[Zedicus]

So, how do You React to somone Open carrying a 44 mag for eg (where it's Legal) while going through the mall for eg...?

Or How have you seen others Reacting to You Open carrying In a simmalar Sinario?


Personaly I've allways been more or less indifferent to somone Open Carrying, I may take a look at the person's Gun just to see what make/cal it is, but that's about it...
(No Wisecracks!:p)

How about you?

[tiberius]

Since its illegal in Texas (except LEOs of course), I don't get much chance to react.

There's a lot of open carry in the UK?????

[Zedicus]

No such thing as Open Carry here, Most Guns Are Illegal for Civillian Posession, and most of the ones that arent illegal have impossable restrictions on them.

I used to live In Calli so that's where I'm coming from with what I posted, plan to move back to the US in a year or so (sooner if I can).:)

[WingZero]

I use to live in Arizonza, and it is 100% legal to open carry there. I would open carry quite a bit, and even in a gorcery store at 3:30 in the afternoon, no one cared. Not everyone open carries out there (as concealed carry is perfered) but it is common.

[Cosmoline]

I open carry all the time on the trails around here in AK. I've gotten a wide array of reactions.

--A pack of German tourists accosted me once. One old man in the group pointed at my revolver (in its holster) and said "Vatever you vant!" I still don't know what he was going on about.

--A bunch of lower 48'ers on a tour bus at McHugh parking lot RAN AWAY as I came down the hill, Casull on my hip.

--The Japanese just look wide eyed

--Two Hasidic Jews who had "New Yawk" all over their accents saw me coming out of the woods with my Mossberg 500 and asked me why I had it. When I said "the smaller problem bears" they got back into their rental car! That was priceless.

--Since I started carrying a K-31 across the front, muzzle down, I've been getting even more strange looks. A couple from India (I think) looked quite nervous, but I smiled and said "hi."

The locals never pay much attention.

[Norm357]

I open carry in Metro Atlanta all the time in the summer months. Not one person has ever said anything to me about it.
Norm

[Ryder]

I feel safer when I am around someone else carrying openly. If things go bad that gun would be the center of the bad guy's attention for a few seconds. Other than that it causes me no concern.

I used to strap one on for trips to the range (with friends) on weekends when I was 18. Nobody ever said anything or acted strange towards us when we'd stop for gas, or food, or to make a (legitimate) withdrawl from the local bank.

Carried plenty while hunting over the years and nobody ever implied that they felt threatened by it (or me) even though they weren't pistol people.

[Zedicus]

IF Open Carry was Legal here the Reaction would More than Likely be one of total Terror...

Most People around here are Completely Terrified of guns and tend to jump to the wrong conclusion that anyone who carrys/owns one is going to shoot evryone in range...

Kinda Sad IMO....

[brian0128]

I was in a suit today and decided to try it since I found out it is legal here in IN. I didn't wear my suit jacket much since it was 85 out with 75% humidity. Nobody even looked my way. Prob thought I was an LEO because of my haircut and the suit.

[Razor]

--Two Hasidic Jews who had "New Yawk" all over their accents saw me coming out of the woods with my Mossberg 500 and asked me why I had it. When I said "the smaller problem bears" they got back into their rental car! That was priceless.

:D

[El Tejon]

When I have (seldom do), I have received a few glances, but no one really cares here since everyone has one--no big deal. Most people do note the mag pouches (they are OWB worn at 11).

One older woman at the gas station asked me if "that" (my double mag pouch) was a cell phone!!! I answered no, just extra mags. She almost fainted upright. Her plates were from Illinois.:cool:

[voilsb]

I don't really have a good open-carry holster, though I might go about getting one semi-soon. The times I have open-carried I was actually at a range, so I don't think anybody cared.

[hutch24]

My experience has been pretty much the same as Cosmoline, scares the tourists but the locals could care less.

