Here in Buffalo County, I have had children ask me about my gun several times, much to the chagrin of their respective parents. One little girl asked why I carried and her brother asked if I was going to kill anybody. I explained to them why I carried and that it was for self defense of me and my family. I spoke loud enough for everyone nearby to hear my answer.
A couple of elderly women, one who told me I should hide it but she shook my hand, smiled and said be careful young man... several guys my age, A few older guys who reminisced about carrying a 1911 in Vietnam and a police chief (who asked me what the rules were because he did not know and had never encountered an open carrier before.).
A couple of Soldiers in uniform who gave me a thumbs up, one commented on my 1911 and said he wished they would issue them 1911s again. .45ACP. One journalist, published in the La Crosse, Winona and Buffalo County papers, who was hitting on a Kwik Trip checkout girl. Asked me if I had killed anyone today yet with that "thing". I told him dead Ted had killed more people with his car than I had.
I get asked about it all the time. I love the opportunity to answer these questions and hand out pamphlets....
I have to admit, I have only had two people in La Crosse, ask me about my gun. Both knew it was a 1911. One guy was from Minnesota and wanted to encourage me and congratulated me for carrying. His wife thought he was crazy for talking to me. I could read that on her face. The other guy was a Navy vet. Gave me a thumbs up. Said he used to be an armorer. Liked that I carried a 1911.