Open Carry?

[keith44spl]

I've always said this........

And I'll say it again,

"It's not what's on a man's hip, but what's in his heart that counts."


That is all for today.


.

 

[keith44spl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by baldboy
I live in a state where a man came into a beauty shop to see his wife after he had been hunting.
He forgot about the revolver on his hip and someone called the police his firearm was confiscated and he was charged with a terroristic act.

I feel for the guy but "I forgot that I was wearing a gun" is not much of a defense.

If'n he was wearin one of my rigs....It could happen!

Jest ask around


.

 

[BAM-BAM]

"OCIYF"..........I like that!

 

[ibewbull]

1976

Element of surprise?

I have never seen any info that even suggest proof that a person Ocing becomes the first target in a robbery. I have heard stories that suggest that the presence of a person OCing may have been a deterrent preventing a crime.

It takes more then a holstered gun to be charged with brandishing. Pa. Has no printing laws. So by your theory you could still be charged with brandishing if concealed.

OC is legal if a cop is harassing you for OC he is opening himself up for trouble.

Why do cops OC if it is such a bad idea?




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I open carried in N.C. and VA back in 76
There were no other options.
No permits etc. I was aware of.
I never had a problem. I felt much on my cycle. I think a lot of folks assumed I was a LEO.
When I was un armed it seemed the other drivers were less aware of me or forgot I was there.
One incident at a local gun shop comes to mind.
I had my 1911 holstered my buddy Griffin ET-2 had a 29 in 8 3/8" holstered. We finished shooting out back. Four guys pulled up front and left the car doors open. RED FLAG HERE! They came in , saw us and split like a flash.

Anyhow my point is each to his own.
I carry with a permit now. I don't need or want the spot light.
If you open carry be well dressed, polite and a gentleman. You are representing us. If you let us down we may become angry.
Remember the HULK.

 

[ibewbull]

I carry both open and concealed.It is legal here in New Mexico and it is not a problem to open carry.I'm retired police officer and can carry concealed in any state.It depends on where I go or what I am doing on how I carry.

Any state?
How about IL, NJ, NY, MD AND Washington DC.

Just wondering.

I have not run into many OC folks here in Wisconsin. It has been legal a long time here. Now we have the option to get a
concealed permit.
There were a lot of permits issued, I wonder how many folks carry daily?
I haven't seen any long guns slung over someones shoulder in a coffee shop yet. My opinion on that is it is just a mistake and not aiding the 2nd amendment in any way. I wouldn't doubt some of these actions are "moles" from the anti side attempting to muddy the waters.

By the way, I never had a concealed weapon damaged but have bumped the M28 and 1911 on the car door frame. A sad day for my custom Herretts.

 

[epj]

We now can OC here in Alabama. I won't do it, but I don't worry about printing or showing the tip of a holster if I bend over. Printing was never really an issue here before OC, but now the subject is formalized.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Any state?
How about IL, NJ, NY, MD AND Washington DC.

Just wondering.

A recent (well, in 2010) change in federal law (HR 218) made it possible for retired officers under certain circumstances to carry concealed anywhere in the country, regardless of the CC laws that apply generally in states.

 

[CoMF]

"OCIYF"..........I like that!

It's not my own creation. Credit for that goes to this guy.

 

[Trons]

Okay, I'm going to chime in here. A few statements about myself. I do have my CCDW. OC is legal in this state. I do not OC (one exception I'll get to in a moment). I am not a 2nd amendment "nut" but I do support the constitution. Most importantly, I may not agree with what you say, but I will support, with my life, your right to say it.

I know a couple people that open carry and, at the local Walmart, have seen a few other people open carry. I have noticed them recently, since I got my CCDW because I find myself looking for a print to see if somebody else is carrying concealed. Had I not been looking for that, I don't know if I had noticed OC. My first impression, every time I have seen that, has been off duty cop.

The people that carry AR's and post videos, I think are stupid, but I understand what they are doing and some of the videos are interesting. I like the idea of desensitizing our population to seeing a gun, I think more people should understand that it is a right. Having said that I would not do that myself.

I caught myself open carrying once. When I conceal I usually wear a t-shirt, my weapon in a IWB holster, then an overshirt. I was at a friends house and took my overshirt off while working on his jeep. We needed to run to town to get parts, swing by a gas station to fill up a gas can for his lawn mower, swing by Walmart to get some ammo and food. I forgot to put my overshirt on. I probably could have untucked my t-shirt and had that cover my weapon, but it didn't occur to me. Since then, it's happened a few times and I now untuck my t-shirt to avoid the OC

He open carries everywhere because he doesn't have his CCDW, so he was comfortable with it. I felt exposed. I was surprised at how many people either didn't notice or pretended to not notice. I don't think most people care one way or the other.

