imported post
So I haveCCW permit, and am aware that, while carrying a CONCEALED weapon into a financial institution (bank) is illegal, OPENLY carrying a weapon is not mentioned and therefore not restricted in any NC laws.
I am a Marine, so the bank I use is Navy Federal. I had been in there twice while openly carrying a PPK/S on my hip, and received little more than an inquisitive glance. The third time I visited the bank, however, someone decided to say something...
I was standing in a rather long line for the tellers, with my gun exposed on my hip. It had been hidden under my un-tucked shirt, however I tucked my shirt in on that side before I entered the bank. As I waited patiently, a few people glanced down at my hip, then looked at my face briefly before continuing to mind their own business. Before long a Marine in uniform (we're allowed to go to the Navy Fed in cammies) walks in and stands in line a few people back from me. My back was to him, and suddenly he says rather loudly "Is there a reason you have that?!". I turned, and he was pointing at my gun. I kept my arms crossed and responded calmly "Yes, I'm carrying it for protection." His attitude worsened as he raised his voice and said "You're in a bank!". I again calmly stated "Yes, and while carrying a concealed weapon in a bank is illegal, carrying it openly IS legal, which is why you can see it right now." At that point, he slumped a little and said "oh...". It could have ended at that, but now i had all the bank employees and customers staring at us, so I turned back to the Marine and said "...but thank you for asking me about it instead of just freaking out and assuming I was wrong. I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to explain myself."
That seemed to calm the nerves of everyone around me, and I proceeded to do my business with the teller and leave.
Since I'm a Marine myself, this is by no means a Marine-bashing post, however had he not been in uniform I'd be willing to bet he wouldn't have tried to play hero. I'm only 22, and this kid had to have been like 19 or 20... *sigh*
So I haveCCW permit, and am aware that, while carrying a CONCEALED weapon into a financial institution (bank) is illegal, OPENLY carrying a weapon is not mentioned and therefore not restricted in any NC laws.
I am a Marine, so the bank I use is Navy Federal. I had been in there twice while openly carrying a PPK/S on my hip, and received little more than an inquisitive glance. The third time I visited the bank, however, someone decided to say something...
I was standing in a rather long line for the tellers, with my gun exposed on my hip. It had been hidden under my un-tucked shirt, however I tucked my shirt in on that side before I entered the bank. As I waited patiently, a few people glanced down at my hip, then looked at my face briefly before continuing to mind their own business. Before long a Marine in uniform (we're allowed to go to the Navy Fed in cammies) walks in and stands in line a few people back from me. My back was to him, and suddenly he says rather loudly "Is there a reason you have that?!". I turned, and he was pointing at my gun. I kept my arms crossed and responded calmly "Yes, I'm carrying it for protection." His attitude worsened as he raised his voice and said "You're in a bank!". I again calmly stated "Yes, and while carrying a concealed weapon in a bank is illegal, carrying it openly IS legal, which is why you can see it right now." At that point, he slumped a little and said "oh...". It could have ended at that, but now i had all the bank employees and customers staring at us, so I turned back to the Marine and said "...but thank you for asking me about it instead of just freaking out and assuming I was wrong. I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to explain myself."
That seemed to calm the nerves of everyone around me, and I proceeded to do my business with the teller and leave.
Since I'm a Marine myself, this is by no means a Marine-bashing post, however had he not been in uniform I'd be willing to bet he wouldn't have tried to play hero. I'm only 22, and this kid had to have been like 19 or 20... *sigh*