Just couldn't do it

[Kimberpackn]

I wanted to OC for an entire day to see how it would differ from my usual CC. I just felt so in the spotlight that I just couldn't do it. There are lots of places in the Nashville TN that do not ban the carrying of handguns yet somehow I was just overwhelmed by the feeling of being "stared at" that it prohibited me from doing so. Opinions?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[miller_man]

Never really been interested myself. Not wanting anybody paying me any extra attention. For those who are for it, Im all for them doing it, I just know its not for me. May not be for you.

[1 old 0311]

I am not an attention whore so I don't.

[Michigander]

It does that. For that, and other reasons such as needing to be perpetually situationally aware, OCing isn't for everyone. Plus there is the fact that in some (perhaps most) regions it can put you under much more intense scrutiny from cops (I won't say any more on that based on forum rules)

It's a practice which should be done by those who want to and who are well enough skilled and equipped to do so. And even among that category, most I know CC either some or most of the time.

For me, the staring has sometimes made me go days and even weeks without OCing. When and if the time does come where you feel like OCing, an outgoing, friendly demeanor, and clothing which makes you look clean cut and responsible (AKA dressing to the gun) will go a long way towards public perception being mostly positive.

[Michigander]

I am not an attention whore so I don't.

I have known very few attention whores in the open carry community, and those that are have either become prosecuted, or hounded by the media and driven away from it. The vast majority of those who do open carry as a personal choice in their private life do so because it is a way to spread the word about guns and gun rights, giving the carrier a chance to talk to the public quite frequently. It also tends to be a strong way to get low lives to turn around and go away as fast as they can.

In your assessment that it isn't for you, I would agree. Anyone that doesn't want to most certainly shouldn't.

[.45acpguy]

I fully support those who choose to open carry where it is permitted.

However, there are way too many anti-gun folks and media folks who have too much time on their hands and want to demonize and may do creative things to persecute (not in a legal court room sense) those who choose to exercise this right.

I detest those antis and I wish they would allow second amendment advocates to exercise our rights without any form of their harassing tactics.

[AngryBadger417]

Here In West Virginia OC isn't that big of a deal, At least to LEO. The first time I open carried i had to sit in my car and pump myself up for 15 mins. After I actually got out of my car it wasn't that bad. I got a bunch of wierd looks and a few people would avoid my in the aisles of the grocery store but I think most of that is the fact that I am 21. I have only done it a handful of times but it does feel good to excercise my rights as an American citizen.

[GH]

After carrying concealed & even though I live in an open carry state I still try to conceal well. I, too get a bit nervous open carrying only because all my life I've avoided the spotlight. Another matter that I've considered is the Milwaukee Police Chief. He promised that anyone open carrying & seen by his officers will be taken to the ground, handcuffed, have a records check run on them, their gun taken away & if the record is clear can pick their gun up at the station. As illegal & 2A violation as it is I just don't want the hassle. Talking to some PO friends they've indicated that they just "won't see a gun" if the open carrying armed person "looks" clean but they recommend concealing it.

That being said I have absolutely nothing against our 2A right to carry a firearm openly & would do it in a better gun climate. With many squads roaming the neighborhood for the last week or so because of a shooting less than 2 blocks from my house & the shooter (5 victims, one 12 year old dead) still on the loose I wouldn't blame them if they braced me. I don't come close to matching the description of the shooter but I won't take that chance. I carry every time I'm outside but I'll make sure it's concealed well & easily accessible.

[archer51]

I OC probably 95% of the time. Here no one appears to pay any attention to it, or the fact that I'm 60+ they don't feel threatened by it. I also come into contact with LEO's most everyday while OC'ing. They have never hassled me about it, in fact a few will question what I'm carrying and how I like it. If your interested in doing it, work up to carrying all day. Start with a trip to the quick stop, then maybe a trip to Walmart, building up your comfort with it. You may decide you like OC, or you may decide it isn't for you, you'll never know until you try it.

[retsupt99]

No OC in FL, but on trips to the North I have tried it...in GA, TN, an KY...on one seemed to notice or care.

[Badey]

In my area an OCer is something akin to a unicorn... you never see one. I OC about 20-30% of the time during the summer. It took a couple times to get used to. I was really nervous my first time, and just OCed anyway, and have loved it ever since. Most people don't notice.

it may or may not be for you, but don't beat yourself up for being nervous about doing it.

[ANGLICO]

I only do it when riding my HD in certain states, with the Blackhawk .44, to basically say 'keep away'. But I always CC another weapon at the same time. As far as walking around town and doing the normal day to day chores, I agree that I don't want the attention then.

[ccw9mm]

Check out OpenCarry.org for good info on what OC means, the pros/cons, opinions on how to do it successfully. Good forum, there.

[F350]

When I worked in a gun shop in Missouri I got tired of summertime concealing, unconcealing, concealing..... and just started OCing. I OCed on the main drag in town and into the main branch of my bank, in front of the city police department and only a couple of times had a casual encounter with LEO.

Now I live in Western Colorado and OC everyday and never had a problem. It is kind funny, when I've been in a Stop-N-Rob and encountered LEO out of a dozen people I am the only one that gets a "How's it goin' " or "Afternoon", which I usually respond back, couple times it lead to a short casual exchange of words while we were filling our drink of choice cups, never a problem.

[carracer]

I was really nervous and uneasy as I started also. Takes time to realize that not one really pays much attention. Have had a few good comments and questions about it. Only one security guard stopped me to check with supervisor about being allowed into the Horse Races. Was not held up for more than 5 minutes, never disarmed, "Proned out" or threatened. Management had no issues with it so I promptly went in and lost all my betting money!

Just have fun and don't overdo it to the point of being uncomfortable. The main thing is CARRY. CC or OC, just carry.