yongxingfreesty
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this is what i wear, got a prob?
anyone else feel uncomfy around people who look like "gun nuts?"
- Thread starter GlockFan1954
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loop
Member
Guys who wear cheap holsters and carry cheap guns snap my flag to attention.
In NW Arizona a lot of people carry guns. The ones that key me in to watching them are ones in camo, with a nylon thigh holster carrying a Ruger 9.
I probably wouldn't even notice a guy with a hand-tooled belt and holster with a Desert Eagle except to maybe nod and say "Nice rig."
But, you really have to watch the pups.
Don't get me wrong. I know a lot of folks who like camo ... and tote HKs.
I know a lot of guys who dress in street clothes and carry Charles Dalys.
The ones that raise my hackles are the ones who have nothing to make me think they are right.
A cheap gun in a quality holster. A high-end gun in a cheap holster. Looking like you are ready for a fight, but toting a Bersa or a Firestorm.
I'll know exactly where you are and what you are up to until I'm looking at the parking lot in my rearview mirror.
Around here, in rural AZ, seeing open carry is not unusual. But, if you are on the up and up it's a quality gun in a rig you don't mind being seen wearing.
Otherwise it is CCW.
Barbecue guns make me feel comfortable. Cheap, trying to look macho triggers my self-preservation mechanism.
Which leaves me with one question. Why would anyone wear camo to WalMart unless they're on their way to a hunting blind?
In NW Arizona a lot of people carry guns. The ones that key me in to watching them are ones in camo, with a nylon thigh holster carrying a Ruger 9.
I probably wouldn't even notice a guy with a hand-tooled belt and holster with a Desert Eagle except to maybe nod and say "Nice rig."
But, you really have to watch the pups.
Don't get me wrong. I know a lot of folks who like camo ... and tote HKs.
I know a lot of guys who dress in street clothes and carry Charles Dalys.
The ones that raise my hackles are the ones who have nothing to make me think they are right.
A cheap gun in a quality holster. A high-end gun in a cheap holster. Looking like you are ready for a fight, but toting a Bersa or a Firestorm.
I'll know exactly where you are and what you are up to until I'm looking at the parking lot in my rearview mirror.
Around here, in rural AZ, seeing open carry is not unusual. But, if you are on the up and up it's a quality gun in a rig you don't mind being seen wearing.
Otherwise it is CCW.
Barbecue guns make me feel comfortable. Cheap, trying to look macho triggers my self-preservation mechanism.
Which leaves me with one question. Why would anyone wear camo to WalMart unless they're on their way to a hunting blind?
divemedic
Member
Wow- elitism, meet this thread:
"I am not comfortable with people who don't look and act like me, because if they are not like me, they must not be as good as I am."
"I am not comfortable with people who don't look and act like me, because if they are not like me, they must not be as good as I am."
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
When I was a kid I often dressed like a member of the redneck rebellion: fatigue pants, combat boots, hunting/shooting slogan shirts, etc. I lived in a fairly rural area and hadn't been far or seen much in the world.
Time passed. I've lived a bunch of different places, some rural, some very urban. I've interacted socially and professionally with a wide variety of people. I now find myself in a very different mindset.
At this point in life I'm far (FAR) more involved in the shooting sports and the gun "community" than I ever was as a teenager, but I've lost all need for the show-off trappings of it.
In fact, I find it MUCH more necessary to present myself as a professional, responsible, contributing member of society (as a contractor, neighbor, father, tax payer, Safety Officer, Match Director, LCTF/CCW holder, etc.), than as the fringe element I used to emulate.
I am a representative of responsible, active gun ownership. I'd rather be seen as accessible, friendly, understandable, relate-able, and very SAFE, to those around me, than dangerous, unpredictable, pretentious, deluded, etc. Helps me in my work, helps me in my neighborhood, helps me at the range, and maybe, JUST MAYBE, it helps me when the people I've interacted with step into the voting booth.
I own some camo clothes, but I don't wear them out around town. They don't benefit me there. I own some 5.11 type pants and some gun or match shirts. I'll wear them on match days or maybe bumming around on a Saturday, but otherwise, I'll stick to comfortable, non-descript attire. It's jarring enough to a lot of folks just to notice a gun on my hip or in my arms.
Making folks uncomfortable -- or even making them take a second look at me -- is the exact opposite of my purpose.
-Sam
Time passed. I've lived a bunch of different places, some rural, some very urban. I've interacted socially and professionally with a wide variety of people. I now find myself in a very different mindset.
