Open Carry Etiquette

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Domina

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I've never been one to open carry, only conceal carry in accordance with my permit. I've been invited to a dinner where "Tasteful Open Carry" is encouraged. I think I have a good idea of what "Tasteful" consists of, but I'd like to know how members of the community more used to an open carry environment view it, and any other general Open Carry considerations for etiquitte one should think on.

Thank you.
-D
 
It's an emphasis on social manners and pleasantries. Wear clean, wrinkle free pants, wear a tucked in shirt with some buttons on it, and go heels. The tasteful part as it applies specifically to carry of a weapon means it's not gaudy IE, not a Deagle in a drop leg holster. A belt holster is typically best, and if you have a barbecue gun with some nice leather to show off, this sounds like an occasion to take it out.

Also, watch your drinking, and don't take the gun out of the holster to show off without asking the how host if it's kosher and how/where they would like it done.
 
Here's my suggestion,

When arriving at another person's home while open carrying...ask if it is ok. (It's just courteous.)
When carrying concealed...it's best not to bring it up.

Here's my thinking... and by the way, I'm pro-gun.... I like to be the only one armed in my home. I really find it distasteful for someone to arrive in my private dwelling armed. Seemed contradictory? No. I just my personal preference. Do I carry at home...of course!!! Do I believe that people should be able to carry...sure. In fact, every law-abiding citizen who is of sound mind ought to carry. (It's your civic duty.)........but not in my house...unless I give you permission first.
 
psyopspec:
It's a plain WWII pattern 1911 from Auto Ordnance. I make it a point not to drink while I'm armed. I try to make it a policy never to discuss my carry gun or the fact that I have it, except with certain people when that is the specific topic of discussion. For concealed carry my feeling is that as far as the world needs to know, it isn't there. Except if I'm specifically asked about it.

TheProf:
One of the biggest reasons I only carry concealed is to not attract attention or cause undue alarm. Yes typically when conceal carrying I never bring the subject up, but am respectful of folks whom I know don't want people to carry on their property. I don't find it unreasonable.

In this case it's an organized event at a public establishment.

Is it impolite to dine with a 1911 in condition 1 vs. condition 3? Or does it matter?
 
I think condition 1 should be fine, if only because it's the safest way to carry a 1911 in a ready condition.
 
Tasteful Open Carry: Business casual with a nice 1911 in a leather holster.

Distasteful Open Carry: Tight shorts, a paint-stained T-shirt, flip flops and a Hi Point shoved down the back of your shorts...
 
Dave:
No I don't even have a carry holster for this one. I haven't decided what the best way to carry is. Typically I CCW in small of back or along hip in a cross draw.

Sounds like a lot of people suggest leather for a formal looking holster. Thought I saw a few Galcos in Havana Brown that looked nice.

These kind of caught my eye.
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG3.asp?ProductID=3719&GunID=28
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG3.asp?ProductID=116&GunID=28

I kind of like the thumb strap of the "Gladius". Somehow I think I would feel more comfortable open carrying with the retention strap. Maybe that's just superstition on my part. Gladius is back ordered though, may not be able to get one in time. Does it look right for a formal engagement?
 
"...go heels..." Heels?
"...find it distasteful for someone to arrive in my private dwelling armed...unless I give you permission first..." CCW ok with you? What do you expect/want your guests to do when they arrive at your home? Check their guns at the door? Just curious. Your comments are definitely contradictory.
"...I've been invited to a dinner where..." Domina, you sound like you know what you're about. Do what you think is right and quit worrying. "in accordance with my permit." Says it all.
 
Like I said, I'm a big Right To Carry Advocate... even to the point of believing that it is your civic duty to do so (assuming that you are not a felon or mental health case). But in my private home...if you are a guest ASK first if you can be armed.

Sounds contradictory??? Yup. Can't explain it. Maybe it is my desire to have the tactical advantage in my home. (By the way, you ought to carry in YOUR home....always.)

Now, if I am going to your house, and I open carry...I would give you the courtesy of asking first.
If I go concealed...I just keep quiet about it.
 
This one seems more suited to Handguns than S&T... and it'll likely get more attention there as well.

lpl
 
Lee:

Sorry about that. Just wasn't quite sure where to file "Etiquitte". Might be appropriate to move it to Handguns then.
 
But in my private home...if you are a guest ASK first if you can be armed.
Click to expand...

If I go concealed...I just keep quiet about it.
Click to expand...

Definitely a double standard. I never ask if I can carry in someone's house. One reason to have a very concealable firearm.

But anyway re: open carry, sounds like you're overthinking the issue. Wear normal stuff, belt holster...have lunch. And yes I've been to a few OC events.
 
In addition to looking not like a bum, I take "tasteful OC" to include also curbing any foul language, posturing, or over-aggressiveness. I don't take it to mean any specific type of gun in a specific type of holster (other than not in a "tactical" type drop-leg rig or some sort of rig on a molle vest over body armor).
 
i noticed that when you are outdoors or are doing an activity that requires a coat, i use current military camo designed jacket, jeans don't matter. that way, if you want to carry open, it won't arouse much disturbance. they just assume that you are in the military. a short cut and a fit body helps on that as well. :neener:
 
TheProf said:
Here's my suggestion,

When arriving at another person's home while open carrying...ask if it is ok. (It's just courteous.)
When carrying concealed...it's best not to bring it up.

.
Click to expand...

That may fly in your state, but not all. In SC one may not enter a residence with a concealed weapon without permission.

"No person who holds a permit issued pursuant to Article 4, Chapter 31, Title 23 may carry a concealable weapon into the residence or dwelling place of another person without the express permission of the owner or person in legal control or possession, as appropriate."
 
Domina said:
Is it impolite to dine with a 1911 in condition 1 vs. condition 3? Or does it matter?
Click to expand...

I checked my etiquette guide, and actually it suggests condition 2:

From: The Little Book of Gun Etiquette, by S. & W. Colt:

When the accompaniment is a 1911 style pistol, the question often comes up of the condition of carry. While we agree that Condition One is fine for safety, it still leaves the appearance of something amiss for all but the confirmed 1911 fan. The obvious drawbacks of Condition Three carry cannot be ignored, and the gulf is easily spanned with Condition Two carry. It offers the appearance of Condition Three, yet with the speed of employment almost rivaling Condition One. Tip: if you are out of practice or unfamiliar with it, do rehearse before your event.
Click to expand...

I thought this was very intelligent and sage advice. Where would we be without Emily Gun Post? I also second your choice of a Galco in Havana Brown. Very nice. If you need one on loan, I can send you one (it's Commander, not full sized, though - a little barrel showing through the tip may be gauche). ;)
 
i noticed that when you are outdoors or are doing an activity that requires a coat, i use current military camo designed jacket, jeans don't matter. that way, if you want to carry open, it won't arouse much disturbance. they just assume that you are in the military. a short cut and a fit body helps on that as well.
Click to expand...
That is lame beyond belief.
And out of curiousity, if you are wearing a jacket that covers your pistol, doesn't that make it a concealed weapon?
 
psyopspec said:
Sunray said:
"...go heels..." Heels?
Click to expand...
An old colloquialism from the American Southwest meaning "to go armed."
Click to expand...

Our education system is slowly but surely going down the toilet. Did you know that they've found a bunch of 25-year-olds who can't write in cursive?

Anyway, the colloquialism you're looking for is "heeled" or "well heeled."

We're not cross-dressers here.
 
Hope this doesn't put me in the "dunce's corner" but I would appreciate it if someone coud define"Condition 1..." etc. Thanks.
 
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