Open Carry in Erie

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Hello,

I post here infrequently, but would like to chronicle where I openly carry my firearm in Erie, Pennsylvania. As some of you may remember, I recieved a poorly written email from the Sheriff of Erie saying that I might get "laid out on the ground" if I openly carry my firearm. However, I do believe that most times I carry will be a non-event. I carry a Walther P99 .40 AS in a Fobus OWB at four o'clock.When I have black on, you barely notice it.

Yesterday: Went to Patti's Pizza in Millcreek -- no issues, delicious pizza and friendly customers. No problems. Went to Country Fair gas station afterwards, bought a Snickers bar. Not even a glance, just the way it should be.

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OC'd at Waldameer Park and WaterWorld for their pre-July 4th fireworks show. No problems -- one backwards glance from a father with his kids, but he seemed to mellow out when he realized I was just there to enjoy the show

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Keep it up. :celebrate We are a rare breed here in PA. Odd considering it is looked at as one of the best "gun friendly" states.

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OC'd today to Bob's Gun Shop in Mckean. Great place with good prices, friendy customer service. Sign on front door: "Feel free to carry in our shop, however do not unholster firearm." No problems, justfriendly display-shoppin'.

OC'd at Country Fair off Zuck Road, no problems just un-eventful jaunt to get a soda

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Great to hear steve as I am also an Erie PA resident who has yet to open carry or even see anyone else open carry. Its nice to see no one's head exploded at the sight of a firearm lol. Keep up the good work. I hope to join your ranks once I get my hands on a good OWB rig.

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OC'd at Patti's Pizza again in Millcreek with a few buddies, I was the only one open carrying but not the only one armed. Sat with pistol facing door, in jeans and a white t-shirt. No problems, just a little rubbernecking but nothing serious. If any of ya'll get up to Erie, this is probably the best place in town for quality and price.

OC'd at Beer and Pop Warehouse on penninsula, wasn't quite sure but felt like I was being followed around the store while I shopped with friends by a guy a year or two younger than I am. Tried to be extra cordial at check-out in order to quell any fears the two might have had. They didn't seem too excited, just recommended me to the latest microbrewery. Picked up a case of Bitburger for some lawful unarmed consumption

Another uneventful day of OC...

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OC'd to Bob's GunShop again today. Picked up 4 boxes of 7.62x39 for a little WASR-10 fun. OC'd to Sampson Gun Range in Greenville Township, shot next to a man shooting the exact same gun I OC with every day. Had a great conversation.

OC'd to the Moose Lounge in Harborcreek, got some wings, no attention

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Haven't updated this in awhile, figured I'd keep yall posted :dude:

OC'd at Beer and Pop warehouse -- still no problems
OC'd at Patti's Pizza - never any problems, however this last time I was stared at more than any of the other times I've been
OC'd at The Saucery - local bar in town, read the newspaper and had some water. Same old same old, couple stares but no comments
OC'd to about 4 different Country Fairs in the area - only one comment. "How's it going tonight officer?" My response: "Oh, I'm not an officer" Them: "Oops, my bad" and off I went

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I live in VA now but was born/raised in Erie, PA.

I still have family there and ALWAYS open carry when I visit. Last year I decided to stop by the Erie County Courthouse while openly carrying. I walked in, greeted the deputy and declared that I wished to check in my firearm. He asked me to unload it and hand it to him. I did, he presented me with a receipt, and I went about my business.

On the way out I checked out my pistol, loaded it, hung it on my hip, and enjoyed the rest of the day in Erie.

I know someone that works within the courthouse and I too was told that I would likely be charged with disorderly conduct or something such as that. Nothing happened.

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Thanks for the feedback Renegade! Always nice to meet people with ties to my area.