Open Carry?

[keith44spl]

This is such a wonderful thread....We all get to visit and exchange ideas

on life and how best to pack a pistol. Get to know one another, and how

life in general is perceived by folks in far away places.

All the friendly banter and gentle jib-jabs followed by those big ol smiley faces.

And let's not forget all those that don't even suspect they are being josh'd and pranked with,

they are just such good sports too!


Well Bless Their Lit'l Pea Picking Hearts.


.

 

[keith44spl]

If I can't see the gun that the guy is carrying it can't hurt me, right?

Irrational logic and fear is the foundation for arguing against OC. It's a poor argument to curtail 2A rights or to blame those who OC for a psychological malady of others.

Phil,

For over six decade of kicking around this ol world I have found

folks that wear there pistol outside their pants to be to 'Good Guys' and
criminals generally hide the fact they are armed.

Several years back, I attended a LEO training with the U.S. Attorney's Office and
the ATF for 'Firearms Identification'...Tips on IDing the concealed firearm(s) on persons of interest.

I now work in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, where open
carry has been the law of the land since before statehood.

Open carry was the lawful method of carry until the concealed
carry deadly weapon(s) law was passed almost 20 years ago.
(This license covers all deadly weapons, not just firearms that one can carry concealed)

Best I can tell, blood has not filled the streets, panic does not
ensue at the very sight of a holstered up sidearm in public.

With that being said, I do know there are times when discretion of carry is necessary.

When I was traveling to the four corners of the U.S. to retrieve felons for the courts,
I always carried discreetly concealed while transporting those folks by commercial aircraft.

So yes, sometimes concealed carry works for me too.


Within this thread, their are some here so anal, that anything beyond their own capsule of life's experience
would cause their bowels to be permanently loosened on the spot.

Gees, who would strain a knat and swallow a camel? I ask ya.

I find this think tank all so delightful, although some may want to consider the shallow end....


.
My post are mostly a parody, made in jest at the 'over analyzers' of all thing large and small.
I was jest joshin some of the more sensitive among us

Started to say sorry to some of you that take all this so serious, but on second thought, nah.

Some deserve to have their chain jerk'd a bit.

Lighten up, enjoy the freedoms at hand, don't let the opines of a few stifle your spirit for life and pursuit of happiness.

That is all.


Su Amigo,
Dave
.

 

[blujax01]

Where I live in the suburbs, OC is not the norm, so I choose not to. When I'm at the Mother-In-Law's in the country, it is no big deal so when I'm in the field, I do. I'm not going to carry in the city and I'm too old to fight for "causes." I respect your right to OC - please respect my right not to.

Dave, you and every other LEO in this thread, are a different case. Every picture you have posted over the years where you are caring in a public setting, you are displaying a badge. And even if you aren't, you know that you can ID yourself as a cop immediately. Comparing your situation to Joe Average is apples and oranges.

As to the football picture, whether that "Special Deputy" actually has any real power is immaterial - he has special permission, and probably a badge or credentials on his chest.

I will say this -

The guys with the cameras baiting police or the "AR Mall Brigade" accomplished for 2nd Amendment Rights what the annual Gay Pride parade does for their cause. It's a freak show that leaves people shaking their heads. Whether it "should" or not is a moot point.

 

[keith44spl]

Dave, you and every other LEO in this thread, are a different case. Every picture you have posted over the years where you are caring in a public setting, you are displaying a badge. And even if you aren't, you know that you can ID yourself as a cop immediately. Comparing your situation to Joe Average is apples and oranges.

As to the football picture, whether that "Special Deputy" actually has any real power is immaterial - he has special permission, and probably a badge or credentials on his chest.

.

Yes, I do agree with you. It is apple to oranges, but my point is, it should not be....

My occupation should not in any way, shape or form, carry any privilege that is an unalienable right to all.

Some have the misconception that being a LEO gives some rights above that of average Joe.
I have never carried a firearm to 'enforce' the statues,
I simple carry a firearm to defend my self from those that would attempt to seriously injure or kill me while I am enforcing said statues.

Having been shot at, shot and cut with a knife...I find, I keep a closer watch in my later years.

