Open Carry experience thread.

[Rusty Young Man]

Since last update:
No issues with OC at Trader Joe's, In-N-Out, PetSmart, Home Depot, an emissions testing hub, or Fry's here in Tucson. Passed emissions and can drive for another year.

While visiting Starbucks with my GF (her mother likes a light something-or other) I did have someone ask if I was a police officer. Told him I was simply an armed citizen going about his day, waited for the order, and took the coffee back to my GF's mother.

Testing out a different sidearm and OWB thumb-break holster. Taking some getting used to and the bruising on my side proves I am not yet ready to carry that particular combination.

 

[Wstar425]

No issues with OC since the last update. Sam's Club, several Fry's, two Eegee's, a Sear's, a Best Buy, a Home Depot, two Ace Hardwares and Yogurtland (don't knock it til you try it). I'm sure there's more that I'm forgetting. I forget to remember stuff sometimes.

Most eventful experience was this past Saturday, the 1st of May. Most importantly that day, NOT A SINGLE "April Fools" prank or reference was invoked. Put in some range time with three Brothers of mine that day near Casa Grande to try out a 10" steel gong. Not bad.

Afterwards, three of us hit up the In-N-Out in Casa Grande with our OCed sidearms. A few curious glances, some "discreet" pointing and whispering rolleyes, and some delicious burgers.

As a side note: I find it odd that I carry a dark-colored sidearm contrasting on LIGHT colored clothing (to reflect the sun and heat better) and my two brothers carry dark-colored sidearms on dark clothing and their sidearms are the first ones people see.

Per your side note, I keep track loosely of who I think notices my sidearm. I've found very few see dark on light shirt, and NO ONE notices dark on dark shirt. Patterns seem to break up the image somewhat as well and make it less noticeable. This is all with a leather belt slide, and Sig 226.

I wonder if the holster and manner of carry had any effect, in your scenario?

After 6 years, I want to believe that I can tell fairly well who notices and who doesn't. There are probably a few that notice and show no emotion whatsoever, but I think not many. I'm talking people I pass, would make eye contact with me if they got their nose out of their phone. Obviously, some people notice I am unaware of. I think it's funny you can walk past people in Walmart, Menard's, Home Depot, etc. two feet away and they have no clue whatsoever they are that close to an openly carried firearm.

 

[Rusty Young Man]

Per your side note, I keep track loosely of who I think notices my sidearm. I've found very few see dark on light shirt, and NO ONE notices dark on dark shirt. Patterns seem to break up the image somewhat as well and make it less noticeable. This is all with a leather belt slide, and Sig 226.

I wonder if the holster and manner of carry had any effect, in your scenario?
SNIP...

Maybe.
This photo is a few years old now, but I was carrying like so with grey jeans and a light tan AZCDL T-shirt. And I cut my hair since then. My brothers are fuzzier, maybe that's why they get noticed/scrutinized more closely?
View attachment 12772

They had very similar holster and near identical carry method.

SNIP...After 6 years, I want to believe that I can tell fairly well who notices and who doesn't. There are probably a few that notice and show no emotion whatsoever, but I think not many. I'm talking people I pass, would make eye contact with me if they got their nose out of their phone. Obviously, some people notice I am unaware of. I think it's funny you can walk past people in Walmart, Menard's, Home Depot, etc. two feet away and they have no clue whatsoever they are that close to an openly carried firearm.

Right? Then if and when they do see it their eyeballs go all HUGE. :lol:

 

[Wstar425]

I like the picture!! Firearm seems fairly noticeable to me with that clothing combination.

I get made for LE quite often, I'm "guessing" you don't? Not an issue, just makes comparing our experiences with OC as different, with another variable. I believe that some me people see me, "assume" I must be LE, and are somewhat put at ease with that belief. I've talked to a lot of people about firearms over the years, due to OC. While my responses have evolved over that time, I think it helps to be able to articulate clearly why one is OC, and have some answers to common questions, as well as being able to communicate without getting angry if someone is not happy. My goal is to be the most rational, in control,
and hopefully, the most articulate person in the conversation. Not always successful, but learn and modify with each attempt!

