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  #1  
Old 12-12-2008, 12:44 PM
badguybuster badguybuster is offline
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Does your state allow open carry? If so, how many of us do it? I live in WV and our state does allow it (cities can override). Although, I get some pretty freaked out looks while doing it.
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Old 12-12-2008, 12:44 PM
badguybuster badguybuster is offline
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Does your state allow open carry? If so, how many of us do it? I live in WV and our state does allow it (cities can override). Although, I get some pretty freaked out looks while doing it.
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Old 12-12-2008, 12:48 PM
rj8806 rj8806 is offline
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Our state(TN) also allows but I choose not to. I would rather have the "element of surprise" on my side.



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  #4  
Old 12-12-2008, 12:56 PM
TDR911 TDR911 is offline
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I also agree. The element of suprise is a definate +. Awareness of your surrounding is Paramount.
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Old 12-12-2008, 01:05 PM
badguybuster badguybuster is offline
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Yeah, my wife gets annoyed because I have "see" everything and then I put out the things everyone is missing. I never ceases to amaze me what trusting sheep most people are. So oblivious to everything around them.
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Old 12-12-2008, 01:14 PM
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What do you "see?"

Be safe.
  #7  
Old 12-12-2008, 01:14 PM
Double-O-Dave Double-O-Dave is offline
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The great state of Texas has a big push on for open carry. I have my CHL and whether or not Open Carry passes, I'll carry concealed. I agree with other posters - the element of surprise is an advantage. Additionally, I am concerned about weapon retention. I think open carry advocates may not be considering weapon retention as an issue.

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Old 12-12-2008, 01:52 PM
44forever 44forever is offline
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I sometimes carry openly but New Mexico allows concealed carry in a number of establishments (7-11 type stores, grocery stores, drug stores - other places licensed to sell package liquor) where open carry is not allowed.
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Old 12-12-2008, 04:22 PM
nm38special nm38special is offline
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Quote:
Originally posted by 44forever:
I sometimes carry openly but New Mexico allows concealed carry in a number of establishments (7-11 type stores, grocery stores, drug stores - other places licensed to sell package liquor) where open carry is not allowed.

44forever, Im also from NM. I think I would only open carry on a hunt, a hike in the mountains or open range or to and from a shooting range, I dont like the extra attention open carry draws around town.
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Old 12-12-2008, 05:04 PM
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many in minnesota think that the permit we get is a concealed carry only permit. it is instead a permit to carry which allows concealed or open carry. i almost always carry concealed because as OO Dave stated, the element of surprise is one of our advantages.

On the occasions i have open carried it did not seem like anyone noticed or if they did they did not care. Could people really not notice it as they don't expect to see it? Maybe they assumed that the handgun=LEO ?
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Old 12-12-2008, 05:38 PM
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I'll venture a guess that your demeanor indicated that you weren't a threat, so they knew your pistol wasn't either.
  #12  
Old 12-12-2008, 06:00 PM
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Here in Ohio, open carry is a right recognized the state constitution. However, if you do you are likely to be arrested anyway, usually on trumped up "inducing panic" charges, at least in Cincinnati or Cleveland. Supposedly Dayton is also extremely anti-gun.

Your odds of winning the criminal trial are good (or so I've heard), but you will still be out $ for the lawyer and you will spend a few days in jail waiting for bail to be set.

It sucks, but that's the way it is here. There have been a few lawsuits in the smaller towns, and slowly the city police forces are learning that open carry is legal.

If you don't have a concealed carry permit, be sure to stay out of the 1000' school zones (federal law).
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Old 12-12-2008, 06:30 PM
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What exactly does "the element of surprise" mean?
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Old 12-12-2008, 06:53 PM
badguybuster badguybuster is offline
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I "see" guys carrying large concealed knives, I "see" punks eyeballing potential victims, I "see" the other guy carrying not so concealed. I don't miss much. Too much time as a cop and in the military I suppose. So far as the element of surprise is concerned...I am all for it. "Straight up or draped over the saddle....it's your choice."
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  #15  
Old 12-12-2008, 06:59 PM
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In Oregon I do both. Occasionally at the same time.
  #16  
Old 12-12-2008, 07:25 PM
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It's legal here in Arizona, but you seldom see it, especially in the larger cities. I never do because I don't like the attention it creates in public places. In cities with a lot of gang bangers, I think you are setting yourself up to be a target by open carry. Why not just blend in with the crowd and be secure with your gun hidden from view? In today's political climate, CCW is the only way to go in my opinion.
  #17  
Old 12-12-2008, 08:28 PM
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I OC daily... either my M21 or my 1911.
You get some looks now and then.
You also get positive questions and conversations from it.
I am always asked if I am scared that someone intending to rob or do mayhem will single me out first.
No, I am not.
Most criminals are looking for the easiest marks.
It would not surprise me in the least that a visibly armed person is a powerful visual deterrent.
My wife OCs most days also.


