The Open Carry Report

[Teddybearfrmhell]

Yup, it was like "hey, I'm starting to feel like I'm really in a free country"

Now if I can just get school to stop considering me a "problem" for simply using the first amendment to discuss the second amendment and our rights. They don't seem to like the students learning anything about government except what they want to tell them.

Gotta love that "free and open exchange of ideas" mantra.

you will ALWAYS be considered a problem, you question authority..... as we all should. i do not say this to be provocative, i think when we accept anyone authority over us, carte blanche, we give them powers they do NOT have, and it becomes harder to recover our rights later.

 

[Teddybearfrmhell]

MEDFORD: Well the "corner store" put up a handwritten "no guns allowed in store" sign. I walked up to go in for my smokes and the poor clerk was all appollogetic and showed me the sign (which I hadn't even seen or looked for).

Now 3 days later the sign is gone after a multitude of complaints from customers (not open carriers). Not the kind of action that is taken lightly around these parts, especially during hunting season.

SCORE 1 for freedom.

you would think the corner store would prefer open carry customers, this is the begining of the "holiday shopping season for crackheads"..... fast food places and 'stop and robs" move into their busiest time of year for robberies.

when i was a restaurant manager in philly i went to ALL the local law enforcement agencies and asked them to hold their meetings and lunch breaks in my place, ambulance and fire too.... i made sure that if they left on a call, they got taken care of when they got back..... i never was robbed, and only ever had one incedent in 5 years of inner city philly.

the presence of "authority" in the form of uniformed personell or in our case, the open carry of a firearm IS a deterent.

score one for safety too

 

[We-the-People]

MEDFORD, RCC, Empty Holster:

Well today the school (security) actually flat out asked if I was carrying. He was nice enough about it, telling me he didn't care himself but he's just trying to do his job. Supposedly they had a complaint from a student who said I said I was carrying and just waiting for security to harass me. Hmmmmmm, suuuuuuure.

What I tell everyone is "I'm know that they know in their minds that I'm carrying and want to search me" but if they think about it, I also tell everyone that I don't carry any ID.

Now, if I'm not carrying ID, do you think a LAWFUL carrier is going to have a firearm concealed AND in an area prohibited without a CHL?

 

[doughboi]

First Time

Okay so im still new to this but my first trip was last night to woodvillage walmart. went with my wife and 11 month old daughter. didnt see no gun sign so in i went, and to my surprise most people was oblivious to me and my family, no one was alarm or concern. as we left the greeter at the east entrance saw my pistol and her eyes wide open, i said have a great night as i left, she didnt reply. but all a good trip. YUP just another law abiding citizen.

 

[VW_Factor]

I dont often escape the confines of our property here (not to any place not on company business anyway).

This evening my wife and I escaped and went to Salem, and we OC'd into Best Buy to pickup a couple copies of a game.

Not one F was given from anyone.

And because I haven't posted in this thread yet, here is my first addition to it.

 

[Dogbait]

Gresham Library (Multnomah County)

Open carried on Thursday to pickup a book on hold, while I was looking at the shelf a lady approached my gun side(Not a bright idea, even though I saw her approach in corner of my eye) and paused for a few seconds and said, "Do me a favor, cover that up" It was an older lady, who was the manager according to her name tag.

(Recalling from memory, but it's the majority of the conversation.)

In response I said, "Open carry is legal in Oregon and legal in a public building with a permit"

She said, "You don't need to preach to me, I have a concealed carry permit and I am a converter. I just have to deal with people asking me why there is a guy with a gun and telling them that it's legal and some people may not share the same beliefs as you"

Me: "They have every right to be concerned, that's why they need to be educated and that not everyone with a gun is a criminal."

I ended the conversation saying, "I see the point you're trying to make" because the conversation was not going anywhere.

This was at closing time, no one was in the library except for employees. I plan on going back more because I have items on hold

 

[Stryker]

I'm on a quick business trip to Bend this week. Picked up a coworker at Redmond's airport and drove down to the hotel in Bend. We ate dinner down at Pastini's at The Mill (beautiful view of the river). Finally back to the hotel lobby for some pre-game planning before tomorrow's business. All day I open carried my G-20/Serpa combo and not a word from anyone. As we were heading off to our rooms, he says "Hey, what's that on your side?"

Coming from Texas, he is just not used to seeing guns. At least someone learned something today.

 

[djhawes]

Open Carry

Been carrying my weapon open for sometime here in the Gresham area... not one complaint no where. I have been into Porltand a couple of time this past two weeks... mostly on my motorcycle... we stopped at a couple of bars downtown... no problem... Kelly's Olympian asked me about it and I told them I don't drink alcohol while I am carrying... they like me to come in now and give me free coffee... and have me hang around for as long as I can...

