NCSmokeEater
New member
Hey guys and gals! I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I myself have just started OC'ing and my experience today was far from what I was hoping. Just thought I would share and get some input from you.
For a bit of background, my name is John and I am currently a full time (6 1/2 days a week) computer technician and network administrator. I reside in the small town of Dunn, NC which is about 45 minutes south of Raleigh. Before this, I was a volunteer firefighter and Paramedic in my area. My father is a retired Sheriff's Deputy (for about 20 years) and local small town LEO. Like my father, I also served two tours in the armed forces. With these factors, I am familiar with the laws governing firearms in the US and also the theories and tactics used in combat/tactical shooting.
With that being said, I figured I'd give OC a go. I own a number of firearms for target shooting and home defense but the only pistol I own is a Glock 21. As most of you know, the 21 is no small firearm so having it on your side is fairly obvious.
I took the time to get situated before my first time out. I've heard that the less you look like a thug, the less likely you'll be treated like one. I had a fresh haircut (still high and tight, oorah!) and clean shaven. As usual I wore a navy blue t-shirt, khaki cargo pants and black Bate's Tactical boots. This is my attire nearly 7 days a week so it works great. I went ahead and stuck my wallet and phone in my left cargo pocket and kept my keys, as usual, on a carabiner on my left hip. This way, if I have to reach for *anything*, I won't be reaching near my sidearm. Usually my phone is where my holster is at and my wallet is in my back right pocket... so I moved them just to be on the safe side.
I leave the house, butterflies subside and I reach Food Lion. I already know I need toilet paper, a light bulb for my porch light and some 2 liter drinks so I quickly find everything I came for and proceed to checkout. No looks from anyone, no gasps, no running for the hills. I started to feel a bit at ease and by the time it was my turn to get rang up I had almost forgot that I was carrying.
After making it to the cashier, I tell her I need a pack of Camels as well and that's it. I had to show her where to look for them but I didn't mind one bit. She comes back over and asks for my ID so I hand it over to her. Almost immediately, she glanced down at my side and handed my card back over.
"Why the in the HELL do you have a gun?!?"
At this point, I have at least 6 people turning to stare at me.
"It's perfectly legal in the state of NC, as well as most other states for a person to openly carry a firearm." I said.
"That CAN'T be legal!"
"Ma'am, rest assured, it is legal. I have it for personal protection, that's all."
"You're scaring the hell out me. Have a good day."
So I stood there dumbfounded for a moment and realized that she hadn't even taken my cash yet. That could only mean one thing and that was that I needed to leave.
I made the walk of shame (if you can call it that) and realized I still needed the toilet paper and all that jazz, so I made a trip to Kroger, secured everything in my truck and got what I needed.
So to make a rather long story short, I'm not sure if I should even bother OC'ing again. I'd get my CCP but I have a relentless work schedule and simply can't find the time to do it.
Are reactions like that commonplace in today's world or did I just have an off day? Any input is appreciated.
I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!
For a bit of background, my name is John and I am currently a full time (6 1/2 days a week) computer technician and network administrator. I reside in the small town of Dunn, NC which is about 45 minutes south of Raleigh. Before this, I was a volunteer firefighter and Paramedic in my area. My father is a retired Sheriff's Deputy (for about 20 years) and local small town LEO. Like my father, I also served two tours in the armed forces. With these factors, I am familiar with the laws governing firearms in the US and also the theories and tactics used in combat/tactical shooting.
With that being said, I figured I'd give OC a go. I own a number of firearms for target shooting and home defense but the only pistol I own is a Glock 21. As most of you know, the 21 is no small firearm so having it on your side is fairly obvious.
I took the time to get situated before my first time out. I've heard that the less you look like a thug, the less likely you'll be treated like one. I had a fresh haircut (still high and tight, oorah!) and clean shaven. As usual I wore a navy blue t-shirt, khaki cargo pants and black Bate's Tactical boots. This is my attire nearly 7 days a week so it works great. I went ahead and stuck my wallet and phone in my left cargo pocket and kept my keys, as usual, on a carabiner on my left hip. This way, if I have to reach for *anything*, I won't be reaching near my sidearm. Usually my phone is where my holster is at and my wallet is in my back right pocket... so I moved them just to be on the safe side.
I leave the house, butterflies subside and I reach Food Lion. I already know I need toilet paper, a light bulb for my porch light and some 2 liter drinks so I quickly find everything I came for and proceed to checkout. No looks from anyone, no gasps, no running for the hills. I started to feel a bit at ease and by the time it was my turn to get rang up I had almost forgot that I was carrying.
After making it to the cashier, I tell her I need a pack of Camels as well and that's it. I had to show her where to look for them but I didn't mind one bit. She comes back over and asks for my ID so I hand it over to her. Almost immediately, she glanced down at my side and handed my card back over.
"Why the in the HELL do you have a gun?!?"
At this point, I have at least 6 people turning to stare at me.
"It's perfectly legal in the state of NC, as well as most other states for a person to openly carry a firearm." I said.
"That CAN'T be legal!"
"Ma'am, rest assured, it is legal. I have it for personal protection, that's all."
"You're scaring the hell out me. Have a good day."
So I stood there dumbfounded for a moment and realized that she hadn't even taken my cash yet. That could only mean one thing and that was that I needed to leave.
I made the walk of shame (if you can call it that) and realized I still needed the toilet paper and all that jazz, so I made a trip to Kroger, secured everything in my truck and got what I needed.
So to make a rather long story short, I'm not sure if I should even bother OC'ing again. I'd get my CCP but I have a relentless work schedule and simply can't find the time to do it.
Are reactions like that commonplace in today's world or did I just have an off day? Any input is appreciated.
I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!
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