I am worried about OC, should I do it?

Finally I found a holster that I will use for my gun.

However, now that it is becoming a reality to Open carry I am getting really nervous about doing it. My CCW instrutor told me what happens to Open carriers, the cops will all come at you at gun point and you know the rest.

I have fears of stores kicking me out etc. and being embarrassed while the manager is yelling at me.

I also read about customers yelling at Open carriers in the store.

I really want to do it, I moved to vegas temporary and really want the experience before I move to my gun banning state in the north east. My CCW application is a month away also.

SO how bad will it be when I open carry? I am 30 years old, and will be wearing jeans etc. I will not look like law enforcement or a bounty hunter. I live in North las vegas between boulder highway and Nellis. and will shop around stores there. Lots of mexicans where I live.

I don't go to many places around here, I shop mostly at walmart neighborhood store for food, also get fruit & vegtibles at an "el super" supermarket because walmart selection sucks. This is bascially a mexican supermarket and they all look at me wierd because I am usually the only white guy in the store. Would you guys open carry in a mexican supermarket?
I take the occasinal stop at a fast food restaurant.

What are my odds for confrontation? I will not open carry in places that are known to give you trouble like casinos, DMV, etc.

I'm not in Nevada so, I don't know how it is there. However, I OC 100% of the time and have had civilians and police stop me several times. I'd recommend finding someone to "adopt" you on your first OCing experience. It helps a lot to have someone who's done it and is comfortable with it to be there with you, answer questions, etc.

If that's not possible then, go to a place that you frequent a lot and know the employees and are on friendly terms with them. In my case, I hang out at diners a lot, it's my quiet time. So, I knew the employees very well and they all knew me. Once I got my permit and started carrying, I went there, hung out for a couple hours, talked with all the employees. It wasn't a big deal to them, they asked a few questions. Me? I was pumped and wanted to brag and talk guns the whole time lol.

I've had officers approach me and were very friendly and accommodating. I've also had officers scream and freak out on me. I hope you are aware of your rights if you are stopped by an officer. You have the choice to talk up a storm with them or you can refuse to answer any questions (Outside of things that are mandatory. Here, if you're being detained, you have to identify).

ThatOneChick said:

I'm not in Nevada so, I don't know how it is there. However, I OC 100% of the time and have had civilians and police stop me several times. I'd recommend finding someone to "adopt" you on your first OCing experience. It helps a lot to have someone who's done it and is comfortable with it to be there with you, answer questions, etc.

If that's not possible then, go to a place that you frequent a lot and know the employees and are on friendly terms with them. In my case, I hang out at diners a lot, it's my quiet time. So, I knew the employees very well and they all knew me. Once I got my permit and started carrying, I went there, hung out for a couple hours, talked with all the employees. It wasn't a big deal to them, they asked a few questions. Me? I was pumped and wanted to brag and talk guns the whole time lol.

I've had officers approach me and were very friendly and accommodating. I've also had officers scream and freak out on me. I hope you are aware of your rights if you are stopped by an officer. You have the choice to talk up a storm with them or you can refuse to answer any questions (Outside of things that are mandatory. Here, if you're being detained, you have to identify).

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Actually, I think you only have to VERBALLY IDENTIFY IF it is a LAWFUL detention. I recognize the problems you and I or anyone else would have in determining at the time of occurrence if what was happening was truly "LAWFUL"!

JoeSparky said:

Actually, I think you only have to VERBALLY IDENTIFY IF it is a LAWFUL detention. I recognize the problems you and I or anyone else would have in determining at the time of occurrence if what was happening was truly "LAWFUL"!

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Well, verbally or DL or whatever, if I'm being detained, I have to identify. Whether it's a lawful detention or not, I can fight that in court. At the time of such a theoretic incident, I'm not going to fight against an officer and be shot/tazed/beaten/whatever. Always, always, always comply with police so if they're in the wrong, you can survive to take them to court.

What ccw instructor told you this? I am serious I would like a name because that person needs to be corrected.

Las Vegas shooter said:

Finally I found a holster that I will use for my gun.

However, now that it is becoming a reality to Open carry I am getting really nervous about doing it. My CCW instrutor told me what happens to Open carriers, the cops will all come at you at gun point and you know the rest.

I have fears of stores kicking me out etc. and being embarrassed while the manager is yelling at me.

I also read about customers yelling at Open carriers in the store.

I really want to do it, I moved to vegas temporary and really want the experience before I move to my gun banning state in the north east. My CCW application is a month away also.

SO how bad will it be when I open carry? I am 30 years old, and will be wearing jeans etc. I will not look like law enforcement or a bounty hunter. I live in North las vegas between boulder highway and Nellis. and will shop around stores there. Lots of mexicans where I live.

I don't go to many places around here, I shop mostly at walmart neighborhood store for food, also get fruit & vegtibles at an "el super" supermarket because walmart selection sucks. This is bascially a mexican supermarket and they all look at me wierd because I am usually the only white guy in the store. Would you guys open carry in a mexican supermarket?
I take the occasinal stop at a fast food restaurant.