At this point in life I'm far (FAR) more involved in the shooting sports and the gun "community" than I ever was as a teenager, but I've lost all need for the show-off trappings of it.
In fact, I find it MUCH more necessary to present myself as a professional, responsible, contributing member of society (as a contractor, neighbor, father, tax payer, Safety Officer, Match Director, LCTF/CCW holder, etc.), than as the fringe element I used to emulate.
I am a representative of responsible, active gun ownership. I'd rather be seen as accessible, friendly, understandable, relate-able, and very SAFE, to those around me, than dangerous, unpredictable, pretentious, deluded, etc. Helps me in my work, helps me in my neighborhood, helps me at the range, and maybe, JUST MAYBE, it helps me when the people I've interacted with step into the voting booth.
I own some camo clothes, but I don't wear them out around town. They don't benefit me there. I own some 5.11 type pants and some gun or match shirts. I'll wear them on match days or maybe bumming around on a Saturday, but otherwise, I'll stick to comfortable, non-descript attire. It's jarring enough to a lot of folks just to notice a gun on my hip or in my arms.
Making folks uncomfortable -- or even making them take a second look at me -- is the exact opposite of my purpose.
-Sam
Deanimator
Member
Almost 100% of the time, I wear an NRA hat. Does that make me look like a "gun nut"?
rbernie
Contributing Member
Humans are funny that way. Ever gone into a corporate environment and seen 'the uniform' (suit-n-tie)?
Same thing.
It's not elitism - it's having tens of thousands of years worth of survival mechanisms.
People determine who is 'in the tribe' and who is not based on mannerisms, dress, speech, and other markers. And knowing who is in the tribe and who is not is a very good skill to have.
HoosierQ
Member
Guys like that are trying too hard to make a statement. 99% of the time that statement is one that we all make with words...firearms and the various related cultural artifacts are cool. At the range, no problem. That is where one goes to really be one's RKBA self as it were. In Wall Mart or at the Mall...it is odd and off-putting.
Me...I am "Safari Guy"!!! I tend toward button down pocket shirts, used to wear a lot of cargo pants...gotta safari or photojournalist vest I wear sometime...got a safari jacket..."Safari Guy". I do wear combat boots (as well as Timberland and LLBean etc) because my feet hurt and I need heavy duty shoes...no deck shoes for me...ouch.
Oddly, I don't wear the safari stuff at the range much because brass ends up in all those little pockets.
Me...I am "Safari Guy"!!! I tend toward button down pocket shirts, used to wear a lot of cargo pants...gotta safari or photojournalist vest I wear sometime...got a safari jacket..."Safari Guy". I do wear combat boots (as well as Timberland and LLBean etc) because my feet hurt and I need heavy duty shoes...no deck shoes for me...ouch.
Oddly, I don't wear the safari stuff at the range much because brass ends up in all those little pockets.
DHJenkins
Member
Gangwear makes me nervous.
Homelesswear makes me nervous.
Anything else and I'm fine.
Homelesswear makes me nervous.
Anything else and I'm fine.
Prion
Member
Yeah, I hate looking in the mirror, I scare the crap out of myself! My daughter saw me in a button down shirt that was tucked into khakis and she said "you look weird in those clothes dad". I wasn't even wearing a tie! But really, it's Carhart casual for me, I live on a farm. No cammo or gun maker wear for me. I don't hunt in camo and laugh at all the guys that dress head to toe in camo and top it off with an orange vest and hat. Earth tones in normal, comfortable, durable, work clothes work all the year round for everything, shooting included. I prefer societal camo!
DELTAJOHN
Member
Here in Central Virginia, EVERYONE dresses that way! Disconcerting at first, for a former CT Yankee. But EVERYONE is SUPER nice, I feel right at home. Folks is just plain folks!
John
John
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
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- 13,146
'Zactly.
71Commander
Member
The Yuppie look that I absolutely detest.
It will get a second look from me.
Guns and more
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Funny, all the "gun nuts" I know look like average citizens. I'm constantly surprised how many Americans are getting into gun collecting (and shooting) that no one suspects. I think most "gun nuts" just keep it quiet................... So far.
Luis Leon
Member
gun nut is a behavior not a style...
I must admit when I first saw shooters at the range dressed as described by the original poster. I was taken aback, but have learned that they obey the same laws we do and cherish their rights to keep and bear arms. That said, fashion statements, good and bad are everywhere.
best regards,
Luis Leon
"Term Limits for ALL politicians. No more career politicians ever!
