Target Center Sports...?

[ProficientRifleman]

I found this following a link from thehighroad, the link was posted after a quote from a Post Falls Idaho young man, who lawfully and peaceably carries his handgun around town.

The owner of this gun shop doesn't think its a good idea for law abiding citizens to open carry. The link is below as well as the quote at the bottom of the Fox News story.

....and this fellow owns a gun shop? Maybe Mr. Santos would like to know what his customers think of his opinion.

Ed Santos owns Center Target Sports in Post Falls and is a gun safety instructor. He said the Dotys came to his shop but he doesn't sell handgun ammunition to people under 21.

He said that just because the Dotys are carrying guns in public doesn't mean they're not responsible with them, but questioned the need to carry them in town even though it was legal.

"My advice for them is the same as it is with adults — yes it's your right and yes it's legal, but why draw unnecessary attention to yourself just because you can?" Santos said. "I believe the intent (of the law) was to allow it more for hunting and recreation."

Zach said he's not paranoid or a radical.

"If I was an extremist, our founding fathers would all be extremists," he said. "Without them, we wouldn't have our independence. We'd be a disarmed British system of feudal subjectivity."

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,274138,00.html

PR

 

[kingpin008]

So what? He's not entitled to his opinion, because he deals in firearms?

I really don't see what the problem is. If he believes that open carry is more appropriate for hunting and/or recreational purposes, that's his belief. How would that affect his ability to sell firearms or otherwise provide quality services to his customers?

 

[bluestarlizzard]

he is allowed to express his opinion, but i don't think voiceing an opinion like that is very good for his business. however, its his business so if he whats to lose customers, oh well.

 

[kingpin008]

Right. Personally, I support an individual's right to carry a weapon, whether it be concealed or open. However - I have my own opinions on how smart/effective certain modes of carry are. That said, it isn't any more my business what mode of carry one chooses, any more than it is my business what car they drive.

It may hurt the man's business, but I can't imagine it'd be that detrimental. I mean, he wasn't exactly shaking hands with Sarah Brady, was he? Simply expressing his opinion about one particular style of carry. Big deal.

 

[mp510]

"My advice for them is the same as it is with adults — yes it's your right and yes it's legal, but why draw unnecessary attention to yourself just because you can?" Santos said.

He actually sounds very rational. In Connecticut, you will most likely be arrested and have your permit pulled for open carrying. There is a pending case where a permit holder had his permit pulled, and was charged with breach of peace simply for printing (the charges were dismissed, but the permit revocation appeal hearing date is 2 years out). Open carry technically isn't illegal here, though it generally is treated as though it is.

Yes, it is legal. However, the shopkeep is generally correct in saying the law was intended more for recreation and really rural situations- a level of discretion is necesary.

 

[kingpin008]

a level of discretion is necesary.

My feelings exactly, although I will alter that statement slightly, to read something like this: a level of discretion is advisable.