What are my odds for confrontation? I will not open carry in places that are known to give you trouble like casinos, DMV, etc.

Click to expand...

Truthfully your odds of conffontation are pretty low as long as you simply go about your business with a confident air. Notice I did not say Cocky attitude.

The chance of being confronted by a cop, unless there is some reason other than the gun, is very low.

I shop in a local Mex grocery all the time. Never a word or sideways glance.

I don't think you will have any problem at the DMV now either. In fact, you might even get expedited service (don't count on it).

Make sure you know your rights and what is and is not required of you.

It still is a good idea to carry a small recorder with you. I think that is a good idea these days even if you are not packin'.

TBG

Las Vegas shooter said:

Finally I found a holster that I will use for my gun.

However, now that it is becoming a reality to Open carry I am getting really nervous about doing it. My CCW instrutor told me what happens to Open carriers, the cops will all come at you at gun point and you know the rest.

I have fears of stores kicking me out etc. and being embarrassed while the manager is yelling at me.

I also read about customers yelling at Open carriers in the store.

I really want to do it, I moved to vegas temporary and really want the experience before I move to my gun banning state in the north east. My CCW application is a month away also.

SO how bad will it be when I open carry? I am 30 years old, and will be wearing jeans etc. I will not look like law enforcement or a bounty hunter. I live in North las vegas between boulder highway and Nellis. and will shop around stores there. Lots of mexicans where I live.


I don't go to many places around here, I shop mostly at walmart neighborhood store for food, also get fruit & vegtibles at an "el super" supermarket because walmart selection sucks. This is bascially a mexican supermarket and they all look at me wierd because I am usually the only white guy in the store. Would you guys open carry in a mexican supermarket?
I take the occasinal stop at a fast food restaurant.

What are my odds for confrontation? I will not open carry in places that are known to give you trouble like casinos, DMV, etc.

Click to expand...

Read the postings on where did you OC and how did it go. I carry 99% of the time all over Las Vegas, some in AZ and Utah, Lake Mead, The strip, and Fremont. Law enforcement confrontation is unlikely. It has been 2 years for me and has not happened to me as of yet however do to reading a boatload of Info from knowledgeable OCers on this web site, I believe I will be able to handle it and go home without much of an issue.
Meet up with some of us a PTs 6:00 pm this evening for dinner, look at the Dinner at PTs posting for info

28kfps said:

Read the posting on where did you OC and how did it go. I carry 99% of the time all over Las Vegas, some in AZ and Utah, Lake Mead, The strip, and Fremont. Law enforcement confrontation is unlikely. It has been 2 years for me and has not happened to me as of yet however do to reading a boatload of Info from knowledgeable OCers on this web site, I believe I will be able to handle it and go home without much of an issue.
Meet up with some of us a PTs 6:00 pm this evening for dinner, look at the Dinner at PTs posting for info

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http://forums.opencarry.org/forums/showthread.php?99526-Dinner-at-PT-s

Las Vegas shooter said:

... My CCW instrutor told me what happens to Open carriers, the cops will all come at you at gun point and you know the rest.....

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Well, you guys can rest easy that it wasn't me!

Las Vegas shooter said:

... I live in North las vegas between boulder highway and Nellis....

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I don't think you live in North Las Vegas. What you describe sounds more like unincorporated Clark County, but possible the city of Las Vegas, depending on exactly where.

MAC702 said:

I don't think you live in North Las Vegas. What you describe sounds more like unincorporated Clark County, but possible the city of Las Vegas, depending on exactly where.

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Your right, I think I am in sunrise manor. The southern part of it.

Las Vegas shooter said:

My CCW instrutor told me what happens to Open carriers, the cops will all come at you at gun point and you know the rest.

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You went to The Gun Store, didn't you . . ?

Go ahead and carry. If the weather is nice, carry openly, if not, carry concealed.

Go through the various topics on this forum and you will learn a lot more about it than your idiot instructor knows.

DVC said:

You went to The Gun Store, didn't you . . ?

Go ahead and carry. If the weather is nice, carry openly, if not, carry concealed.

Go through the various topics on this forum and you will learn a lot more about it than your idiot instructor knows.

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Exactly my thoughts. At that course someone asked about the legality of OC, and the instructor was saying you would have your face on hot concrete in the middle of the summer, blah blah blah. "Is open carry legal? No. It's just not illegal." He didn't like me very much when I told the whole class that I had been OC every time I had left the house since I had moved here a year ago, even on the strip and in strip casinos, and had never once been stopped by an officer or asked to leave.

shadowed_stranger said:

Exactly my thoughts. At that course someone asked about the legality of OC, and the instructor was saying you would have your face on hot concrete in the middle of the summer, blah blah blah. "Is open carry legal? No. It's just not illegal." He didn't like me very much when I told the whole class that I had been OC every time I had left the house since I had moved here a year ago, even on the strip and in strip casinos, and had never once been stopped by an officer or asked to leave.

