spunkyferret
New member
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2010
- Messages
- 1
As a newbie to all this, I find myself confused about the regulations. First, apparently open carry is legal in MA, in public places. Are public places defined as places that have public access -- restaurants, hospitals, and so on? Or, only government places -- schools, libraries, parks, town halls, courts, and so on. If the latter is true, I am very concerned indeed. The idea that we are essentially encouraged to open carry in the government places just seems strange to me. And, also, how to explain the metal detectors in courts, and all that?
I guess my real concern is that I will be somehow "in trouble", and maybe deep legal trouble, when all I want is to wear my gun in plain sight, which is certainly -- and now confirmed by the courts -- my right. I do have a concealed carry permit for it. The original purpose for getting the gun was for self-defense. I'm getting older now, and the reflexes and sight and all are not so great any more, so I need to keep anyone wishing to harm me at a distance, and the open carry system seems to be just the ticket. If I were attacked, I don't think I could get at a concealed gun in time to defend myself. It needs to be where I can get it right away.
But, I don't want to spend what is left of my life in jail, especially here in the Birthplace of Liberty. I am not ashamed of the gun, and see no reason to hide it. In fact, I wish all the folks who are ashamed of their weapons had the ...courage to carry it in the open. But that's another issue.
What are everyone's thoughts on my wish to open carry in MA? Is this just a crazy idea that I will somehow pay for if I give it a try? Like I say, I am getting on, and maybe that will make me less threatening than a young buck trying to be a tough guy.
spunkyferret
I guess my real concern is that I will be somehow "in trouble", and maybe deep legal trouble, when all I want is to wear my gun in plain sight, which is certainly -- and now confirmed by the courts -- my right. I do have a concealed carry permit for it. The original purpose for getting the gun was for self-defense. I'm getting older now, and the reflexes and sight and all are not so great any more, so I need to keep anyone wishing to harm me at a distance, and the open carry system seems to be just the ticket. If I were attacked, I don't think I could get at a concealed gun in time to defend myself. It needs to be where I can get it right away.
But, I don't want to spend what is left of my life in jail, especially here in the Birthplace of Liberty. I am not ashamed of the gun, and see no reason to hide it. In fact, I wish all the folks who are ashamed of their weapons had the ...courage to carry it in the open. But that's another issue.
What are everyone's thoughts on my wish to open carry in MA? Is this just a crazy idea that I will somehow pay for if I give it a try? Like I say, I am getting on, and maybe that will make me less threatening than a young buck trying to be a tough guy.
spunkyferret