Open Carry experience thread.

[Rusty Young Man]

Figured it was probably time to dust off this thread and let it be known that I am still not dead.

Ok, this happened about four nights ago.

I was at my GF's place watching The Walking Dead while her sidearm and my sidearm cuddled on the coffee table in front of us (all of this was her suggestion too; I'm really lucky ). Went to check on the laundry and a few folks had congregated in the area, discussing some sort of altercation between the neighbors. Not entirely sure of what happened, I just know that police were called and they were already on the way (no SWAT or sirens).

Anyways, my OWB OCed 1911 was spotted by a neighbor and it sparked a nice, long conversation about AZ's Constitutional Carry (stuff like how I DIDN"T need a permit to OC or CC, unless in a bar) and sidearms in general. As I'm explaining the process of purchasing a firearm (at her request), two LEOs walk by on my strong side and about 10 feet from me; head-on view of my 1911.:shocker: When they headed back in the direction from which they came, they also could not have missed my 1911.

Not so much as a peep from either of them, and the lady neighbor and I continued to chat. She went so far as asking for help choosing out a sidearm for her and her husband to use for home defense. I agreed I could help, but mentioned that only she and her husband would know what the best fit was (closed eyes while handling every pistol to avoid bias).

So no issues with OC, either from my GF's neighbors or the two uniformed LEOs who came by. It seemed like the neighbor lady (who was from NY, BTW) could understand the need for a sidearm for those "just-in-case" scenarios. Oh, and the GF and I kept watching The Walking Dead afterwards.

 

[Rusty Young Man]

Unicorn sighting, and a rough OC encounter

Alright, since last time I posted on here (to the tune of "We didn't start the fire":

[video=youtube;eFTLKWw542g]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFTLKWw542g[/video]

Local Walmart, Micky D's,
Filiberto's (nice A Z's),
Oh my gosh, it's friggin' hot!:uhoh:
Small talk at a birthday.

Hit Culver's for "Concretes",
I think I prefer Eegee's.
1911: attention-getting,
But nothing bad to say.

{break}

AM/PM: refueling,
spent exactly 17.
Gatorade or lemonade,
A compliment on OC was made.

Saw a guy who OC'ed,
Didn't catch what he carried,
Are you on here?!
White T, blue jeans,
This was only yesterday!!

{Chorus}

The only issue I did have regarding OC was while looking for an apt with my GF.

Dealing with Acacia Properties, we had been told we could hop on a scheduled showing of a property, led by one of their agents (let's call him "Agent J.")

Well, Agent J. showed up about 30 minutes late to the original showing, which was still about 10 minutes after the GF and I arrived, and immediately came off as rude and whiny. As I greeted him, he complained about having "scheduled for one person and now I have six". No greetings, no apology for being so late, and entirely a bad reflection of Texans (Texas license plate).

When he finally does address me, it is to say that I need to return "that" to the car. Asking him for clarification, he condescendingly asks whether I am a police officer (he knows I'm not) and I try to explain that LEOs aren't the only ones who carry in AZ, and permits aren't required like in Texas (which doesn't have a Right to carry, only a privilege). In keeping with his original demeanor, he cuts me off halfway through saying he doesn't care and flatly refuses to allow my GF and I to see the property unless we've disarmed.

Needless to say, the GF and I left after bidding everyone involved a great day, and she called the Acacia Properties office to report the agent's unwarranted rude behaviour. The office lady did bring up a valid point that although they do not have a formal policy regarding armed clients, they feared for the safety of their employees (and yet they go in alone and trust groups of complete strangers? ), at which point I politely mentioned that just as Agent J. may not know me, I also don't know him or his background. Taking the diplomatic approach, I pointed out the more logical course of action would be to encourage their agents to carry, mentioning I've already met one realtor (a very polite and friendly lady) who carried on the job.

Anyways, further dealings with the rude employee (Agent J.) has turned the GF and I off of any places managed by Acacia Properties. And I'm proud of how calmly and politely my GF handled the phone calls.

 

[Rusty Young Man]

Update

Enjoyed a hearty breakfast at The Egg Connection with no issues there, as usual. If you guys are in the Tucson area and want a good breakfast, I can definitely recommend the place.
Their country fried steak dish did not disappoint, and the John Wayne/western decor is pretty interesting to look at. Plus, the folks have always received the GF and I warmly.

Two different Home Depots, Panda Express, Yogurtland (what?! They're a low-calorie alternative to ice-cream. Gotta watch my figure, ya know), a handful of Dollar Stores/Trees/Generals, and PetsMart (pets need food and toys... lots and lots of toys; my GF spoils the furballs:uhoh.

