Today, after having approached a man on the street (so to speak) for help, I went on an OC excursion - my first. I am awaiting my CCW class and wanted to get going with carrying before all that transpires.
For a novice, which I consider myself to be, I chose to ask for expert advice from one who seemed likeminded, willing and available. We met this morning at the Crispy Cream and headed out after introductions.
We were both CCing and visited a Safeway, Starbucks, Credit Union, McDonalds (a trip highlight) and a gun shop. Some other stops and general milling about in public also ensued.
I was mainly observing, learning, asking questions and taking advice so I consider it a very good experience and will continue doing OC and perhaps CC. I don't think I was really nervous but was stepping a bit into the unknown for me.
Observations:
1. Occasionally someone seemed to notice, as indicated by their glances, that we were armed but no one appeared alarmed. Most did not notice or seemed unconcerned.
2. Friendliness and just being natural seemed to add to the relaxed acceptance of what was a bit un-natural to me. I think it will become more natural for me as time goes on.
3. I seemed to almost forget that I was carrying even though our conversation certainly focused on it.
The trip highlight:
After coming out of the McDonalds the two of us were standing behind the car chatting and getting ready to head over to the gun shop when a LEO vehicle pulled up behind my friend (the experienced one on this adventure) and I mentioned to him that looks like we had some company. Now I had read in this and other forums about LEO encounters so had the expected trepidation with the hope I'd not have to cope with it for a long time. Seems that someone in the McD place had put in a MWAG call and so I was in for an unexpected first time experience actually for both of us. My tutor led the way and as I said it was rather normal, pleasant encounter with no seeming reason to feel it is a big deal.
Thank You M-Taliesin. I feel much better prepared for all I learned today. Not a bad way to start IMHO.
Bill
For a novice, which I consider myself to be, I chose to ask for expert advice from one who seemed likeminded, willing and available. We met this morning at the Crispy Cream and headed out after introductions.
We were both CCing and visited a Safeway, Starbucks, Credit Union, McDonalds (a trip highlight) and a gun shop. Some other stops and general milling about in public also ensued.
I was mainly observing, learning, asking questions and taking advice so I consider it a very good experience and will continue doing OC and perhaps CC. I don't think I was really nervous but was stepping a bit into the unknown for me.
Observations:
1. Occasionally someone seemed to notice, as indicated by their glances, that we were armed but no one appeared alarmed. Most did not notice or seemed unconcerned.
2. Friendliness and just being natural seemed to add to the relaxed acceptance of what was a bit un-natural to me. I think it will become more natural for me as time goes on.
3. I seemed to almost forget that I was carrying even though our conversation certainly focused on it.
The trip highlight:
After coming out of the McDonalds the two of us were standing behind the car chatting and getting ready to head over to the gun shop when a LEO vehicle pulled up behind my friend (the experienced one on this adventure) and I mentioned to him that looks like we had some company. Now I had read in this and other forums about LEO encounters so had the expected trepidation with the hope I'd not have to cope with it for a long time. Seems that someone in the McD place had put in a MWAG call and so I was in for an unexpected first time experience actually for both of us. My tutor led the way and as I said it was rather normal, pleasant encounter with no seeming reason to feel it is a big deal.
Thank You M-Taliesin. I feel much better prepared for all I learned today. Not a bad way to start IMHO.
Bill
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