Friends/Family AGAINST OC!

*1911_man* · Jul 6, 2010

Sounds insane doesnt it? Well turns out my friends and even my family are anti oc.
The more time goes by, the more I'm beginning to realize this. My own dad told me a few days ago, "only cowards carry a gun". Honestly, i was both shocked, and a bit disgusted. Especially since i was carrying when he said that. My friends also say similar things, and the rest of my family are against me carrying, saying things like "you'll never shoot anyone" and "the only people who carry guns are the people that cant fight for themselves".
Honestly its a little discouraging. In a way it makes me want to just leave my piece at home, or in the car. Me and my girlfriend both oc. We dress clean, behave appropriately, nothing to give the idea that we are doing it to be "punks" or for show. We do it to exercise our 2nd amendment rights, and if the situation ever came up, we would be able to protect ourselves, and have the means to do so.

In saying that, I'm curious to know how everyone's family and friends treat you as an OC'er. Do they support you?
What could you say to anti oc people to get them to understand where you are coming from?

Dahwg · Jul 6, 2010

Honestly it was rough at first. Friends and family have to be eduma-cated just like the rest of the sheeple. Hang in there, eventually they won't even notice, and that's the point after all, isn't it?

GF · Jul 6, 2010

Honestly its a little discouraging. In a way it makes me want to just leave my piece at home, or in the car.

Just yesterday I was in a rush and forgot to bring my firearm and I realized this once I was in my garage getting into my car, but I thought that my girlfriend had hers so I didn't worry about it. Once I found out that she had forgot hers also I felt REALLY uneasy. That was the first time that has happened.

ixtow · Jul 6, 2010

>meso.40< said:
"only cowards carry a gun".

This one just makes no sense at all. There isn't even a form of dis-logic to found it. I would seriously consider Baker Act-ing someone this messed up.

>meso.40< said:
"you'll never shoot anyone"

I think we all hope this is true... Does anyone who owns a gun WANT to shoot somebody? I've never met a gun-owner who did...

>meso.40< said:
"the only people who carry guns are the people that cant fight for themselves"

Uhm, EXACTLY! Ever get into a fistfight with a guy who has a knife or a baseball bat? You LOSE. Fighting is for the small-minded who's ego and hormones are bigger than their brains.

*1911_man* · Jul 6, 2010

Yeah i agree. Doesnt make any sense to me the way people think.

A few days ago i didnt carry my pistol, just because i was in a hurry.
IT was weird not having it, didnt feel natural.

Ive tried to teach them all about oc, but they dont listen.
And statistically cars, cigarettes, and many many more things cause more deaths per year than guns do.

rondummy · Jul 6, 2010

"Only cowards carry guns because they can't fight for themselves"
So then I guess all of our police officers, correctional officers, members of the military, etc. are nothing more than a bunch of cowards for not leaving their guns at home, and instead using harsh language when getting into life threatening situations?
My mother in law isn't necessarily anti-gun, but she has the mentality that people they carry guns all the time are paranoid and ridiculous. She made a comment to me once when we all went out to eat because I was CCing a baby Glock and she knew about it. My response? Next time I OCd my big Glock 21 for all to see.

LMTD · Jul 6, 2010

While it may have discouraged you a little, you need to think about it as nothing more than a personal decision.

There are many good reasons to OC as well as many motivations to do so. Not all of the motivations are positive, but that exist with anything. You need to look internally at your own motivations and move forward with what ever suits you the best.

There is no real surprise to your family being anti-OC, it is very common. Surveys and statistics are often skewed to the desired outcome, however, almost all of them range in the 41-52% of people polled are actually against OC. I think it is pretty safe to say that about 50% are in fact against it. When the polls are done on firearm owners, specifically men the numbers are much more supportive, however there is still about a 30% against it number. If you couple that knowledge with the percentages of persons owning guns and the anti-gun crowd, your going to have about 50% of folks.

What does that mean? It means a lot of folks are nervous about it and have had little to no exposure to it. I also tend to think myself that the issue many have with OC is the reality of their own lack of situational awareness. When they have been standing near by you for several minutes and they finally notice the firearm, it panics them as they suddenly realize how clueless they were and you could in fact have done anything you wanted and they would have been defenseless. That scares the pants off of some folks and as long as they are allowed to remain aloof they are happy.

I am not going to express an opinion on your fathers words, I do not know him and I would be insulting in my choice of words. You nor he can move at 800+ feet per second, and machismo is not a part of carrying a firearm. I have to wonder what kind of a man he thinks he is to have raised a coward (I BTW in no way think such a thing about you), he must have some real self esteem issues.