Two different Fry's stores, but only one seems to attract the bad vibes:
GF and I arrived at one of the Fry's after what may have been a very heated argument between an angry patron and the management. We walked past the angry patron who continued to shout about not coming back and also shouting that he WOULD be back, and so on and so forth. Behaviour left me right on the verge of Condition Orange.

The same Fry's on a different day resulted in what appeared to be a Latino man taking issue with my OC. He "spoke quietly" (loud enough that I could hear two lanes away) to his family as they left, saying the police had likely already been called and would promptly arrive. Didn't get a chance to educate them on our Freedoms.

On a positive note, I got to meet up with an OCer for some Eegee's (great way to beat the heat, by the way). Drew some glances and double-takes, but no issues to speak of.

 

[Rusty Young Man]

Got a thumbs up from a Kalifornia tourist

Grabbing some Yogurtland with the GF last night, we had the usual routine happen: We go in and it is empty, but the place starts filling up as we're serving ourselves. By the time we paid, there was a man from Kalifornia who saw my 1911 and thought it was awesome. Big eyes, big smile, and a thumbs up. The gentleman looked to be a stroke survivor, but told me it was "pretty cool" to see someone carry.

I shook his hand and told him he could carry in this great state too, but he mentioned, wistfully, if I may add, he was from Kalifornia. I shook his hand and welcomed him to America, which elicited more good-humoured laughter from the both of us as we bid each other farewell.

As usual, no issues with the staff or anyone else.

How is THAT for "terrorizing" the public with OC?

 

[77zach]

Visiting tucson from Fl. OC'D at eegee's and sprouts. Saw OC in fry's on first day here, didn't speak to him. Jealous of the OC but happy we don't have signage laws. Concealed into Bison Witch's. On the way out saw small no gun sign near television, so ridiculous. I know signage does not really have force of law outside places that serve alcohol for on site consumption, but I don't feel like arguing with any cops seeing as I don't live here.

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[Rusty Young Man]

Visiting tucson from Fl. OC'D at eegee's and sprouts. Saw OC in fry's on first day here, didn't speak to him. Jealous of the OC but happy we don't have signage laws. Concealed into Bison Witch's. On the way out saw small no gun sign near television, so ridiculous. I know signage does not really have force of law outside places that serve alcohol for on site consumption, but I don't feel like arguing with any cops seeing as I don't live here.

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Glad to hear you got to see an OCer in the wild, especially down here in Tucson. Hope your stay is a good one. Let me know if you're up for a quick lunch somewhere.

Not sure what to say about Sprouts (they "ask" for Lawfully-Armed Citizens to refrain from carrying there; criminals could care less what anyone "asks" them to do), but posted signs (depending on how conspicuous they are) have a bit of weight to them insofar as they may constitute fair warning about the wishes of the owner, making the case for "trespassing".
Personally, I have strayed past two badly-placed and nearly invisible signs before having LEOs inform me that I could not remain there while visibly armed (the places served alcohol, though it was not apparent when I glanced around prior to entering). In neither case did anyone threaten to trespass, which is the most likely charge that could result from it.


OC since my last post:
Krispie Kreme (yeah, one opened up in Tucson), Khol's (GF says I need to expand my wardrobe:uhoh, Nico's Mexican Food (can't believe I haven't mentioned them since I've OCed there on more than a handful of occasions), three different McD's, two different Taco Bells, and a trip or two on the city buses.

 

[77zach]

Back to Gainesville, Fl tomorrow. Did a couple hikes, two mexican restaurants (one in dowtown Tucson) and Home Depot all OC, rest of the time CC, no complications. This is the farthest west I've OC'd. Also the 2nd state/time I've seen another random OCer.

 

[nshaw65]

Tennessee OCer relocating to Arizona

I have open carried since I bought my first handgun in December. I live in Bristol, TN on the VA border and OC a Ruger SR9c with a 17 rd mag. and (2) 17 rd mags. in a double mag holder on my weak side all the time in both states. I have never had a negative experience. Most of the time people don't even notice and I have found that people treat you with respect like their glad to see you OC'ing. I had a women with her teenage son in Kroger come up to me and shake my hand and thank me for carrying. She said it made her feel safer. I ask her son if he carried since he looked older than a teen and he told me that he wasn't old enough that he was only 19. I informed him that it's legal in Virginia to OC without a permit at 18.

I have a lot of people ask me what piece I'm carrying and when I tell them they respond with something like "nice" or "beautiful". I am going to be relocating to Arizona in a few months. I am a transplanted California desert rat and need to get back to familiar surroundings other than the Left Coast.