I must admit when I first saw shooters at the range dressed as described by the original poster. I was taken aback, but have learned that they obey the same laws we do and cherish their rights to keep and bear arms. That said, fashion statements, good and bad are everywhere.
best regards,
Luis Leon
"Term Limits for ALL politicians. No more career politicians ever!
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There's a lot of hunters in Michigan and unless it's out of season, I expect to see a lot of camo.
For concealment I wear khakis and Hawaiian shirts in summer and a fleece vest or oversize denim shirt in winter. I have a couple of khaki multi-pocket vests, but feel self-conscious wearing them because I don't want to be thought of as a "mall ninja" or made by someone that might want to make trouble for me.
For concealment I wear khakis and Hawaiian shirts in summer and a fleece vest or oversize denim shirt in winter. I have a couple of khaki multi-pocket vests, but feel self-conscious wearing them because I don't want to be thought of as a "mall ninja" or made by someone that might want to make trouble for me.
PaulBk
Member
I Blame Personal Defense/Best Defense TV Shows
Sometimes it can be a little humorous. I was at the indoor range last week when a guy came in wearing shiny new 5.11 boots, 5.11 pants, a bat belt full of accessories, and his freshly pressed Gunsite Academy polo shirt.
At first I thought he might be a visiting instructor, but after watching him shoot 6" slow fire groups at 6 yds I changed my mind. He did look the part though.
-Paul
Sometimes it can be a little humorous. I was at the indoor range last week when a guy came in wearing shiny new 5.11 boots, 5.11 pants, a bat belt full of accessories, and his freshly pressed Gunsite Academy polo shirt.
At first I thought he might be a visiting instructor, but after watching him shoot 6" slow fire groups at 6 yds I changed my mind. He did look the part though.
-Paul
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I have found that most of the guys that dress out in fatigues and combat boots are wanna be's and have never been in combat or in the military. The ones that bother me are the mall Ninjas with black fatigues and combat boots and the stupid looking sunglasses. They have a saying--If you look the part, you must talk the talk and walk the walk. I like for those types to get in my face only to be embarrassed when they are taken down by a little 165 lb senior citizen with bi focals and a bad attitude.
You are going to blow our cover talking like that.
I used to wear the stuff, but never after I signed up unless I was getting paid to do so. It's a statement of professionalism. I won't use issue camo for hunting, either.
It's more fun to be the grey man in a ivy cap now. HEY, I get a lot more conversation from nice women too. They think I'm safe or something . . .
You are going to blow our cover talking like that.
I used to wear the stuff, but never after I signed up unless I was getting paid to do so. It's a statement of professionalism. I won't use issue camo for hunting, either.
It's more fun to be the grey man in a ivy cap now. HEY, I get a lot more conversation from nice women too. They think I'm safe or something . . .
coloradokevin
Member
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- Mar 22, 2008
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I am sometimes a bit suspicious of the military-poser types that we've all probably seen over the years. But, a little camo or gun clothing sure doesn't bother me.
Many times I'll visit the range in just jeans and a T-shirt. But, when I think I might be getting dirty in the field, I'll often throw on my black BDU's from work, just because I don't mind getting those dirty.
Personally, I hate the mall ninja look, but if I'm going to be prone shooting in a dirt pit for an afternoon, I'd rather wear something that I don't mind getting dirty/muddy.
Many times I'll visit the range in just jeans and a T-shirt. But, when I think I might be getting dirty in the field, I'll often throw on my black BDU's from work, just because I don't mind getting those dirty.
Personally, I hate the mall ninja look, but if I'm going to be prone shooting in a dirt pit for an afternoon, I'd rather wear something that I don't mind getting dirty/muddy.
MagnumDweeb
Member
steel toed boots, solid color jeans(none of that acid-washed over-priced Levis nonsense), a T-shirt that shows off my large shoulders(inadvertently of course), or a Denim button-up shirt (when I want to wear my Denim Tuxedo) to conceal my shoulder rig for my S&W 19-4 or Ruger P90. Oh and my head is either buzzed or shaved and I'm naturally ugly enough to always look pissed off (fiancee and I were watching "See No Evil" and she said I looked a lot like the bad guy minus the good looks). Even though I'm only 5'9", folks tend to give me a wide berth even though I'm a friendly person (though it's nice to see folks step out of line at Borders before getting their order when I want to buy a Latte and sit down with copies of the Wall Street Journal, The Economist, Daily Mail[Britsih Newspaper, Shotgun News, and Combat Handgunner).
