My experience was in a rural area, where most people have a firearm of some sort, so I likely have a different perspective. My position is why even bring it up unless the officer is going to see it?  If it is concealed and likely won't be visible at any time why even bring it up?  If it is in a console or glove compartment that will be opened for some reason then simply state that there is a gun there and ask the officer how they prefer it be dealt with.  But us country folk are a bit different than urbanites.