I am amazed by the fact that of all the time I've been OC'ing I have never seen anyone else OC. I know that the OC crowd is greatly out numbered by the conceald carry zealots but why am I the only one OC'ing.

 

[77zach]

There are many reasons but the unfortunate ones include the fact that many people don't carry on their person at all. In Florida, the number who keep guns in their cars is large and significant. The number of people who CC on foot is miniscule compared to the million and change licensees. And ultimately people don't want to be seen armed in public because they worry about what others will think.

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[Rusty Young Man]

I have open carried since I bought my first handgun in December. I live in Bristol, TN on the VA border and OC a Ruger SR9c with a 17 rd mag. and (2) 17 rd mags. in a double mag holder on my weak side all the time in both states. I have never had a negative experience. Most of the time people don't even notice and I have found that people treat you with respect like their glad to see you OC'ing. I had a women with her teenage son in Kroger come up to me and shake my hand and thank me for carrying. She said it made her feel safer. I ask her son if he carried since he looked older than a teen and he told me that he wasn't old enough that he was only 19. I informed him that it's legal in Virginia to OC without a permit at 18.SNIP...

Welcome and greetings from sunny, dry Tucson, AZ nshaw65!
What part of Arizona will you be moving to?
Props for informing the 19-year old and his mother. Hopefully they decide to look up the law on the matter and begin to carry themselves.


I think ignorance can also play a role in folks (especially those under 21) not knowing that they may be entirely on the legal side of the law by OCing (since no permit may be required, and permits are generally reserved for the 21 and up crowd), and that Federal law only prevents them from buying a pistol FROM AN FFL, meaning a private-party sale is perfectly fine (been there myself, that's how I bought my first pistol).

 

[OC4me]

There are many reasons but the unfortunate ones include the fact that many people don't carry on their person at all. In Florida, the number who keep guns in their cars is large and significant. The number of people who CC on foot is miniscule compared to the million and change licensees. And ultimately people don't want to be seen armed in public because they worry about what others will think.

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Strange, because when I was a Florida resident, no permit was required to carry in a vehicle (at least in a closed container).

I would think that the million plus license holders actually have that license so that they can carry out in public. Granted, not all do so 100% of the time, but at least in some places.

 

[77zach]

Strange, because when I was a Florida resident, no permit was required to carry in a vehicle (at least in a closed container).

I would think that the million plus license holders actually have that license so that they can carry out in public. Granted, not all do so 100% of the time, but at least in some places.

It still is legal without a license. The vast majority never carry though on their person.

 

[DevilDog2098]

I've OC'D all over town and haven't had a problem yet. I will get some random looks from parents with little kids but they never say anything. I'm very aware of posted signs and always make sure nothing is posted before I enter.

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[Rusty Young Man]

I've OC'D all over town and haven't had a problem yet. I will get some random looks from parents with little kids but they never say anything. I'm very aware of posted signs and always make sure nothing is posted before I enter.

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Welcome to OCDO and greetings from usually uhoh sunny, dry Tucson DevilDog2098!

What town are you in, if I may ask?

For most folks on the AZ experiences thread, your experience is the norm. The only people who tend to make a big deal about our evil, super-scary, puppy-kicking sidearms rolleyes are transplants from other states where Freedom requires a permit (or isn't allowed).


Been taking a break from the forums (GF had a point that I was neglecting other important things by spending too much time on them), so it has a while since I posted anywhere.

OCed without issue, as usual, but did have a few experiences which warranted a post.

U.S. postman made a comment about my carry which led to a short chat about carrying being the smart thing to do (especially with all the crazy stuff going on, BESIDES the terrorist attacks). He said he normally carries when not on the job.

Home Depot: Friendly as always and never a comment or evil eye from employees.

OCed at the Wendy's right near the University of Arizona campus: A few saucer eyes, a few stares, but no issues inside while ordering. Not even the group of 4-5 cops next door outside the station (UA PD) seemed to notice/care.


Now, the heartwarming stories:

Had a GREAT experience at Boston Market (rotisserie chicken and home-style foods; check it out if one is local to your area!): Employee asked what I was carrying (SS 1911-A1), and this led to a friendly conversation.

Employee: Is that a Kimber?

Me: Springfield.

Employee: Saw a meme the other day about how ARs that get taken to the range often and used correctly don't grow up to be bad guns.

Me: Yep. My gun must be like that, and lazy. It's never done anything but stay on my hip. Never jumped out to attack anyone.

Employee: Must not be the guns then. Maybe it's the PEOPLE that commit the crimes?

Me: That's too logical for today's society.

Afterwards, he let us know of the specials they have for the coming month.


