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Open Carry experience thread.

Rusty Young Man

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2013
Messages
1,548
Location
Árida Zona
OCed on the Valley Metro light rail and got a few stares. One African-American man had saucer eyes, so he's the only one I actually addressed with "You have nothing to worry about" and a smile. He seemed to calm down after that.:D
Once again, most people don't even notice, and those that do rarely say anything about it. I was honestly expecting to get a reaction, seeing as Kalifornia transplants seem to love the light rail.
 

Javelina

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2014
Messages
125
Location
East Valley
Javelin you need to work on getting the step dad and youngsters out to the range and show them a good time.

This is true, I actually need to take my wife out shooting first, my little brothers are to young and it would be good to get my wife feeling better equipped with my firearm. My teacher is actually the owner of K Force Vanguard so we will probably both be training there before to long, need to pick up more ammo as well.
 

Rusty Young Man

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2013
Messages
1,548
Location
Árida Zona
Yesterday:
OCed while running some errands and ran into an African-American guy at the bus stop. In short, he questioned whether it was "legal" for me to carry (I explained it was not prohibited), why I would carry a gun, why I would have a gun if I never use it for hunting (I don't count the two-legged predator;)), and why I would pay so much for it when I could just "get a $50 knife" for self-defense. At that point, I realized any further effort on my part would be wasted, so I stopped trying.
He then made a comment about how I probably also carry grenades and rocket launchers. I just put on my wistful face and said, "no, unfortunately. The government prohibits that." He made a few more attempts to get conversation :)rolleyes:) going, but shut up after realizing I wasn't interested in playing his little game. So I guess that was a negative encounter. Seems kind of tame by comparison to other members' adventures.:lol:

OC on the bus and at the bank was uneventful. No attendants freaked out, no other patrons so much as said anything, but one guy did have a deer-in-the-headlights look as I walked past him on my way out.

Today:
OCed at Sam's Club in Chandler, and had few people even notice.

OCed at a Circle K in Marana on my way to Tucson and got a compliment from a gentleman who asked what model it was (but didn't seem familiar with "1911"?:confused:). He said it was cool-looking, and I agree with his statement, though I may be biased:lol:. The other people in the store didn't say anything.
 

FreeInAZ

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2012
Messages
2,508
Location
Secret Bunker
OC'd on the capital grounds today and in Bolin memorial park. Lots of kids and people all over looking at the memorials etc...

No issues, no escort by capital police, nothing... just as it should be.
 

Javelina

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2014
Messages
125
Location
East Valley
OC'ed this weekend

Oc'ed a bit this weekend with no real problems. First was at The Habit burger joint on Bell near PV Mall, no real crazy looks, a few people noticed I think (you know that feeling when people have their eyes on your gun, you can just tell). Right after that was the Target right by the mall. I thought it was awesome walking past the unarmed guard standing at the front door with keys, a flashlight, medical stuff and etc. on his belt however no gun. Now you tell me who could be making Target a safer place to shop at that point? Although I don't have anything against Unarmed Guards seeing as its currently my 9-5. Right after Target I went to Poker Night with some men from my men's ministry and no big issue there. When I first walked in my buddy whose house it was at was all like "You packin' son?!?!" and grabbed my hand and turned me to admire my beautiful Glock 22 lol but just a few stupid comments and thats that, no biggie. My old boss (who is part of the ministry and just so happened to get fired that week, but didn't surprise me) was saying some slick s*(# when I got up to deal all the cards and my shirt lifted high enough to show my spare 10 round mag on my weak side. He was talking about how it must make my wife feel safe that I carry but I just blew it off, guy is ignorant and not worth it anyway, you know how it is, you can't change stupid. My last carry this weekend was my little sisters Bday party at my parents. My parents are fine with it since I showed my step-dad the beauty of a Serpa holster, I just get some flack from others. My Uncle who is a guns guy and strictly said it with a smile on his face was like "Packing at a family event huh? You expecting any trouble?" I told him "Nobody ever expects a fire yet you can find a fire extinguisher in almost every building." He was speechless, it was awesome. Also had my Grandma from KY visiting and asked if it was a real gun, I told her how it would be worthless if it was fake. By the way happy with the UK win this weekend!!! There gonna win it all!!! Also last random note but make sure to check out all the First Person Defender videos on YouTube. I have just started watching some of them and the training is great, will open your mind to how little things can make a big difference in everyday carry/situations. How was everyone else's weekend? Any good stories?
 

MAC702

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
6,331
Location
Nevada
...My Uncle who is a guns guy and strictly said it with a smile on his face was like "Packing at a family event huh? You expecting any trouble?" I told him "Nobody ever expects a fire yet you can find a fire extinguisher in almost every building." He was speechless, it was awesome...

Exactly!