As to whither I display my badge while carrying is a matter of time and location,
some areas of the country folks expect to see a badge displayed with a sidearm,
some places it is common not to. Kinda like the when in Rome thing.

Those folks that open carry for the sole purpose to make a 'political statement' or bait a law enforcement response is well, sad.

I once knew of a Sheriff that had over 200 'Special' badge carryin' Deputies in his county.
He sure had lots of friends and lots of votes.


Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[Protected One]

Bull Butter.......^^^^^^^^^

I open carry without displaying my badge.

My profession grants no special rights or privileges that I can tell.

My sidearm(s) is for my personal defense and while enforcing the statutes of the state....

Every law abiding citizen has the same unalienable rights regardless of profession.


Sorry, that ol LEO argument jest don't fly with me.

(The guy in the picture is probably a spl deputy with no more police power that anyone else.)



That is all for today.

.

A LEO in a state where OC is illegal....encouraging people to OC? Interesting.

 

[ladder13]

Dave, thank you for your thoughts on all forms of firearm ownership AND the Constitution. Too bad every cop wasn't like you.

 

[keith44spl]

A LEO in a state where OC is illegal....encouraging people to OC? Interesting

My God man, don't swaller it all...Hook, line and sinker!

If laughter is the best medicine, this thread will cure us all.

It never occurred to me that there were so many here abouts directly related to ol Dan Quayle........
As credited to ol Dan, "Illegitimacy is something we should talk about in terms of not having it."

That posted picture was meant to be a thought provoking parody of an idea.....
It was not my intention to offend the sensitive among us,
I did not know...that this open carry vs concealed carry was such a raging social epidemic

When one steps back and looks at the big picture...

Who among us has changed their mind on the subject. I ask ya?

This thread is more fun that a goat ropin & rat killin in the same day!


.
.

 

[george minze]

What do you want to bet...This will be an item that will be discussed forever.....So I guess you do what is legal or do what you believe in as long as it is legal...Back in the 60's when I was a Rooky cop I would not have believed civilian concealed or otherwise carry, especially east of St. Louis.....Times change. What doesn't change is one persons thoughts or beliefs......So i guess no matter our personal beliefs we will do what we think is right......remember this..We could be one supreme court judge from the law and constitution being changed, or interpreted differently...Look at the federal laws enacted since the 60's that in itself can be scary....I have a hard time trying to forget what happened in Australia......Now that is something to worry about.

 

[SC_Mike]

If it was legal here, I wouldn't. Don't show your hand until it's time.

It would be nice to have a little more flexibility with dressing/carrying however.

 

[Protected One]

I don't believe the picture was posted as a parody or anything else but an effort to support the notion that people (non-LEO) open carry all over, without drawing any attention to themselves. However, once the pictures "applicabilty" was drawn into question, all of a sudden "it was a parody"....

 

[keith44spl]

I don't believe the picture was posted as a parody or anything else but an effort to support the notion that people (non-LEO) open carry all over, without drawing any attention to themselves. However, once the pictures "applicabilty" was drawn into question, all of a sudden "it was a parody"....

Well, I didn't photo shop the pic....but it drew the intended response.

Like, who is really gonna do that at a football game

So, thank you


.

 

[kbm6893]

You'll note that it was the "concealed carry only" crowd that brought up the open carry of long guns.

Please. Go back to other posts about OC. Plenty of people here support those idiots.

 

[kbm6893]

I don't believe the picture was posted as a parody or anything else but an effort to support the notion that people (non-LEO) open carry all over, without drawing any attention to themselves. However, once the pictures "applicabilty" was drawn into question, all of a sudden "it was a parody"....

Of course it wasn't a parody.

 

[kbm6893]

Well, so much for the added attention it might cause...



If you'd like to see it more often, there is nothing from stopping you wherever it is legal. Who knows, you might inspire someone else who is thinking, "I might open carry myself if it was more common..."

Or you more likely will get somebody to say "look at this moron". Kind of like I do, and I've been in the NRA for 25 years.

 

[keith44spl]

This thread is oh so much entertainment....

Sometimes I jest can't help myself....

It's kinda like an investigative interview,

Ya cast out the bait...A lit'l something that might prick a nerve with the subject at hand

and you reap the true convictions of the responder.

It sure don't take much to get the crowd fired up and

it really brings out the best in folks around these here parts.


