On today’s streets, the outcome of a fight is frequently not determined by one’s size, strength, or martial arts skill, but rather by caliber and magazine capacity. Indeed, many "tough guys" have become so dependant on their shiny automatic pistols that they neglect to spar or lift weights, allowing their musculature to atrophy. So many people are packing guns, knives, and assorted other weaponry nowadays that even 300 pound powerlifters are carrying handguns for "protection." So if some whipdick is out talkin’ shit at the pub, before volunteering yourself to step up and teach him some manners, you really need to take a close look and ask yourself, is he packin’?

In this section, a few of the more commonly encountered weapons shall be discussed, as well as where on one’s person they are typically concealed and how they may be spotted by an observant individual.

SAWED-OFFS: Sawed-off shotguns and rifles are commonly found in the possession of criminals unable to procure (or afford) a handgun. Typically, either a single-shot 20 gauge or a bolt-action .22 is stuck in a vise and chopped down to pistol size with a hacksaw. Afterwards, the grip is usually either sanded down or wrapped with tape to prevent abrasions and splinters. They are slow into action and difficult to reload, but are still far superior to a homemade "zip-gun." These contraband weapons are thick, bulky, and very heavy. They are nearly impossible to conceal under clothing, unless one is wearing either a parka or a trenchcoat. These weapons are commonly carried in dufflebags or backpacks.

MAGNUMS: Heavy caliber sidearms (particular the "Desert Eagle" line of automatic pistols) are considered a status symbol amongst fashionable gangsters. Magnums are incredibly loud, recoil hard, and are typically fired rather slowly (although anything directly hit is going to be destroyed). Even though .357 and .44 revolvers are available with snub-nosed barrels, the large frame and wide cylinder still creates a sizable bulge. Magnums are heavy as well, and can cause clothing to sag and even noticeably alter one’s gait. These weapons are typically carried in a vertical shoulder rig (and a large bulge will be clearly evident under the left arm, unless one’s jacket has been expertly tailored to fit over it), although a few idiots insist upon sticking them in their waistband (usually without even a clip-on holster).

NINE MILLIES: The 9mm automatic pistol is considered to be the industry standard for armed criminals. It has a low profile, moderate recoil, and typically holds over a dozen cartridges (and often as many as 15 or 18). This is the urban outlaw’s weapon of choice, although quality varies greatly. A professional won’t settle for anything less than a Glock or Beretta, but the typical ignorant gangbanger will gladly pay over triple the retail price for shoddy crap from Lorcin or Kel-Tec (which will frequently jam before eventually breaking). A few wild-eyed Southern boys have even been known to surreptitiously remove the firing pins from the cheap pistols they’re overcharging the gangsters for. Most 9mms are "double-action," which means that they can safely be carried with a chambered round and the safety off (which makes them incredibly quick on the draw). Unlike a sawed-off shotgun or a magnum, a 9mm can be rapid-fired very quickly — but this also means that unless the criminal has a spare magazine, his gun will be empty in just a few seconds. 9mms (as well as similarly-sized .40s and .45s) are sometimes worn in shoulder rigs, but are far more commonly stuffed in one’s waistband (the small of the back is a favorite place). Compact 9mms (with a shorter barrel and smaller magazine), as well as .380s (9mm short) may simply be dropped in a jacket pocket. Look for bulges in these areas.

REVOLVERS: .32 and .38 revolvers have always been popular with criminals. They are reliable, easy to operate, and don’t leave any brass casings behind as evidence. They have low stopping power, but have a high intimidation factor and typically cause far more damage than a knife or club. Most criminals who choose mid-caliber revolvers do not obtain shoulder-rigs or fancy holsters for them. Typically, they are simply either stuffed in a pocket or a waistband. Clip-on holsters are sometimes used, and the metallic clip may be noticeable where it overlaps the belt. Look for suspicious bulges around the waistline.

.25 AUTOMATICS: These crappy little mouse-guns are a favorite amongst ignorant gangsters due to their tiny size and low cost (a Raven .25 costs less than $50 retail). These diminutive handguns are commonly found in pants pockets, socks, and even hats. They are often worn in ankle-rigs, which will result in a pronounced bulging. They can be concealed virtually anywhere, although they have only minimal stopping power. Small .32s and .22s would also fit into this category.

DERRINGERS AND MICRO-REVOLVERS: These tiny guns are even easier to conceal than a .25 automatic. They can be hidden inside a pack of cigarettes or concealed within a hollow "pager holster." These guns can easily be "palmed" out of sight, ready for instant use. They are incredibly dangerous due to the fact that only a pat-down search combined with a magnetometer scan can detect them.

KNIVES: Large sheath knives are difficult to conceal, and typically the sheathed knife is simply stuffed in one’s waistband as if it were a pistol. Clip-on sheaths for boot knives often have chrome-plated spring clips which will reflect light like a mirror. Folding knives, butterfly knives, and boxcutters typically are found stuffed in a pants pocket, and will show a noticeable bulge. "Neck knives" are popular now, and hang suspended from a lanyard (or beaded chain) worn around one’s neck (which is easily visible to the observant).

IMPORTANT TIPS:

1.) ALWAYS WATCH THE HANDS!!! If someone is going to draw a concealed weapon, they’ll have to reach for it first. This can take the form of a sudden quick movement, or (as is frequently the case), the goblin may simply turn to the side and slowly move his hand out of sight, hoping you won’t notice until it’s too late. If you can’t see his hands, call him on it ("Whatta you got, tough guy — a gun? You gonna pull out a gun in front of all these people?"). If he’s already gone for his weapon, you may be able to "jam" his draw by locking his elbow against his body (to be immediately followed with a lethal counterattack).

2.) If you see a man wearing a belt pack, always assume there’s a handgun inside. Several manufacturers offer belt packs with special "quick draw" features, and this is probably the most common means of concealed carry. Women’s purses are offered in a similar configuration, but these are far less frequently encountered.

3.) If you see a black cord or beaded chain around someone’s neck, it is probably attached to a Kydex sheath for either a small fixed-blade knife or a micro-revolver.

4.) Women frequently carry a gun in their purse — especially if their boyfriend is likely to be frisked by the police (although it’s usually buried).

5.) People who carry concealed weapons often can be seen patting or readjusting them, as they tend to shift uncomfortably from time to time.

6.) Unusual bulges (especially under the arm, at the waistband, or at the ankle) should be an immediate indicator of a concealed weapon.

7.) An individual with a concealed handgun will often project the attitude that he is a loudmouthed, bulletproof, super-villain with balls the size of cantaloupes. If you see a runt or stickboy carrying on in such a manner, you can reasonably assume that he is packing heat.