls or toilet paper holder. This is a risk. What if your neighbor slams the stall door next to you?
Balanced on toilet paper 
Never try to catch a falling gun!
Might there be room to place your firearm behind the toilet near the plumbing? While our skin may crawl with this very concept, it would be just as easy to leave it behind for the next customer of the restroom stall.
Let’s say there’s a shelf behind the toilet. This is a great place to put your weapon… BUT – you don’t have control over it and what if …you’re in a hurry and forget it!! Not really a good idea after all.
Another option would be to place it on the floor, but chances are others could see it. If you have to use this option, go to the corner stall so you only have to worry about one open side where prying eyes could see.
What is a better idea is to go to the “family” bathroom if there’s one. This is typically floor to ceiling walls and a lockable door so it’s just you and your firearm in the stall. Much like being at home.
Because of these obstacles, I’ve learned to take my purse, no matter the requests to “watch it” while I excuse myself (for the bathroom).
I insist on taking my purse to the public restroom with me. This is one advantage ladies do have!
If there’s not a coat hook in your public bathroom stall, chances are your purse will cover and hide your firearm and holster from spying eyes. Again, depending on the space from floor to the bottom of the stall partition. Placing your firearm and holster in your purse is probably the safest place if you remove them from your pants.
If you wanted to hold your purse while taking care of business, this is more easily accomplished as many handbags have long straps so you can “messenger” your purse across your body.
Concealed carry is a lifestyle change. “Taking care of business” in public restrooms can be awkward; but hopefully with planning ahead you can steer clear of any troubles.
And remember, if you’re a woman, to always carry your purse with you to the public facilities. If you’re male, maybe get a man-bag.:)
You choose to carry for your safety and protection. Have you thought about self-defense insurance to protect yourself from legal ramifications? Check out USCCA Defense Shield– Providers of self-defense and legal protection for responsibly armed Americans.
