imported post
Hello all,
Cloudcroft, while I'm not in Roswell I am just 90 miles north in Clovis, NM. I would gladly attend/organize open carry get-togethers when/if my work schedule allows it.
As for the thread's topic about an ABQ Open Carry outing ... I was in Albuquerque this past week October 2-11 for Balloon Fiesta (I'm on a chase crew for a hot air balloon with about two dozen family members). I would not have been able to make a lunch get together on the 10th because of previous family engagements but I too was curious if the ABQ Open Carry outing happened. Looks like it didn't ... ah well.
But I would like to share my one week ABQ open carry experiences with ya'll ... just cause.
Friday, October 2nd: Open carry at the Village Inn on Coors, just North of Montano -- no issues. Cloudcroft, while I didn't go into the Village Inn across from Intel, I did drive by and didn't see any "no firearms" signs.
Saturday, October 3rd: OC at Sportsman's Warehouse and the Office Depot across the street -- no issues. There was an Albuquerque Police Department (APD) vehicle parked in front of Sportsman's Warehouse with a female LEO standing by it. Walked by and entered the store without issue. Para_org, I noticed the sign too. Made the judgement call that the sign's intent was for firearms which were brought in for maintenance, trade, or sale -- not intended for firearms worn for personal defense. So, I went inside with my HK USP 45 on my hip in a Blackhawk Serpa Level II holster. Spoke to a salesman to ask about Blackcloud 12ga shotgun shells. He visibly noticed my sidearm -- no comment. Passed by the partner male LEO inside the store -- no issues. Spoke to another saleswomen about boots -- no issues. Walked out without buying anything and again passed by the female LEO by the APD vehicle -- no issues. So Para_org, I'm glad you thought to contact corporate HQ to get the sign removed. Its best there is no sign to prevent confusion. But I don't think the sign had any anti-OC intent, based on my one-time experience.
Monday, October 5th: OC at Target and Office Depot off I-25 on Paseo Del Norte. No issues at Target. At Office Depot the customer service clerk asked: "Excuse me. What do you do which allows you to carry a handgun?" I answered: "Nothing special. NM state law allows for citizens to open carry firearms as long as its not into a store which sells alcoholic beverages. I carry one for my own protection and to protect my wife and kids who are outside in the car." The customer service clerk and another customer seemed satisfied with that answer and the other customer actually said, "Smart."
Tuesday, October 6th: OC at Office Max on Paseo Del Norte (further East up from the Target and Office Depot). Spoke with a saleswoman. She was very helpful and helped me track down two hard to find items (as you can see I already had checked at two Office Depots) -- no issues.
Wednesday, October 7th: OC at Other Mother's, and Sketcher's (I-25 and San Mateo) -- no issues. Also open carried at Baby Bear (on Lomas, near San Mateo). Had extensive conversations with the store owners about diapers and toys. They clearly noticed my sidearm -- no comments.
Friday, October 9th: OC at Target again, the same one as before. This time there was an APD vehicle parked outside -- empty. On my way out, the female LEO also was exiting the store. I'm pretty sure she noticed my sidearm -- no comment.
So, I had only positive open carry experiences in ABQ. I think an OC get-together would be well received at any legal venue.
If any of ya'll are ever in Clovis let me know.