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Open Carry experience thread.

Bec

New member
Joined
May 3, 2013
Messages
5
Location
AZ
I recently moved to AZ and had always heard OC was well accepted here. However, the only time I have seen someone OC was at the local gun store and he happened to have worked there. I fully support the 2nd and love the idea of OC, as I am frustrated that people have the notion that only "bad guys" and Police carry side arms. Due to the lack of people I have seen OC, was I pretty nervous about attempting it and found this page trying to read other people's stories, as well as state laws.

I open carried for the first time today and had no issues. I was even complimented on my weapon and was told "it looks good on me". Although I am pretty sure this man was hitting on me, it was good to have a positive reaction. I went to several locations, but was more apprehensive when going into a Target. I pulled my shirt over it to be a little more discrete, but due to my clothing as a female, it was still noticeable that I was carrying. Once again, no issues.

I am really happy to have gotten my first time out of the way and I plan to OC often, hoping it may inspire others to do so as well. Thanks for the thread, as I enjoy reading about other people's experiences.

Bec
 

logunowner

Regular Member
Joined
May 1, 2013
Messages
219
Location
Lake Ozark, Mo
I recently moved to AZ and had always heard OC was well accepted here. However, the only time I have seen someone OC was at the local gun store and he happened to have worked there. I fully support the 2nd and love the idea of OC, as I am frustrated that people have the notion that only "bad guys" and Police carry side arms. Due to the lack of people I have seen OC, was I pretty nervous about attempting it and found this page trying to read other people's stories, as well as state laws.

I open carried for the first time today and had no issues. I was even complimented on my weapon and was told "it looks good on me". Although I am pretty sure this man was hitting on me, it was good to have a positive reaction. I went to several locations, but was more apprehensive when going into a Target. I pulled my shirt over it to be a little more discrete, but due to my clothing as a female, it was still noticeable that I was carrying. Once again, no issues.

I am really happy to have gotten my first time out of the way and I plan to OC often, hoping it may inspire others to do so as well. Thanks for the thread, as I enjoy reading about other people's experiences.

Bec

Open carrying will indeed get easier for you over time. I put my gun on when I get up in the morning and take it off when I go to bed. I don't even think about open carrying a weapon on anymore.
 

FreeInAZ

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2012
Messages
2,508
Location
Secret Bunker
I recently moved to AZ and had always heard OC was well accepted here. However, the only time I have seen someone OC was at the local gun store and he happened to have worked there. I fully support the 2nd and love the idea of OC, as I am frustrated that people have the notion that only "bad guys" and Police carry side arms. Due to the lack of people I have seen OC, was I pretty nervous about attempting it and found this page trying to read other people's stories, as well as state laws.

I open carried for the first time today and had no issues. I was even complimented on my weapon and was told "it looks good on me". Although I am pretty sure this man was hitting on me, it was good to have a positive reaction. I went to several locations, but was more apprehensive when going into a Target. I pulled my shirt over it to be a little more discrete, but due to my clothing as a female, it was still noticeable that I was carrying. Once again, no issues.

I am really happy to have gotten my first time out of the way and I plan to OC often, hoping it may inspire others to do so as well. Thanks for the thread, as I enjoy reading about other people's experiences.

Bec

Welcome Bec! I have OCed at the target in Northscottsdale without issue twice. Some people may look but usually their refugees from california, so it's to be expected. ;)
 
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Paver1055

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 15, 2012
Messages
46
Location
Az
I oc at targets Walmart frys bashas anywhere I go and usually end up with thumbs up or nice belt accessory


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

FreeInAZ

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2012
Messages
2,508
Location
Secret Bunker
I oc at targets Walmart frys bashas anywhere I go and usually end up with thumbs up or nice belt accessory


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Do you take ears for the belt? Oh you meant - "thumbs up on nice belt accessory" - silly me...:p

On - topic OCed all over today & shot a smiley on my smiley face target at 7yards @ SGC...love that place. Now if I could just do it at the full length of the range like Mel Gibson in "Lethal Weapon". :p

ETA - Story - I shot first six shots to make smiley @ 21ft (7yrds) out of my Hi-Point 45acp, then tried for the eye's of actual smiley target & missed once (cute girl watching...I choked).