I will also say that I am going to a local gun show this weekend. My two goals is to find a decent OWB holster for my Shield for OC when I'm on my property (where we shoot). It's just a lot more convenient. I am also looking for a new IWB for it because I don't like my current set up. If I get a good OWB, and I'm wearing it here, or at a friends house, and we have to run into town, I will not, more then likely, worry about concealing it.

I will also say that I am of the firm belief, and until somebody shows me hard statics which are probably impossible, will always believe, that OC will stop more crimes then it will cause. The notion that an OC will be first target, to me is ridiculous. Even if a bad guy is planning on shooting up a mall, he's not going to check the crowd to see who is carrying. To suggest otherwise is, well, to be PC, interesting.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

Yes it was a cry for attention. It was also rebellious and a punishable offense. Is that how we want to be perceived?

Sounds like you would have supported the Crown against the colonials. You mean you're against freedom?

 

[kbm6893]

It had been a while, and these threads reminded me, so I went over to youtube and typed in Open Carry. First suggestion that comes up is "open carry harssment by police", and the videos are plentiful. Idiots walking through the suburbs LOOKING to get stopped by police. Polite officers asking them their intentions and their names and they wouldn't even give that. Just kept saying "we're not breaking any laws here"

What does this prove? What does it help? How is it that these guys (generally in their 20's), have the TIME to devote to this nonsense? So they feel like they got a "win" because the cop had to let them go? Personally, I would laugh my *** off if they stepped into the street and got hit by a semi. This is WAY beyond some guy with a pistol strapped to his hip in a Walmart. 4 grown men walking down the street with AR's over their shoulders, just AIMLESSLY walking around, no destination in mind, just WAITING to press record so the cop who got about 15 calls has to stop and question them when he could be doing something much better with his time. Screw the people who took their kids in off the lawn when they saw these idiots coming, right? I mean, these are "pioneers" who are gonna be remembered like Jefferson, right? To hell with the kids playing kickball in the streets!

Consider this: I live in an OC state. never see it because I think most people around me are reasonable and have much more to spend their time with than some "crusade". But in MY state, it is perfectly legal to walk with a weapon over your shoulder. Now, let's just say I was walking in a parking lot, towards the movie theater to pull of a Batman II shooting. Until I removed that weapon from my shoulder, DESPITE my murderous intent, I am committing NO CRIME. And if a cop stopped me, all I have to do is tell him "The Supreme Court has ruled .....",. I can ignore his questions which are used to DETERMINE my intent! So to Hell with the people I shoot, right?

I swear, I think these idiots are actually PAID by the anti-gun organizations to do this. Friends of mine, people who don't think about guns one way or the other, get riled up. What am I supposed to do, defend these idiots? My AR sits in a safe. It comes out to go to the range. I guess in the event of some serious civil unrest, I would prepare it to defend my family. But would I EVER walk around with it (and I live in an OC state)? Hell no! What would it accomplish? Are we going to change the minds of the Sarah Brady and Diane Feinstein? Never! Are we going to get people who don't really care about guns one way or the other to come to our side? NO! These are mall ninjas and just anti-authority type people who just LOOK to instigate a confrontation, period. You wanna defend the guy who walks into Walmart with a gun displayed? OK, while I think it is stupid (and usually just to get a reaction), the fact is that that guy is looking to pick up some groceries and leave. These morons have NOTHING better to do with their day! And they're trying to "educate". Half of these idiots look like they haven't even finished high school. With "friends" like these, who needs enemies?

 

[kbm6893]

The eternal battle lives on...

For all those who condemn Open Carry, tell me something. Is your issue with the *OCIYFers, or all OCers in general? Aside from personal conceits, what-ifs, and speculation, do you actually possess a logical reason grounded in solid evidence to justify ostracizing all OCers as a public menace?

(*Open Carry In Your Face)

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Individuals who open carry a firearm but peacefully go about their day-to-day business do not make me feel threated, nor do they strike me as "attention-seekers." I do not go out of my way to judge or condemn their actions, because frankly, it's none of my bloody business what other people do so long as they're not acting in a threatening manner. If their sidearm stays secured in a retention holster and they aren't reaching for it or acting twitchy, what is their crime? What grave offense have they committed? (Incidentally, you also might live happier, longer lives if you stopped making other peoples business your business. )

I'm a bit afraid of what some of the people who've commented here would think if I was forced to OC in public for whatever reason. If I had to take off a rain-soaked sweatshirt or jacket, would I suddenly become an "attention seekers" or "idiot"? Would you suddenly doubt my mental faculties? Would you look upon me with jaundiced eyes? My point is: Consider the totality of the circumstances before you pass judgement.

