At the store this morning.

[J Rich]

I stopped in at my local gas station this morning. I was waiting my turn in line, and I had my gun on open carry as well. Two ladies were having a conversation behind me as I heard on say "I don't ever see Cops carrying shiny guns". I'm still minding my own business then one of them says "excuse me sir".

I turn around and said "yes". She then asked if I was a Cop, and I clearly said "no I am not" (just so there is no confusion or say I'm trying to impersonate a LEO). The two for them are now grilling me about why I need to carry a gun in public. I started off by informing them that i'm law abiding, and it is my constitutional right to carry a gun in public. Then one asked " just where does it say that?"...... Really? I then got a little chaffed and scoffed at her and replied "the second amendment".

Now I'm thinking it's over and done. I was wrong! I'm now paying for my items. Then the one lady (the loud and opinionated one) yells to the cashier over my shoulder. "Why do you let these people carry guns in your store"? Then the quiet one says "it's offensive to ALL your other customers". I told them once again it is my right to carry and protect myself and my family.

So I'm done and walking away then the cashier (which is a lady) says "hey Joe see you tomorrow"? (with a wink and a smile) I'm a regular at this store, and I know they have problem with people carrying open or concealed.

Are people this oblivious to our rights?

Did I handle this right?

 

[Kanewpadle]

The root cause of anti gun folks is ignorance. Plain and simple.

I think you handled it just fine. State your right and leave it at that. To stand and argue will make things worse.

 

[kudzu3]

Not only to protect you and your family, but to protect the two ignorant women as well.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Not only to protect you and your family, but to protect the two ignorant women as well.

Maybe. Maybe not. Depends on the circumstances.

 

[gregintenn]

The best answer I've found for why I carry a gun is "Because a cop is just too heavy!"

 

[The Last Standing Knight]

I think I would've handled it differently. If I was open carrying (if it was legal here to do so) and was approached in a situation like this, I would've probably replied in a polite and dignified manner that my carrying a handgun was legal and none of their concern or business.

 

[ralph7]

i wouldn't open carry if i was allowed to.
i really don't understand why anybody would want to continually open a can of worms wherever they go by doing so.
you will be the first to go if a thug is looking for trouble.
i really have never gotten the open carry appeal at all.

i carry concealed and am not knocking you, i just really don't get the concept of "advertising" you are armed.
i think it would hurt more than it would help.

 

[Steve in Vermont]

For many people violence is an abstract concept. So are guns and using them for self protection. We prepare, they deny it can happen to them and live in ignorance. If violence comes to them their only plan is to call 911. For us that's Plan B.

 

[J Rich]

Let me say I mostly carry concealed. The shirt I'm wearing is a little short, and I didn't bother to put the shirt over my sidearm. So please don't get me wrong I'm concealed 98% of the time.

 

[Kanewpadle]

For many people violence is an abstract concept. So are guns and using them for self protection. We prepare, they deny it can happen to them and live in ignorance. If violence comes to them their only plan is to call 911. For us that's Plan B.

Very well said in one short paragraph!!

 

[ralph7]

Let me say I mostly carry concealed. The shirt I'm wearing is a little short, and I didn't bother to put the shirt over my sidearm. So please don't get me wrong I'm concealed 98% of the time.

i got ya.
actually wish i had an open option for the times when i have to reach up high and am scared to death somebody will see my gun and i'll get my license pulled.

 

[McBear]

For many people violence is an abstract concept. So are guns and using them for self protection. We prepare, they deny it can happen to them and live in ignorance. If violence comes to them their only plan is to call 911. For us that's Plan B.

For the extremely vast majority of folks violence IS an abstract concept. They don't live in ignorance or denial, they live in a world that accepts the realities of probabilities.

One of the biggest concerns many of us see in this discussion is that folks want to polarize it to "the prepared vs the ignorant" or "the antis vs the pros". I keep pointing out, much to the chagrin of many that there are 256 shades of gray between black and white. Within them are the answers, seldom do they lay on the edges.

 

[COL Jagdog]

In circumstances like that, while taking the low road (telling them to s**** off and mind their own business) or the high road (patiently trying to give them a quick tutorial on the 2nd Amendment) probably (statistically) will yield the same results -- i.e a continuing dialogue with cretins whose opinions won't change -- thus, tactical diplomacy and civil discourse are probably the better course of action -- and I laud your method of handling the matter. God cuts people from all kinds of cloth and you just happened to run into the "fringes".

