First time open carry in Vancouver

Well, I finally bought my open carry holster for my Ruger SP101. I have been frequenting this board just to see other peoples' experiences with open carry, but I haven't had the guts to do it myself. I am always afraid someone will scream "LOOK OUT! HE'S GOT A GUN!" After reading through the forums, I have noticed a lot of people having no issue at all when open carrying. So I finally decided to OC today. I went to Chevron right next to Apple Bee's on 99th St. and it was so packed I had to wait in a line for gas. I got out and I don't think anyone even noticed. Then I went to Baja Fresh for some lunch on 78th st and hwy 99. Two little old ladies were right at the door as I walked in. Once I got up to the front counter, clearly the lady noticed because her voice got really quiet after I saw her eyes look toward my waist. I just smiled after signing my receipt and waited for my food. I got my food and left with no hassle at all. Not a HUGE experience, but I think it's all I can handle for now!! I will work my way toward bringing into Fredy's or other large places. All in all, a great first time!

Joe~

You got the first one out of the way!!
In no time you'll be comfortable going most places.

Just be yourself and usually you won't see any problems.

Right on, I also lost my virginity over the weekend. I was really nervous about it. Felt like everyone was watching me. Went to the gas station and the Red Box Rental. No issues at all.

Here's my issue, when I CC, I feel like I can do most anything. I look at people, watching hands and trying to predict what they're up to, if anything. I feel like if I'm OC, I can't behave like that. If I'm constantly looking around scoping people out and I have a gun strapped to my side, then I become the suspicious looking one.

A) No one will notice. 99.99% of people do not exercise Situational Awareness
B) Do it anyway, heighten your SA

Just4protection said:

Right on, I also lost my virginity over the weekend. I was really nervous about it. Felt like everyone was watching me. Went to the gas station and the Red Box Rental. No issues at all.

Here's my issue, when I CC, I feel like I can do most anything. I look at people, watching hands and trying to predict what they're up to, if anything. I feel like if I'm OC, I can't behave like that. If I'm constantly looking around scoping people out and I have a gun strapped to my side, then I become the suspicious looking one.

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lol

Yeah... I remember the first time I CCed. I thought EVERYONE knew I was hiding something. Eventually, I would wear it awkwardly to see if anyone noticed. It was only after I brought up to my friends that I had a gun did they notice. My wife even "groped" me the first time I wore CC because she knew I got the CWP, and she said, "Oh, are you not wearing it today?" Except that I was wearing it. After open carrying, it feels like all eyes are on me, and if I look nervous toward someone I might "warrant alarm." I just have to start small and get comfortable and it will be as normal as CC. I really don't think people notice. And in the slight chance they do notice, they probably think "officer" before they think "citizen with a gun" or even "OH MY GOSH HES GOT A GUN!"

Joe~

joejoejoe,

Glad to hear you got out and saw the world through OC eyes. Its funny my name is Joe and i had almost the same experience the first time i OCed. the thing about it is if you don't pay any mind to your side arm most other people wont either. people i mean sheeple don't generally notice anything below eye level. so as long as you just act like your self and be respectful most people wont even notice. Happy carrying.

I live in Vancouver as well I'm 26 seeing that we have the same name and both carry side arms maybe we could go shooting some time.