Our own worst enemy.

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Keith G

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I live in a rural community. Hunting, farming, tractors, overalls and firearms are the norm. You go in someone’s house, and more than likely there is an old shotgun by the front and back door. I’ve never seen anyone open carry in town. I would bet that there are concealed firearms on more then a few people, but you’d never know it.


I was visiting a large city, in the wealthiest neighborhood in that city, killing some time at a Barnes and Noble and in walks this guy. It was obvious that everyone in the entire store immediately felt uneasy. Many left.


I immediately understood where the rallies against guns/for gun control come from. Assuming he had the proper license, it is well within his rights to be carrying the way he is. It’s quite possible that many of the ladies and possibly men had never seen a gun in person before that moment, and this guy represents all their fears of firearms. I guess my point is that the old adage of just because you can doesn’t mean you should seems appropriate here. I don’t believe anyone in the room felt safer with him there, quite the opposite. How were they to know he was a “good guy?” I’ve never been a proponent of open carry, and I think this guy is doing more to harm gun rights than if he had simply concealed his firearm. Just my thoughts for the day.
 
Bad guys almost never open carry. I agree with most of what you said, no reason he couldn't have tucked it IWB and under the untucked T-shirt. The pants and boots kind of add to the "wannabe operator" vibe. From that angle, looks like he's getting ready to relieve himself right in the aisle....I spot open and concealed carriers all the time at work. (Walmart) Mostly I'm just curious as to what their carrying.
 
EIB0879 said:
I'm not seeing a problem, unless it is illegal to open carry there. While I wouldn't do it, it isn't because of perception.
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People on this forum are not going to see a problem with it, and it’s not going to make them uncomfortable. I think we are a minority in that respect, and it’s important to remember that. I would venture that 95% of the people in this store were not “us.” And that 95% also goes to the polls. I just don’t really see what good comes out of carrying his weapon the way he is.
 
Keith G said:
People on this forum are not going to see a problem with it, and it’s not going to make them uncomfortable. I think we are a minority in that respect, and it’s important to remember that. I would venture that 95% of the people in this store were not “us.” And that 95% also goes to the polls. I just don’t really see what good comes out of carrying his weapon the way he is.
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You are entitled to your opinion. I don't know where you live but this is somewhat common in Texas now. My father was a LEO for 32 years and it was common for him to open carry in civilian clothes when he was off duty. I guess it never bothered me or the folks in the places that we went.
 
I’ve always been supportive of gun rights, but until I started shooting I was uncomfortable around them. So I understand.

That said, I’m with with others that don’t see an issue with folks open carrying if it’s not illegal (which it shouldn’t be). Personally I don’t open carry but I applaud all who do so responsibility. The more people open carry the less the public reacts as described.

In our town, I joke the Hardee’s is the safest place around. There usually are several good ‘ol boys hanging out there drinking coffee and chatting who open carry. And I suspect at least half if the other customers are conceal carrying.

So it’s our job to make those who are uninformed to understand our rights and as someone said, that criminals don’t open carry.
 
I support any mode of carry, I support any weapon of choice. Any where. Any time.

Same with how he chooses to voice his opinion.
Same with whatever he chooses to read or publish.
Same with who he chooses to marry.
Same with anything else he wants to do as long as it does not interfere with anyone else's freedom.

Keith G::: I support your freedom to live how you want too.

Edit to add: I would also advise not to use our freedoms for the sole purpose of offending people or otherwise making political statements. Extreme "in your face" motives are rarely effective.
 
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I don't know why but the style of gun, the holster, clothing, and the general state of the individual open carrying has a big effect on how I feel about it.

Camo clothing mixed with dirty worn out clothing/apparel, along with a black pistol in a black kydex holster sticking out in a highly conspicuous manner; not a great vibe. Neither is the tacticool pants/boots/polo shirt/ball cap style, especially with dark shooting glasses and a thigh holster.

