The Open Carry Report

[Ironbar]

In my life, I have found that the vast majority of people who claim to have an open mind, have opened theirs so far that their brains fell out.

[We-the-People]

MEDFORD AREA: I was OC, wife was CC as my backup.

The Jackson County Fairgrounds Home Show. No problems at all, not even the door admission guy who I expected to eject me. maybe because he was on my weak side. Spent several hours in there and talked to a few folks we knew in the booths.

Sportsmans Warehouse

Carls Jr

WalMart Eagle Point

Absolutely no problems at all, a few double takes from the folks in the home show but no "spaz's". Handed out 6-12 OC pamphlets and cards between the Home Show and the WalMart trip. If it keeps going this well my wife will be joining me to OC. She picked up a sherpa blackhawk for her Glock 26 when we were at Sportsmans.

[djhawes]

I was at Home Depot today and Carl's Jr. Not a word mentioned about my Colt New Agent on my hip.

[Ironbar]

Today, Excercise Equipment Northwest- Beaverton, OR.

See my other thread for the Costco experience.

[JBURGII]

The last couple of days just been at home and to the stables where our horses are. All them folks are used to me OCing.

[We-the-People]

Empty holster to Rogue Community College and the Veterans Affairs benefits office.

It's legal at the school but until Jeff Maxwell's case is determined or the state puts the screws to public colleges I'll be visibly supporting the second amendment but can't afford to get expelled.

They even made me (and everyone else in the orientation class) sign a form about "student conduct" today. It included a firearms prohibition and I signed ti but explained to the "instructor" that it was in violation of state law and currently in the courts. It won't result in anything by itself but as more and more people DEMAND their rights, the squeaky wheel will get oiled.

Funny but going into the building a security officer was approaching me head on. He was too busy talking on his cell phone to notice the holster let alone if it was empty or not. FINE FINE security they have. I feel so safe in a "criminals welcome" one.

[JBURGII]

Not to downplay any LEO or guards abilities but thats my argument about gun free zones.. I have to put my trust in someone who is just doing a job?

"I'm sorry, I would take care of that person trying to steal your backpack at knifepoint but I'm off work in about 7 mins and the reports would take me 2 hours. The wife is making meatloaf tonite and she would be mad if I'm late."



btw, I carried to the Dari-Mart and then H&E Feed store for horse grub.. again no prob.

[djhawes]

We-the-People wrote:

Empty holster to Rogue Community College and the Veterans Affairs benefits office.

It's legal at the school but until Jeff Maxwell's case is determined or the state puts the screws to public colleges I'll be visibly supporting the second amendment but can't afford to get expelled.

They even made me (and everyone else in the orientation class) sign a form about "student conduct" today. It included a firearms prohibition and I signed ti but explained to the "instructor" that it was in violation of state law and currently in the courts. It won't result in anything by itself but as more and more people DEMAND their rights, the squeaky wheel will get oiled.

Funny but going into the building a security officer was approaching me head on. He was too busy talking on his cell phone to notice the holster let alone if it was empty or not. FINE FINE security they have. I feel so safe in a "criminals welcome" one.

My first day of class to at Mt. Hood Community College. I got the student conduct code off of the internet and copied it to Kevin at the Oregon Firearms Federation. He emailed me back and said it should be over soon.

I carried concealed on campus today....Like We-the-People wrote, I do not want to get expelled. I am too old to play in that game.

Kevin did say that the President or Vice President told him that the college really could not do much if a student was carring concealed.

While I was getting "oriented," I talked to the Student Group about some changes I would like to see in the Student Conduct Code. The told me to see the Student Body President. I think I just may have to voice my opinion at one of those meetings.

[We-the-People]

I wrote my first e-mail advocating concealed carry on campus as a reply to an article in the school paper about their wi bang new "security" system. A big blue button on each floor that, when activated, will "lock down" the school. Strangely it will let any and everyone get out but no one in.

Now does anyone see anything wrong with that? I suppose if there's a shotting rampage on the public street outside they can lock down and keep him out but their concern is in preventing a VA Tech kinda thing.

So I pointed out how silly it was to install a system that will cause all the people in the building to panic and run for the doors so that a BG can pick them off. Then I talked about how the local PD is going to surround the building and.....WAIT so if a BG is inside, THEY aren't going to stop him.

Then I mentioned the school policy which is in direct violation of state law and our federal and state Constitutional right to self defense.

Right after that I fired off an e-mail in reply to a school paper call for freelance writers and let them know that I had public speaking, writing, and political experience but was interested in writing about second amendment and other Constitutional issues. We'll see what they say.

Oh yes, and a message off to the SCCC offering my services as their "Campus Leader" if they didn't feel my personal activities would interferewith their stated official agenda.

Guess I'm on the radar now!!!!