My flippant answer would have been: "Ladies, I am so sorry to appear in public so woefully underarmed -- go figure that my bazooka AND my flamethrower would be in the shop in the same week -- do you think I should go home and get a bigger gun to carry. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you."

Or: "Ladies, I know that it is a huge burden for both of you to have to go thru life being stupid and ugly -- but I really can't help you right now -- I have some pressing errands to run."

 

[StatesRightist]

For the extremely vast majority of folks violence IS an abstract concept. They don't live in ignorance or denial, they live in a world that accepts the realities of probabilities.

One of the biggest concerns many of us see in this discussion is that folks want to polarize it to "the prepared vs the ignorant" or "the antis vs the pros". I keep pointing out, much to the chagrin of many that there are 256 shades of gray between black and white. Within them are the answers, seldom do they lay on the edges.

What's up McBear? As surprising as you may find this, we disagree on some aspects of your post. I agree we need to educate rather than demean the middle of the spectrum group. It's to our benefit. However, the kind of behavior he experienced indicates libtards at work and they are beyond remediation. If your in a crowd, yes, be nice, but acting in a way designed to change their mind is pointless.

"They don't live in ignorance or denial, they live in a world that accepts the realities of probabilities." There is a 100% probability when SHTF ala Katrina I'm going to hand these types bacon and turn the dog loose. They "knew it all," good luck with that. With all of the potential game changers out there, terrorism, weather etc if they are not marginally prepared I would submit, I would submit the "Antis" are the ones bucking the odds. Be someplace where the grocery stores do not open for a week and aid does not come and see what happens, it does not take much for civilization to recede. I've seen it firsthand. JMO.

Have a good 4th Sir.

 

[darksideemt]

I truly believe they are in the denial group of "it will never happen to me." Now the scenario of them are getting robbed or attempted to be assaulted and you use your gun to protect them, they would be thinking you and praising you. I am one that believes when the more stories keep coming out of bad guys getting killed because people properly protecting themselves, it does put some doubt in some of the bad guys. Not all but some.

 

[StatesRightist]

In circumstances like that, while taking the low road (telling them to s**** off and mind their own business) or the high road (patiently trying to give them a quick tutorial on the 2nd Amendment) probably (statistically) will yield the same results -- i.e a continuing dialogue with cretins whose opinions won't change -- thus, tactical diplomacy and civil discourse are probably the better course of action -- and I laud your method of handling the matter. God cuts people from all kinds of cloth and you just happened to run into the "fringes".

My flippant answer would have been: "Ladies, I am so sorry to appear in public so woefully underarmed -- go figure that my bazooka AND my flamethrower would be in the shop in the same week -- do you think I should go home and get a bigger gun to carry. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you."

Or: "Ladies, I know that it is a huge burden for both of you to have to go thru life being stupid and ugly -- but I really can't help you right now -- I have some pressing errands to run."

Well said...

 

[tork'd]

when i find myself in a situation that states i may need to defend my right to own,purchase or otherwise have a firearm in my possession i normally would say "well....did your ancestors fight in any conflict or serve? well they did so so we all could have and bear arms."

 

[wbraswell]

My response might have just been something like "MInd your own golly darn business, you nosy witch."

 

[2152hq]

I fully support the right of anyone who open carries legally.
But,,
Open carry has a way of drawing the fruit flies.
They love to badger the person. Short of a physical threat, you end up in a stupid Q&A with a stranger.
Verbal harrasment,,it's a sport to a lot of people and they enjoy it.

I don't have patience to deal with people like that any more.

Hats off to you if you do though..

 

[Hillbilly77]

It doesn't even have to be a "bad guy" you may need protection from.
How many stories about attacks by vicious dogs do you hear about? We don't always have human aggressors.
Or, in cases like mine, when you live in an area with several documented cases of rabies, suppose a rabid animal approaches me or my family.

When you are dealing with bad people, "police protection" doesn't exist.
Unless there just happens to be an LEO at the scene of a crime when it happens, the police just investigate and pick up the pieces.

It's unfortunate that people won't understand concepts like that.