I think the most important thing for you to focus on is simply that it is your choice, one with a huge responsibility tied to it and some folks can not handle such responsibilities and instead of just admitting as much, they hide behind the criticisms of those whom do step up and take responsibility for themselves. I mean that really s what the cry of the anti-gun crowd is, we do not want to be responsible for our own security, that is what cops are for, you hear it all the time.

Congrats on taking the step forward and being responsible for yourself and family, it is not a popularity contest, its a lot of work. If they never grow to understand, it is not your fault and if you alter your methods for carry and go concealed, you will not be any less of a man or responsible citizen, you may just grow weary of the BS they spout and it is easier to avoid it.

*1911_man* · Jul 6, 2010

well of course, when someone has a gun or a bomb or something, you are supposed to tackle them, or talk your way out of it. It just makes sense.

*1911_man* · Jul 6, 2010

LMTD said:
While it may have discouraged you a little, you need to think about it as nothing more than a personal decision.

There are many good reasons to OC as well as many motivations to do so. Not all of the motivations are positive, but that exist with anything. You need to look internally at your own motivations and move forward with what ever suits you the best.

There is no real surprise to your family being anti-OC, it is very common. Surveys and statistics are often skewed to the desired outcome, however, almost all of them range in the 41-52% of people polled are actually against OC. I think it is pretty safe to say that about 50% are in fact against it. When the polls are done on firearm owners, specifically men the numbers are much more supportive, however there is still about a 30% against it number. If you couple that knowledge with the percentages of persons owning guns and the anti-gun crowd, your going to have about 50% of folks.

What does that mean? It means a lot of folks are nervous about it and have had little to no exposure to it. I also tend to think myself that the issue many have with OC is the reality of their own lack of situational awareness. When they have been standing near by you for several minutes and they finally notice the firearm, it panics them as they suddenly realize how clueless they were and you could in fact have done anything you wanted and they would have been defenseless. That scares the pants off of some folks and as long as they are allowed to remain aloof they are happy.

I am not going to express an opinion on your fathers words, I do not know him and I would be insulting in my choice of words. You nor he can move at 800+ feet per second, and machismo is not a part of carrying a firearm. I have to wonder what kind of a man he thinks he is to have raised a coward (I BTW in no way think such a thing about you), he must have some real self esteem issues.

I think the most important thing for you to focus on is simply that it is your choice, one with a huge responsibility tied to it and some folks can not handle such responsibilities and instead of just admitting as much, they hide behind the criticisms of those whom do step up and take responsibility for themselves. I mean that really s what the cry of the anti-gun crowd is, we do not want to be responsible for our own security, that is what cops are for, you hear it all the time.

Congrats on taking the step forward and being responsible for yourself and family, it is not a popularity contest, its a lot of work. If they never grow to understand, it is not your fault and if you alter your methods for carry and go concealed, you will not be any less of a man or responsible citizen, you may just grow weary of the BS they spout and it is easier to avoid it.

Well said, and thank you.
He is one of those guys that thinks people carry guns to intimidate, or scare, or to simply get attention.
I explained to him the benefits of it.
MY favorite saying is, "its better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it". And thats exactly what i tell ever anti carry person. Not one has come up with a decent comeback to that, and that is because it is true.

mFonz77 · Jul 6, 2010

Couldn't agree more (with the responses). A few random points of my own:

-I've just recently developed some knee issues. Bad to the point I can't play basketball anymore without a brace (park basketball, not ever "hardcore" competitive ball). Even if I *were* a martial arts master, I would have no confidence in my ability to kick/run etc, which one reason I carry.

-The whole point of a "grownup fight" should be a) to avoid them if at all possible and if it's GONNA happen, to WIN. I will try to find the link, but there is a good blog of someone who does consulting for Hollywood about knife fighting. Hollywood, as you all know, has their own romanticized version of deadly encounters which usually involve someone shooting the tire out of a car or using a bullet to cut a rope holding up a chandelier, or using a knife to cut someone's achillies heel so he lives but can't attack any more. The consultant, in his post, basically called a HUGE BS on all of this. The purpose of any "real" fight is to WIN. For most of us who carry that means shots to center mass until the threat is stopped. For a knife, made the comment that in a real "knife fight" the combatants do not dance around trying to score strategic hits until one gets too fatigued. No, a real one is a lot quicker and a lot more brutal. I would absolutely beleive that a hand-to-hand fight would be the same. I would imagine that two people aren't going to dance around trying to land Bruce Lee roundhouses; they're going to go for the eyes, "boys," and throat until one literally cannot continue to fight.