[bpisler]

I open carry here in phoenix year round with no problems,i've been doing it for about 9 years and except for getting a case of the stinkeye every now and then no one paids much attention.

[AZTOY]

I open carry around my small town in Arizona all the time. I never had a funny look.:neener:

But i have not open carry in Tucson let:evil: :evil:

[badgerrr]

I could be imagining it, but I think it tends to make about 55% of the people friendlier.

(This is for folks I stumble into in the woods....don't carry open in-towne)

[c_yeager]

If your moving back to california dont expect to be able to carry a weapon at all.

[Billy Sparks]

The one time I saw someone around here do it it scard the crap out of me. This, shall we say cesspool of genetic information person, comes walking into a quickie mart with a cowboy rig strapped to his leg. :what:

[Frenchy]

Although it's legal in Missouri (in the state constitution), you don't see many carrying.
I don't get much of a reaction down here in the "Middle Lands".

[Z_Infidel]

Open carry is legal here in Ohio (where not prohibited by local restrictions), but the only time you ever see it is at a range or during deer handgun season. The likely reaction from LE would be to make an arrest on charges of inciting public panic or some such thing.

[Edward429451]

This, shall we say cesspool of genetic information person, comes walking into a quickie mart with a cowboy rig strapped to his leg.

Disheveled hair, unshaven, dirty clothes?

Oh man, give him a break. He probably just walked in for a pack of smokes on his way home from a camping trip or something like that.

A couple days or a week in the woods will make a man look like that. :uhoh:

At any rate, I've got more weird looks at the range than on the street for open carry. Usually associated with my C&L 1911 in its open top crossdraw holster. (Sir, do you know your pistols cocked?)

[Lennyjoe]

I open carried here in Tucson the first 4 months I was here before I got my CCW permit.

Never really noticed anyone freaking out about the stainless .40 cal Taurus on my hip.

Did see a guy with a 1911 on his hip go into Wal-mart here to buy ammo. After he made his purchase at the sporting goods counter an employee had to escort him out.

[Tropical Z]

The only time ive had a problem was the incident at Galyans (thread at The Firing Line)when they had half the male employees ready to jump me if i didnt comply with their request to disarm.:cuss:

[Ala Dan]

I don't over react as some folks do; cuz its my
belief that someone whose out to cause harm
would not want the general public to have any
idea of his/her train of thought!

And to top it off, most folks who open
carry here in Poverty, U.S.A. are some type of
LEO; or has beens or wannabes. This includes
quite a few security guards that I know; and
most of them are too darn old to be LEO's!:D :uhoh:

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[22luvr]

Coming from the correct side of the Second Amendment, I would tend to trust the man wearing a sidearm, unlike most of the skittish gun-fearing types mentioned on this thread.

Yeh, I think it would be COOL to strap on a hog-leg and strut around in public for awhile and drink in the reactions.

:D

[XavierBreath]

I usually open carry when I am walking fence on my land. I try not to on other people's property. I carry concealed there. No need to upset the sheep.

[Skunkabilly]

I'm gonna have to open carry next Halloween :p

I'm sure an Asian cowboy will get funny looks gun or no gun :neener:

"I give you high noon tomollow, you reave Dodge, or face one thousand dishonor!!!"

Never open carried here, it's legal (state law) but the gun has to be unloaded. Nothin' more useless than an unloaded gun.

If your moving back to california dont expect to be able to carry a weapon at all.
That depends on where you go.

[braindead0]

That depends on where you go.

Sure does, I used to spend a lot of time in the high desert, never had any problems..

[Dave Markowitz]

"the smaller problem bears"

If you carry the Mossy for the smaller bears, what do you carry for the big ones"

:what:

[El Tejon]

frodo, for big bears, I recommend carrying gun rag articles about bears. They are so unbelievable that once the bears start reading them they will convulse with laughter. This will allow you to withdrawal, preferrable to an area where people were smart enough to kill all the bears.:cool:

[Zedicus]

Ah, What the Hell, It was Fresno County that I used to live in in C.A., and when I was there Open Carry was A-OK, 9.9 out of every 10 people i'd seen Open Carrying wore the usual Cowboy Garb, the only People the cop's ever bugged with open carry was anyone who looked like a gang member.

