open carry in PA.

Status
Not open for further replies.
GOOD FOR HIM.

I concede that open carry gives up the element of surprise - but even that I'm not sure of.


Note kindly that this article speaks of Lancaster - it's about an hour and a half west of The City (can I call it Rendellgrad? hehe) and folks out there have a bit more... sense... than those here in suburbia.

Then again, I OC'd tonight (my first time since VA tech, I admit I was apprehensive) and nobody really gave a hoot, with the exception of a kid at the CVS who did a funny sort of hook-jawed doubletake, and the gal behind me in line at Wawa.




Call me an evolutionary throwback with some sort of superhero complex, but this day in age people won't believe a thing they don't see, and most aren't looking anyway. Gotta be visible. If I draw the gun once to save my life, God forbid, it will have served its purpose. But if I carry the gun every day for a year, visibly, while obeying the law and not making such a big furry deal about it, it may well have served a better purpose yet.


And if my post must be trimmed in the name of not hijacking this thread into another pointless concealed/open debate, so shall it be.

I didn't even know you could open carry in Pa even with a permit. Learn something new every day.
Click to expand...

And you didn't notice til you saw someone OCing (albeit, in the newspaper). Fancy that. :rolleyes:
 
MEH...Boyscout is right, I have seen gun shops sell handguns to Mom or Dad , then do the transfer to the 18 to 20 year old at the same time. Personally it irks me(sorry I'm an old fart that thinks you should wait until your 21) , but it can be done.
Click to expand...

Well leaving aside the fact that if I was up to no good/or apt to do something stupid due to that 6 months of age I don't have, I'd be likely to do more damage with the carbines or 12ga that I was allowed to purchase in my own name...

I had just turned 20 when I took my oath. If someone is willing to do that, they deserve any age-restricted privilege a civilian can have. But that's just my opinion.
 
Ohio is an Open Carry state. Though I've heard there's some funky issue with not being able to open carry in places that only ban concealed carry, if you have a CCW license. Not sure how true that is.
 
Good and Bad

Carrying a weapon in plain view is saying what?


I`m a firm believer in the right to own and carry a firearm but I think that this may be a little over the edge.
This invites trouble. When someone sees that you`re carrying a weapon their first response will be what? "He thinks that he`s something doesn`t he" or "I ought to go take his gun and show him how to use it"

What happens to the people that get mugged even though they are carrying? Where do the guns end up then? Most people think that they could shoot another human being but the majority would fail at the moment of truth. What then?

There are many negatives in carrying a weapon in open view and I just hope that this doesn`t end up hurting Americans already deterierating rights. What I mean is that it will only take a few bad happenings for the media to turn this positive around to a major negative for gun owners.

So I say to you people that choose to carry your weapons out in public view, "Be very careful that this isn`t a ploy to actually take away more of our freedoms." You ever heard the statement "Give them enough rope and they`ll hang themselves." Well to me, this is a perfect example.

My advice to the people of PA is to go and purchase a carry conceal permit. Besides, the fact of the bad guys not knowing that I have a gun gives me the advantage in several ways.
I`m not trying to take your freedom but with just a few mistakes you will take everybody elses freedoms.:mad:

THINK!
 
woodstock...
Change your references to "weapons" to read "yarmulkes" and your argument is just as good.
Or bad.
 
glummer

I`m sorry but I don`t understand.

I meant no offense. I only added one opinion to this forum that I thought was overlooked. But I will say that my point, dreadfully, will probably be made in the near future.
 
I`m sorry but I don`t understand.
Click to expand...
I mean that when determined enemies are trying to brand you as evil, you should think twice before advocating behavior that can easily be interpreted as your being ashamed, or having something to hide.
Remember that the 'negatives' you forsee come entirely from our enemies, or those who are under their influence.
It is open-minded, neutral, thoughtful people we must reach, and that is difficult to do while hiding in public. You might even think of open-carry as a screening device - negative reaction = probable bigot.
You can know a man by his enemies.
 
glummer

What about the people that are sincerely afraid of guns? What about the 18 year olds with little or no experience with weapons? What the provocativness of it? You have got to consider EVERYTHING when you make your statement. I live in the deep south and everyone knows that there are "guns-a-plenty" down here and most southerners are proud supporters of the NRA just as I am but your talking about openly arming people. I believe that if it wasn`t for the southern states, we would barely have any weapons at all if any so maybe the rest of the nation should try to "follow suit". It`s the "over the edge" laws like this one that undermind Americans.

As for your hiding statement, you have to consider the rights of everyone not just one group of individuals. "Granny" might not like the fact of sitting next to a group of 18 year-olds in Macdonalds that are decked out with firearms. Hell for that fact I wouldn`t either! So to speak bluntly and to sum up my statements on this matter,

Everyone in America that is a decent,productive member of society should own a firearm for their protection but when you openly carry a firearm in plain view of the public it invites trouble. Regardless of the intent, this, in my opinion is a bad idea and as we will see in the near future, my points will be validated. When you carry concealed you aren`t hiding but respecting others. Just as they shouldn`t subject gunowners to special laws, gunowners shouldn`t subject the public to theirs. I am a U.S. citizen and a patriot but this open carry thing is going to far.