For me, reading the daily paper gets more and more tiresome because I see political cartoons and editorials increasingly marginalizing anybody who would dare to own a firearm for private use (there's a name for it: "gun-shaming"). It's bad enough when I see pundits demonizing good, honest, peaceful people, but I'll be damned if I have to witness a gaggle of pecksniffian naysayers (who also happen to be fellow gun owners) joining the bigot brigade in their shrill chorus.

I also don't supposed it's occured to OC bashers that, just as OCers aren't representative of firearm owners as a whole, the more "embarrassing" examples of OCers also are not representative of OCers as a whole. Then again, I suppose it's easier to just wax self-righteous and make condemnatory blanket statements without looking at the bigger picture.

I can't remember who it was, but I seem to recall another poster saying that bringing up the subject of open carry never brings about any good results. Maybe they were right.

God, we really are our own worst enemy...

It has been said. You just don't like the answer. If you happen to live in an area where OC is common, then I would bet that nobody gives it a second thought since it it so common and nobody objects to it so what's the harm?

But if you live in an area where OC is NOT common (even though it is legal) you have to take the good with the bad. And you can't ignore reality. And reality is when people call the cops they have a duty to respond and investigate. And a decent person would understand that his choice of carry has caused concern among some of his fellow citizens, and he would cooperate with the cops who are called

But look at some of the responses here. And are you REALLY gonna characterize the average OC'er as someone who got caught in the rain?

And here's one last thought. Many people here don't see the purpose of OC outside of hunting, fishing, or hiking type activities. And we're members of. Gun forum! What do you think the average citizen feels about it?

Weight the good with the bad, man. If you feel that strongly about it and it's legal where you love, hen go for it. But understand that unless you live in an area where OC is normal, then you are doing nothing to help gun rights

As for the YouTube morons, plenty if people here defend those idiots. And THOSE are the true enemies. Cause they're NEVER gonna win over the anti gun types or even Joe Citizen, either

 

[eyegots2no]

Dorky looking punks walking into coffee shops and Wally World carrying their trashy AK's slung across their chests do not help anything ---but alarm those looking for more excuses to come up with restrictive useless gun laws.

They are not helping matters.

 

[ladder13]

I'd like to see some hard facts/stats on the number of people who OC and are killed because of it.
Anyone?

 

[shouldazagged]

I'll say it one more time, and then try to avoid open carry threads in future.

I am not any kind of hoplophobe because I can't document a case of someone carrying openly being the first killed. That connection is unfounded, at least in my case.

I carry a gun or have one or more within reach at all times. I treasure my Second Amendment rights. I can legally carry concealed or openly in my state.

If you don't mind the attention that it inevitably draws in a large city environment, and it's legal, go for it. It's your right to make that choice.

My choice is concealed carry except in the field away from the city. I don't like attention, and keeping a low profile is my right as well. I feel happier being an unobtrusive little old man no one notices much. (I will make an exception for ladies of any age who are blind enough or kind enough to flirt with me, if I'm in a good mood.)

But I still say that people who obviously delight in rubbing the public's noses in their armed badarsedness do not help our cause. Unfortunately they are out there, and they give a bad name to those of you who choose to carry openly without make a big production of it.

Hell yes, I believe in the Second Amendment, and the First as well. But I'll exercise my rights my way.

 

[ladder13]

Funny how no one is trying to tell anyone here they HAVE to OC or NOT, but some folks love to tell others that OC is not to be done except in situations THEY deem ok.
Let people exercise their rights as them deem fit, and you'll have the same courtesy.

 

[blujax01]

Since I wrote my last post this morning I was kind of forced to OC this afternoon. It was a little unusual for me. Theresa and I went for a trail ride on our RZR. I was on a new trail for me. We got caught high in the mountains with a heavy cold rain. We made it to a small town, were cold and soaked. We went in a tiny cafe and took our wet jackets off to dry a little. I was carrying a 3" model 36 in a pancake. No way was I going to leave it on the UTV in the still pouring rain. I wasnt worried about it as I have the CC plus OC is legal here. It was in Circleville where butch cassidy was raised. No one seemed to notice, its in the heart of the finest trail riding and cowboy country. It was a stunning beautiful ride. Its called the Fremont trail. We did about 64 miles of it and definitely will be hitting it repeatedly. I knew we could get rained on when we went but thought it would be just temporary for a couple minuets but we got soaked. We dried off and hit some more nice country. I might post pictures later when Theresa puts them on my computer. We have been doing about two or three rides a week. This is the country for it.

Garfield County Trails - Fremont Trail|Fremont Trail

Circleville, Utah - population 505.