Knuckleheads... different story... owner asked me to cover it up... applogized and gave me a free cup of coffee. There are clubs coming in and out of his place and he does not want to draw attention to the authorities for other activities going on behind closed doors... Ok... his place, private property... but still a good time...

I have had only one problem while on my bike when a young Gresham Cop pulled me over for speeding away from him... Obvioulsly he's never ridden a Harley... He had me jacked up pretty well with fingers behind my head...sitting on the curb with arms crossed on my chest... fortunately, I had previously talked to two Mult. County guys right before that at a Carl's Jr. They heard the call and came up... set the young man straight and the nice officer said it was too nice a day not to be out riding.... off I went....

 

[We-the-People]

Been carrying in the Medford area for nearly two years, daily, and to date no problems. The local "big mall" says "no guns" and met me at the door to say so but other than that, I go everywhere except the very few places the law restricts a CHL holder from going (post office, recruiting office, "court facilities", etc). Even picked my gal up at the airport OCing though she was already waiting for me outside.

I've been to several political rallys and been "eyeballed" by the police (Medford and Salem) but NEVER approached even though the Salem event was on the grounds of the Capital and the law says they could have.

I'm in college and chose to carry an empty holster to "push" the issue about their illegal policy of "no firearms" since they are a government entity and can not have such restrictions. I'm pretty sure the security guys "know" (in their minds) that I'm packing the weapon that goes in the holster somewhere and have had them flat out ask me if it's in my book bag. Standard answer: "I will neither confirm nor deny that". NOW...MOST of the security guards are cool about it, one even saying "if there's gunfire I'm sticking by you" as at the time they weren't armed and he figured I was. Told him he'd best be able to run fast because I'm out the door.

So all in all it's pretty calm down here, the David Pyles incident (which was not OC but certainly had us concerned about police overstepping their authority) aside, Southern Oregon seems to be quite safe for the OC folks. We just need to be ready to answer those questions (the four I get the most are):
1) Are you a cop? No, just a law abiding citizen exercising OUR rights so WE don't lose them.

2) Is that legal? Absolutely. (depending on the context I may answer "No, but I hear the jail offers the hots and a cot along with full medical and dental and it's all tax free.)

3) How hard is it to get a permit to do that? No permit is required except for certain government facilities. Some towns have restrictions on loaded carry if you don't have a permit.

4) Can I do that? Probably. As long as you're not prohibited from possessing a firearm and you're over 18, but I wouldn't recommend it until you become very familiar with the few firearms laws of this state.

5) Can you cover that up? Several answers for this one depending on the context and location.
...a) No
...b) No, covering it would make it a concealed weapon. It would still be there but concealing requires a concealed handgun license. (NOTE: I did not say I didn't have a CHL)
...c) No, that would be illegal. (when I'm carrying sterile)
...d) I could but I'm not going to. (reserved for those times that you just need to piss of the anti-gunner who doesn't appear like the type that would go violent....NEVER escalate a situation)

Carry on!!!

 

[VW_Factor]

Yesterday being June 5th unofficial OC Day.

Wife and I stopped in a few places in Oregon City before the dinner. A few people took a second look, otherwise no words were spoken.

McMenamins welcomed us warmly for our "dinner". Overall, it was a good incident free day.

 

[Warren Drouin]

I have just open carry in Medford Oregon at Walgreens 2280 West Main St
Medford, OR 97501. I was in the store for about 10 min and was about to check out, all in a sudden the store manager named JACK said that they don't allow weapons in the store. Yet there is no sign noted at the door and he said it store policy. So I left and told him that I will be calling your corporate leaders to get some of this issue strait (he did not like that a bit). So I call the corporate leaders, but was transfer to the fill complaint service. Then the Regional manager (I believe) called me and said they can tell me to leave the store if anyone fells "uncomfortable" but he then said that I can still keep coming back and open carry. Yet if anyone tells the manager that they feel uncomfortable, I will be kick out even when there is no store policy on firearms.

Hmm what do you guys think?

 

[Cremator75]

That sounds about right since it is private property. At least they gave you the option to come back carrying. Just be courteous, look professional and nonthreatening.

 

[Teddybearfrmhell]

I have just open carry in Medford Oregon at Walgreens 2280 West Main St
Medford, OR 97501. I was in the store for about 10 min and was about to check out, all in a sudden the store manager named JACK said that they don't allow weapons in the store. Yet there is no sign noted at the door and he said it store policy. So I left and told him that I will be calling your corporate leaders to get some of this issue strait (he did not like that a bit). So I call the corporate leaders, but was transfer to the fill complaint service. Then the Regional manager (I believe) called me and said they can tell me to leave the store if anyone fells "uncomfortable" but he then said that I can still keep coming back and open carry. Yet if anyone tells the manager that they feel uncomfortable, I will be kick out even when there is no store policy on firearms.

