Today is my first day Open Carrying.

[Hokkmike]

I have no problem with your general intent but I do with a gun in church. That my personal view only. If you were my pastor it would cause me concern. Of course if I knew you better (obviously I don't know you at all) maybe it would be OK.

My current pastor is a shooter and has a 9mm. But these things occur outside of church.

I couldn't imagine someone up front with a sidearm.

These are just personal observations.

 

[Kind of Blued]

First of all, some of you are HORRIBLE at close reading, or even "scanning for the gyst" of this man's message. On a topic that deserves some sensetivity to the law and to this individual (who may be a little bit nervous), pay respect where it is due and READ CLOSELY before posting.

Second, he repeatedly said that he had gone over the laws thoroughly and it was quite evident to me that he had one last minute question in which he was not 100% certain (the gun in the desk).

Third, this is a Second Amendment right which we, in Colorado, are thankfully allowed. It is, amongst other things, a way to proudly exercise your Second Amendment rights as a law-abiding American citizen. The Second Amendment is not "a joke".

Leaving the weapon unattended in a desk drawer is a horrendously bad idea.

And the original poster knows that, which is why he said that "It will only be in the desk when I'm there. Even if I go to the bathroom, it will be put back in my holster."

My advice to you Nightwing: Keep the gun holstered at your desk. It will probably be more comfortable than whilst driving and it keeps you in the clear if you aren't able to find anything in "the books" about such a practice.

This is probably the most accurate information in this thread yet:

I predict you will:

Not be hassled anywhere
Notice that most people don't see your gun
Notice that most of the people who do see your gun won't particularly care

Let us know if it goes any differently. I doubt it will, although I wouldn't be too suprised if people you see every day who are comfortable around you say a thing or two to be cute about it. It will probably be the ladies... Are you single?

Wal-Mart doesn't even know what Wal-Mart's firearms policy is 99% of the time (that includes management). If anybody makes a fuss, ask to speak to management, tell them that it is legal to open carry, but if they have a copy of their firearms policy, you would gladly take a copy to read before your next visit so that you can hopefully do business with them in the future.

I expect that you see how that sounds calm, collected, and puts the responsibility on them to act as professional and mature about the issue as you have. The "future business" part also helps get them on your side.

Lastly, don't make anybody here, or out in public, make you feel like you are committing a crime or doing anything ridiculous. You aren't.

Colorado laws are pretty lax. Don't argue with anybody about your gun, including ignorant police officers, don't wave your gun around for giggles, and don't shoot anybody unless you have to and you'll be fine.

ENJOY YOUR RIGHTS!

 

[george_co]

I refer you to CRS 29-11.7

As stated previously Colorado does not have a law that specifically allows the open carry, but they do have this:

29-11.7-104. Regulation - carrying - posting.
Statute text
A local government may enact an ordinance, regulation, or other law that prohibits the open carrying of a firearm in a building or specific area within the local government's jurisdiction. If a local government enacts an ordinance, regulation, or other law that prohibits the open carrying of a firearm in a building or specific area, the local government shall post signs at the public entrances to the building or specific area informing persons that the open carrying of firearms is prohibited in the building or specific area.


This is good law with the single exception of the City and County of Denver, due to their Home Rule Statutes being specifically included in the Colorado Constitution.

Normal disclaimers, I am not an attorney, this is not an exhaustive search of the Colorado Law. Two bills were adopted in 2003 SB-24 (Concealed Carry) & SB-25 (Preemption)in which the above paragraph was contained. Since then Denver took a number of those laws to court, they won some and lost some. See (http://rmgo.org/alerts/2004-denverruling.htm) from the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners website that I had previously directed you to.

George

 

[JesseL]

i dont know its one of those things where we wish we could do it but you can get into a lot of trouble. lets say someone gets you upset or trys to argue with you. any movement or touch can be considered a threat and could lock you up.

well i hope you live in texas. What state do you live in.

i think im going to get something to eat, make another pot of coffee and get ready to hear this one. Now if we dont get a reply from this guy in the next few hours i guess we will know what happened. jus need the story.

Good gravy scrat! The whole country isn't like California. It's not all like Texas either, where open carry is illegal.

There's thousands of us in the free states, that open carry without trouble all the time. I've OC'd past police, little old ladies, tourists, in and out of stores, in banks, and through all the other open carry doomsday scenarios you can think of, all without ever hearing anyone scream in terror or being tackled by the SWAT team.

It's the same even when I carry something that's pretty noticeable

 

[Dravur]

Okies

Here goes....
Between the time our .gov Critter signed a law that said my Utah CCW was invalid in CO and when I got my CO CCW, I open Carried everywhere, including the wacky world of Boulder.

I had very few people notice it. The ones who did must have thought I was a cop.... Also might have been the donut belly, but I digress. People tend to walk with blinders on. The only place I noticed anyone noticing me was when I was standing in line.

I also open carry at my house. in my yard and when im doing things around here.

