Open carry demonstration

[WiCK3D_SiX]

Another Forum I'm on, a member suggested a day of open carry where legal to show support for the second amendment, or empty holsters where not legal. I decided I'd like to bring this discussion here and get everyone's thoughts. Please keep it civil.

Synergy-I535

 

[Mustang51]

Seems counterproductive to me at the moment; at least with respect to those whom we wish to influence.

I know others disagree vehemently.

 

[Bat Guano]

Just because you can--doesn't mean you should. If I was ambivalent about guns I wouldn't be too impressed by someone flaunting one in public "just because".

I can wear a t-shirt with an utterly obscene slogan on it to get attention, but not many people would admire my thinking, politics, or maturity for it.

 

[jlrhiner]

At this time, that would be a VERY bad idea.

 

[hatt]

Seems counterproductive to me at the moment; at least with respect to those whom we wish to influence.

I know others disagree vehemently.

Sure if you walk around like a dumb *** looking hard. Smile and open doors for people could lead to different opinions. At some point gun owners are going to have to come out the closet and act like regular people. It's too easy to demonize people who practice something in the shadows.

 

[Mustang51]

Maybe you're correct. In my opinion though, our targeted audience will be largely unimpressed, or worse, frightened. The old lady for whom you politely held a door while open carrying, would be more impressed with the news that her nice young grandson or trusted neighbor has a concealed carry permit. The more people we have with permits, the more who are proud and vocal (but respectful) NRA members, the better chance we have of putting a personal face on this draconian anti-gun legislation, for those who would otherwise be ambivalent.

I get the idea behind open carry, and I'm not unsympathetic to it, I just think we tend to preach to the choir with it, and do more harm than good.

 

[Alnamvet68]

I've never open carried, except, of course, when in the military. That said, I find it the height of poor form to openly carry, especially if you're trying to make a statement. I carry concealed for a reason, and no one needs to know that I carry. Given the current political climate, I would not want to give the anti's any more ammunition for them to demogogue the issue(s), which they have been doing quite a bit of lately.

 

[WiCK3D_SiX]

They're looking at gathering in one place (each states capital) dressed nicely with flyers and such to educate.

Synergy-I535

 

[2hawk]

Logistically, it is much smarter to do this at state capitols. Don't have to transport across state lines, and chances of good turn out would be better if travel was easier for participants.

Large groups appearing in many places at the same time would send a message. It probably would frighten the sheep, but that may be a risk we need to take. State legislatures are just as likely to pass stupid laws as the US Congress, it's not like there's any monopoly on idiocy.

 

[CoMF]

While I have nothing against people who choose to legally and responsibly open carry, I do think that right now, a "national open carry day" would be very, very bad Public Relations for us.

Flex your rights, but not in a way that throws fuel on the fire. The less "ammo" antis have to use against us, the better.