I also like: "No sir, if I was expecting trouble, I'd have the shotgun."
 

Rusty Young Man

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2013
Messages
1,548
Location
Árida Zona
Well said Javalina! I'd wager your uncle might have had some of that "sporting use only" and "the police will protect you" propaganda rub off on him. Your words just might help him shake that off before the infection runs too deep.:D

Also, great call on the First Person Defender video series. I've been watching those since my little run-in with a crazy-eyed man (quite a few posts back, when I somehow boxed myself in:(). One of the more thought-provoking ones, for me, is the home defense scenario with the Top Shot contestant.

For the "any good stories": this past Saturday there was a "riot" on University after the UA lost to Wisconsin. Pepper balls, pepper canisters, and bean bag rounds were fired, glass bottles were thrown, etc. Anyways, the funny thing is, I'd gone home to drop my things off and was all set to go into the area while OCing, and I had this strange feeling that I just shouldn't step outside. Spooky when I found out what had happened.:uhoh:
My biggest gripe is how my age group will be/ is being portrayed, since this gives more ammunition to the antis who keep opposing lawful CC on campus because "college students are stupid" (the words of our former UA president, by the way).:mad:
 

FreeInAZ

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2012
Messages
2,508
Location
Secret Bunker
@Rusty - some of the stupidest people I've ever met were on college grounds. Sadly, they were mostly admins & faculty. :(

Here's an example of police going way off track in afore mentioned fiasco. One person gets their goat, so this genius with a badge decides to whale on a innocent girl. Can someone say steroid abuse?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B7Kv9R7b3A
 
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redsilver2

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2013
Messages
22
Location
Abq
Headed to the Great Constitutional State of Arizona this week for Vacation!
I've just been touching up on my AZ gun laws and also read through this forum....good stuff guys!

I only travel to States that are gun and OC friendly :)

Luckily NM is very gun friendly with only a few stupid laws left on the books (Mostly to do with Alcohol....and that they aren't a Constitutional Carry State :( )

Finally get to carry into a grocery store/gas station! lol!

Love AZ and can't wait to eat IN-N-OUT Burger!
 

Rusty Young Man

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2013
Messages
1,548
Location
Árida Zona
Headed to the Great Constitutional State of Arizona this week for Vacation!
I've just been touching up on my AZ gun laws and also read through this forum....good stuff guys!

I only travel to States that are gun and OC friendly :)

Luckily NM is very gun friendly with only a few stupid laws left on the books (Mostly to do with Alcohol....and that they aren't a Constitutional Carry State :( )

Finally get to carry into a grocery store/gas station! lol!

Love AZ and can't wait to eat IN-N-OUT Burger!

Greetings from sunny, dry Arizona redsilver2!

Don't know what area you're planning to visit, but if you're visiting Tucson, I just might be able to make some time for an OC lunch.

If you're visiting the Phoenix area, I believe FreeInAZ may be able to make your acquaintance. Also, you should visit The Hero Factory there: one of the sandwich girls OCs.:cool:

Regardless of where you'll frequent, I'm sure someone is available to greet a fellow Freedom-loving individual.:)
 

Javelina

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2014
Messages
125
Location
East Valley
Guess you can't OC when taking family photos???

This last Monday I had decided to OC to the JC Penny Portrait Studio at Arrowhead Mall in Peoria. Anyways I open carried into the place no problem. Got halfway through pics with the fam and then the picture lady told me to remove whatever was on my sides because it was bulging. I had my Glock 22 in a holster on my strong side and my extra 10 round clip on my weak side (mind you they were both covered during the pictures just bulged out a bit, was no problem till now). I told her I couldn't really take them off my side and she was like "What is it?" and my mom looked at her and said "Its a gun" almost sounding irritated that I had it however I think it was because she thought I was gonna get us kicked out of the place. Then the woman replied saying "You can't have that in here." I didn't see any sign (and made sure not to say this as I know it will promote putting up a stupid sign). I just looked at her and she had me put it in my wife's purse. You can best believe I put it back on right after the pictures with no more problems. I did not walk into the mall section but would have liked to just to see how the atmosphere would have been and if the mall itself was OC friendly. Went to Twisted Culture which is a Yogurt shop around 91st ave and Glendale afterwards and got no problems at all with my wife and grandma, just a few looks from one guy but it was chill, no robbery or anything lol.

@ Rusty: Sorry about the U of A "riot". Hate to say it but im a UK fan so I was quit happy with the outcome lol that and the fact I also plan on going to ASU should I pursue something higher then an Associate's . I plan on making a forum for a Summer OC lunch so be on the lookout for that. Would be awesome to meet FreeInAZ, Senora Rebel, MAC702, and Fred.
 