No problems.

 

[Kind of Blued]

Good gravy scrat! The whole country isn't like California. It's not all like Texas either, where open carry is illegal.

THANK YOU, Jesse!

 

[tinygnat219]

Good luck,

Seriously, carry a lawyer's name and phone number with you.

 

[romma]

Standing Wolf carries openly out there in CO... I think you will be okay. But carry a lawyers name and # with you that you know knows the law...

 

[XDKingslayer]

And I ask again, what statutes or laws can U print and put in my wallet that would allow me to say "Officer. Pelase take my weapon, and my wallet and look in the pocket of it. There is a printout of colorado rules (or whatever) that will explain that what I am doing is not illegal. Please cuff me, and detain me for your safety, if need be, and feel free to radio in verification of these rights."

I used to be a big proponent of doing exactly this. But I have found out that the only thing worse than telling a cop he's wrong is proving it.

 

[Pax Jordana]

My current pastor is a shooter and has a 9mm. But these things occur outside of church.

Mike. Aw, mike. I can't - we - go search. just, go search. google church shooting, find colorado.

Unless you're talking about OC in church - in which case, mea culpa. I agree that church is a more concealed kinna place.

XD, I agree, but if you're getting hauled in either way, might as well give him every opportunity to avoid that official oppression charge (that's what they call it in PA anyway)

 

[brighamr]

I can see the anti's influence all over this thread

*zipps up flame suit*

[RANT]
If someone in my zip asked if it was legal to "walk around with a gun on your hip", most people would be shocked to even hear the question. It's legal. It's safe. It's common in a lot of states. Did I mention its LEGAL???

I had a similar question last July when I was taking a trip from through NV, UT, WY, CO, and MT. I open carried 95% of the time, and i was riding a motorcycle on this trip. Not one single person EVER in the course of 3000+ miles and many days/nights, questioned me about my sidearm.

On the same trip in Elko Nevada, I was pulled over for going 90mph in a 75 mph zone. The officer asked me if I knew I was speeding, and I said yes. He gave me a warning that he would be listening on the radio, and if I was pulled over again in his jurisdiction, I would receive a fine. (The key point here is that my XD was in plain view, and he didn't even bring it up).

If gun owners are so scared to excersize their rights, it's no wonder we are losing the battle. [/RANT]

Now, if you live in CA or NY or a big city (Denver), you may want to do some research. BUT if you live in the Free United States, please excersize your right and keep yourself protected.

*braces for rebuttals sure to come*

 

[Im283]

Seriously, carry a lawyer's name and phone number with you.

to this good advice I would add have the number of a bail bondsman as well.

Something does not have to be against the law to be arrested.

Scrat maybe he needs to OC with a Walker, LOL

 

[Zedicus]

My current pastor is a shooter and has a 9mm. But these things occur outside of church.

Use the search & look up posts by the user "Preacherman", you will be shocked

 

[ZeSpectre]

Early this week.
Generally I carry concealed but the weather had abruptly turned warm, it was too hot to keep my jacket on, and my shirt wasn't the kind that would have helped cover any. Went to a location I've carried in on a number of occasions (usually concealed but sometimes open). I was there about five minutes when this "upper crust" type suddenly gawks at me and we had the following "conversation".

"Good God, is that a gun?"
"Yes sir it is"
"You can't just carry that around like that"
"I'm not sure I understand, obviously I CAN carry it around"
"You mean that's LEGAL?"
"It's not illegal" (this point was completely lost on the other party).
"I don't believe you!"
"Sir, if you believe I'm breaking the law I would suggest you stop bothering me and go call the police to protect you."

Person stormed off in a huff. I finished my shopping expecting the local police to arrive any minute but I'll be damned if I was going to act like I'd done something wrong.

Nobody ever showed up.

This counts as one of the most involved confrontations I've had so far when open carrying. (Still vastly prefer CC though).

 

[makarovnik]

I would avoid open carry because it alarms people. I think it best to get your CPL (that's what we call them here) and then carry concealed.

I also think it's a good idea not to tell anyone you carry a concealed weapon. The word gets around and could be used against you even though you've done nothing wrong. I'm speaking from personal experience.

I prefer to not "store" my weapon unless I have to. I just don't like leaving it unattended. This is why I get mad when I see "no weapons" signs posted at the Post Office, Unemployment Office (most government buildings), the mall, the store, the restaurant... Unfortunately the list is growing. It's not so much I hate the pain in the butt to walk back to my car and store it, or that I feel unprotected without it, but mostly I think it more dangerous to leave it unattended.

Unless I'm drinking the safest place for my weapon is on my person.

 

[springmom]

Favorite story from my CHL class:

My instructor had reason to be in Arizona (IIRC) and walked into a local Walmart. Toodling down the center aisle is this Little Old Lady...we're talking blue hair, floral print dress, SensibleShoes...and a honkin' big .357 on her hip. After he'd picked his jaw up off the floor, he looked at her and grinned.