Hmm what do you guys think?

private property rights are just as important as your 2nd ammendment rights..... each time you are asked to leave, do so politely and without making a purchase.... then spend your money elsewhere ..... and post here ,both the negative and the positive..... and write to the corp office letting them know that you spent money elsewhere.

perfume on some of these women is enough to make me gag..... the sound of some punk on a cell phone loud enough that i hear both ends of the coversation is enough to make me insane...i wonder if them making ME uncomfortable is enough to get them kicked out of the store???

 

[VW_Factor]

private property rights are just as important as your 2nd ammendment rights..... each time you are asked to leave, do so politely and without making a purchase.... then spend your money elsewhere ..... and post here ,both the negative and the positive..... and write to the corp office letting them know that you spent money elsewhere.

perfume on some of these women is enough to make me gag..... the sound of some punk on a cell phone loud enough that i hear both ends of the coversation is enough to make me insane...i wonder if them making ME uncomfortable is enough to get them kicked out of the store???

Also hit up www.friendorfoe.us and make/add a review for the establishment. (If one doesn't exist for the place, its easy to create one)

 

[Warren Drouin]

Agree, private property has every right as long it follows it company owners. So, yes the manager had a right to kick me out, but that does not stop me to call there owners and clarify. If the manager did something wrong (which he did by saying there is no weapons allow in the store) he would get in nasty complaint by it's owners.

 

[Teddybearfrmhell]

Agree, private property has every right as long it follows it company owners. So, yes the manager had a right to kick me out, but that does not stop me to call there owners and clarify. If the manager did something wrong (which he did by saying there is no weapons allow in the store) he would get in nasty complaint by it's owners.

i totally agree, question policy, follow up with the corp office if there is one, but do so politely and always while you are doing as asked.

 

[Warren Drouin]

Update, I was open carry while bicycling from Thunderbird on main street to Hawthorn park in Medford Oregon. While there I pass a police officer with my firearm visible toward him and I believe he sawed it, but did not confront me yet. So I went to a bench at 500 feet away (I believe) and took a breath. While relaxing I was entertain by watching more police arriving the scene and there was about 6 Medford police.

When the Officer was finish with traffic scene, he then came toward me at the bench on the bicycle road. While still relaxing, he then got out from his patrol vehicle and politely ask if I was armed. I comply and said yes, then he ask me if I had an ID, but I tell him polity that I don't legally believe if I am required to give him that. He totally respected and agree to what I said and ask if he can get my full name at least. I agree and gave him my full name and I also game him my place of residence. I got his name Strouse #613 and he was a awesome person and was happy to see that someone that believe in our Constitution.

We talk for awhile and then other police officers came and try to back him up (yet there was no need to back him up ). Then officer Strouse said "have a good day and keep up with what I am doing" and I replied " thanks for being a good person". Then before he left he said " If I have any trouble what so ever, just give him a call and he will back me up".

Later a lady came up toward me, while I was still on the bench. She asked me if I was a police officer and I said "no". She asked if I had a License to have a handgun and I replied "no, you don't need a license and I don't have one anyways". Then she was kinda scare but then we talk for awhile. Later on she started to agree that we should be armed to protect ourselves and she is now happy that good person like me is keeping arms.

The day this happen is June 08 2011

thanks for reading

 

[Teddybearfrmhell]

yesterday i was at raineys corner market in the sams valley area and i am sitting in my car (parked next to a truck) while the gf is getting us a cold, tastey beverage. the driver of the truck comes out and puts his groceries in and turns toward my car.... mind you his truck is very large and my car is the size of a shoebox.... he leans down into my open window and we have the following conversation...... (btw, i am not the most approachable looking man, people tend to avoid me in a big way, mistaking me for either a cop or an outlaw biker.... biker , yes, outlaw no, cop, no)

driver of the truck leaning in my window : hi

me: hi

driver of the truck leaning in my window : how you doing today?

me: fine

driver of the truck leaning in my window : i noticed you are carrying a sidearm....

me: yep

driver of the truck leaning in my window : is that legal?

me: yep

driver of the truck leaning in my window : you have to have a permit huh?

me : nope

driver of the truck leaning in my window : oh, figured you for a cop....

me: nope

driver of the truck leaning in my window : what?

me: open carry is legal in oregon

driver of the truck leaning in my window : but it has to be unloaded right?

me: nope, its loaded..... an unloaded gun makes a crappy bludgeon

driver of the truck leaning in my window : really, open carry and loaded? police must hassle you about it tho....

me : nope, only had one cop ever approach me and she was super polite, totally calm and respectful,

driver of the truck leaning in my window : i just moved here, god i love oregon

me: if you are online go to opencarry.com..... have a good one

driver of the truck leaning in my window : awesome.... you too dude

 

[Warren Drouin]

2 or 3 weeks ago, I almost had to use my firearm. I was at Hawthorne park and there was this person that look like he is on drugs and thinks he's the most baddest person in the world. So I was riding my bicycle around the Hawthorne park waiting for my friend Jeff that also open carry. Then all of a sudden a Mexican or dark skinned person came up to me and try to intimidate me.

