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18yrs and OCing...

punisherprice

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2011
Messages
92
Location
Las Vegas, NV
I just recently started OCing, and was wondering what you guys(and gals...) thought about an 18 year old carrying. I was also looking for some tips and maybe even some pointers on how you guys carry and what not. I am not completely new to firearms, I was brought up around them and taught gun safety at a young age. My family believes in CCW, but think open-carrying is a way to attract trouble. The way I carry is pretty flashy, but it is not intended. How do you open carry and not bring attention to yourself? :cuss:
 

thebigsd

Founder's Club Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2010
Messages
3,535
Location
Quarryville, PA
What is your definition of flashy?

+1.

It is the maturity and skill set, not the age, of the individual that determines whether carry is appropriate. This applies whether you are 18 or 55. If you are mature and possess the necessary (basic) firearms skills then by all means open carry.
 

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
As we look to normalize, make more acceptable, the everyday carry of defensive tools, why would one chose to be "flashy" about it? Not questioning the right - just wondering about the motivation.
 

skidmark

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jan 15, 2007
Messages
10,444
Location
Valhalla
Welcome to OCDO and to open carrying. Thanks for coming by and being willing to ask for the accumulated wisdom - which might at times be mixed in with other stuff that has accumulated.:lol:

"Flashy" could be anything from a good BBQ/Church Gun and leather rig to a mall-ninja worthy shoulder holster set with so much takytoocool stuff hanging off the straps. It could also, given your location, mean a western rig with either a replica period piece or a modern revolver - or even a western rig with a semiauto!:eek:

A description, or even better, pictures, would help us all decide if you have invested wisely or just have no fashion sense.

In the mean time, remember that most of us consider the handgun just another tool of daily life. Unless we are intentionally trying to show off in front of our fellow gunnies we seem to not want to call attention to our tools, just as a carpenter does not have a need to try and make everybody notice his block plane*.

stay safe.


* Bet you thought I was going to say "notice his hammer", didn't you?
 

decklin

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2011
Messages
758
Location
Pacific, WA
I am from NH and got my ccw there when I was 18. I do not believe age should get in the way of a right. You are an adult. You have registered for selective service, you can vote, join the military, and buy cigarettes. There really isn't a reason why you shouldn't carry whether it be oc or cc. I too am wondering what you mean by flashy.
Now the one thing I would caution you against, and I'm sure I'll take some flak for this, is thinking you know firearms. There are lots of people that use/carry firearms that really don't know what they are doing. They don't realize it though. What I recommend is seeking out some training. Now it doesn't have to be a thousand dollar course. It could even be one of these guys on this board that lives in your area.
I hope you don't take this the wrong way, for all I know you have had excellent training, but I have always felt it the responsibility of the individual to seek instruction. A few years ago I was almost shot in the head by a guy who thought he knew firearms. The round came right through my partition at the range. At another location I witnessed another guy attempt to shoot a muzzleloader and had a malfunction. He tried again and when that didn't work he placed the buttstock on the ground, peered into the barrel, then pulled out a lighter so he could see. Again, he thought he knew firearms.
You will never learn enough about firearms. I have shot at competitions, been trained by some very talented shooters while serving in the Infantry, deployed twice, and had some excellent instruction along the way. I still seek instruction. A few months ago I was at the range and an older man walked up to me and said, "that's a really nice shot group. Now try moving this thumb about this far on your grip." And just like that my shot group got tighter.
So now that I'm done with my bit. Welcome to the forum. There is alot of knowledge around here. Alot of these guys have really good heads on their shoulders and can help you out.
 

Felid`Maximus

Activist Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2007
Messages
1,711
Location
Reno, Nevada, USA
Welcome to the forum.

I started OC'ing on my 18th birthday in Reno, over 4 years ago. It was over 8 months before I had any negative interaction with law enforcement. Unfortunately, many police hate guns, hate young people, and are totally ignorant of laws of all types, but especially gun laws. But police don't make the laws and their opinions don't count. If you open carry, you can count on being harassed by police sooner or later. They'll usually only detain you for about 15-45 minutes. Know the law up and down, and while they are fishing for any excuse they can find to cite you for a crime make sure you don't admit to anything illegal. You can also count on some stores telling you to leave, although in my experience, that is the exception rather than the rule. Those things didn't discourage me from open carrying.