 

[Firearms Iinstuctor]

I noticed that children notice a lot more times then the adults with them.

They seem to be just the right height to notice what is on ones waist.

 

[Wstar425]

I noticed that children notice a lot more times then the adults with them.

They seem to be just the right height to notice what is on ones waist.

I concur. That along with adults sitting down, so if you are somewhere with standing and sitting people, seem to get noticed more than all people standing. This my opinion from speculating who does and does not notice, which has a lot of room for error.

Additionally, it's NOT the children that are concerned. They are, for the most part, inquisitive and interested. It's the parents of children and that age group who get bent. There's probably some logical reasons why that is.

 

[solus]

i just experienced that in wally world...chatting with the mother about the energy her six year olde son was exhibiting and he popped off, is that a gun you're carrying? while looking a some product couple feet away with my back turn i said, yes it is to the question!

when i turned around from looking at the article..mother and son were nowhere in sight!

i just smiled and continued my shopping...

ipse

 

[Firearms Iinstuctor]

I.

Additionally, it's NOT the children that are concerned. They are, for the most part, inquisitive and interested. It's the parents of children and that age group who get bent. There's probably some logical reasons why that is.

Or most likely some illogical reason the adults part.

 

[Wstar425]

Or most likely some illogical reason the adults part.

That too.

I was thinking along the lines of the way the parents were raised.

I had that once at the ice cream shoppe. Talking to dad watching kids. Mom came with the ice cream and took kids to car, from tables outside. Asked dad if she left because of me, he said most likely. We had a nice conversation, tho he seemed somewhat not at ease. I think he was from Illinois, if I remember correctly. One of what I count as my 6 negative reactions per OC.

 

[Rusty Young Man]

OC update since the last time:

I cut out the multitude of places where absolutely nothing happened such as Sam's Club, three Fry's, two Wendy's, a Home Depot, four different Wal Marts, and a handful of gas stations.

About a month ago the GF and I drove to a Wal Mart in Claypool, AZ to pick up some item or other. Yeah, Tucson to Claypool and back. No issues there, but I did get to see a unicorn amongst unicorns: a Hi Point OCer in the wild. Young-to-middle-aged gentleman of good build and fitness carrying what looked to be a C9. Didn't get to thank him for carrying, unfortunately.

Twice now an employee at a certain Target has asked me what I am carrying (CZ 75b in a leather OWB holster). Each time we chat a bit about 1911s (seems he is a 1911 owner), each time he mentioned that he was looking for a smaller sidearm, and each time I recommended he check out the Taurus PT-111 G2 (9mm, but comfy as heck to someone used to the 1911 grip; comfy as heck to a LOT of people, truth be told). Yeah, it's Target. Still, I really doubt they turn a profit after my GF works the coupon and sale combos. Really, I think they lose money each time.

Filiberto's has always been uneventful in terms of carry, and the Arizona burrito is the reason I keep going back (some locations sometimes call it the "California"; nope, I'll have an Arizona).

 

[Rusty Young Man]

I like the picture!! Firearm seems fairly noticeable to me with that clothing combination.

I get made for LE quite often, I'm "guessing" you don't? Not an issue, just makes comparing our experiences with OC as different, with another variable. I believe that some me people see me, "assume" I must be LE, and are somewhat put at ease with that belief. I've talked to a lot of people about firearms over the years, due to OC. While my responses have evolved over that time, I think it helps to be able to articulate clearly why one is OC, and have some answers to common questions, as well as being able to communicate without getting angry if someone is not happy. My goal is to be the most rational, in control,
and hopefully, the most articulate person in the conversation. Not always successful, but learn and modify with each attempt!

Glad you like the photo. I'd like to take credit for it but it was my GF who had the idea (my only contribution was the pose).

