Open Carry?

[Evil One]

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

 

[badguybuster]

Now I know why I live in the hills of WV. We just don't have to deal with the crap you city folks do. Lord have mercy.


You gonna do somethin' or just stand there and bleed?

 

[Bob R]

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

 

[ffhounddog]

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.

 

[TNDixieGirl]

Legal here too, but I choose not to carry openly. I'm not comfortable with it.

 

[Evil One]

ffhounddog, where in Va are you?


Jim

 

[straightshooter1]

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

 

[uncle norman]

Don't put stock in any crap 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."

 

[straightshooter1]

Uhhhh , I think the Federal Constitution gets interpreted by the Courts, too, doesn't it? Isn't that what happened in Heller?

Bob

 

[2na]

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.

 

[Dusty Miller]

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.