Odd situation at the Irving...

[major99]

My wife is battling laryngitis and asked me to pick her up some ice cream on the way home from work. I stopped at the Irving down the street. On the way out I noticed a guy with a motorcycle OCing while he drank his coffee. I asked him if anyone ever freaked out when they saw the gun. He got kind of defensive and said "who cares, I have a permit to carry concealed". I said no I understand that and OC is legal here in NH but I was just curious if any one had caused a stink about it. He told me that he had been mugged twice and was usually left alone since he started OC. He just seemed kind of annoyed that I asked. Should I not have? It seemed to be an innocent thing to ask since he had it prominently displayed on his hip. Any feedback? Was I wrong in asking? Thanks.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[wmhawth]

I wouldn't have asked but, on the other hand, If he didn't want the attention why was he OCing?

[JD]

Open Carrying isn't always about wanting attention, but on the same hand, you need to be ready to answer some questions and be a good example. A quick answer, or even a more courteous reply would have been warranted IMHO.

[HotGuns]

He just seemed kind of annoyed that I asked

I'll bet he's been harrassed about it and expected the same so he was a bit defensive about it.

[wmhawth]

Open Carrying isn't always about wanting attention, but on the same hand, you need to be ready to answer some questions and be a good example. A quick answer, or even a more courteous reply would have been warranted IMHO.

It's true that Open Carrying isn't always about wanting attention but it's a fact of life that Open Carrying is going to get attention. Those who open carry should be prepared to deal with it in a manner that reflects well on gun owners.

[retsupt99]

You might have commented on the beauty of his sidearm...positive starts can't hurt.

[ExactlyMyPoint]

You might have commented on the beauty of his sidearm...positive starts can't hurt.

I agree. Build a rapport first. Show him you are on his side. He might have been a bit more friendly. OTOH, he should have been courteous regardless.

[major99]

You might have commented on the beauty of his sidearm...positive starts can't hurt.

I would have if I could have identified it. Honestly though I dont think it would have made a difference. Usually I can talk to people and not be "intimidating" for lack of a better word, This guy I think just wanted to be left alone. I just wanted to have a brief conversation on the pitfalls of OC in NH. I've considered it, I'm just not sure how it will be perceived. Well I guess i'll just remain concealed.

[grady]

I don't think you were wrong for asking. Maybe he was just having a bad day, or like was said, was defensive based on past experiences.

I could walk up to 10 strangers and start a conversation about the weather, and I'd probably find a few who mouthed off at me because that's the way they were, or because they were having a bad day.

I agree he lost an opportunity to leave a good impression.

[artz]

I'll bet he's been harrassed about it and expected the same so he was a bit defensive about it.

And then....there are a few people who just don't care.

[archer51]

Maybe the guy who walked by right before you grabbed his wife by the arm and pointed at him saying "OMG! Look....a man with a gun!!!"

[paramedic70002]

The world is filled with all kinds of people, all kinds of mixes. You talk to strangers, you take your chances.

[goldshellback]

OC'ing won't get him left alone if that was his ultimate goal.

[Al Lowe]

It seems to me, the person who was OCing, needs some sensitivity training.

MOST of us (but obviously not all) who OC, expect to be asked questions. Those of us who are active in the so-called "OC movement" welcome questions like the OP started with. It gives us a chance to "spread the gospel."

My guess is, the OCer that the OP approached, isn't interested in doing that.

[raevan]

I personally don't like people walking up and talking to me if I don't know them.
If some one trys and start a conversation I usually don't even bother answering them. How I carry is nobodys buisness and I don't talk about it.