Another new member

I've been reading the site for a couple of weeks now and the thought finally crossed my mind...why am I not oc instead of cc?

I officially started oc yesterday and was terrified/nervous expecting police to come at me from all angles or people screaming "he got a gun!". What I experienced was so much more positive/uneventful.

I first went to Sportco to get a better holster for my glock 27. They had no problem with me pulling my weapon for test fitting and the cashier was highly approving of both the weapon choice and holster after peering over the counter to get a closer look.

I went to a gas station in spanaway, Walmart, car toys (they really eyed my weapon but had no issue after I bought equipment), subway and home depot. Nobody calling cops, nobody confronting me. It almost feels natural to be able to open carry and I plan on doing this on a regular basis as I am also a Florida transplant where showing a weapon is considered "brandishing".

I also have my cpl so I can just get in my car and drive. I appreciate all the wealth of info on this forum but the only question I have is if anyone knows if the Puyallup fair is considered a "music festival".

Thanks all!

Welcome to OCDO! Don't worry too much about the general population, it's those extreme cases we have to mentally prepare for. Most people don't even notice it, and of the few who do notice it you have starers, the questioners (both plus and minus), and the few fanatical anti's. In seven months of OC'ing, I've had three cashiers ask me about it, (usually what kind is it, or what caliber) and thats about it.

For the Starers, I just go about my business.

The Questioners either ask what make, model, caliber, you have, or, they'll ask why do you carry. It's good to be polite, informed, and ready to discuss why you carry, sometimes you can win over someone on the fence about firearms and our 2nd Amendment Rights.

Then there are the fully fanatical anti-gun folks who you cannot reason with, and it is pointless to try in most cases.

So, know our Laws, know Why you carry, and know when to agree to disagree.

Hej USAFHayes...welcome...the only thing that will get you noticed is being a nervous Nelly and constantly checking your carry. People (especially LE) will want to know why you are so nervous.

Now that you have been exposed to OC, and see that it is no big deal (most people will not even notice), your nervousness will disapate to nothing. I must admit, I was too dumb to be nervous back in 1970 when I first OC'd. I had been told by a person that was OC'ing that it was perfectly legal...so I went home, strapped up my big Colt revolver, and went to town....I got the same reaction you did, none. Been OC'ing ever since.

I did talk to a Skagit Co Sheriff's Deputy (At the Clear Lake boat ramp) last weekend when we were over to the wet side...conversation was Deputy: "what is it?" Me: "CZ85" Deputy: "Cool, nice gun" that was the total of the conversation about the carry.

Carry on...

The Puyallup Fair is, in itself, not a music festival. It is not unlawful to carry at The Fair, but their rules forbid firearms. Then again, in the past they have not had metal detectors, nor do they search fair goers. Do what you need to do to to protect yourself and your loved ones.

In order to make your visit to the Fair an enjoyable experience, we appreciate your compliance with our policies noted below. These items may not be brought into the facility:

• Open containers
• Alcoholic beverages
• Controlled substances
• Weapons
• Bicycles
• Animals (except aid or show animals)
• Skates, roller blades, skateboards
• Unauthorized vehicles

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http://www.thefair.com/puyallup-fair/visitor-info/

Welcome, the more you OC the more relaxed you will get. The more relaxed you are the less people pay attention or care. Stay safe.

Usafhaynes said:

I've been reading the site for a couple of weeks now and the thought finally crossed my mind...why am I not oc instead of cc?

Click to expand...

Hello & welcome....have you considered this: do both ! (in case 1 gets a flat)

Usafhaynes said:

I first went to Sportco to get a better holster for my glock 27. They had no problem with me pulling my weapon for test fitting and the cashier was highly approving of both the weapon choice and holster after peering over the counter to get a closer look.
!

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First welcome to OCDO!
That said I really don't suggest drawing a loaded weapon in any store. Most stores will want you to bring it in a case, and escort you to an area to try holsters. The one time I drew my gun out was in a small mom & pop gun store. I first asked permission, and then carefully cleared the gun while he watched. I then tried on the grip sleeve, paid for it and reloaded and holstered.
I gets easier every day you do it. In over two years I have never had a negative comment, a few questions but most are painfully unaware of their surrounding to even notice.

Welcome to freedom usafhaynes. The more you do, the easier it gets. Spend time with other OCers. There is a regular group meeting all over, just look around the forum. Spending time with like minded people will help you feel more at ease

If I am going into a gun store to try something like that...I would carry a different weapon, and case the one I was purchasing for. A holstered gun is a safe gun, once it comes out of the holster, that is when it becomes dangerous. Just me, personally.

Our little gun store down in Riverside has a unloaded and cleared sign at the door...exactly for that reason...they have no problem with a loaded holstered gun, just one in hand.