So the comment that carrying a gun is only for people who can't fight for themselves is, in this context, simply idiotic (not your dad, just the comment).

jay75009 · Jul 7, 2010

we all get those comments. its pretty simple though. any man can use his hands and feet to defend himself against another man. however very few can fend of 3 or more armed attackers without some help ;-) people who say you shouldnt carry are just affraid of the gun itself and have this horrible notion that anyone who carries is a violent criminal psychopath with the intent to harm people. we can educate, but its an uphill battle . dont drop your resolve, keep carrying and eventually people will see

Statkowski · Jul 7, 2010

If friends and family are against open carry, then inform them they don't have to do it. Tell them you're solely responsible for your own protection, not the police or anyone else, and if you want to open carry, then, by damn, you're going to open carry. End of discussion.

When asked, if asked, why I open carry, I tell people, "Because I can."

jayspapa · Jul 8, 2010

To the OP ,

Google Suzanna Hupp . She lost both parents the same day .

Google Lane Bryant killing in Northern Illinois.

If those 2 stories aren't enough to change minds , then they can't be changed. Let your family members listen to Suzanna's story.

Don't let your family members talk you out of carrying.

*1911_man* · Jul 8, 2010

Thanks for the advice, i googled both, and wow. Makes me wonder why EVERYONE doesnt carry.

My brother in law let his parents talk him out of carrying, so my sister now carries his sig 2022 in her purse. Or if its a small purse occasion its her Desert Eagle Micro Eagle. (personally i hate the gun, but she shoots it EXTREMELY well).
But im not going to stop carrying for ANYONE. I guess if people want to not be able to protect themselves, thats their problem.

Kildars · Jul 9, 2010

I understand where you're coming from. My Father is against me carrying, owning, or anything with firearms. He tells me to leave the firearms at home when I leave (why would I own one if I do not bring it with me?).

Give it time, if they truly love you they will accept you. I think I am the only conservative in my family, and I'm slowly converting them

.

Keep at it.

OC4me · Jul 9, 2010

You are not a coward. A coward would cave into the intense pressure rather than ride it out. Like an earlier poster mentioned. Eventually they will get used to it and not even notice. My advice is to NOT argue, just ignore them. Debating only makes them dig in their heels.

EVENTUALLY, (i.e. sooner or later), you and family/friends can coexist peacefully out together in public while you are carrying and then they will get educated by the many positive & supportive comments (not to mention special treatment) you will undoubtedly receive from total strangers. Just give it time. You really can't go wrong so long as you keep up your good behavior, continue to be well dressed/groomed, and exude confidence.

Good luck!

mFonz77 · Jul 9, 2010

http://www.vcdl.org/new/raging.htm

BerettaFS92Custom · Jul 9, 2010

Excellent!!!!

mFonz77 said:
http://www.vcdl.org/new/raging.htm

excellent information. this is very accurate and great information. It helps to develope and be in tune with other peoples feelings and emotions

The Big Guy · Jul 12, 2010

Coward?

When I first began to open carry it was not an easy decision to make. I wanted the ability to protect my family and myself. I find as I get older and my health deteriorates the option of stand and fight or run are no longer available to me. Still, I was very apprehensive about OC as I was AFFRAID of being open to trouble with the police and people in general. When I was younger I was tall and strong and fast, and as all young people think, I must have been indistructable. With age comes wisdom because looking back, even in those days I was no match for a ball bat or a bullet. Even knowing this I was still AFFRAID to carry. Now I do carry, and I am AFFRAID I might have to some day use my firearm in defense of self or family. If you equate fear with Cowardice then you have to count me as one of the worlds biggest cowards. Years ago I was told by and old salt, 30 years in the navy, WWII, Korea and Viet Nam, a man who owned more medals than I could count, that the true meaning of bravery was being so scared that you thought you would wet yourself and despite that fear, you do what you have to do. He told me that people who were never affraid are not brave, but insane. Carrying a firearm for protection of self, family and community is not cowardice but shows good positive judgement. A determination to be prepared. To not think ahead and prepare are signs of foolishness, not bravery. Don't allow your fathers words to shame you into doing something your guts tell you is right. Feel sorry for him for he is the one who is a coward as he refuses to see what is goin on around him.

TBG

chrsjhnsn · Jul 13, 2010

I have a ton of snarky replies for jerks I don't know

but none for ppl I know/care about. I simply say it's my right just like it's your right not to carry.

I once asked them why wear a seatbelt, are they expecting to crash? but it went over their heads.

eventually ppl get used to it.

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