You'll are a blast.

Thanks for the laughs.... It's truly been entertaining



.

 

[jlrhiner]

It's a shame common sense isn't.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

Open carry is unnecessarily provocative and serves no good purpose.

No, it isn't. Yes, it does.

Carry concealed. Nobody feels threatened, people aren't freaked out by something they can't see.

You haven't been paying attention, have you? What makes you think the anti-gun crowd is any happier with your concealed carry than it is with my open carry? Freak out? THEY DON'T LIKE OUR GUNS, AND THEY DON'T LIKE US! ANY OF US!

My personal feeling is that too many of those who advocate open carry have some kind of ego deficiency for which they're over compensating.

Oh, geez. Will you listen to yourself? You're using exactly the same sort of attack that the anti-gunners use against all of us! Does attacking people for doing something that YOU wouldn't do even if it is legal make you feel better about yourself?

Okay. I'm done.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

Or you more likely will get somebody to say "look at this moron". Kind of like I do, and I've been in the NRA for 25 years.

Fudd? Is that you?

 

[ladder13]

If it was legal here, I wouldn't. Don't show your hand until it's time.

It would be nice to have a little more flexibility with dressing/carrying however.

When I travel down south, by the south I mean VA and below, I assume everyone has a gun, all the way down to Florida. And they DO. There's really no need for anyone to hide anything.

 

[gearup]

I am new and read a lot of the replies in this thread. One thing that seems to be missing is the fact that OC is 1000 times more comfortable than CC, most of the time.

I OC about 80% of the time and carry OWB 100% of the time. I will never carry IWB. Just too uncomfortable.

Here in the Old Dominion of Virginia, OC is very normal. I run across several OCers every day. Nobody ever gives it a second thought. I live in the Norfolk / Va Beach area. Case in point, the other day I was in a grocery store checkout line with 2 OCers and 1 CCer plus myself.


I kinda wish reasonable thinking people would stop believing the interweb myths......
1. you will get hassled
2. you will be the first target
3. you are a brandishing charge waiting to happen



All that said..........I do think OC of long guns is for most part moronic and a severe hindrance to the gun rights movement.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

You haven't been paying attention, have you? What makes you think the anti-gun crowd is any happier with your concealed carry than it is with my open carry? Freak out? THEY DON'T LIKE OUR GUNS, AND THEY DON'T LIKE US! ANY OF US!
.

The above deserves a double Like.

 

[kbm6893]

The above deserves a double Like.

Sure, the Diane Feinsteins and Carolyn McCarthy's fit into that category. But there are MILLIONS of Americans who really don't spend a lot of time thinking about guns at all. And those are the people we turn off when we strut through a restaurant with a displayed weapon. Diane Feinstein once said "if I could have gotten the votes, mr and mrs America, turn them in". She couldn't get the votes because most Americans aren't that radical

But when the idiots continue to show up to target with rifles over their backs, and 10 guys decide to sit at a table in a restaraunt with guns on their hips, and the losers on YouTube continue to walk around like idiots with their guns and cameras, those same disinterested people change their minds

And it ain't to our side.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Open carry is not for me. I don't like it.

Obviously there are some strong feelings for and against it. But I think we can all agree that if we open carry responsibly AND sensibly, then it really doesn't matter what the next guy thinks now does it?

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Phil,

For over six decade of kicking around this ol world I have found

folks that wear there pistol outside their pants to be to 'Good Guys' and
criminals generally hide the fact they are armed.


.

Lifelong observation of reality is a compelling argument.

Certainly more convincing than some who cling to irrational fear and lashing out at others with name calling.

 

[gearup]

OC of long guns is not the same as OC of a holstered pistol. Nobody can say OCing a 8-10 pound rifle is comfortable or practical, so there is usually an ulterior motive. Usually it is for demonstration purposes. We have all seen where the shock value gets us.

However responsible OC is both practical and in my area very well received. I have never had any kind of problem ever. People are not afraid of a well dressed individual with a nice holstered firearm. Let the pants start sagging or the attire get dirty and the stereotypes will surface. Real or not they will surface.

It is really perception. Watch how people avoid a homeless man. But dress him up and see if people change. They will. My point is that I think that people do not fear guns as much as they are really prejudiced over one's appearance.