Could have changed by now, but I doubt it...

[Majic]

Mainly depends on the locations here. In the larger cities you can get some stares and alot of room to walk around, but in the counties or smaller cities folks will either ignore you or want to know what you are carrying.

[blue86buick]

How would you define the difference between open carry, and concealed carry? For example, obviously an IWB is typically used for concealed carry. What about a paddle holster though? I have one for my bersa, and it rides right at my waistline...would I have to tuck in my shirt so that it doesn't accidentally cover my gun, therefore making my "open carry" now a "concealed carry"? I have a similar to uncle mike's nylon holster for my 22/45, which with a T-shirt on, would cover the butt, but the bottom half would be hanging out. Would this be open carry?

[AZTOY]

blue86buick

In Arizona if you can see 2 to 3 inch of the gun, it's open carry.

If you can not see the gun it's concealed carry.

[Majic]

In Va if your firearm is not covered by any clothing it is open carry. If any part of the firearm is covered by clothing it is considered conceal. Also if part of the gun is seen uncovered it will be considered branishing or flashing. This can result in an arrest, a fine, and your CCW is surrendered.

[Aikibiker]

I actually open carried today on my own property.

I was doing some heavy yard work in the heat and took off my shirt exposing my CCW, none of the people that drove by seemed to notice or care much, not even the cops that drove by a couple times. (looking for someone setting off firecrackers I think)

I think most people don't notice a gun because they don't expect to see it.

[Zach S]

I never got any reactions at all, most sheeple didnt even notice it because I was going to a gun show, and a lot of ppl were coming and going with ARs, AKs and so on that made my Kimber less noticable. Once I'm in the civic center, totally different story. All I hear is "You sellin' it?" "Looking to trade?" "Can I see it?" The answer is always no unless a LEO asks to look at it. Some of them get mad when i say "Mine's cooler than yours," but most agree:D

Other than at the gunshows, or the range, I've never seen someone openly carrying in Asheville.

[George Hill]

One day I was at the zoo with my family. It was a nice day but a little cool with a slight breeze, and altogether lovely. Under my sport coat I wore my trusty sidearm comfortably in a nice leather pancake holster. So comfortable you forget it's there. Suddenly a small gust of wind lifts my sport coat up and reveals the automatic. This was observed my some college girls. One of them was shocked and said "That man has a gun!" To which the other girls said "Don't worry, he is a cop. You can tell because he has a holster."

[ReadyontheRight]

"Don't worry, he is a cop. You can tell because he has a holster."

I was thinking the same thing reading this thread. I'd probably only be concerned if I saw Mexican carry.

(edit - not "A Mexican" carrying, but carrying a pistol tucked into your pants.)

Does anyone here NOT use a holster for CCW?

[DigMe]

To which the other girls said "Don't worry, he is a cop. You can tell because he has a holster."

HAHAHAA...OMG!! What ignorance! That is really incredible.

The other girls were probably very confident in that assessment because she knew the word "holster."

knock, knock

Who's there?

It's the police.

Let me see some ID.

*Holds up holster*

Come on in.


brad cook

[Monkeyleg]

On motorcycle trips out west, I used to carry openly almost daily. In 1990 or so, the reaction in AZ or UT, MT or ID was pretty much no reaction.

Then I noticed a difference maybe five or six years ago. At the dam (what's the name of it?) outside Paige, AZ, I had a local officer roll up and just ask a few questions. I'm sure he was just trying to determine if I was a Good Citizen, and he bid me a good day.

