Open Carry Funny/Sad at work

[svaz]

I love living down here in southern AZ. Not only is OC legal out here, it doesn't raise many eyebrows either; someone (ok, me) might ask, "what holster is that?"

Of course, I'm about 30 miles from Tombstone so we'll occasionally get guys (and ladies) shopping at the supermarket in full 19th century cowboy regalia, six-guns, spurs, and all.

 

[MyGreenGuns]

Before I had my CC permit, I remember asking a guy if you had to have a special permit to OC. He told me the only reason he was OCing was because his holster printed real bad and people kept calling the police.

I have a thigh rig I wear when hiking and I always get a big kick out of people who freak out when I pass them on the trail.

 

[Messenger Guard]

I have had a weapons permit for about 15 years and an armed guard license for over ten. During the course of my duties as a guard I must enter a local mall which clearly posts that it doesn't recognize the state's handgun carry law. That's their right and it's my right not to shop there. I must however carry in my capacity as an armed guard to load an ATM. The mall security approached me at the ATM and informed me I was not allowed to have a firearm inside the mall. I responded I was a licensed armed guard and the sign pertained to civilian carry. He proceeded to tell me that my carry violated federal law and had nothing to do with state law. I informed him that not only was he full of eh hem, baloney but that he was interfering with an armed guard during the course of his duties. I asked if he would like me to call the police so he could explain to them over the next several hours why he found it necessary to interfere with the movement of Federal Reserve funds. It's funny, I haven't heard from him since. He just nods when I enter the mall now.

 

[OKBOOMER]

He proceeded to tell me that my carry violated federal law and had nothing to do with state law.

As a licensed Armed PI/SecurityGuard, right about there I would have told him to call his supervisor. My guess is that he way overstepped the "make a good witness" and "no confrontation" part of the legal limitations the corporate attorneys impose ... and I bet his boss would have gone ballistic. He definitely needed a refresher course to mitigate his level of stupidity (probably pretty close to terminal at that point.)

You didn't mention, but you imply that he was not armed?

 

[killchain]

I have been walked out of the store like a child right after I bought an AR-15 in a Gander Mountain. Apparently wearing a Gander Mountain shirt makes you more qualified to carry my gun for me to the parking lot.

Now that I think about it, that was the last time I shopped at a Gander Mountain. Hmm.

 

[1911Tuner]

This is a perfect example of why I don't open carry in public. It draws attention, and it frightens the sheep. I look like a Wolf, because I have the same fangs, and it's hard for the flock to tell the difference. What they don't know won't hurt'em.

Nor do I open carry out in the boondocks very much. If the Wolf is forewarned, he can take steps to neutralize my advantage.

 

[CZ223]

I'm with Tuner on this one

In the 20 years plus that I have owned/carried guns I have open carried about 4 times. It has never gone particularly well to say the least. One time I was open carrying at a large flea market, when I was confronted by a drunk harrassing my wife and drawing as much attention to himself, and us, as possible. I tried to stay out of it until he called my wife something that he should have been slugged for. When I told him that he could not talk to her that way, he got in my face and asked, "what are going to do, shoot me?" I whispered back, I do have that option, don't I.

Another time I went to gas station for gas and, as I left the station, was almost immediately surrounded by police yelling for me to put my hands out the window. When I asked what all the trouble was about one of the officers informed me that they ahd been called by the attendant. I told him that I had a pemit and that open carry was legal in this state. Well, as luck would have it, I had left my permit at home. The officer confiscated all my guns, I had several because I was on my to a gunshow. I told him that I would meet him at the station in ten minutes to retrieve them.

When I got there I was informed that I would have to wait til Monday to get them back. I told the lady that I was not willing to wait and asked for the chiefs number to call him at home. She refused so I asked for the phone and a phone book so that I might call one of the local TV stations. She called the chief and I had my guns 20 minutes later.

The last time that I opened carried was at a OC rally in Portland Maine that a Young man that i know through my daughter was putting on. I went carrying concealed initially but did take off my cover garment after a while. I had told this young man that I thought OC was a bad idea and explained that events like this, while well intentioned would just stir up a hornets nest. Well, it did.

Since then there have been several efforts to stop OC and even concealed carry in Portland and state buildings in particular. Fortunately, none of these have been succesful, yet. It also brought attention to the fact that 18 year olds can carry in this state and I recently heard something about an effort to change that as well.

 

[bikerdoc]

Medgrl,
No. Va is much different than So. Va. Im about as far as you can go in Va and not be in Carolina. Open carry is common and not an issue.

 

[Messenger Guard]

The mall security was unarmed. Given my interaction, I think it's best he stay that way. When carrying a gun in public the last thing anyone needs to do is take the position they are right because they are armed. I could see this as a distinct possibility with this guy. I think it was just a case of wanting to throw his weight around on a boring day. The mall is a virtual wasteland during the week. On weekends it becomes a haven for teenagers. The quicker it goes out of business the better I would say but then it will probably just become an even more dangerous flea market. You just gotta love this job in this economy.

 

[USAF_Vet]

The mall security was unarmed

That you saw. What you didn't see was his partner up in the rafters with a Barret M82, ready to come down a zip line blasting in your direction for fear of what you might do to the Mayors nephew.

did your mall security guard have a rifle plate duct taped to his back?

 

[Plan2Live]

Open carry is not legal here. I was in the Post Office the other day and a guy in dress pants and dress shirt and tie was open carrying a Glock in a Serpa type holster and drew absolutely no attention. I suppose everyone assumed he was a cop like I did. Exiting, I saw him get into a Crown Victoria with City Government plates which more or less confirmed same. But, inside, no one gave him a second glance. A few days later, same Post Office, I spotted a man that I know for a fact carries just about everywhere standing at the counter. He reached for his wallet, brushed back his cover garmant and revealed a shiny chrome mag on his presumably weak side. Sadly, I would venture to guess his other hip was occupied too but again, no one seemed to notice. I say sadly because I wonder if he has become so comfortable carrying that he forogt the Post Office is off limits for carry. Either way, the sheep saw nothing.