 

[Bundesheer]

It's all about where you are and what you doing.
I carry open on my land, during fishing and hunting - sure. Do I walk in Houston into an art gallery with a open gun. No.

The liberal lobby has long won the war against weapons. Why is it that a person that OC is singled out in the media? Right - because the liberal media has no fear anymore to kick anyone rights to the curbs if it feeds communistic and minimalist agendas. The people are long conditioned to keep the mouth shut and fear to be the next target if they speak up against the polit-machine.

Even the judgment in a court of law will be ignored by the liberal media and hate campaigns will be started immediately only to feed racist agendas of the view if the court of law outcome doesn't fit communistic agendas.

If in a State OC is allowed, no one should be allowed to harass the one who practice his or her rights. OC where allowed is not intelligent and not stupid it just lawful - nothing else.
I read all the liberal media pros and cons repeatedly said, written, filmed and pictured arguments even here.

Only this person is free and has freedom that is able to overcome the liberal mind conditioning that implemented by film, TV, and communistic teachers in kindergarten, high school and college.

What is next? Do you need tomorrow a concealed Church goers permit? And will you accept to be a concealed church goer to please mankind hater liberals? So that you not being singled out by the media and school kids they never had a chance to know better? Tomorrow you find yourself in the media as a stupid church goer that all the city laugh about. Is your answer that also you go conceited to church because you don't want to threaten a liberal mind even if you do nothing besides exercising your rights?

Is it this the United States of America that you guys talk about?

Just saying.

 

[Ben_hutcherson]

Here's just a brief anecdote with some back story:

As Dave mentions, here in the Commonwealth open carry has been legal for a really long time(since before statehood). It is a right specifically protected by the constitution, and before our concealed carry law was passed in 1996, it was the only legal method of carry. Even 18 years later, open carry remains the only legal form of carry in certain situations. There is an old supreme court case in Kentucky(1930s) that states something to the effect that no one may question the intentions of a person wearing a visible gun(with the implication being that only criminals conceal).

I don't have a CCW. The process in Kentucky is not particularly arduous, but it does require a full day(often a weekday) to set aside for an 8 hour training. It's rare that I can set aside a full day to attend a class, and it's sometimes difficult to find a date for a class being offered that coincides with a time when I could actually attend it. Thus, I've put off getting my license.

This means that if I want to carry a gun to protect myself, open carry remains my only legal option. I don't do it often, but have never had an issue the times I've chosen to.

Just a little bit earlier this evening, I remembered that I needed to get gas. I'm leaving early in the morning and the station I needed to go to is out of the way of how I'm going in the morning. I don't like going to gas stations after dark, but as I said I needed to in this situation.

So, I grabbed a gun that just happened to be handy-in this case a Colt Trooper 357-and threw it in a nylon Blackhawk brand OWB retention holster. This isn't a particularly attractive or fancy carry rig, but fits me well and keeps the gun secure.

I drove to the gas station, filled up my car, washed my windshield, checked my oil, and did all the various things I generally do at a gas station-particularly when I'm getting ready to drive a decent distance as I'm going to in the morning.

In the time I was there, I really don't think anyone even noticed the gun on my hip. That suits me perfectly fine-I had business to attend to and took care of it, and only brought the gun along because I was putting myself in a situation where I was just a bit uncomfortable.

As I said, I felt that carrying a gun was justified in this situation(truthfully, rarely is it not, but that's another discussion) and did so in the only legal manner that-at this time-is afforded to me.

So, yes, I'm an open carrier. And, despite the assertions that have been made here in the past that it is done only for attention, that really is not the case.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Sure, the Diane Feinsteins and Carolyn McCarthy's fit into that category. But there are MILLIONS of Americans who really don't spend a lot of time thinking about guns at all. And those are the people we turn off when we strut through a restaurant with a displayed weapon. Diane Feinstein once said "if I could have gotten the votes, mr and mrs America, turn them in". She couldn't get the votes because most Americans aren't that radical

But when the idiots continue to show up to target with rifles over their backs, and 10 guys decide to sit at a table in a restaraunt with guns on their hips, and the losers on YouTube continue to walk around like idiots with their guns and cameras, those same disinterested people change their minds

And it ain't to our side.