Before I let my hair grow out I would sometimes be called "officer". Could be that it was said as a snide remark, not sure.
With long hair that never happened, which was fine by me. I WANT people to realize I am not LE, just someone who has decided to take responsibility for his safety and that of his loved ones.
Now that I have once again cut my hair (and maintain it as such) the "officer" comments and inquiries have returned. That, and every so often I get an offer for a military discount. Flattered, I suppose, but I didn't earn it. Response is a gentle correction about simply being an armed citizen.

Regarding the bolded portion: Good on you to keep up the good fight! The education aspect of OC must take into account both the reasoning and the "feels" of the people who may see it. You want to be able to counter any argument they present with logic, but you also want to do it in a civil manner. Perhaps the person is on the fence, and perhaps passerby are as well. It is undoubtedly better for "our" collective image if they see a calm and controlled person offering polite and well-reasoned discourse rather than the media's manufactured 'Murica-loving simpleton.

 

[mnrobitaille]

i just experienced that in wally world...chatting with the mother about the energy her six year olde son was exhibiting and he popped off, is that a gun you're carrying? while looking a some product couple feet away with my back turn i said, yes it is to the question!

when i turned around from looking at the article..mother and son were nowhere in sight!

i just smiled and continued my shopping...

ipse

Right after I got my sidearm, (before I got CPL), I was doing some banking at the local Chase Branch at the in-lobby ATM when a parent with young children came in right behind me. As I did not have a CPL yet, I was carrying unloaded (was still getting used to carrying then) OC on my right hip. As I was conducting my ATM business, one of the young children started reaching for my sidearm. I noticed & turned in such a way to keep the holstered sidearm out of reach.

Unfortunately the mother seemed to not be paying any attention to the child & was conversing in a language other than English.

 

[Spyder]

OC in restaurants that serve alcohol? In NC

I was always under the assumption that I could not OC at restaurants that serve alcohol. I know you can cc. I was in a restaurant and I saw a guy that was OC . Am I able to OC in these places?

 

[Rusty Young Man]

I was always under the assumption that I could not OC at restaurants that serve alcohol. I know you can cc. I was in a restaurant and I saw a guy that was OC . Am I able to OC in these places?

If you're looking for the law in NC, you'll have more luck in the NC thread
http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?117-North-Carolina

If you're visiting the lovely (though arid) state of Arizona, two recent posts covered the gist of carry (posts 537 and 538):
http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/showthread.php?111377-Open-Carry-experience-thread/page22

 

[MAC702]

If you are visiting AZ, you can carry OC in a restaurant that serves alcohol. I do. But there is a chance that you might get ID'd if a cop cares to do so (received a complaint) because it is illegal for AZ residents to do so, but it is an "affirmative defense" if you are not an AZ resident. It's weird. I have never been asked for ID nor had any problems while carrying in an AZ restaurant that serves alcohol. I'd bet they don't even know it's illegal, even if they cared.

As mentioned, AZ has great gun laws with that GLARING exception. I carry. I drink. I go to bars and eat and watch sports. Thank God Nevada hasn't caught on to that "OMG!" trend yet.

 

[gunslinger493]

I open carry in that Walmart all the time. I have had people thank me for open carrying.

As for my OC updates: I OC'ed at FEDEX/Kinkos, DXL, Hobby Lobby and Tombstone Tactical. No Issues.

I was OC'ing at the Globe Pizza hut when i US Forest Service enforcement officer came in for her order. She asked me if I was a deputy and I responded no and she replied "Oh this is Arizona." I held the door form her while she carried a whole stack of pizzas.

OC update since the last time:

I cut out the multitude of places where absolutely nothing happened such as Sam's Club, three Fry's, two Wendy's, a Home Depot, four different Wal Marts, and a handful of gas stations.

About a month ago the GF and I drove to a Wal Mart in Claypool, AZ to pick up some item or other. Yeah, Tucson to Claypool and back. No issues there, but I did get to see a unicorn amongst unicorns: a Hi Point OCer in the wild. Young-to-middle-aged gentleman of good build and fitness carrying what looked to be a C9. Didn't get to thank him for carrying, unfortunately.

