It seems interest in exposed carry has been picking up, and since the Nordyke ruling has come down in favor of incorporating the 2[suP]nd[/suP], I’m sure many will perceive this as the starting bell for much more open carry activity. But in reviewing some of the more recent posts of first time experiences, it seems that some of the suggestions that some of the veteran members her have dispensed is not reaching our enthusiastic first timers.
With that in mind, the following list is intended to lay the ground rules to successful open carrying in the state of California.
1) Be familiar with and obey the law. You will need a working knowledge of the applicable penal codes, Federal laws, as well as county and local ordinances. Your knowledge should be deep enough that you can cogently explain the law to anyone you might encounter.
2) Treat everyone with courtesy. You may think your only purpose to carry a firearm to defend yourself or exercise your right to keep and bear arms, but you are also an ambassador for the second amendment and how you are perceived directly affects how gun owners are viewed. Smile, make eye contact, say hello. Take time to answer questions. Be friendly. Diffuse irrational fear.
3) Be properly equipped.
A) You should have a belt holster that fits the weapon you are carrying with a minimum of level-one retention. More retention is better. It has been suggested and I think I’d agree, it would be wise to carry in a drop leg or thigh holster- not because it is ‘tacticool’ but because it would reduce the possibility of being accused of a 12025 violation.
B) You should have a digital voice recorder with sufficient recording time to remain on continuously while you are in public.
C) You should have a secure, fully enclosed locking case for your firearm. You will need this to comply with certainno weapons areas exemptions.
D) You should have some pamphlet or memo detailing the legalities of open carry so you can hand them out to interested parties.
E) You should have committed to memory a phone numberof an attorney in case you are arrested.
4) Bring friendly witnesses. In addition to having a running audio recorder you should be accompanied by other open carriers or supportive friends in the event you have a police encounter. An audio recorder is a blind witness, only recording sound and does not capture things like attitude or demeanor or intent. It has been evidenced in prior events that police appear less inclined to conduct a loaded check on open carriers in groups or three or more.
5) If you should have a police encounter, comply with police and refer once again to #2.
6) Do not carry a map detailing where all the school zones are located. This will not help you in the event you are stopped by police no matter where you are.
7) You should have $5,000 to $10,000 for a legal defense in the event you are arrested and charged.
8) Do not be in a rush to post your police encounter on a public forum for everyone to read. In many cases, divulging certain details are first, not necessary and second, could give police a reason to revisit the event, as they do read these forums. Sharing your encounter is beneficial for other activists, but you do have a 5[suP]th[/suP] amendment right not to incriminate yourself.
If anyone can think of any other requisites to sucessful open carry, PM me and I will amend the list.
:celebrate