He said to me "HEY!!! WHAT THE **** ARE YOU DOING BIT!@, GET THAT PIECE OF S!*! OUT OF MY PARK AND AWAY FROM MY NIECE" (he is now at my face by 1 foot away and was trying to reach for my weapon). I was not even close or paying attention to them while riding my bicycle.

I said politely with out any threat "Sir it my every right to carry a firearm and I don't mean to intimidate you, but I am just merely exercising my right and having protection for myself"

He said out loud and threatening " I DON'T F@$!@& CARE ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS, I F^%$## DARE YOU TO PULL THAT OUT (repeatedly) AND USE IT. NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE, I OWN THIS PARK.

I replied "Sir, you don't own this park. We the people own this park and pay taxes. Also I have a right to be here and I will stay as long as I wish. I am not trying to intimidate you or your friends, but merely riding around with a smile."

He then tried once more to reach for my handgun, but I had my hand on the handgun and was readily going to use it. I said to him " Sir, please don't be so close to me, intimidating me and trying to reach for my handgun or I will readly armed myself to protect myself." Also, I don't know what he has on him anyways. So I was prepared for the worst.

He said "I dare you piece of S$!#" then all of a sudden a girl stop him and pull him away from me. Then I went on my bicycle and then Jeff finally showed up. I went 200 feet away from that person and toward Jeff. I informed Jeff of what happen and then that person walk to us and start to scream "HEY YOU F*** FACE, GET THE F*** OUT OF HERE OR I WILL KICK YOUR A$$" Then he came to my face once again and try to reach for my handgun AGAIN!! ( I am thinking that this person is a total dumb a$$) Jeff called the police and while he was telling the dispatch, that person immediately leave the scene, then the police arrived.

The police officer name G. Jentzsch #917 ask us what happen (he was staring at our handgun) we told him what happen and he was about to chase after that person and then another officer came up named T. Garr #696. T. Garr told G. Jentzsch to not leave and they let that person left the scene. So now Garr was trying to criminalize us because he does not like law abiding citizen carrying openly and said that I don't want you here and I will try to criminalize you all and keep you out of the park. Jentzsch looked disappointed at Garr and (my opinion) he looked like he want to goes after that kid.

So after he could not criminalize us, he then soon left and let the true criminals go. So me and Jeff went to the police station and filled a complaint to Graham #617. He seemed like he is going to do something, but I don't know. I do know this, Garr is now riding a bicycle :banana: HAHA. I think that is his punishment, but I don't know.

I am still looking for that person that try to grab my handgun. Then I will take a picture of him and filed a lawsuit if I can, but I don't think it will work. Yet I will still have a picture of him and proof of what danger he can do. I do need to get a pen camera, but I don't have money.

Also, I know I could not use my weapon in that situation, but still if he punch me, I would of indeed grab my weapon and hit him with it T-T. Now I have pepper spray just in case this happen again.
thanks for reading

 

[We-the-People]

Well I'm finished with finals for the quarter so I'll be around a bit more for about a month, maybe for the summer as my next quarter is all online. Wooo Hoooo

Warren, the scene you paint at Hawthorne park is not a pretty one. You had the opportunity to disengage and call police but didn't call police until after you were reengaged. had you called the police when you first disengaged, it is highly unlikely that the second engagement would have occurred. Just be clear about what has happened to cause you to call them.

For instance in what you described at Hawthorne Park, I'd be sure to tell them that you were open carrying in a holster and were accosted by an individual who was attempting to provoke you and had in fact attemted to get your weapon.

I'm pretty sure the police would have been there in force and the perpetrator would not have walked merrily away.

You will read stories on here about negative encounters with law enforcement and they do occur, but keep in mind that very few "positive encounters" get talked about while EVERY negative one does. Don't let reading about the negative encounters put you into the mindset that you can't call police. In fact, in the situation you described it is in your best interest to call police as soon as you are disengaged.

I would suggest that you spend a goodly amount of time reading through the forums here at OCDO. There is litterally a ton of information and advice that you will pick up on how to handle all manner of situations. The one thing you will read over and over and over......drawing a weapon is the absolute last course of action.

Finally, I've been carrying openly for nearly two years here in Medford and have not had a single interaction with a police officer due to carrying. Nor have I encountered any individual who felt it necessary to confront me, in any manner, let alone the way you described. I'm just wondering, how much research on carrying did you do before you started? This is not a "cool thing" we do by just strapping on a firearm and going out the door. It is serious business when you carry a firearm and it takes a very serious mindset to do so safely and lawfully.