imported post
I've opened carried a few times now in Havelock, Morehead City, and New Bern. The general reaction has always been inquisitive stares and whispering amongst themselves, but no one has seemed scared or concerned. While walking through Target, an employee came around the corner, saw my handgun, and blurted out "Whoa! Where'd ya get a permit to do THAT!?" I smiled and told him one wasn't required as long as it was in plain view, guns weren't prohibited in the area, and the person was carrying responsibly (he was young, so I figured I'd toss that in there lol).
The mall in new bern was an interesting topic. I didn't end up carrying there, because on the front main doors, the words "No Weapons" were displayed, however it had been almost completely removed by vandals. On any of the other entrances, however, like the ones going into JC Penny (which connected to the main mall), there were no signs what-so-ever. I ran into the mall security guy while I was there, and he said that guns were definately not allowed, but didn't seem bright enough to discuss the legalities of posted signs so I didn't bother.
When I get my CC permit, I will definately be carrying there simply because it is not posted on every entrance. It seems though that, over all, eastern NC isn't reacting too bad to open carry.