Twice now an employee at a certain Target has asked me what I am carrying (CZ 75b in a leather OWB holster). Each time we chat a bit about 1911s (seems he is a 1911 owner), each time he mentioned that he was looking for a smaller sidearm, and each time I recommended he check out the Taurus PT-111 G2 (9mm, but comfy as heck to someone used to the 1911 grip; comfy as heck to a LOT of people, truth be told). Yeah, it's Target. Still, I really doubt they turn a profit after my GF works the coupon and sale combos. Really, I think they lose money each time.

Filiberto's has always been uneventful in terms of carry, and the Arizona burrito is the reason I keep going back (some locations sometimes call it the "California"; nope, I'll have an Arizona).

 

[teddyearp]

About a year ago I moved back to the White Mountains of Arizona after a 13 year 'absence' in WA state. Before I left, it seemed as though everyone had a handgun n their vehicle. It is the same now (and maybe even more so), so even though you may not see many that open carry, know that their weapon is not far from hand.

But also very refreshing is that I see folks everywhere open carrying, almost every day. From Wal-Mart to Safeway to Depot and just about everywhere. What is really cool is that I see this almost everyday where I work in Taylor, AZ. I work for a building supply house and almost every day someone come in to buy stuff while carrying. Nobody cares less by the way. I think the best recent thing I saw was a General Contractor with his clients in my store deciding on what to use for their home. The GC was packing. And nobody cared.

Gotta Love Arizona!

 

[Phoenix David]

OC update since the last time:

I cut out the multitude of places where absolutely nothing happened such as Sam's Club, three Fry's, two Wendy's, a Home Depot, four different Wal Marts, and a handful of gas stations.

You sure do seem to shop a lot

 

[Rusty Young Man]

Been a while since the last visit. :uhoh:

You sure do seem to shop a lot

I'll go with the GF to 2-3 stores per week (usually all in the same day, but still)... Sounds like a lot until you figure that some places are clustered and practically malls, or that you can buy clothes and stop somewhere for a quick bite before buying groceries.

Then there's places like WalMart. Their website may say "in stock" for three stores when only the fourth has the item you're looking for. If you look on the bright side it's more stores full of patrons that get to see how uneventful OC is.

No issues while out and about since my last post.

Everyone excited for the AZCDL luncheon/dinner? Only one more week!

 

[Rusty Young Man]

Almost a full year since this thread was updated. Hope everyone in this lovely state is doing well.

Haven't logged onto OCDO (or other forums) in months but have had several memorable OC encounters (all good, some funny), like usual.*

This one happened back on the 15th of June. I was at a Home Depot and Openly Carrying a Taurus PT845. I hear a rather loud man having a conversation about shotguns with a more indoor-volume guy. The conversation becomes more interesting to me when the louder guy tells his friend something to the effect of "I bet this guy knows about guns".

Turns out the quieter guy was new to the city of Tucson, AZ and was a Kalifornia transplant. He and his (loud) friend were at Home Depot to buy new, better locks for his new apartment and the two were discussing the merits of buying a shotgun or rifle for home defense. I suggested he not discount a sidearm as an option seeing as a rifle or shotgun was likely to stay at home while a sidearm might be on his person when he needs it.

Gave them a quick rundown of the AZ statutes regarding carry, explained why the gun show or online classifieds "loopholes" are a complete lie, how background checks are always an option (not required for private sales), and explained the process of buying a firearm (no "waiting periods", FFLs require 4473s, etc.).

I figured it could be a bit overwhelming to get all that info at once so I took out an AZCDL card and jotted down a few notes and informative websites on the back.

Saw a few heads perk up when I was explaining the "loophole" and background check myths. Hopefully one or two people walked out of Home Depot that afternoon with a little more knowledge about firearm laws and misconceptions about OC (I don't dress "tactically" and I don't really do anything with the intent of drawing attention).