Finally, the GF and I done made it official: We went to see an insurance agent about getting a renter's policy for our new place (yeah, finally moved in together, officially*).
The agent (and half the office) must have seen it because he mentioned the firearm coverage option. Other than that, well, you'd just think that Openly Carrying a sidearm is completely normal.

Been OCing for three years now (daily for two), and can still count the "negative" encounters on my fingers and still have one hand free to wave to folks.

 

[DevilDog2098]

Welcome to OCDO and greetings from usually uhoh sunny, dry Tucson DevilDog2098!

What town are you in, if I may ask?

I'm actually in Peoria.

I've noticed that that in most places nobody bats an eye and I've had conversations with LEO's while standing in line waiting to checkout at my local QT. Usually it's my holster they comment on and that leads into even deeper conversations about what i carry (XD mod2 .45)

 

[solus]

rusty, congrats on the big jump in the relationship...:banana: firm believer in cohabitation for a myriad of reasons.

tho i am worried your primary education failed you as you still use your fingers to count...

but the good news is OC is alive an well...

ipse

 

[Rusty Young Man]

I'm actually in Peoria.

I've noticed that that in most places nobody bats an eye and I've had conversations with LEO's while standing in line waiting to checkout at my local QT. Usually it's my holster they comment on and that leads into even deeper conversations about what i carry (XD mod2 .45)

Glad to hear LEOs in your area seem to be respecting the RKBA.

We've got to plan an OC meetup to get to know the new faces (plus, some younger folks just reached legal age these last few months and are joining our ranks).

rusty, congrats on the big jump in the relationship...:banana: firm believer in cohabitation for a myriad of reasons.

tho i am worried your primary education failed you as you still use your fingers to count...

but the good news is OC is alive an well...

ipse

Thanks solus.
We've taken the slow and steady approach, and it is time for a new phase in our lives.

Meh, I'm not ashamed to use my fingers to count. Useful as a portable abacus that goes with me and adds absolutely no weight to my EDC.

 

[Rusty Young Man]

Hope everyone here has a good A/C or swamp cooler unit. These temperatures seem to be getting more and more outrageous. Especially for the folks in the PHX area. :shocker:

Update since last post:
OCed at WalMart this week and saw a middle-aged gentleman in the checkout line OCing a revolver (stainless or nickel finish with black rubber grips). He was wearing a white shirt with a security company emblem on it, so I won't consider it an OCer sighting (since it might be carried openly ONLY because of his job).

Also saw a younger gentleman carrying a 6"-8" fixed blade knife in an OWB sheath on his belt. Technically not OC either, I suppose.

OC at Tucson Convention Center parking lots to watch the fireworks with friends and colleagues. No issues with OC, but one (shady) guy there begging for money seemed to take issue with me not giving him anything despite my visible sidearm. Basically, "gun=rich" in his mind. Never mind how long and how much I saved to buy it.

I'm sure I'm not listing even half the places I visit, but OC at a new Denny's, Cold Stone, Mama's Hawaiian BBQ (local to AZ), and the UPS store were all uneventful, as they should be.

 

[gunslinger493]

OC'd at Ace hardware, Subway and Walmart all here in Globe. Had one guy at Walmart ask me what I was carrying. I was carrying my CZ-P07. A few weeks ago at the same Walmart, I had one person thank me for OC'ing. That is like 3rd or 4th time someone has thanked me for OC'ing.

 

[Rusty Young Man]

OC'd at Ace hardware, Subway and Walmart all here in Globe. Had one guy at Walmart ask me what I was carrying. I was carrying my CZ-P07. A few weeks ago at the same Walmart, I had one person thank me for OC'ing. That is like 3rd or 4th time someone has thanked me for OC'ing.

Great carry platform. I've been considering a P07 for some time now. Glad to hear folks in your area keep a level head when confronted by the sight of a holstered sidearm.


Had a great OC experience this Monday (11th of July).

Had to go up to the PHX area to meet someone who wanted to buy a pistol I was selling (hardly ever shoot it, looking to fund other projects, etc.). Went into David's Hamburgers and Mexican food in Scottsdale and ordered two shakes. No issues with my OC (full-size 1911 in an OWB holster), but the staff and I did chat about English to Spanish translations of words.

Two kids (about 10 years old) saw my OC and thought it was the most awesome thing they had seen. It led to a conversation about semis and revolvers.

Warms my heart to see two young ones who haven't been brainwashed by the antis and their media puppets. Yep, there may still be hope for the future.

Also got to see an OCer in the wild. The man was riding a motorcycle on the I-10 headed south from PHX. Happened to see him a while before hitting Riggs Rd.
Anyone on here riding a motorcycle, OCing a black sidearm OWB on the right side, wearing an orange shirt and black helmet?