On the other hand, regular street clothes with a simple leather holster; good for them.

I guess it's a perception of whether the person is trying to make a statement, or just getting on with life.
 
Fine Figure of a Man said:
Other peoples feelings don't restrict an individuals second amendment rights.
Are we "our own worst enemies" when, by exercising our first amendment rights, we make some people feel uneasy?
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I agree. :thumbup:
I am often offended by what I hear from people exercising their 1st Amendment rights against us but I let it go...
 
Yes, We all have our rights, but just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should. Many live in jurisdictions where open carry is legal. I live in one of those places, and could legally walk around with guns openly hanging all over me, and a few more stuffed in my pockets. But I have to agree that, in today's environment, the vast majority of people are going to view an openly armed person with concern, palpable unease, or outright fear. Some are so hoplophobic that even the sight of a holstered weapon carried by on-duty uniformed LEOs causes them distress. Of course, some will open carry anyway, because by golly, it's their right. Well, OK, enjoy, but you're not doing yourself or the pro 2A cause any favors.......
 
Odd Job said:
I'm not seeing a problem. How was his demeanour?
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His demeanor was fine. My feeling is that he screams GI Joe/ego complex. There were women with their infants in strollers that headed straight to the door. Elderly men and women that did the same.

So my question is what positives did he accomplish with his attire and open carry? Many people went home and told their friends and family, who likely then told their friends and family about a “wacko” they encountered in the bookstore today that had a pistol out in the open and dressed like he wanted to be in the military. Is that good for the 2A cause? I think not. Had he simply moved his firearm inside his waistband he would have been able to protect himself and anyone else he chose to just as well (arguably better) without causing a scene.
 
Open carrying is pretty common around here. Criminals don’t open carry until the time comes to commit the crime. I don’t open carry, unless hiking or such, but it’s their right, if it’s legal in their jurisdiction. I see nothing wrong with that gentleman, unless his behavior said otherwise.

I would hate for open carry to go away as there are plenty of advantages to open carry laws. I enjoy he fact that if a concealed carrier happens to have his firearm shown it isn’t labeled brandishing. Should we keep CCW’s concealed, of course. But to make a criminal out of a law abiding citizen due to a wardrobe malfunction? We’ll leave that for Super Bowl halftimes.
 
SharpDog said:
IMHO, if he is legally open carrying then he is doing all of us a service.
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I would argue that this particular man is doing us a disservice. So we’ll have to agree to disagree, and that’s all fine and well. No hurt feelings.
 
Keith G said:
So my question is what positives did he accomplish with his attire and open carry?
Click to expand...

It may be the case that he didn't even go that far as to think of how he appeared to others. Hard to say without actually witnessing what he was doing. Just by that one picture, it is possible he was less concerned with making a statement than he was about selecting reading material to purchase.
 
Keith G said:
View attachment 825454
I live in a rural community. Hunting, farming, tractors, overalls and firearms are the norm. You go in someone’s house, and more than likely there is an old shotgun by the front and back door. I’ve never seen anyone open carry in town. I would bet that there are concealed firearms on more then a few people, but you’d never know it.


I was visiting a large city, in the wealthiest neighborhood in that city, killing some time at a Barnes and Noble and in walks this guy. It was obvious that everyone in the entire store immediately felt uneasy. Many left.


I immediately understood where the rallies against guns/for gun control come from. Assuming he had the proper license, it is well within his rights to be carrying the way he is. It’s quite possible that many of the ladies and possibly men had never seen a gun in person before that moment, and this guy represents all their fears of firearms. I guess my point is that the old adage of just because you can doesn’t mean you should seems appropriate here. I don’t believe anyone in the room felt safer with him there, quite the opposite. How were they to know he was a “good guy?” I’ve never been a proponent of open carry, and I think this guy is doing more to harm gun rights than if he had simply concealed his firearm. Just my thoughts for the day.
Click to expand...

I don't think you realize who our own worst enemy really is.
 
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