How much alcohol is too much when you open carry?

MSG Laigaie · Aug 17, 2011

http://www.military.com/news/articl...arine-vets-shooting-death.html?ESRC=army-a.nl
Cop Gets 15 Years in Marine Vet's Shooting Death

It just so happens this shooter was a LEO. How much alcohol is too much??

G20-IWB24/7 · Aug 17, 2011

I'll get flamed for this, but I think "any" is the correct answer in my opinion. (Of course, I'm one of those people who simply don't drink, so I'm not giving up anything by following my own opinion.) Alcohol is a depressant and slows the processes of the brain and body. Given a defensive situation----which can happen at a moment's notice, or even just simple retention and situational awareness while OCing, why would someone purposely and voluntarily SLOW their body's physiological ability to act? Even "just a little bit." (Let the flames begin.)

massivedesign · Aug 17, 2011

G20-IWB24/7 said:
I'll get flamed for this, but I think "any" is the correct answer in my opinion. (Of course, I'm one of those people who simply don't drink, so I'm not giving up anything by following my own opinion.) Alcohol is a depressant and slows the processes of the brain and body. Given a defensive situation----which can happen at a moment's notice, or even just simple retention and situational awareness while OCing, why would someone purposely and voluntarily SLOW their body's physiological ability to act? Even "just a little bit." (Let the flames begin.)

Sorry, outta Flame because I give it a big +1!

thebigsd · Aug 17, 2011

I'd also have to agree. Yes, some people hold their alcohol well and function unimpaired, but why take the chance?

skyisfalling · Aug 17, 2011

Carrying a side arm is alot like driving a car.
Lots of rules and regulations.
Liability and responsibility.
And a learning curve.

ghosthunter · Aug 17, 2011

G20-IWB24/7 said:
I'll get flamed for this, but I think "any" is the correct answer in my opinion. (Of course, I'm one of those people who simply don't drink, so I'm not giving up anything by following my own opinion.) Alcohol is a depressant and slows the processes of the brain and body. Given a defensive situation----which can happen at a moment's notice, or even just simple retention and situational awareness while OCing, why would someone purposely and voluntarily SLOW their body's physiological ability to act? Even "just a little bit." (Let the flames begin.)

Excellent!!!!!

BigDave · Aug 17, 2011

I mostly agree with you G20-IWB24/7 but I know once in a while I will have 1 beer with lunch or dinner which is seldom but no more for me.

I am as well waiting for the flames

gogodawgs · Aug 17, 2011

Responsibility

I have no problem with someone who has a single drink with their food while carrying. I am not going to limit an unalienable right because someone enjoys an alcoholic beverage. My personal limit for driving after having a drink is one per hour with a maximum of 4 drinks in that 4 hour period. At my weight there is no effect (0.013). CALCULATOR.

When I open carry I do not drink at all. I realize that I am an ambassador to Open Carry and that I must be on my best behavior.

TechnoWeenie · Aug 17, 2011

Morally. 0.

I don't want any impairment, however slight or imperceptible.

Px4er · Aug 17, 2011

I would have to say after a couple 40's, you might have to reconsider carrying your weapon.

amzbrady · Aug 17, 2011

G20-IWB24/7 said:
I'll get flamed for this, but I think "any" is the correct answer in my opinion. (Of course, I'm one of those people who simply don't drink, so I'm not giving up anything by following my own opinion.) Alcohol is a depressant and slows the processes of the brain and body. Given a defensive situation----which can happen at a moment's notice, or even just simple retention and situational awareness while OCing, why would someone purposely and voluntarily SLOW their body's physiological ability to act? Even "just a little bit." (Let the flames begin.)

massivedesign said:
Sorry, outta Flame because I give it a big +1!

thebigsd said:
I'd also have to agree. Yes, some people hold their alcohol well and function unimpaired, but why take the chance?

ghosthunter said:
Excellent!!!!!

TechnoWeenie said:
Morally. 0.

I don't want any impairment, however slight or imperceptible.

Me too, my firearm gets locked up in the safe before I have a drink.

ARADCOM · Aug 17, 2011

100 Bottles of beer on the wall!

gogodawgs said:
I have no problem with someone who has a single drink with their food while carrying. I am not going to limit an unalienable right because someone enjoys an alcoholic beverage. My personal limit for driving after having a drink is one per hour with a maximum of 4 drinks in that 4 hour period. At my weight there is no effect (0.013). CALCULATOR.

When I open carry I do not drink at all. I realize that I am an ambassador to Open Carry and that I must be on my best behavior.