Would you wander into a cafe at noon in Provo or SLC strapped?

 

[Trons]

I've watched some of the videos about the guys walking around with ARs. I always thought they were not so much trying to convince the public that OC was alright as much as they were trying to teach people that you do have rights, lots of them, and you do not need to bow to authority.

We are taught, most of us, to bow, unquestionably, to authority, from an early age. When a officer asks me questions, I cooperate because it's expedient, but I never, for one moment, forget that I have the right to remain silent. It's a "fight the power" kind of statement, in a more modern age.

Personally, I don't agree with there methods, but I do like the message.

 

[CoMF]

It has been said. You just don't like the answer. If you happen to live in an area where OC is common, then I would bet that nobody gives it a second thought since it it so common and nobody objects to it so what's the harm?

But if you live in an area where OC is NOT common (even though it is legal) you have to take the good with the bad. And you can't ignore reality. And reality is when people call the cops they have a duty to respond and investigate. And a decent person would understand that his choice of carry has caused concern among some of his fellow citizens, and he would cooperate with the cops who are called

But look at some of the responses here. And are you REALLY gonna characterize the average OC'er as someone who got caught in the rain?

And here's one last thought. Many people here don't see the purpose of OC outside of hunting, fishing, or hiking type activities. And we're members of. Gun forum! What do you think the average citizen feels about it?

Weight the good with the bad, man. If you feel that strongly about it and it's legal where you love, hen go for it. But understand that unless you live in an area where OC is normal, then you are doing nothing to help gun rights

As for the YouTube morons, plenty if people here defend those idiots. And THOSE are the true enemies. Cause they're NEVER gonna win over the anti gun types or even Joe Citizen, either

Let's see if I'm following this correctly... The major beef with OC is that it creates a perceived waste of public resources whenever a "concerned citizen" phones in a "man with a gun" and the officer dutifully responds when he could be answering other calls, right?

OC in major metropolitan areas is arguably an idea whose time may not yet have come, but it's not because history has shown that private citizens will run amok with firearms whenever they're allowed to openly carry them in public. Rather, it's because the public has been brainwashed into thinking that "guns are bad" unless they're in the hands of "authority." (I'd use the term "mentally conditioned," but that would be understating the reality of things a bit.) I'm not trying to diminish your point, I'm just giving you something to think about.

Insofar as less populated areas are concerned, I tend to regard OC contentions as nothing more than a tempest in a teapot. I wouldn't say OC is "common" in my area, but the few times I have witnessed it, the individuals in question didn't strike me as being boorish grandstanders. Their actions didn't draw the attention of the local constabulary, nor did they elicit panicked gasps or screams of shock from other pedestrians. Truth be told, no one really seemed to pay much mind to it, but then again I've learned over the years that most of the folks in my region of PA tend to have conservative or libertarian mindsets.

I will have to disagree with you on one thing, though. None of the people who've contibuted to this thread have given me the impression that they're defending the actions of YouTube attention-mongers. I myself try to be careful who I hitch my wagon to, and I can tell you with absolute certainty that I don't agree with those YouTube activists either. In fact, some of the very videos you speak of actually make me cringe. Aside from being general arse hats, however, they're also not doing anything illegal, and I refuse to fall into the "moral outrage" trap and petition my congress critters and local officials to "do something" about these guys. Yes, I know that Joe Public doesn't think the same way I do, but when has anybody been better off after our civil rights have been emasculated for the sake of "a few extremists"?

Also, I've seen "gun forum" people proclaim "there's no sporting purpose for assault weapons, all they're good for is killing people" and "ordinary people don't need clips that hold more than 10 bullets." (Because apparently the correct text of the 2A is "the right to hunt wildlife, punch paper targets, and shoot clay pigeons shall not be infringed," but I digress...) So, does this mean that we should validate their points simply because they frequent gun boards? Just another thing to think about.

Oh, and for the record, I carry concealed 95% of the time. The other 5%, I OC only when I'm riding my bicycle or walking in rural areas for convenience's sake.

 

[CoMF]

I've watched some of the videos about the guys walking around with ARs. I always thought they were not so much trying to convince the public that OC was alright as much as they were trying to teach people that you do have rights, lots of them, and you do not need to bow to authority.

We are taught, most of us, to bow, unquestionably, to authority, from an early age. When a officer asks me questions, I cooperate because it's expedient, but I never, for one moment, forget that I have the right to remain silent. It's a "fight the power" kind of statement, in a more modern age.

Personally, I don't agree with there methods, but I do like the message.

Couldn't have said it better myself. I do think it's a shame that the execution isn't doing justice to the message, though. There are better ways to interact with LEOs while still asserting one's rights.