But, on a trip in 1998, I stopped at a scenic overlook along the Colorado River in Utah. A group of German tourists videotaped me everywhere I walked. At other scenic views I had people just get in their cars and take off. It was really kind of irritating. That's when I got my FL non-resident permit.

[Zedicus]

HAHAHAA...OMG!! What ignorance! That is really incredible.

The other girls were probably very confident in that assessment because she knew the word "holster."

knock, knock

Who's there?

It's the police.

Let me see some ID.

*Holds up holster*

Come on in.


brad cook

That could make a good dumb blonde joke you know...?:)

[Erik]

I have noticed people gawk, point, nervously shift about, speed dial their cell phones (911 I presume), and leave the area. Once someone queried me. I answered, they grunted, and that was that.

I know several folks who have had the police called on them. The police arrived, realized what was going on, and left. (At least once tracking down the complaintant and setting them straight.)

[Billy Sparks]

Disheveled hair, unshaven, dirty clothes?

Oh man, give him a break. He probably just walked in for a pack of smokes on his way home from a camping trip or something like that.


No this guy look like he was a few cards short of a hand. Or maybe it was the fact that he had his girlfriend purchase them a case of beer that made me nervous. In this part of NC we have a special breed of people called poor white trash you usually see them at all the KKK rallys or on COPS.

[WebHobbit]

Though open-carry is legal here in Indiana I've only done it in my yard. Usually even in my yard I have a vest on.

I really can't see open-carry bieng at all useful in this day and age. Most of the places I shop/eat at would probably make me leave if I tried it. It's there right and I'm thinking if many of the customers were upset by my exposed gun (likely I think) they would escort me out the door.

[BrokenPaw]

In Va if your firearm is not covered by any clothing it is open carry. If any part of the firearm is covered by clothing it is considered conceal. Also if part of the gun is seen uncovered it will be considered branishing or flashing. This can result in an arrest, a fine, and your CCW is surrendered. Majic, can you point out what section of the Virginia Code specifies this? Everything I've ever heard about Virginia law is that if the gun is clearly visible, it's open carry (and thus legal per Virginia law), and if the gun is not visible, it's considered concealed (and thus legal per Virginia law, if you have a permit).

The reason I'm concerned about what you've said is that I carry IWB, whether or not I'm going for concealment by wearing a jacket, or going for open carry by not wearing one (for instance, when I go into a restaurant).

I carry a Beretta 96, so even in an IWB holster, there's a heck of a lot of gun visible above my waist; I can't imagine anyone considering it "concealed" just because part of it happens to be obscured.

The definition I have heard WRT whether a gun is "open" is that if the butt of it is clearly visible, it's not concealed.

-BP

[mec]

The holster thing: Somebody published some statistics ( Ayoob, I think) showing that bad guys almost never wear holsters and good guys almost always do. he suggested using a holster just because the common perception is that people with holsters are ok.

We haven't had open carry in texas since before the cartridge era except it's widely done and legal when actually hunting and is legal on your own property.

Concealed carry is only about 7 years old here. Just being out of sight keeps it out of the consciousness of the head count population. This is a good thing since a common reaction is complete panic whenever they think a gun is near. The poor things suffer loosening of the spincters and damage themselves running into walls.

they are usually not aware enough of their surroundings to even suspect a concealed handgun. the ones that sometimes make you are the highly observant opportunists looking for an easy mark. I had one of these tell a pacifictic urban missionary that "HAD! A! GUN!" I informed the Skypilot that the boy was either daft or else ' a ???, a idiot.'"

???* I see the cyber proctor program doesn't like the biblical name for a small equine beast of burdon. the censored line is a direct quote from Bumble, the parochial beedle in Oliver Twist by Dickens. I'm sure that Mr. Bumble used the word in its equestrian context rather than in its profundal meaning.

[TallPine]

I'm sure that Mr. Bumble used the word in its equestrian context rather than in its profundal meaning.

