First, please forgive me if this has been covered. Being new to the forum, I haven't had time to completely research the topic. I was wondering, why open carry? I get the whole "right to carry" issue. I have absolutely no problem with that. But from what I've read of the posts here, especially in the "NV - how did it go" thread, it seems like people open carry just to see if they can, and what type of confrontation/reaction they can get.
Yes, a lot of the stories are about how they were able to OC and nobody said anything, or someone appreciated it. But most of it seems like, "I wanna see what the reaction will be, just for the fun of it."
Although I don't wanna go back to "old-timey" days when everyone walked around with a holster on their hip, I don't envision a day when most people will carry and it will be so commonplace nobody is bothered. Everyone will eventually run into someone who will be uncomfortable, or will think (not knowing) that you're doing something illegal or may actually be a threat. Even I, when I lived in "The Burgh", was uncomfortable when I saw a black man with a pistol stuffed in the front of his pants while at my local poolhall. It was open, clearly visible. And, although it obviously sounds racist (though not meant to be), it made me uncomfortable. I dialed 911. I also admit, after the cops arrived and it was all explained, (I sat quietly in the corner and kept my mouth shut, un-noticed) I went over to the guy, told him it was I that called the police, and apologized. I felt like crap and told him so. He said he understood and didn't blame me. I still felt like crap for being both an unknowning butthole for not knowing the law, and for being, I guess, racist, in that situation. (And yes, I probably wouldn't have said a word if it was a white guy, and that makes me feel even worse)
Would I like to see open carry with no issues whatsoever? I'm actually not sure. I know this sounds stupid to most, but I think concealed carry would be more appropriate. You can protect yourself and others, without making anyone feel like I did. Am I happy there are people who are legally armed walking the streets? Absofrigginlutley. Would I carry? If I could get a concealed, you bet your ass.
So, with that in mind, why do you open carry? Are you trying to make it so commonplace that people like me aren't upset or worried? Are you doing it just to see the reaction? Is it something you're doing to make you feel more powerful because you feel lesser without it? Or are you doing it because you want to feel safe and cannot CC, or feel so afraid to go out in public because of all the crime? Is it because, "I can do that thing, so I must do that thing"? Or is it another reason altogether? I'm actually curious. Please don't take this is as me being a ****** or trying to incite. I'm trying to understand. I want to argue the point, if needed, to others if they ask, and I can't do that without a proper understanding. So please, be honest. I never argue unless I know I can win, and I want to be able to properly argue this point.
Yes, a lot of the stories are about how they were able to OC and nobody said anything, or someone appreciated it. But most of it seems like, "I wanna see what the reaction will be, just for the fun of it."
Although I don't wanna go back to "old-timey" days when everyone walked around with a holster on their hip, I don't envision a day when most people will carry and it will be so commonplace nobody is bothered. Everyone will eventually run into someone who will be uncomfortable, or will think (not knowing) that you're doing something illegal or may actually be a threat. Even I, when I lived in "The Burgh", was uncomfortable when I saw a black man with a pistol stuffed in the front of his pants while at my local poolhall. It was open, clearly visible. And, although it obviously sounds racist (though not meant to be), it made me uncomfortable. I dialed 911. I also admit, after the cops arrived and it was all explained, (I sat quietly in the corner and kept my mouth shut, un-noticed) I went over to the guy, told him it was I that called the police, and apologized. I felt like crap and told him so. He said he understood and didn't blame me. I still felt like crap for being both an unknowning butthole for not knowing the law, and for being, I guess, racist, in that situation. (And yes, I probably wouldn't have said a word if it was a white guy, and that makes me feel even worse)
Would I like to see open carry with no issues whatsoever? I'm actually not sure. I know this sounds stupid to most, but I think concealed carry would be more appropriate. You can protect yourself and others, without making anyone feel like I did. Am I happy there are people who are legally armed walking the streets? Absofrigginlutley. Would I carry? If I could get a concealed, you bet your ass.
So, with that in mind, why do you open carry? Are you trying to make it so commonplace that people like me aren't upset or worried? Are you doing it just to see the reaction? Is it something you're doing to make you feel more powerful because you feel lesser without it? Or are you doing it because you want to feel safe and cannot CC, or feel so afraid to go out in public because of all the crime? Is it because, "I can do that thing, so I must do that thing"? Or is it another reason altogether? I'm actually curious. Please don't take this is as me being a ****** or trying to incite. I'm trying to understand. I want to argue the point, if needed, to others if they ask, and I can't do that without a proper understanding. So please, be honest. I never argue unless I know I can win, and I want to be able to properly argue this point.