Aaron1124
Regular Member
imported post
Posted this the other day on the Washington forum, but just thought I'd repost on this sub forum.
Stopped by Fred Meyer with my wife at about 7:00 - 7:30 this evening to pick up some milk. Not a word from anybody, as usual. At least not yet. I paid for my milk, and went to leave, but as I was making my way toward the exit door (near the electronics section), I was stopped by a group of four Scotsmen, armed and OCing swords. They were all in kilts, too. One of the bunch approached me and acknowledged my firearm. He said "Nice Ruger, buddy" (In a fairly thick accent). I told him "Thanks!", while at the same time, being impressed that he was able to determine that it was a Ruger at the distance he was at. I also acknowledged his sword (well, dirk), as I'm an ancient weapons collector myself. The one who initiated conversation with me was carrying a dirk, in a sheath placed on his belt, where as the other three had what appeared to be broadswords, sheathed over their shoulder.
We casually talked for about 5 minutes. He introduced himself and his "brothers" to me (not sure if they were his literal brothers, or good friends), and we chatted about firearms, swords, and weaponry in general. He asked me if I've ever gotten any grief from anyone while carrying out in public, and I told him only a couple of times, and that I actually just started openly carrying after a couple years of concealing. I told him that I felt it not only helped from a self defense stand point, but as a way to help non firearm owners to get accustomed to the idea and sight of open carry. They all agreed with me, and said that they actually get quite a bit of questioning (although more so from an inquisitive perspective rather than giving them grief).
All in all, a very cool experience. I'm actually surprised we weren't approached by an employee, trying to figure out what we were up to. Not even sure if we were noticed, albeit being in front of the electronics department.
Posted this the other day on the Washington forum, but just thought I'd repost on this sub forum.
Stopped by Fred Meyer with my wife at about 7:00 - 7:30 this evening to pick up some milk. Not a word from anybody, as usual. At least not yet. I paid for my milk, and went to leave, but as I was making my way toward the exit door (near the electronics section), I was stopped by a group of four Scotsmen, armed and OCing swords. They were all in kilts, too. One of the bunch approached me and acknowledged my firearm. He said "Nice Ruger, buddy" (In a fairly thick accent). I told him "Thanks!", while at the same time, being impressed that he was able to determine that it was a Ruger at the distance he was at. I also acknowledged his sword (well, dirk), as I'm an ancient weapons collector myself. The one who initiated conversation with me was carrying a dirk, in a sheath placed on his belt, where as the other three had what appeared to be broadswords, sheathed over their shoulder.
We casually talked for about 5 minutes. He introduced himself and his "brothers" to me (not sure if they were his literal brothers, or good friends), and we chatted about firearms, swords, and weaponry in general. He asked me if I've ever gotten any grief from anyone while carrying out in public, and I told him only a couple of times, and that I actually just started openly carrying after a couple years of concealing. I told him that I felt it not only helped from a self defense stand point, but as a way to help non firearm owners to get accustomed to the idea and sight of open carry. They all agreed with me, and said that they actually get quite a bit of questioning (although more so from an inquisitive perspective rather than giving them grief).
All in all, a very cool experience. I'm actually surprised we weren't approached by an employee, trying to figure out what we were up to. Not even sure if we were noticed, albeit being in front of the electronics department.