Jim
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  #18  
Old 12-13-2008, 06:47 AM
badguybuster badguybuster is offline
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In general I do concealed carry but if I am out with the horses or in the country, a lot of the time I do open carry. Around here it doesn't seem to be much of a big deal.
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  #19  
Old 12-13-2008, 05:46 PM
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In Georgia we can carry either way. I don't worry about the "element of surprise" when I carry open, most who want to take advantage of someone won't bother you if they realize you can defend yourself. That's probably why you don't see a lot of shootings in police departments, but you do see a lot in schools and other "gun free" zones. I say do whichever you feel comfortable doing; I'll support your right either way.
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Old 12-13-2008, 06:01 PM
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Quote:
In cities with a lot of gang bangers, I think you are setting yourself up to be a target by open carry. Why not just blend in with the crowd and be secure with your gun hidden from view?
I agree....Too many illegals in my area that might chance an opportunity, to their detriment...
  #21  
Old 12-13-2008, 07:26 PM
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Once again...
Show multiple reports of OC people being targeted for attack.
I can show pages of people who were targeted because they either were... or looked like they were unarmed.


Jim
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  #22  
Old 12-13-2008, 07:34 PM
badguybuster badguybuster is offline
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Now I know why I live in the hills of WV. We just don't have to deal with the **** you city folks do. Lord have mercy.


You gonna do somethin' or just stand there and bleed?
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  #23  
Old 12-13-2008, 08:21 PM
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OMG!!! People get to carry a pistol where others can see it?!?! OMG!!!! How many hundreds if not thousands have had their head bashed in and their guns stolen?!?! How many??? Holy Cow, open carry is just so baa-baa-bad.

I call BS on every one who thinks that the mere fact of OC makes you a target. You have absolutley "ZERO" evidence that is a fact. It makes a good reason for you not to exercise your rights though. It also make a good reason for you to voice your opinions every time this subject comes up, and I would bet many of you have never OC'd in a city setting, much less your own neighborhood. Your opinions are fine, but how about some evidence to back them up.

I won't carry on how OC deters crime, I don't have any firm evidence.

I will say that I have the constitutional right in WA to OC, and I exercise that right. I am not concerned if others are frightened of my gun. The mere fact I am OC'ing is not enough to warrant alarm in WA, and is not a basis for LEO involvement. They can drive by, walk by or pedal by, but unless they can articulate a reasonable suspicion that I have done something or am about to do something illegal, they have no basis for contact.

I open carry, I carry a voice recorder, and I have a 2A friendly attorney available. I know my rights, I know the pertinent laws and I am not afraid to ask the LEO a couple of questions. The main one being "Am I free to go?" followed by a "Am I being detained?".

Whether or not you choose to OC is your decision, just as us who OC have made the decision to do so. We want to raise the public, and LEO, awareness that normal, sane people are carrying guns and there is nothing to fear.

So yes, I OC in WA, ID and MT. I have a concealed carry license for the times I do not open carry, or I want to have a loded gun in my car. The main reason being to carry while in my car.

bob
  #24  
Old 12-16-2008, 11:47 AM
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I open carry alot.

I do not care what others think but I do carry a SW5903 TSW with TLR1 light in a Side Guard Belt Holster.

No one seems to notice or care.
  #25  
Old 12-16-2008, 12:16 PM
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Legal here too, but I choose not to carry openly. I'm not comfortable with it.
  #26  
Old 12-16-2008, 12:18 PM
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ffhounddog, where in Va are you?


Jim
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  #27  
Old 12-16-2008, 01:38 PM
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Not in Florida. There are some exceptions, in your home, on your property or at your place of business (but the owner can say no) etc.

I know I am in the minority, but I like it that way.

Bob
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Old 12-17-2008, 08:10 PM
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Don't put stock in any **** in any state constitution. They only mean what the courts say they mean. They are in the same class as "The People's Republic of Chine."
  #29  
Old 12-17-2008, 08:13 PM
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Uhhhh , I think the Federal Constitution gets interpreted by the Courts, too, doesn't it? Isn't that what happened in Heller?

Bob
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Old 12-18-2008, 06:42 AM
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Here in Mass, it is legal to open carry as long as you realize the you will be harassed by the police for "brandishing", "causing public panic" and other "crimes" that have been told to me by LEO friends - crimes that do not appear in the General Laws. When pushed, these LEOs have told me that no matter the law, anyone open carrying will be jacked up.
Once the BS charges have been dropped, since everything is legal, you will more than likely lose your license as being an "unsuitable person" - which can legally occur at the whim or discretion of your individual town's Chief of Police.
This has also occurred to people who have been concealed carrying, and accidently exposed their firearm for a moment in a gust of wind.
Whether you agree with the concept of OC or not, you should still support the right of people to do it and not be harassed by LEOs, particularly when what you are doing is legal, but faces an arbitrary administrative punishment that will cost you your license.

No, I don't OC - but I wish I was able to, then it would be my choice whether I was going to or not.
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  #31  
Old 12-18-2008, 10:59 PM
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Here in the PRC you can OC as long as the gun is not loaded. The ammo can be on your person but not in the gun. Big deal. When the SHTF you'll not have time to get the gun loaded and into action.
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