I typically carry a 4" barrel L frame stainless steel revolver, and that usually stands out pretty well, but most people either don't notice or don't care. However, if you look nervous and fidgety, it is my opinion that those types of emotions are contagious and you will make others notice you a lot more. If you look confident, it is much better. If you walk around like you belong, people are much less likely to think you are out of place. Be prepared to answer questions as many people are likely to ask you questions about what the law is, what you are carrying, and why you are carrying. I by far got way more positive response out of almost everybody including store clerks than I got negative responses. The only exception are the police, many of whom think that they are the only ones entitled to wear a gun. That said, most of the time I walked past police, they did not react, or if they did react, it was only a stare. I think its the minority of police who take it upon themselves to harass people with guns, but unfortunately, those police are probably the only ones you will ever have to talk to.

I think it is also necessary to be respectful when open carrying, as you will stand out much more. Also it is necessary to be extremely aware of your surroundings at all times.

Personally, I think open carry is far better than being disarmed, and even now that I have my concealed firearm permit, I still prefer to open carry when I can. Every now and then though, be prepared to be inconvenienced.
 
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2

28kfps

Guest
Welcome to OC dot Org. In my opinion your participation and questions via this forum is a great way to help create a more pleasant and knowable OC experience.

I am of the opinion how you carry and look can in some cases make the difference between being confronted or ignored while OCing. Especially being 18. You can do your own test by OCing dressed in a way you are going to take you Girlfriend to a really classy dinner then again dressed like you are going to mow the lawn and see what happens.

No, not advocating one should have Sundays best on. How anyone looks while carrying is his or her own choice. I do not believe there are any NRSs on the issue. However, would we agree it is better to leave the an impression with the public we come in contact with we are a responsible civilian OCing a firearm, not one of those unapproachable gun nuts flaunting one of those nasty guns the media is always talking about that jumps out of its hiding place and shoot someone.

My own experience while OCing people seem to be more relaxed if I look like I am out for a day of shopping than a day of doing yard work.
Keep reading past postings there is tons of info that we all learn from. I believe most agree a good retention holster is best if you do not have one. Training is always a good idea. Be safe; be aware, hoping the right to carry never ends up in the need to use.
 
2

28kfps

Guest
Welcome to the forum.

I started OC'ing on my 18th birthday in Reno, over 4 years ago. It was over 8 months before I had any negative interaction with law enforcement. Unfortunately, many police hate guns, hate young people, and are totally ignorant of laws of all types, but especially gun laws. But police don't make the laws and their opinions don't count. If you open carry, you can count on being harassed by police sooner or later. They'll usually only detain you for about 15-45 minutes. Know the law up and down, and while they are fishing for any excuse they can find to cite you for a crime make sure you don't admit to anything illegal. You can also count on some stores telling you to leave, although in my experience, that is the exception rather than the rule. Those things didn't discourage me from open carrying.

I typically carry a 4" barrel L frame stainless steel revolver, and that usually stands out pretty well, but most people either don't notice or don't care. However, if you look nervous and fidgety, it is my opinion that those types of emotions are contagious and you will make others notice you a lot more. If you look confident, it is much better. If you walk around like you belong, people are much less likely to think you are out of place. Be prepared to answer questions as many people are likely to ask you questions about what the law is, what you are carrying, and why you are carrying. I by far got way more positive response out of almost everybody including store clerks than I got negative responses. The only exception are the police, many of whom think that they are the only ones entitled to wear a gun. That said, most of the time I walked past police, they did not react, or if they did react, it was only a stare. I think its the minority of police who take it upon themselves to harass people with guns, but unfortunately, those police are probably the only ones you will ever have to talk to.

I think it is also necessary to be respectful when open carrying, as you will stand out much more. Also it is necessary to be extremely aware of your surroundings at all times.

Personally, I think open carry is far better than being disarmed, and even now that I have my concealed firearm permit, I still prefer to open carry when I can. Every now and then though, be prepared to be inconvenienced.

