Anyone Open Carry In Downtown Richmond, VA?

[30 cal slob]

Haven't spent much time there. I have a non-resident carry permit, but circumstances might dictate that I carry openly.

I have to say, coming from the commie-lib northeast, where concealed carry is pretty much the norm (and in some cases mandatory) ... I'm a little bashful about open carry, period, but would rather open carry than not CCW (example: VA establishments where alcohol is served).

I'm sure I'll be treated like a leper, but would love to hear your thoughts anyhoo.

-slob

 

[dk-corriveau]

My first thought is why would you want to?

The only reason I would open carry in downtown Richmond is if I was in a restaurant that served alcohol, where it is illegal to carry concealed but legal to open carry. :banghead:

Other than that, if I'm in Richmond I am concealed!

BTW, welcome to a Free State!

 

[CajunBass]

I've never open carried in "downtown" Richmond, but I seldom go into downtown anymore. I have open carried all over the southside, Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover (The surrounding counties) and the only reaction I ever got was a fellow (customer) in a Sheets gas station on West Broad Street asked me "Can I do that too?".

 

[Duckster]

My Father and I carried open there many years ago

I have not since I reenlisted back into The Army in 1995. I feel that is the only safe way to go, even thought the city council has done everything the could to keep weapons out of there. Since most of the council is under indictment or charges pending for almost every illigal activity, I wouldn't want law abiding citizens around me either with guns

 

[Ala Dan]

Right On~!

If I lived in or near downtown Richmond, I would not open carry for the
simple reason that I want the element of surprise on my side, ALWAYS~!

 

[runninmike]

I didn't know it was okay to do so. I lived in Fredricksburg for 4 years and heard of folks with ccws, but thought open carry was illegal there. I have carried in my home state of MT, (at a gas station) and got some funny looks as most people don't see it there much unless you're in the outer city limits. Most the folks you see out of town will have a gun and many will carry and that's nothing to look twice at, but in town, it's rare. Az is the place I see someone carrying openly almost every time I go through there. I like it, I wish more folks would do it where legal.
BVest-MC

 

[VARifleman]

I've only open carried in Northern VA. Sorry.

 

[RNB65]

I've never seen anyone open carry downtown and I've worked there for the last 20 years. I've only witnessed open carry a couple of times and both were at retail stores in the 'burbs.

Open carry downtown is just an invitation for someone to jump you to steal your gun. Trust me, they can jump faster than you can draw.

 

[davhina]

I'm sure I'll be treated like a leper

Look he has a GUN!:banghead:
You will be treated poorly..JMHO

Open carry downtown is just an invitation for someone to jump you to steal your gun. Trust me, they can jump faster than you can draw

So True!
Would not feel comfortable with open carry...too exposed/scrutinized.
If you don't have a chp, get one...always conceal it and in MHO, tell no one about it.
Best wishes to ya

 

[zoom6zoom]

Experiences posted by Virginians open carrying here.

 

[30 cal slob]

thank you, this is priceless.

 

[tinygnat219]

It's legal, but just remember who's Mayor there now: Dougie Wilder. The same A$$ who brought us the one handgun a month law.

I personally don't care for Open Carry, but respect the right of folks who do. I am in Alexandria, which is probably worse for antis in this state. My advice, carry openly if you want to, but expect some odd looks and a possible conversation with a Police Officer.
My advice: Carry Concealed.

 

[Majic]

I have several times with no incidents.

 

[Prince Yamato]

If you're paranoid and act it, people with think you are suspicious. Dress nicely, act polite, and people won't. Look like a bum in jeans, a ratty t-shirt, and a camo baseball hat, constantly shifting your eyes, I'd look at you funny too.

 

[Alaskan454]

I live out by the airport, and I don't get downtown too often, but when I do, I open carry - weather permitting. I have never had any issues in that area. I OC well over 90% of the time, and have for many years, not only in my home area, but all around the country (CO, KY, NC, WV, WY, and more). I can count the number of negative experiences on the fingers of one hand, and none were with Law Enforcement types.

Make sure you avoid VCU property (possession prohibited by law) and you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[mica]

Open Carry with confidence in the great Commonwealth of Virginia. Doesn't mean you won't get some funny looks maybe. But 100% legal and sheeples are getting used to it. Any PD worth a crap is well aware of the legality too.

Like someone else mentioned, don't act nervous, if you act like everything is normal most sheeple will think the same. If you are acting paranoid then they may think you are up to no good.

Oh and Yes I have OC'd in Richmond, including the General Assembly building.