hawaidvr9
Regular Member
imported post
I am a Spokane resident and have been a non member of Opencarry.org forever. However, I have changed this as of today. I have my CPL and my routine for carrying is wonderfully embedded into my daily activities. I am saddened though at times.
Recently I purchased a new handgun with a brand new tan leather thumb break holster. I want to openly carry my firearm. To be honest though, I am a little afraid of the consequences.
The fear is and was placed there by law enforcement officers. I have recently spent countless hours researching Washington State Supreme Court cases that involve open carry. Many of the cases had "other" issues, for example, the person was making threats or committing a crime while carrying. So those cases really do not help in researching legal open carry here in Wa. State. I was unable to find any cases where a law abiding citizen that was openly carrying was arrested and convicted and then heard at the highest court. If anyone knows of such a case please let me know.
I am only slightly associated with law enforcement, but have several friends that are orwerein the field. I spoke to a friend yesterday, rather emailed a friend and stated "did you know it is not illegal to open carry in Wa. State"? This particular friend has 8 years past law enforcement. The response was, "yeah". Followed by another quick email, "I wouldn't though". When I asked why not, and attempted to follow up in a more detailed conversation I was simply shut down by my friend with no replies.
The question I asked (that got no reply) was "Why not"? I have some educated guesses as to why my friend said that. But I am currently at a deadendin my decision to open carry.
I have spoke to my wife and the idea of me openly carrying does not bother her a bit, she is always happier when I carry. I carry all the time. I get home from work, go to my safe, take out my holstered handgun, change into jeans and slide the holster and gun on to my belt. I keep my firearm with me until the next day, where I return my firearm to the safe until I return home. I have two daughters that have grown up with this routine, and go shooting with me all the time. They are both teenagers and have expressed an interest in having a husband that also carry's (many many many many years away still, I hope).
So, "Why not?"
Is there any interest in a group of folks that also want to carry to assist in planning a day at a park? Hot dogs, hamburgers and safe open carry all around. I am sure a day like that would get media attention, which would be good for the general public to know. It would also educate law enforcement. There would be getting the permits from the city to have a larger gathering at a park, so that would notify the city, because they are invited too.
Its just a thought at this point in time, but a very worthy day at the park it would be!
By the way, my name is James and I am a gun owner that carries.
I am a Spokane resident and have been a non member of Opencarry.org forever. However, I have changed this as of today. I have my CPL and my routine for carrying is wonderfully embedded into my daily activities. I am saddened though at times.
Recently I purchased a new handgun with a brand new tan leather thumb break holster. I want to openly carry my firearm. To be honest though, I am a little afraid of the consequences.
The fear is and was placed there by law enforcement officers. I have recently spent countless hours researching Washington State Supreme Court cases that involve open carry. Many of the cases had "other" issues, for example, the person was making threats or committing a crime while carrying. So those cases really do not help in researching legal open carry here in Wa. State. I was unable to find any cases where a law abiding citizen that was openly carrying was arrested and convicted and then heard at the highest court. If anyone knows of such a case please let me know.
I am only slightly associated with law enforcement, but have several friends that are orwerein the field. I spoke to a friend yesterday, rather emailed a friend and stated "did you know it is not illegal to open carry in Wa. State"? This particular friend has 8 years past law enforcement. The response was, "yeah". Followed by another quick email, "I wouldn't though". When I asked why not, and attempted to follow up in a more detailed conversation I was simply shut down by my friend with no replies.
The question I asked (that got no reply) was "Why not"? I have some educated guesses as to why my friend said that. But I am currently at a deadendin my decision to open carry.
I have spoke to my wife and the idea of me openly carrying does not bother her a bit, she is always happier when I carry. I carry all the time. I get home from work, go to my safe, take out my holstered handgun, change into jeans and slide the holster and gun on to my belt. I keep my firearm with me until the next day, where I return my firearm to the safe until I return home. I have two daughters that have grown up with this routine, and go shooting with me all the time. They are both teenagers and have expressed an interest in having a husband that also carry's (many many many many years away still, I hope).
So, "Why not?"
Is there any interest in a group of folks that also want to carry to assist in planning a day at a park? Hot dogs, hamburgers and safe open carry all around. I am sure a day like that would get media attention, which would be good for the general public to know. It would also educate law enforcement. There would be getting the permits from the city to have a larger gathering at a park, so that would notify the city, because they are invited too.
Its just a thought at this point in time, but a very worthy day at the park it would be!
By the way, my name is James and I am a gun owner that carries.