Oh and I dug up the schools official policy on expression and freedom of ideas. Sounds likecarrying an empty holster is protected by their policy. SMILE

Now to go order a dozen or so Second Amendment advocacy shirts to wear around campus. I'm thinking Second Amendment March, O.F.F., GOA, SCCC, and does OCDO sell a shirt?

[JBURGII]

Hmm.. lets lock the first responders out to start.. good idea there...

What if there are some in need of medical attention? Do they supply EMT, PD or FD with a 'pass code' or something to bypass the security system?

This is a perfect scenario to advocate the carry of self defense weapons.

I look forward to following this storyline..

Rev. Jim

[We-the-People]

Well today I talked with the Vice President of student government about "getting involved" and specifically talked about carry on campus and that the administrative policy violated state law. He readily agreed but added that it had yet to be challenged. I told him I was going to challenge it. First step preparing and presenting an "argument" to present to them detailing the statistics, state premption, their liability, etc.

He also agreed that the "security system" was a joke and that I would have no problem at the CC finding other folks willing to get on board.

I think part of my research for the first presentation will include contacting the local PD and state police IRT their response policy. i.e. surround and contain or attempt immediate entry.

Also, most places will not allow medical response to enter until the scene is absolutely and positively secured (no more BG present).

[JBURGII]

You are correct, I was more curious at how the system was 'unlocked' after the BG was no longer a threat and if this prolongs response by medical personel. This is just technical curiosities on my part.. I tend to look for flaws in the system.. kind of wierd for an optimist huh?

Rev. Jim

[We-the-People]

Well the entry doors all have a security keypad on them so I'm assuming that there is an override code. That's just a guess. But medical personnel aren't going to be allowed into a possibly hostile situation until police have secured it. Police policy is most like to surround and wait. That's fairly typical.

[Orygunner]

Last weekend I went up shooting with my two kids and my nephew, just went up McGowen Creek and plinked at some frying pans, mostly shot the .22 pistol and single shot rifle, but also the Glock 9mm, my .357 Magnum cannon, and the 12-guage shorty.

To go up shooting, I put my .357 in my shoulder holster, and the only spot we stopped was Dari-Mart at Hayden Bridge & 10th. Me and the kids decended on the store to get our sodas and snacks, and went up to the counter to pay for it.

The girl behind the counter asked "Are you a cop?"
"No," I replied. "Just an ordinary citizen."
"You can't carry that in here. The only people allowed to carry in the store are law enforcement."
"Is that corporate policy?"
"Yes, no weapons allowed in any of our stores."
"Is it posted?" I asked.
"Yes."
"Well, does the sign actually stop anyone from bringing in a weapon?"
"Of course it does!" she replied.

I looked down at the gun under my arm, looked back up at her and replied "Apperantly not."

She didn't get my point. I told her I'd carried in many other Dari-Mart stores and never saw a sign and nobody ever said anything to me before. She informed me that if she had seen me when I walked in she would have made me turn around and leave it in the car, but since I was already at the counter ready to check out, she'd ring me up so I could leave.

On the way out, I looked all around the door, no sign. I popped my head back in.

"Miss, there is no sign anywhere out here stating no weapons are allowed."

She came out and looked, "Well, it must have been on the window that got shot out."

I informed her again I'd be calling corporate to get the facts because I was sure she was mistaken, and left.

The following Monday, I called corporate, and talked to their HR Director. She informed me that no, there is no policy concerning customers and weapons, but that employees are not allowed to carry weapons. She did say that the employees may ASK customers to leave their firearms in the car if it's disturbing to other customers, but they cannot force me to leave. She said she would contact the manager of that store and correct them on company policy.

Think I'll have to go shooting again this weekend and stop by the same store to see if their attitude is any different

...Orygunner...

[JBURGII]

I have shopped many Dari-Mart and never a problem. I may be heading through that area in the next few days, might have to stop by and grab some coffee..

I have been in Abbey's Pizza and Dari-Mart, Wal-Mart (W.11th) and Fred Meyer's as well in the last two days.. not a problem.



Rev. Jim

[Orygunner]

I forgot to add, the Dari-Mart HR director did say that they're a little "gun shy" at that store, because someone shot out their window recently, and they had an "attempted" robbery. Not sure what an "attempted" robbery entailed, I didn't ask for details.

...Orygunner...

[JBURGII]

I have noticed an upswing in 'convenience' crimes as the economy drops. People who might not have considered commiting a robbery are now 'attempting' it. So we have rookie ciminals who bolt when they realize they have goofed up the 'robbery'.

I have seen some of this first hand here in the JC area, one of my former tenants found a bicycle on the side of the road and stole the tubes out of MY tires on my bike to fix his and sell it.. I know this is a small taters thing but these people are losing their grip on what is right and wrong.. I believe its a form of survival instinct, something they might not normally do becomes acceptable when they feel they have no other option. Just a guess.. I may be totally wrong..

