In my driving career I have been pulled over 24 times (size 13 lead foot) with only 7 tickets. Recently I was pulled over in East TN for having a head light out. Both myself and the passenger were carrying and neither one of us offered our HCPs. I carry a G17 and the last thing I want is to hand it over to an LEO to clear. I have met some great LEOs and I have met my share of Barney Fifes so I'll just take my chances. If asked I will hand it over, but I will never voluteer anything.
If you want to get out of a ticket... have ALL the windows down, DL in hand, both hands on the wheel in plain sight, and if it's night have the interior light on. These simple steps help them to feel a bit more secure and its always worked for me.