"Nice gun."

She smiled sweetly and patted the grip. "Yes it is, isn't it?" and off she went.

Nobody called SWAT or had a heart attack, either one.

I pray for the day we get OC in Texas.

Springmom

 

[Markbo]

I must say the OP's other thread letter and how he expresses himself is a bit... off. Not sure why... just a bit off. I was completely unclear whether this was a test or a statement or what... and I DID read it carefully!

But the most obvious thing I garner is that laws are different everywhere. We can NOT open carry in Texas, so that is our perspective. I preach it all the time... it is a matter of perspective.

If you don't have your locale in your personal details, how can anyone else know what YOUR perspective is? I don't understand why people put cute little things like "end of the Earth" or "deep in the valley" (of the shadow of the dolls or what?). Are you guys worried "they" find out that you live in... *GASP* Kansas or some equally important last bastion of the 2nd Amendment or what?

Hey you wanna be private, great... but let all the rest of us anonymous (think about it) posters in on where you are coming from at least. Come on guys... just be aware that your perspective is absolutely invisible to anyone else reading these 8" boxes of words.

 

[WayneConrad]

Nice story, springmom.

makarovnik, and others... I don't think this is the right thread to debate the wisdom of open carry. Let's start a different thread for that. Nightwing has gone and done it, which takes an appreciable amount of gumption the first time out. Telling him he shouldn't have is about as useful as telling someone who eloped that they ought to have waited for a church wedding. Too late.

Markbo, He's in Colorado.

 

[1KPerDay]

If you open carry, you need to be WELL versed on the law, and expect to be hassled. If you're the tilting at windmills type, go for it. Me... meh.

 

[JesseL]

If you open carry, you need to be WELL versed on the law, and expect to be hassled. If you're the tilting at windmills type, go for it.

Are you speaking from experience, or just speculation and stories on the internet?

If you are speaking from experience, where did you OC? Some places obviously aren't as respectful of your rights as others.

Of course anyone carrying a firearm (open or concealed) should know the law (among other things).

It seems that most people who provide all the dire warnings about open carry have either never done it; or they did it a couple times, something scared them, and they swore it off forever.

I never expect to be hassled when I OC and my personality isn't particularly Quixotic. I just like to carry comfortably and to maintain the social climate I enjoy. I'd hate to see OC disappear around here just because no one does it.

 

[cleardiddion]

Age

Ok, what kinda bothers me is (no offense) all those people who go on the 'get a CPL now!...concealed carry should be the only thing you do...etc' route.
What about those of use who suffer from age discrimination?
I'm 18 and according to the law I can only carry a sidearm for protection if I leave it in plain sight, open carry. It's not possible for me to conceal it because for me this is illegal! Does that mean that I should go around without any sort of protection even in the light of the fact that I may live and work in the same areas that others do with the same risks? Even in the face of the fact that, as much as people within my age category deny it, I can suffer from the same bodily harm and even death same as those who are aged 21 and above?

I can't carry in Florida for a few more years (and even then my school doesn't allow ccw). But, CO is my home and where the people I most want to protect are and I believe that Nightwing (and all others who open carry) is doing a great thing for our society as a whole.

//rant off

 

[brighamr]

Little Old Lady...we're talking blue hair, floral print dress, SensibleShoes...and a honkin' big .357 on her hip. After he'd picked his jaw up off the floor, he looked at her and grinned.

"Nice gun."

She smiled sweetly and patted the grip. "Yes it is, isn't it?" and off she went.

Springmom - I'm loving that story. sounds exactly like my grandma

 

[Markbo]

Being under age for ANYthing is not age descrimination. It just means... not yet. Patience Grasshopper... patience.

 

[cleardiddion]

Markbo,
not to come off as rude or anything but I'm not trying to come off as impatient.

The way I see it, if we are able to possess firearms starting at the age of 18 years along with a myriad of other things and responsibilities I don't see why our self preservation is out of reach. Not completely, but for youth (who are 18 and up) in places such as Florida are unable to excercise such because their only option is to apply for and recieve a CHL, which as we all know cannot be done until one is 21.
I see that the right to carry concealed is a privelage as there is no provision within the consititution that states the right of the individual to carry a concealed weapon. However, the 2nd amendment allows one to carry arms. This is a right that every adult in the country should be allowed to excercise freely and without fear of reprecussions.

What one does is one's choice. It just really makes me boil when people go on foaming at the mouth about how concealed is the *only* choice to be had not considering the fact that for some of us, open carry is the only choice that is available.

 

[pdowg881]

"I see that the right to carry concealed is a privelage as there is no provision within the consititution that states the right of the individual to carry a concealed weapon."

I disagree. The 2nd makes no mention of how the arms are have to be carried. Brearing a sidearm under my shirt is still bearing arms. It is no longer a right and suddenly a privelidge if my tshirt covers my pistol?