 

[MyGreenGuns]

did your mall security guard have a rifle plate duct taped to his back?

I almost said something about a shootout at the Orange Julius

 

[rkammer]

I have been walked out of the store like a child right after I bought an AR-15 in a Gander Mountain. Apparently wearing a Gander Mountain shirt makes you more qualified to carry my gun for me to the parking lot.

Now that I think about it, that was the last time I shopped at a Gander Mountain. Hmm.

I was walked out of a WalMart Super Store by a manager after buying a Remington 597 .22 rifle a couple of years ago. How ridiculous!

 

[bigfatdave]

With the campaign by Home Land Security of " see something say something" I would imagine there will be more and more of the sheep/pedestrian calling the authorities when it is perceived that someone does not fit in the person's mind of "normal". You could have taken your fully loaded gun case and hit someone in the head; the woman would then know it was her fault for not seeing and saying something. A heavy burden for her I am sure.

that program needs some malicious spamming, and the populace needs to be desensitized to the concept of armed citizens. Let them call, and let DHS waste their time.

 

[Messenger Guard]

It's just store policy. The managers at my Walmart think it's ridiculous too but they have to follow protocol undoubtedly established by someone in the legal department. When I used to pick up deposits from a well known toy store, the manager said she was required to follow me until I got into the armored truck. I explained this defeated the purpose of protecting the store staff. I could no way be responsible for defending her in a hostage or crossfire situation. She said, "I hadn't thought of that, but it's policy". I think she just liked watching my BDU clad rump climb into the truck.

 

[shadowen]

I tend to mix between Open Carry and Concealed Carry. I like to make sure I exercise my rights completely in both directions and Open Carry, though many don't like it, is a right and is generally more comfortable than Concealed Carry on some days.

Just today in a local Home Depot with an open carried CZ 75B and I was informed that it was against their policy to allow me to shop their with a firearm; saying that I could lock it up in my car if I wanted.

I simply said "No thank you, I'll take my money elsewhere." and left. The concept of locking a firearm in the car is simply a risk I will not take, let alone the fact that you're asking me to suspend my rights just to shop in your establishment...

The other problem here is that I've been in this particular Home Depot many times, Open Carrying and Concealed Carrying (this had to be at least the sixth time in the past three months I've Open Carried at this particular store) and no one ever said anything then... Additionally there were no signs or anything else stating this, so how would I have even known to begin with (the whole lets enforce as we see fit thing is insane...)

I need to work out a letter to Home Depot now explaining my disappointment in them. As a home owner I would frequently shop there for various items as I needed them. Now I will be finding friendly places to shop at (I need to Cancel my Home Depot Credit Card now tomorrow too).

I'm still a bit fired up over this and want to make sure I'm of a clear head before writing anything up for them... For those curious, this was the Home Depot in Somersworth, NH.

 

[Neverwinter]

I simply said "No thank you, I'll take my money elsewhere." and left. The concept of locking a firearm in the car is simply a risk I will not take, let alone the fact that you're asking me to suspend my rights just to shop in your establishment...

Don't you have the $2000+ NRA gun insurance coverage?

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[MarkDido]

That you saw. What you didn't see was his partner up in the rafters with a Barret M82, ready to come down a zip line blasting in your direction for fear of what you might do to the Mayors nephew.

did your mall security guard have a rifle plate duct taped to his back?

And the legend continues!

 

[shadowen]

Don't you have the $2000+ NRA gun insurance coverage?

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I do in fact have the NRA gun coverage, but the point isn't so much that I'm worried about a monetary loss, rather I do not think it is reasonable for a company to have policies that:
1. Are hidden and enforced on a whim
2. Suspend my rights to make someone feel better

Having said that, I'll defend to the death their right to make these policies if they want, I just do not agree with them, which is why I choose to spend my money elsewhere.

Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

 

[statelineblues]

Medgrl wrote:

I was at work the other day (I work for a major retail chain) and a man was walking around with a gun on his hip.

Well, it wasn't me...

Although maybe I should drop by the next time I'm in the area

 

[1911Tuner]

that program needs some malicious spamming, and the populace needs to be desensitized to the concept of armed citizens. Let them call, and let DHS waste their time.

Might wanna think that through. Phoning in a false alarm will provide you with the chance to talk to all sorts of interesting people who are completely devoid of a sense of humor.

 

[x_wrench]

Like i have heard and read 10,000 times. "you can't fix stupid"!

 

[Pilot]

I don't want ANYONE knowing I am carrying a gun. The reason I carry a gun is not to make a political statement, it is to protect myself and family. I make my political statements in the voting booth, and by talking to my elected representatives, or during legal, non-violent, public protest.

I have nothing against OC, and when I see someone OCing it doesn't phase me in the least. In a perfect world, everyone would see it my way, and not have a problem with it. However, the world is far from perfect.

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

I had the police search my house and automobile once because on the DAY BEFORE I walked into a Taco Bell while open carrying in an open carry-friendly state (Idaho). I have very little faith in COPS after that. I filed a complaint, met with the Police Chief, and sought legal counsel only to be told that no lawyer wants to fight them and that the Police Chief was proud of "his boys" for thoroughly investigating the matter.

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

Contrarily, I was once open carrying in inner city Akron, Ohio (an AWFUL place to find gun-friendlies) when a cop pulled up beside me and asked which department I worked for. I told him "none of them." He asked which Glock model it was, I told him the G22, he said "cool" and drove away.