Well, if you have ever had any personal acquiantance with Mr. Jack Hass, you will know why the term is applied to some two legged fauna. ;)

[Rickstir]

I live 6 miles outside a small town in MO. No CCW here so open is the only way. Legal in most of the state, except St. Louis (where you really need it), and a few other towns.

I wear my 92FS almost all of the time. Travel into town and will only take it off it going into the bank or a bar. Post office is off limits too, but that is the wife's job.

Wore it to a fish fry in the city park last year. I saw some people notice it, but only one old biddy said something. I told her it was legal and she doubted my word and said she would ask her grandson who was a county deputy. Gave her my number and asked her to have him call me if there was a problem. Never heard anything.

The sheriff and I get along and he has clarified exactly how to carry it in the car to comply with the law.

This is farm country, my friends all know if they are around me, most of the time I am packing. You should see the Jehova Witnesses perk up when I come to the door. :D

PS... Another fish fry tonight. I teach college classes and will be a little late, but in the city park the 4H County Fair is going on, The Old Threshers are having a 3 day get together and the committee is having a catfish fry. We'll see if anyone notices it tonight!

[Skunkabilly]

The holster thing: Somebody published some statistics ( Ayoob, I think) showing that bad guys almost never wear holsters and good guys almost always do.

Interesting. I bet an IWB looks like Mexican to people though.

[mrstang01]

We have let the anti's wear us down, so WE think it's a problem to open carry. I have started on a personal crusade to increase the amount I open carry, and I'd encourage all the High Road to do the same. We need to get people back to the point where a gun is seen as a tool, not a Weapon of Mass Destruction!

Michael

[mec]

I like your " Good News for Modern Man" verse.

[rolltide]

I live in a state wear concealed carry has been available to the law abiding for generations. I carry almost everytime I leave the house. I used to live in a large city in AZ. I did open carry my Dan Wesson 44 a few times when stopping at a convenience store going to or from the range. Some people did react, but I think it was more because of the SIZE of the massive revolver. People carried 45's cocked and locked in the bank, at the service station, in the grocery store, anywhere. There was no concealed carry in AZ in those days.

While I certainly don't object to open carry, I don't do it much myself except in the woods. When I carried open in AZ, I was always nervous about who was behind me or beside me on my strong side. If you don't believe you can be shot with your own gun, just ask the officer and dispatcher just murdered in my state by a prisoner with the officer's gun. When carrying open in an urban area, I have a few of concerns:

1. I may get busy doing my shopping at Walmart or may be in an awkward position getting the can of beans off the top shelf for the little old lady that can't reach it. This may give some nut an opportunity to grab my gun. This could be fatal to me or someone else and could also open up a whole lot of civil and criminal liabilities that could change my life forever.

2. If someone with criminal intent comes into some place where I am with their gun drawn, they are liable to shoot first and think later if they see someone with a gun on. Of course it could discourage them from trying something if it is not already in progress when they see you.

3. I think carrying openly in urban areas when you can carry concealed may have the effect of scaring all the soccer moms into political activism to stop the practice.

I carry concealed all the time, and I carry open when I need to. I just don't need to carry open in town most of the time. Just be careful if you do.

Roll Tide

http://www.multimediapalace.com/flags-usa/alb-flag1.gif

[AVP]

Here in rural Utah it's not that unusual to see someone with open carry. I've never seen anyone pay the slightest attention to them. My mind set is such that they make me feel slightly safer. :D

[DrPsycho]

A buddy took me to a place just outside of town (Cedar City, southern Utah) to shoot. He had the .357 and about 50 extra rounds wraped around the leather belt/holster. Nobody flinched.

[Zedicus]

Originaly posted by: Rickstir
This is farm country, my friends all know if they are around me, most of the time I am packing. You should see the Jehova Witnesses perk up when I come to the door.

And how exactly do they Perk up?

Ask what make/model it is? or do they just have a look of bleh, just a 92FS...:D;)