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I guess this really does not need to be answered however, he did in fact tell those in a class open carry is NOT legal? How along ago? How many in the class that may have heard his incorrect answer? Did he correct the statement after you told him of your OC experience?

28kfps said:

I guess this really does not need to be answered however, he did in fact tell those in a class open carry is NOT legal? How along ago? How many in the class that may have heard his incorrect answer? Did he correct the statement after you told him of your OC experience?

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This was a few months ago. I summed it up how I felt best described it, but what happened was, when someone in the class asked if open carry was legal, he asked the class if it was legal. Most said yes. He then said that 'it's not legal OR illegal. There is no law saying you can do it, but there is no law saying you can't.' He has apparently never heard of the 10th amendment. He then went on to say that Arizona has an open carry law, so the 911 dispatchers ignore calls about OC, but here they will have you face down on the concrete at gunpoint in 100+ degree weather while they verify that you are good to go. I then mentioned to the class that I had been open carrying every time I had left the house for the last year, and he gave me a really dirty look and changed the subject.

I have repeatedly emailed and spoke dace to face with bob Irwin the gun store owner about this. He assures me his instructors never do this, yet I have witnessed it myself and people I trust have as well. Bob is on the nvfac board and he continues to let this happen.

How bad will it be? Well, most people won't care about your gun and you can probably just act like normal most of the time.

That said, I feel that the chance of a confrontation by police is significant. I think it is quite unlikely on any given day, but you have to be prepared for it. Being held at gunpoint is also possible.

However, assuming you are following all the laws, any detainment will only be a minor inconvenience and you will probably be on with your life after 5 minutes to an hour of dealing with officers who are ignorant or who simply don't like the idea of anyone other than themselves having guns.

I've been detained a few times but this was over the course of a few years of open carry in just about every place it is legal. Also, I'm several years younger than you, and at the wide end of the state. Also, people often give me funny looks even when I'm not armed. So chances are, you will have better luck than I.

As for the Mexican supermarket, I'd open carry there.

As with any private establishment, there is a chance that the management will tell you they do not allow open carry. Be prepared for that too. But I wouldn't call anyone up and ask them ahead of time. Most places don't have a policy and have never considered the issue. If you call and ask the manager, you are basically pressuring him to create a policy on the spot and he might decide no guns are allowed, whereas the same manager may see you face to face and not think twice about the gun on your side. Most places don't have a problem with open carry, but some places do. Usually in the case where guns are not allowed, someone will approach you and politely tell you not to bring your gun next time, or tell you that you have to secure the firearm if you wish to continue shopping. I've never had a customer yell at me. I've never had a manager yell at me.

I prefer to take my business where they want my money. If a business is telling me I can't bring my firearm, they clearly do not want my money.

I have got a lot of compliments from customers and managers, and general questions about the laws and my reasoning for carrying.

Vegassteve said:

I have repeatedly emailed and spoke dace to face with bob Irwin the gun store owner about this. He assures me his instructors never do this, yet I have witnessed it myself and people I trust have as well. Bob is on the nvfac board and he continues to let this happen.

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Yeah they surely do scare the **** out of you to open carry at the gun store. I planned on open carrying for sure until I took the class. The class scared me after he told me the stores about the cops detaining you etc. Being that the guy was an ex-cop in Las Vegas, I figured he would know ebtter.

After the good scaring I got brave again, so I will try it out as soon as I get my holster.

BTW. if the cops stop me is it best to give them all my information if they ask? I know you don't legally have to, but what do you guys do?

Las Vegas shooter said:

Yeah they surely do scare the **** out of you to open carry at the gun store. I planned on open carrying for sure until I took the class. The class scared me after he told me the stores about the cops detaining you etc. Being that the guy was an ex-cop in Las Vegas, I figured he would know ebtter.

After the good scaring I got brave again, so I will try it out as soon as I get my holster.

BTW. if the cops stop me is it best to give them all my information if they ask? I know you don't legally have to, but what do you guys do?

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My two cents is there are many variables that will dictate what the best action at the time is. Others probably will reply with some basics. I suggest read the sticky where did you carry and how did it go. Also, look though past postings of confrontations. Each one different each one has something to learn from. I have been lucky for the past two years open carrying every I go in Las Vegas and no confrontations however politely asked to leave two different times. No data that I know of however it would appear the younger the OCer is the more likely of a LEO confrontation.

Las Vegas shooter said:

Yeah they surely do scare the **** out of you to open carry at the gun store. I planned on open carrying for sure until I took the class. The class scared me after he told me the stores about the cops detaining you etc. Being that the guy was an ex-cop in Las Vegas, I figured he would know ebtter.

After the good scaring I got brave again, so I will try it out as soon as I get my holster.

BTW. if the cops stop me is it best to give them all my information if they ask? I know you don't legally have to, but what do you guys do?

Click to expand...

That should have told a different story than what you feel you heard.

The story appears to be, he is teaching an agenda.