That`s my final opinion on this matter. Thank you
 
What about the people that are sincerely afraid of guns? What about the 18 year olds with little or no experience with weapons?
Click to expand...

That's their problem. There is no right guaranteeing against fear. They need to suck it up and deal. It's like saying "What about people that are sincerely afraid of heights? We should ban sky scrapers and all buildings over ten stories, or failing that, camouflage them so that those who are afraid of them don't have to see them."
 
I'm sorry, but age has nothing to do with experience. We send 18 year olds to Iraq with much more powerful weapons.

I'm tired of hearing about '18 year olds that open carry will cause trouble'. Give me some evidence mmmkay?

I think the article was pretty fair, but the 'weapon similar to the cho übermurdergunzomg' was laughable.

Too bad I don't live up near Lancaster anymore :( While the police don't really like 'mere citizens' with guns up there, they aren't nearly draconian as the ones down here in Alabama....
 
general goff or whatever

People that dont like heights choose not to stand on top of "skyscrapers" because they have a choice. But what your saying is that people that don`t like guns should stay at home and not go out into the public if they don`t like the idea of sitting next to an armed citizen at Macdonalds or standing in line at the movies next to an armed citizen. That statement only validates my point of the fact of NO GROUP having SPECIAL rights. Any time that you want rights that impede on other citizens rights that is WRONG.

When you start handing out individual groups special rights, look at what would happen. Gays want special rights, illegal immigrants want special rights, etc.etc. So should we just start complying with everybodys crying and wimpering, NO. We have a constitution that has a list of our laws and it doesn`t say that the citizens of the U.S. should move over and give up their rights for special interests groups.

But hopefully I`ll be wrong and there will be no ill consequences from P.A.`s new law.
 
Woodstock- There are plenty of people who would be offended or uncomfortable if I were wearing a pro-gun t-shirt and sitting / standing next to them. I'm sure in the bible belt someone wearing a pro-abortion T-shirt would offend people. The sight of an empty gun holster makes people uncomfortable. Does that mean those students who've decided to hold empty holster protests nationwide shouldn't have the right to free expression under the 1st amendment because "Other people don't like it?":scrutiny: We allow the KKK and Nazi's to hold rallies and speak because it is their right under the 1st amendment. The majority of Americans find what they have to say offensive yet we don't deprive them of their rights because we don't like what they have to say.

Also, who's "handing out special rights?" Open carry is a right. It is not "handed out" by anyone. If I'm open carrying and you feel "uncomfortable" too bad. You can sit / stand somewhere else but I'm not going to forgo doing something I'm legally allowed to do simply because it makes you "uncomfortable"

Remember the college kid who was looking at a gun forum just like THR and some psycho girl felt threatened and called the cops? Do you think thats his fault? That he shouldn't look at gun stuff on a public computer because someone else is threatened by a picture of a gun?
 
But hopefully I`ll be wrong and there will be no ill consequences from P.A.`s new law.
Click to expand...

Uh...you do realize that open carry's been legal in PA since 1677, right?

I would also respectfully suggest you spend some time researching the open carry issue, as you're going over well trodden ground.

There are many schools of though on the topic.

"Don't excercise your rights, lest someone take offense and seek to prevent you from excercising your rights" is one of those auto-destructing schools of thought that I don't subscribe to. :scrutiny:
 
To avoid doing something merely because it is provocative is dumb. It was once considered provocative for a black man to play golf.
 
I'm 18 and I sometimes open carry. Whats wrong with me having a gun? Would you rather me be defenseless? Am I not trained enough for your liking? How old are you?
 
[email protected]:

I'm gonna repost a portion of something I said yesterday about this issue. I fully support the right of everyone to carry in whatever manner they feel comfortable. I personally think that there is practical and social value to open carry and I wholeheartedly encourage other to responsibly open carry. If you're personally uncomfortable with OC and choose not to, that's fine with me too.

I have open carried a lot, for many years, and the most negative consequence I have experienced was a few slightly hostile words from an ignorant old man.

  • I have never had my gun snatched or had anyone attempt to do so.
  • I have never had the police called, much less been tackled by police officers.
  • I have never heard anyone scream in terror at the sight of an exposed weapon.
  • I have never been asked to leave any establishment.
  • I have never been the first one targeted in a robbery.

Conversely I have had numerous positive experiences precipitated by open carry.

  • I have had several positive and polite conversations (mostly in checkout lines) about the legality of carry, open and concealed.
  • I have had several compliments on my carry piece.
  • I have had many police officers give me a polite smile and nod.
  • I have had at least one person comment that my family looked very well protected.
  • I have had many sketchy looking people begin to approach me, notice my sidearm, and decide they had other places to be.