Currently, the most active long gun OC groups that I am aware of are in Texas.

These are activist groups. Activism, by design, is meant to stir controversy. To your point, controversy isnt a perfect science and it can result in setbacks. These "idiots" also understand this. In fact, the groups got together and published a standard operation procedure to limit some OC activities, particularly at corporate business. These "idiots" aren't as stupid as you may think. IMO, Without these activists Texas gun rights groups and the NRA would have likely just continued to largely ignore the ban on handgun OC as they have for decades. For the first time since forever handgun OC has a chance of passing in Texas so says the NRA.

Keeping your argument in mind, tell us how the state with so many long gun OC "idiots" with "in your face" activity can be the same state that the NRA believes has a good chance of legalizing handgun OC?

As far as some guys with a cell phone camera and YouTube account trolling to be harassed by a cop, that's pretty limited and I doubt it has much affect on "millions" of Americans and their views concerning guns. However, in the vids I have seen it sometimes illustrates how poorly informed some police are regarding OC laws and that can adversly affect law abiding citizens. Best to just follow the Constitution and repeal laws restricting OC.

Many gun owners haven't fully adjusted to all the new gun carry freedoms during the past 25 years. Guys my age and older grew up in a time where handgun carry was largely illegal. It takes time for some minds to get right with freedom, as well getting used to seeing others exercizing their freedom. Hopefully you will too.

Cheers

 

[kbm6893]

Currently, the most active long gun OC groups that I am aware of are in Texas.

These are activist groups. Activism, by design, is meant to stir controversy. To your point, controversy isnt a perfect science and it can result in setbacks. These "idiots" also understand this. In fact, the groups got together and published a standard operation procedure to limit some OC activities, particularly at corporate business. These "idiots" aren't as stupid as you may think. IMO, Without these activists Texas gun rights groups and the NRA would have likely just continued to largely ignore the ban on handgun OC as they have for decades. For the first time since forever handgun OC has a chance of passing in Texas so says the NRA.

Keeping your argument in mind, tell us how the state with so many long gun OC "idiots" with "in your face" activity can be the same state that the NRA believes has a good chance of legalizing handgun OC?

As far as some guys with a cell phone camera and YouTube account trolling to be harassed by a cop, that's pretty limited and I doubt it has much affect on "millions" of Americans and their views concerning guns. However, in the vids I have seen it sometimes illustrates how poorly informed some police are regarding OC laws and that can adversly affect law abiding citizens. Best to just follow the Constitution and repeal laws restricting OC.

Many gun owners haven't fully adjusted to all the new gun carry freedoms during the past 25 years. Guys my age and older grew up in a time where handgun carry was largely illegal. It takes time for some minds to get right with freedom, as well getting used to seeing others exercizing their freedom. Hopefully you will too.

Cheers

The NRA publicly criticized the Texas Target crew. As for OC not being legal in Texas for handguns, I didn't know that and was shocked. Texas being such a gun friendly state and all.

Nobody's mind is going to change. If OC is legal where you live there's nothing I can do about it. I think it's stupid in a public setting and doesn't do a thing to help us

And when some guy in New Hampshire pulls an OC stunt it makes news all over the. Country so it does change peoples minds. I heard about the Texas target incident. And everybody here heard about the PA soccer mom and of course the Obama rallies. Local news is no longer "local"

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

The NRA publicly criticized the Texas Target crew.

As for OC not being legal in Texas for handguns, I didn't know that and was shocked. Texas being such a gun friendly state and all.

Nobody's mind is going to change. If OC is legal where you live there's nothing I can do about it. I think it's stupid in a public setting and doesn't do a thing to help us

Actually, the NRA credited the unsigned criticism to a staffer. Chris Cox, executive director of the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action, went on the air to publicly apologize to gun owners all across America and set things straight that it was not the job of the NRA to criticize the lawful activities of gun owners. As a member of the NRA you should know that.

Yes, Texas has a ban on OC of handguns. One of the things OC activism aims to do is stir discussion to help make folks aware of issues that they may be "shocked" to discover. See, it worked.

OC is legal here in Tennessee. You are correct, there isn't much you or even Sarah Brady can do about it.