Rev. Jim

[Ironbar]

Yesterday,

1) Casual Male Big & Tall- Beaveton, OR. Not a single word, and I know the guy saw my gun.

2) Burlington Coat Factory- Tigard, OR. Not sure if I was noticed or not, but I think at least one customer saw my piece. Not a word from anyone.

[We-the-People]

After having carried openly for months I've been told not to enter the Rogue Valley Mall (security met me at the door) and until this afternoon, nothing but good encounters (curioius, education, etc).

Today at Bi-mart in Medford on Main street the manager came to the sporting goods counter where I was checking on reloading supplies. He asked my WIFE, not me, to have me cover the weapon with my shirt. Good wife she is let me know and I told him that I could leave if he wanted me to but that I would not conceal. He then said he's escort me around the store then as it sometimes makes customers nervous.

I told him those customers must be from California and that they needed to learn that it's legal in Oregon.

I'd call it a "mixed" encounter as while I offered to leave several times he didn't want me to leave but wanted to "escort" me to calm any nervous customers (from which there hadn't been a complaint on my visit) and then left while I remained at the gun counter. Mixed because had I not asserted my rights, which he could have trumped with trespass but obviously didn't want to, he wanted me to conceal....just assuming I had a CHL.

[McX]

it must have been on the window that got shot out..............................now that's an original good one.

[Reverend45Cal]

Long time reader, First time Poster.

Carried into Plaid Pantry on TV Highway in Aloha, Near Harvey Marine. He glanced lady behind me looked as i seen in my side vision and neither flinched.

Walked into Sechwan house off TV last night, LE even sitting in there eating watching the door and not a flinch.

[We-the-People]

Reverend45Cal wrote:

Long time reader, First time Poster.

Carried into Plaid Pantry on TV Highway in Aloha, Near Harvey Marine. He glanced lady behind me looked as i seen in my side vision and neither flinched.

Walked into Sechwan house off TV last night, LE even sitting in there eating watching the door and not a flinch.

As it should be. I wonder how many get nervous when they are OCing and walk into an extablishment where LE is already seated? Or conversely, when LE walks into where you are seated?

The only thing I do if I see LE is move my recorder from pocket to hand or table so that it's more handy (and I make sure it's in a pocket on the weak side).

[JBURGII]

I haven't had any LEO get close enough to really notice while I have been OCing in say a diner or anything yet.. just the local PD here in Junction City who already know I carry. I don't behave in any different manner or plan to change my ways if and when they do notice, I am not doing anything wrong and figure a confident and normal presentation will go farther towards reducing suspicion and reactivity than getting nervous and jittery.

Now that I have been OCing for over a year now constantly I am pretty comfortable with it and carry myself pretty normal. It took a while as that weight is very different when you first start out.

I try to keep my recorder as handy as possible anyway.. but if the need be, my cell phone has a one button activated record function and I keep it easy to reach as well.. redundancy can pay off..

I have been in countless establishments lately.. I have listed some in other threads recently.. Winco, some pawn shops, Shari's, Fred Meyers, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell, feed stores, pet stores and the list goes on.. no negative comments or reactions from anybody.. Im starting to think Im invisible.. :shock:

Rev. Jim

[We-the-People]

JBURGII wrote:

I try to keep my recorder as handy as possible anyway.. but if the need be, my cell phone has a one button activated record function and I keep it easy to reach as well.. redundancy can pay off..

I have been in countless establishments lately.. I have listed some in other threads recently.. Winco, some pawn shops, Shari's, Fred Meyers, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell, feed stores, pet stores and the list goes on.. no negative comments or reactions from anybody.. Im starting to think Im invisible.. :shock:

Rev. Jim

Might be prudent to activate both recorders as a "bad encounter" could see the "regular" recorder confiscated while the cell phone isn't noticed to be recording. I don't think there are THAT many bad encounters out there but it it's YOU that has one, it's best to be over prepared. I plan to carry two recorders when in Portland with that in mind.

As for being invisible, I was beginning to think I was as well....until I bought a shiny Judge with a Serpa holster that stood out more. And now with the 5.7 FN (full size) in a Serpa it's more noticeable as well. I think it's that the Serpa (and similar) holsters leave more of the firearm exposed as opposed to holsters that cover up everything but the grip with holster and thumb strap.

[gogodawgs]

JBURGII wrote:

Im starting to think Im invisible.. :shock:

Rev. Jim

Hey Oregon,

I also seem to think I am invisible here in Washington. However, it has re-awakend my opinion that most people are clueless to what is going on around them. I can walk through Freddy's for an hour and have no one out of 100 people even cast a glance. I do dress fairly conservatively and have a black Sig 229 with a black Galco holster, so it blends in, but still....

p.s. I travel to Oregon on occasion...