Then moved target back to 50ft and inserted a hi-cap (14rd instead of 9) and went rapid fire. Then I brought the target back to 21ft to try out defense rounds shooting at 3x3" sticky notes. The hydra-shock shot more accurate, but I had two jams. The WWB JHP ran flawlessly without much loss of accuracy. Say what you will - my Hi-Points all run straight & true.
smiley21ftHP45-Copy_zps5a2c1ded.jpg
141HP45-Copy_zps98937b72.jpg
HP45_50ftRapid-Copy_zpsa9e0af72.jpg
HP45sticky21Ft-Copy_zps1943e35c.jpg
 
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Theoden

New member
Joined
Apr 29, 2013
Messages
3
Location
Mesa
Went on another walk with the girlfriend and puppy at the canals OCing. Only saw one jogger. Had to stop for some things at Safeway after, nobody even gave me a second look. The cashier asked what my carry piece was (Glock 19 if anyone is wondering :cool:) and briefly talked about his new Springfield XD.

Still a little nervous OCing in more public places like stores but I'm sure that will pass with time.
 

Paver1055

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 15, 2012
Messages
46
Location
Az
You'll get over the nervousness it'll become second nature and you won't think twice about it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

The Trickster

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2012
Messages
216
Location
Arizona
Saw some fella while in line at the ticket counter at the Superstition Springs Harkins who was OCing some kind of a semi-auto. I was going to voice my approval of his OC and ask him what he was carrying, but didn't get the chance. I don't normally go to Harkins because they are anti-gun, but I had two free movie passes and I'll be damned if they're not going to give me and my wife a free showing of JP in 3D. Fortunately, we didn't buy any concessions so they didn't get a penny of my money.
 
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Jamesm760

Regular Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2013
Messages
429
Location
Salisbury, NC
Welcome Bec! I have OCed at the target in Northscottsdale without issue twice. Some people may look but usually their refugees from california, so it's to be expected. ;)

I am a refugee from california.... I managed to escape through a type of underground rail road system that people created. After my successful escape, I settled down in NC... I now see some of the freedom that the US allegedly has. I do not plan on ever being a california captive again. ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ!
 

Weado

Regular Member
Joined
Apr 8, 2013
Messages
15
Location
Yuma, Arizona
Was Open carrying at the Artwalk festivities here in Yuma representing my good friends art. Didn't get any looks or anything. Had a gentleman ask me what I was carrying when we were packing up the display at the end of the event, but other than that there were no issues.
 

Sonora Rebel

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2008
Messages
3,956
Location
Gone
Y'all must be Self Conscious

Look... going armed into the world is not a big deal (here). Just do it. If a place is posted... don't carry there. If not... you're good to go. Walmart, Mickey D's... Frys... anywhere. This is Arizona... not Podunk. The only people who 'might' have a problem came from Podunk... so don't worry about it. Just do it... or not.
 

FreeInAZ

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2012
Messages
2,508
Location
Secret Bunker
I am a refugee from california.... I managed to escape through a type of underground rail road system that people created. After my successful escape, I settled down in NC... I now see some of the freedom that the US allegedly has. I do not plan on ever being a california captive again. ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ!

Glad you made it out Jamesm760! Welcome to AMERICA! Not Amerikah. NC is a fine state, been there a few times. Carry on Sir! :)
 

gunslinger493

Regular Member
Joined
Dec 25, 2011
Messages
58
Location
Globe, AZ
Look... going armed into the world is not a big deal (here). Just do it. If a place is posted... don't carry there. If not... you're good to go. Walmart, Mickey D's... Frys... anywhere. This is Arizona... not Podunk. The only people who 'might' have a problem came from Podunk... so don't worry about it. Just do it... or not.

My sentiments exactly! Every time I go out I carry. I don't care if people don't like the thigh rig that I use (even with the Hello Kitty Stickers). If I plan to go to a nice restaurant that serves alcohol, I will carry concealed.

I kind of feel unsafe with out it, like not wearing a seat belt.
 

Paver1055

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 15, 2012
Messages
46
Location
Az
Had a lady and her 20 ish daughter thank my wife and I for standing up and supporting our 2nd amd rights while OC ing in bashas yesterday. Today, had a clerk at target address me as Mr. 2nd amendment and he shook my hand and said he wished he saw more of it.
 

TOF

Regular Member
Joined
Nov 2, 2008
Messages
443
Location
Happy Jack, Arizona, USA
Had a lady and her 20 ish daughter thank my wife and I for standing up and supporting our 2nd amd rights while OC ing in bashas yesterday. Today, had a clerk at target address me as Mr. 2nd amendment and he shook my hand and said he wished he saw more of it.

Did you ask them where their protection was?
 
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