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OC in the San Luis Valley

Chuckie

Newbie
Joined
Jan 13, 2016
Messages
9
Location
La Garita, CO.
I OC every day every where I go. Didn't used to, but I like it. Nobody has seemed very concerned. Walmart, city Mkt, safeway, everywhere. When I come across a store (or other) with a no gun sign I make sure they know they didn't get my money. Only once or twice have I gotten a funny look. I do take some precautions like
not looking like a thug. Nice holster, on a good belt holding a full frame semiauto makes most look like an LEO. OK with me. I know hundreds have spied my weapon
and nobody has said a word except once. It was a dude who said "nice holster". Because we live in a small community people are getting used to it I think. People DO remember me now. The more you OC the more people will accept it. We all are creatures of habit......the more they see you (at your regular haunts) the more it becomes normal. I don't think I will ever hide my guns again. I have learned some lessons.....Not a good idea to stand in line with your hand relaxing on your pistol.
If your not going to use it keep your hands clear. Be ready always, but do not look like you want to draw unless your gonna. it can freak some people, you see their eyes get big.

I have read a few posts about when to draw a weapon. I have only one rule for this, for me the decision to draw is made when I see another DRAWN weapon, or
if I think I or someone around me is about to be made a victim. A weapon is not a way to bully people into correct behavior. It is DEADLY force when you don't want to be dead yourself. If I don't feel my life is being threatened it stays in my holster. Its not to break up fights, or to keep some guy from shoving his wife around, that's what a cell and 911 are for. For me not every situation needs to be met with a gun just because I have one with me. As I have said I am new to OC, so if you read something here that is out of line in the real world please let me know.

Thanks for reading....

Chuckie
 

JG_Buffalo

New member
Joined
Dec 13, 2013
Messages
32
Location
Colorado
Nice little read here, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

Props to you for doing the good work of D&E in a responsible fashion, that really brings people on to our side.

Carry on!
 

Chuckie

Newbie
Joined
Jan 13, 2016
Messages
9
Location
La Garita, CO.
Update to San Luis Valley

Nearly a year has gone by and I wanted to share a couple of things I discovered. First, I went and got a concealed carry permit so I didn't need to worry about our very cold winter and leaving my coat over my .380. This has pointed out to me that when a person sees your coat or sweater or whatever pulled up and your gun purposely exposed they are wondering why you look so "ready" at that moment. At least that's what I see in their faces. Most people who see my gun on my belt in summer completely open don't have any reaction. I believe in being armed for the safety of myself and those around me and I don't seem to feel an obligation to see that my gun is visible all the time. Gotta tell ya tho, I don't own an IWB holster, and I have 5 holsters.
I sure hope this comes across as intended, and coherent. I believe the more people who wear a weapon, increases our safety and our Liberty. Happy New Year.
Chuckie
 

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
Nearly a year has gone by and I wanted to share a couple of things I discovered. First, I went and got a concealed carry permit so I didn't need to worry about our very cold winter and leaving my coat over my .380. This has pointed out to me that when a person sees your coat or sweater or whatever pulled up and your gun purposely exposed they are wondering why you look so "ready" at that moment. At least that's what I see in their faces. Most people who see my gun on my belt in summer completely open don't have any reaction. I believe in being armed for the safety of myself and those around me and I don't seem to feel an obligation to see that my gun is visible all the time. Gotta tell ya tho, I don't own an IWB holster, and I have 5 holsters.
I sure hope this comes across as intended, and coherent. I believe the more people who wear a weapon, increases our safety and our Liberty. Happy New Year.
Chuckie

There is no "obligation" to OC Chuckie. Don't care whether you OC, CC, or noC. That said, there is no ability to stimulate thought and conversation when CCing AND you look like a typical victim waiting for a place to happen.

OCDO was founded on the premise of normalizing open carry of properly holstered handguns as we go about our everyday business. That tenet has never changed.
 

Wstar425

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 1, 2014
Messages
570
Location
Tomahawk and Abbotsford, Wi.
You sound like you got it figured out to me!

I OC a full sized gun and nobody notices for the most part. I have a few light weight fleece vests that I can and do tuck behind the gun, but it kinda looks like you are intentionally trying to show. I am! I get what you're saying, and I often just conceal instead if I need a cover garment due to the weather.

Moved to a second small town of 2500 in July. I don't believe anyone open carried before, but now I get people asking me "where's the gun?" If I'm concealed. I have one guy that calls me the "gun man". Two words, not one. Not sure if it is meant to be derogatory, but I just talk to him like normal.

The very few times I have been ostracized about a firearm, it is very important to keep your cool and to the honest onlooker, I believe I am the one that seems rational.

Like your thoughts on when to draw. I often say if my gun comes out of the holster, somebody is going to get shot. Meaning I'm NOT pulling it out to show it off, or so you can see it. That could be taken the wrong way I suppose, so I usually try to explain.

You should post more often!
 
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Firearms Iinstuctor

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2011
Messages
3,428
Location
northern wis
Those of us who live in the northern climates do both, weather being the deciding factor the last week it has been well below zero like 20 below where I live.

Sorry I am not putting on a duty belt that is big enough to fit over my cold weather gear just to open carry. Plus doing that way it is a real pain to worry about taking it on and off when one goes inside.

It is nice to have the option to do one or the other as you see fit if I need to wear a outer garment of some type the pistol is concealed if not it is in the open.

Carry the way you see is an advantage to you as long as you do it legally.

It well be nice one day not to have these conversations when and where carry isn't here nor there it is just something one does or doesn't do.
 

Dario

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2013
Messages
204
Location
Larimer County, CO
A simple low ride adapter fixes the coat problem. Puts the gun below the belt line. Safariland makes one for around $15.
 
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