To each one's own, I used to wear sleeveless T-shirts to show off the stab and slash scars on my shoulders I took from beating the tar out of would-be muggers, bar fights, and psycho ex-boyfriends[slashed my back with a machete from Home Depot[didn't do squat except break the skin] while I took a baseball bat from his friend (couldn't show the ones on my chest). Then when all the little scrawny le femme Abercrombie and Fitch type guys at the gym with women body builds started doing it, I stopped, did not want that association.
So I don't wear cammo, and won't unless I'm hunting, because I don't want to be associated with what some folks label as 'gun nuts', I'm sure not going to wear a glock t-shirt because that's just asking for a headache in my opinion, and again, I prefer my steel-toed boots as opposed to combat boots, makes kneecaping a guy with a baseball in his hands much easier.
To each one's own, I used to wear sleeveless T-shirts to show off the stab and slash scars on my shoulders I took from beating the tar out of would-be muggers, bar fights, and psycho ex-boyfriends[slashed my back with a machete from Home Depot[didn't do squat except break the skin] while I took a baseball bat from his friend (couldn't show the ones on my chest). Then when all the little scrawny le femme Abercrombie and Fitch type guys at the gym with women body builds started doing it, I stopped, did not want that association.
So I don't wear cammo, and won't unless I'm hunting, because I don't want to be associated with what some folks label as 'gun nuts', I'm sure not going to wear a glock t-shirt because that's just asking for a headache in my opinion, and again, I prefer my steel-toed boots as opposed to combat boots, makes kneecaping a guy with a baseball in his hands much easier.
Marcus5aurelius
Member
What about at gun shows when you see those kids that look very strange and are obviously in their own world. Two gunshows ago I saw a kid completely dressed up in german WWII gear. Seeing those kids looking at guns makes me uneasy because even though I was a kid who grew up learning how to shoot, the kids that are too into imagination may plan a shooting and not know what they're doing at the time.
I'm sorry to stereotype if you think I am but if you have the choice between a well lit street with business men or a dark alley with thugs at the end of it you'de probably use stereotyping to pick the first choice.
I'm sorry to stereotype if you think I am but if you have the choice between a well lit street with business men or a dark alley with thugs at the end of it you'de probably use stereotyping to pick the first choice.
I am a retired/disabled MBA who was earning well in the 6 figure column, and dressed like a MBA should for 30 years.
Today I guess I try my best to look like a nut, long hair 8 inch beard, raggedy clothes and an NRA, SCV, Glock, Barnes Bullets take your choice ball cap.
Why, I don't want to make anyone comfortable around me, if you aren't family stay away, no telling what this nut case might do.
If you think looks are a way to appraise an individuals personality, income or their station in life, then you got some learning to do.
Today I guess I try my best to look like a nut, long hair 8 inch beard, raggedy clothes and an NRA, SCV, Glock, Barnes Bullets take your choice ball cap.
Why, I don't want to make anyone comfortable around me, if you aren't family stay away, no telling what this nut case might do.
If you think looks are a way to appraise an individuals personality, income or their station in life, then you got some learning to do.
oklahoma caveman
Member
ok. im not a mall ninja, im not a wannabee, a thug, or anything else like that. i am a respectfull, honest, hardworking, college educated young man. when the need arises i dress up. the rest of the time, i dress to fit my comfort needs. i have been raised on a farm, taking care of cattle, working in gardens, cleaning animals etc etc. these are or can be relatively dirty jobs. when i was younger i could get camo fatigues cheaper than any other pants, ad they are comfortable, and i dnt worry about gettin them dirty or ripped.
so when i want comfort i wear fatigues. today i was wearing fatigues, an NRA shirt and a NWTF ball cap. i dnt need or want anybody elses attention, and to be honest i dnt care what you think about me when you look at me. i dress the way i do because its what im comfortable in.
and everybody has a favorite color. maybe blue, maybe pink or red. my favorite color just happens to be a combination of colors. is that so wrong?
so when i want comfort i wear fatigues. today i was wearing fatigues, an NRA shirt and a NWTF ball cap. i dnt need or want anybody elses attention, and to be honest i dnt care what you think about me when you look at me. i dress the way i do because its what im comfortable in.
and everybody has a favorite color. maybe blue, maybe pink or red. my favorite color just happens to be a combination of colors. is that so wrong?
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