I carry an old Ruger P-85 in the console of my truck, 2 spare mags with it (I was a boyscout, what can I say
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I never divulge possesion of a firearm if I'm pulled over. In most cases it delays you as the cop will likely call for back up and if you sneeze you might get shot
If they asked to search the vehicle for some unknown reason I would then tell them where the pistol is and produce my permit at that time. I have talked to cops in our area and they all said they preferre not to know if it's a simple traffic stop, and they get nervous if it's on the dash in easy reach. I've never been pulled over for more than speeding so there's never been an issue.