Well said.
 

punisherprice

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2011
Messages
92
Location
Las Vegas, NV
to clear up any confusion, I carry a .32 magnum Single action revolver in a western rig. It's my first handgun and it was pretty affordable. ammo is just hard to come by. I've always worn cowboy boots, so i decided to stay with the western-style look. I went to the bank, gas station, and autozone with only one guy asking me what I was carrying. i could buy a nylon holster, but it would lose its authentic look.
 

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
to clear up any confusion, I carry a .32 magnum Single action revolver in a western rig. It's my first handgun and it was pretty affordable. ammo is just hard to come by. I've always worn cowboy boots, so i decided to stay with the western-style look. I went to the bank, gas station, and autozone with only one guy asking me what I was carrying. i could buy a nylon holster, but it would lose its authentic look.

That's not flashy - that's classic. :D

Check to confirm: if your revolver is designed for .32 H&R Magnum you should be able to shoot any of these: .32 S&W (aka short); .32 S&W Long; or .32 ACP - all of these are slightly shorter and lower powered rounds.


Note picture is a link - click it.
 

decklin

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2011
Messages
758
Location
Pacific, WA
I agree, that is classic. Does your holster have a retention loop for the hammer? By the way what kind of holster/belt do you use and how do you like it? I've been looking to get one for hunting/trail use as an alternative to belt and shoulder carry.
 

MAC702

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
6,331
Location
Nevada
I've been known to open carry my .45 single-action still. I had it at the last OC picnic with a full cartridge belt.

My brother and I also OC'd in Vegas many years ago when we were under 21.
 
2

28kfps

Guest
Saw a guy today in Pahrump with a long barrel six shooter leather cowboy rig holster with the leg tie. Did not get a chance to talk to him.
 

punisherprice

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2011
Messages
92
Location
Las Vegas, NV
That's not flashy - that's classic. :D

Check to confirm: if your revolver is designed for .32 H&R Magnum you should be able to shoot any of these: .32 S&W (aka short); .32 S&W Long; or .32 ACP - all of these are slightly shorter and lower powered rounds.


Note picture is a link - click it.
I do have all the .32's except the shorts. .32 longs and shorts are runnin at like 700fps. the .32 mags in 85 grain are 1200fps. Heritage makes a very nice revolver for under $300.
 

punisherprice

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2011
Messages
92
Location
Las Vegas, NV
I agree, that is classic. Does your holster have a retention loop for the hammer? By the way what kind of holster/belt do you use and how do you like it? I've been looking to get one for hunting/trail use as an alternative to belt and shoulder carry.
My holster does have a hammer loop and i use a rig from heritage intended for my .32mag. www.heritagemfg.com is where I got all the accessories for my SA. Very patriotic website they've got there haha.
 

skidmark

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jan 15, 2007
Messages
10,444
Location
Valhalla
Do not listen to Grapeshot - he has suffered another senior moment.

32ACP is a rimless cartridge and will fall out of your cylinder - unless you are using moon clips. And you will need to get your cylinder cut in order to headspace properly with moon clips.

Your rig probably does qualify as classic as opposed to flashy. Just remember that the lower down on your leg you let the holster droop the more folks are going to think you are dressing up to play cowboys-and-Indians. Pictures from the late-19th/early-20th century do not show many folks wearing their holsters low on the leg. The style favored seemed to be much like where a police officer's duty rig sits - belt straight across the waistline and the holster dropped no more than a few inches.

I carried a modern wheelgun in that fashion, in a retention holster, for many years and could match the bottomfeeder folks in draw time. It's just practice. And if anybody sneers at your choice of caliber, remind them that the basic .32 was considered for almost 100 years to be quite adequate for cops on both sides of the Atlantic. The .32H&RMag is more than adequate even for handgun hunting.

Again, welcome to OCDO and the wonderful world of handguns.

stay safe.
 
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MAC702

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
6,331
Location
Nevada
While I agree not to use it in the revolver, the .32 ACP is actually semi-rimmed, enough to where it is designed to headspace on the rim, not the case mouth.
 
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