My experiences are the norm for people who open carry in this area. If you feel that open carry is stupid or looking for trouble, please consider my real world experience in the matter before you berate my actions.
 
Quote "MEH...Boyscout is right, I have seen gun shops sell handguns to Mom or Dad , then do the transfer to the 18 to 20 year old at the same time. Personally it irks me(sorry I'm an old fart that thinks you should wait until your 21) , but it can be done."

I think this print from Oleg sums it up:
 
Carrying concealed

I have a conceal carry permit in my state which allows me to carry my weapon most places excluding polling booths, churches, gov`t offices such as police stations etc..

Just because I can carry my weapon"I never leave home without them" doesn`t mean that I can`t use discretion on when or where I choose to carry them. Why Walmart or Macdonalds or at the theator? Why not leave it in the car while you eat or shop? I just can`t understand what a person would need his/her weapon while they had lunch or dinner or while they enjoy a movie etc.etc.

I think that you all have made decent points and as far as the gentleman with his list of positives, I`ve read otherwise.

Yes, the law has been in place for years but now it has made the news and with that, I think that there will be a negative outcome. So enjoy it while you can and I hope that this issue doesn`t cause the rest of us more problems to go along with the problems that gun owners already have.

End of discussion on my part. Have a nice day and thanks for the discussion.
 
I just can`t understand what a person would need his/her weapon while they had lunch or dinner or while they enjoy a movie etc.etc.
Click to expand...

Well by that logic, why do you need your firearm anywhere? I believe that people should have every right to carry a gun however they want. Just because you are eating or watching a movie doesn't mean something can't happen. And about people have little experience with guns, or being offended, to god damn bad, would if I decided anyone who wears shoes is offensive, should we all have to go barefoot?

It just makes me angry when gun owners and gun right supporters, don't stand up for all of the rights we have.
 
What about the people that are sincerely afraid of guns?
Click to expand...

What about the people that are sincerely afraid of Jews? Should we ban Jews from public view or force them to remain concealed?

Replace the noun. The sentence doesn't hold up. The fear is irrational. Unless an object is proven to cause harm in and of itself, who cares?

Since the guns don't actually create any harm, who cares?

Open carry is as much as fashion choice as a tactical one. I, for instance, CCW, but find it physically uncomfortable to stuff a gun down my pants. Not to mention, that it breaks up the lines of my outfit. I'd personally like to be able to wear a holster on my waist, which is much more comfortable. If that man wasn't open carrying, he'd probably have a big "tumor" by his appendix where he kept his Glock.

Also, in keeping the whole open carry as a fashion choice- take a look at that guy... he's dressed well. He blends into his environment and looks non-threatening. Take note folks who wish to open carry... don't dress like bums when you do. When you open carry, you become an ambassador for our culture. And ambassadors dress nicely, don't they ;).
 
[email protected] said:
Just because I can carry my weapon"I never leave home without them" doesn`t mean that I can`t use discretion on when or where I choose to carry them. Why Walmart or Macdonalds or at the theator? Why not leave it in the car while you eat or shop? I just can`t understand what a person would need his/her weapon while they had lunch or dinner or while they enjoy a movie etc.etc.
Click to expand...

So no one has ever been assaulted in a WalMart, McDonald's, or theater? I avoid any place where I think I'll actually need my gun. If I absolutely had to go someplace I suspected was that dangerous, I'd be carrying a rifle and bring friends with rifles. My sidearm is for the dangerous occasions that I can't foresee.

I think that you all have made decent points and as far as the gentleman with his list of positives, I`ve read otherwise.
Click to expand...

So what makes these other reports you've read more credible than me and the others with experiences similar to mine? Honestly, this comment sounds like "I've made up my mind, don't confuse me with facts".

Yes, the law has been in place for years but now it has made the news and with that, I think that there will be a negative outcome. So enjoy it while you can and I hope that this issue doesn`t cause the rest of us more problems to go along with the problems that gun owners already have.
Click to expand...

So despite the fact that people have been legally open carrying in PA for 430 years, open carriers should hide like cockroaches when the lights go on, just because of a little media exposure?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

M
  • Locked
examiner.com - Virginia Attorney General says UVA cannot ban gun carry
Replies
10
Views
632
Art Eatman
A
nra-life-member
  • Locked
Open Carry in Lancaster Pennsylvania
Replies
0
Views
360
nra-life-member
nra-life-member
Brian Williams
  • Locked
Local paper has a great article on Open carry, Paper used a pic of Oleg's
Replies
6
Views
963
Glockman17366
G
Z
  • Locked
Kaine to Await Panel's Advice on Carrying Guns on Campus
Replies
8
Views
538
jjminch
J
T
  • Locked
Say what you want to about Coulter; she's dead on with this one.
Replies
16
Views
904
Art Eatman
A
Back
Top