CCW expose the firearm or???

[Andy Taylor]

This happened to me several years back. I had a valid CA CCW at the time. I was carrying OWB on my right hip. I had on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt that was tucked in. I was wearing an unbuttoned collared shirt untucked and over the pistol. I was pumping gas into my car. This was after work (swing shift)probably about 11PM. The area was quiet. (AM/PM @ Marconi & Eastern in Sac for those who know the area) Few people around. As I finished pumping and closed the tank the tail of my cover shirt got caught in the outer fuel door. The fuel door latched and could only be opened by the release inside the car by the driver's seat. The fuel door is at the back of the car, on the passenger side.
My options at this point are:
1. Tear my shirt to free myself.
2. Take off outer shirt, exposing my firearm, then go hit the release.
3. Flag down someone at the station to go inside my car to hit the release. No one there at the moment.
4. Didn't think of this at the time, but I could have untucked the t-shirt to allow some concealment, not sure how much, then remove the outer shirt to go hit the release.

I ended up tearing the shirt.
What do you guys think? What would you have done? By exposing the firearm, what potential legal problems could occur?

[sighere]

t-shirt sounds good.

Untucking sounds like the way to go. I don't think you need to attract attention to yourself by asking a complete stranger to help. If it was really quiet and nobody was around you probably could have done the maneuver quickly and discreetly.

[J-cat]

You're overthinking this.

[rivraton]

Was the weapon to large to fit into your pocket? If small enough, I would un-holster & pocket the weapon. then proceed to free my shirt... If not I guess I would have a torn shirt...

[thebronze]

You're overthinking this.

This.

[ale014]

i don't have a ccw, i would like one in the future, but the 4th was the best. I can honestly tell you i wouldn't have thought of that either if i was in your situation i would probably asked for help, even though it would bring some unwanted questions. maybe theres still people out there kind enough to help out and smart enough to not ask too much questions.

[mej16489]

Since it was several years ago...

Take off shirt and go release the fuel door.

Loaded Open Carry was perfectly legal with a CCW prior to the change of 12031 approx 10/09.

[Blackhawk556]

Over thinking BIG time.

Like someone said, put it in your pocket and carry on

[HighValleyRanch]

that's what a knife is for.
Cut the shirt and be on your way.

[resonance]

or....fast draw your weapon in manly style....blast enough holes into the offending fuel door to retrieve your shirt... smoothly reholster and pretend that it didnt happen....that door will never jump you again...and!...be sure to save the door pieces for your trophy wall at home...