I open carry as part of my NORMAL life. And when I go out to eat I normally have a beer (one) or a glass of wine with my meal. If I was in a situation where I knew I was going to be having a couple of drinks (unusual for me) I wouldn't carry at all.

Although I suppose I, like all who OC, am an 'ambassador', I prefer to think of myself as a average citizen just living his life.

G20-IWB24/7 · Aug 17, 2011

gogodawgs said:
I have no problem with someone who has a single drink with their food while carrying. I am not going to limit an unalienable right because someone enjoys an alcoholic beverage. My personal limit for driving after having a drink is one per hour with a maximum of 4 drinks in that 4 hour period. At my weight there is no effect (0.013). CALCULATOR.

When I open carry I do not drink at all. I realize that I am an ambassador to Open Carry and that I must be on my best behavior.

I don't think anyone here would support legislation to deny someone the right to carry 'even during/immediately following any alcoholic beverage(s),' but since we are having the discussion, my experience tells me that their is more than just weight and age that can affect BAC level. Underlying (known or unknown) medical conditions, prescription or OTC medications being taken, and a slew of other factors will combine to determine the level of impairment. Also, keep in mind that impairment is a subjective term, though BAC is an objective statistic. Some people who have a .01 will already be losing fine tactile motor skills and be experiencing mental impairment, while others who may have a .10 have no loss of "function."

I do like what Nick brings up about being ambassadors to the OC cause, and I think this is just as important a point that should be considered with this subject while we interact with the public.

.45ACPaddy · Aug 18, 2011

I keep my drinking (of any amount) at home, or at a very close friend's house where I will remain for a while. NEVER while out in public and carrying, whether open or concealed. On the very rare occurrence that I'm going to the bar with friends, I leave it at home.

Jayd1981 · Aug 18, 2011

My personal choice, I would have A beer with food while OC'ing but no more than that. I agree you should not be impared while carrying. With that said, I would not vote to penalize drinking while carrying. I would prefer to see it handled much like driving, only illegal once you are intoxicated.

sudden valley gunner · Aug 18, 2011

ARADCOM said:
I open carry as part of my NORMAL life. And when I go out to eat I normally have a beer (one) or a glass of wine with my meal. If I was in a situation where I knew I was going to be having a couple of drinks (unusual for me) I wouldn't carry at all.

Although I suppose I, like all who OC, am an 'ambassador', I prefer to think of myself as a average citizen just living his life.

I agree +1.

If we have a meet or lunch I'll have a beer with my meal. It is part of "normalizing" OC.

amlevin · Aug 18, 2011

A drink or so might not be a problem for most. I believe the issue will raise itself if someone carrying a firearm, concealed or open, becomes involved in an incident where the firearm is used. While small amounts of alcohol having been consumed may not bring prosecution, it's fairly safe to suggest it could bring Civil Action by the other party or his heirs.

Why take the chance? I enjoy my occasional drink just like many others. I just choose not to mix it with driving or carrying a firearm in public.

MSG Laigaie · Aug 18, 2011

ARADCOM said:
I open carry as part of my NORMAL life. ...........Although I suppose I, like all who OC,I am an 'ambassador', I prefer to think of myself as a average citizen just living his life.

Yes we are all ambassadors, but most of all I want to appear " as an average citizen just living his life."

Bill Starks · Aug 18, 2011

When I open carry I do not drink at all. I realize that I am an ambassador to Open Carry and that I must be on my best behavior.

Same here... IF I have a drink, it's only when I CC and it's never more than one.

TechnoWeenie · Aug 18, 2011

NavyLCDR said:
We carry for self-defense, right? So, if we carry for self-defense, and we say that we don't drink while carrying because it reduces our situational awareness and slows down our body's physiological ability to act, then I must ask, what difference does carrying the firearm or not make? Don't those factors affect our self-defense ability regardless of if we have a firearm or not? So, if we are going to state that as a reason to lock up our guns when we are going to have A drink, then wouldn't the same reasoning apply to not having A drink anywhere?

I don't go to bars at all.

I don't drink in public.

I drink @ home. Problem solved.

How much alcohol is too much when you open carry?

Campaign Veteran

Regular Member

Regular Member

Founder's Club Member

Regular Member

Regular Member

Opt-Out Members

Campaign Veteran

Regular Member

Regular Member

Regular Member

Regular Member

Regular Member

Regular Member

Regular Member

Regular Member

Regular Member

Campaign Veteran

State Researcher

Regular Member