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MAC702

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
6,331
Location
Nevada
...she had me put it in my wife's purse. You can best believe I put it back on right after the pictures with no more problems...
I plan on making a forum for a Summer OC lunch so be on the lookout for that. Would be awesome to meet FreeInAZ, Senora Rebel, MAC702, and Fred.

Please rethink handling the weapon at all. Did you take it out of the holster to do this? In addition to the handling of the weapon, the lady was affirmed in her belief that she should make you remove it.

I look forward to meeting you and those other guys, too! Thanks!
 
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Rusty Young Man

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2013
Messages
1,548
Location
Árida Zona
This last Monday I had decided to OC to the JC Penny Portrait Studio at Arrowhead Mall in Peoria. Anyways I open carried into the place no problem. Got halfway through pics with the fam and then the picture lady told me to remove whatever was on my sides because it was bulging. I had my Glock 22 in a holster on my strong side and my extra 10 round clip on my weak side (mind you they were both covered during the pictures just bulged out a bit, was no problem till now). I told her I couldn't really take them off my side and she was like "What is it?" and my mom looked at her and said "Its a gun" almost sounding irritated that I had it however I think it was because she thought I was gonna get us kicked out of the place. Then the woman replied saying "You can't have that in here." I didn't see any sign (and made sure not to say this as I know it will promote putting up a stupid sign). I just looked at her and she had me put it in my wife's purse. You can best believe I put it back on right after the pictures with no more problems. I did not walk into the mall section but would have liked to just to see how the atmosphere would have been and if the mall itself was OC friendly. Went to Twisted Culture which is a Yogurt shop around 91st ave and Glendale afterwards and got no problems at all with my wife and grandma, just a few looks from one guy but it was chill, no robbery or anything lol.

Please rethink handling the weapon at all. Did you take it out of the holster to do this? In addition to the handling of the weapon, the lady was affirmed in her belief that she should make you remove it.

I look forward to meeting you and those other guys, too! Thanks!

MAC702 makes a good point on two accounts:
1) the more a gun is handled, the greater the chance for a ND. I've pointed this out to several people who've "asked" (tried to order) me to disarm; some see the logic, others don't (the latter group includes the lady at a range I frequent in Mesa:banghead:).
2) some of the people that "ask" you to disarm know little about the law and are just testing the waters. Being polite but firm can help dispel stereotypes but keep you from disarming.:)

@ Rusty: Sorry about the U of A "riot". Hate to say it but im a UK fan so I was quit happy with the outcome lol that and the fact I also plan on going to ASU should I pursue something higher then an Associate's . I plan on making a forum for a Summer OC lunch so be on the lookout for that. Would be awesome to meet FreeInAZ, Senora Rebel, MAC702, and Fred.
I'm not too big of a sports fan, but I think some people take it over the top (applies to drinking as well). Regardless, I stand firm with my assessment that TPD used excessive force, and their tactics were questionable at best.
I've met Fred and his lovely wife (both are active, Freedom-loving Arizonans), but have yet to meet the others. Looking forward to that as well!
 

MAC702

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Jul 31, 2011
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Nevada
... the more a gun is handled, the greater the chance for a ND. I've pointed this out to several people who've "asked" (tried to order) me to disarm; some see the logic, others don't ...

The latter group also includes stupid cops.
 

FreeInAZ

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Joined
Oct 15, 2012
Messages
2,508
Location
Secret Bunker
The latter group also includes stupid cops.

This! I knew a fellow back east & he had one (cop) tell him to hand him his pistol in a gas station and he did! I later explained to him that: he put himself at risk (bad cop claims you drew on him & shoots / arrests you) / clerk does not hear cops command & shoots you defending dumb cop / cops back up walks in as your pistol leaves holster and you receive hail of gun fire for following a stupid command.

I think he got it. We have been conditioned to obey. We need to THINK whenever possible. I have seen video where multiple officers shout conflicting commands "Freeze! Hands up! Lay down!" at bewildered people.... just saying, sometimes doing what officer fat head says can be a bad/fatal thing.

On topic OCed for lunch - nobody seemed to care or notice...as it should be. :)
 
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cds0699

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2014
Messages
19
Open carried in Charles Town and Martinsburg WV today. It honestly felt just like it does when I carry concealed... I didn't get a second look from 95% of the people and no comments from anyone. I even went into a pizza shop for food and walked right by 7 local police officers and no comment at all.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk
 

Javelina

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2014
Messages
125
Location
East Valley
True

Everything about handling the weapon is very true in regards to the possibility of it resulting in an accident. I did remove the weapon from my holster to place it in my wife's purse. I will make sure to no do that next time, thanks for pointing it out guys and opening my eyes to it! All of the stories about how the Cop thing could go wrong are also awesome and eye opening, thanks FreeInAZ! :cool:
 
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