Shocked a German tourist couple tonight....

TN_Mike · July 26th, 2007, 12:51 AM

I was out doing what has quickly become my standard exercise routine tonight (20 miles on the new mountain bike, Gads, I love this bike) and the rout I ride takes my repeatedly through the Memphis Tourist center out here in Arlington. (about 20 miles from Memphis, it's still nice out here

)

Anyway, around mile 15 or so when I made my pass through the Tourist Center parking lot, there was a Ford Escape parked in front of it (this is well after closing time) and a couple standing at the big map they have on a sign board out front with all the attractions and points of interest for Memphis marked on it.

They flagged me down and I stopped. At this point I will say that as usual, I was carrying my Glock 23 in a right side paddle holster by Fobus under my bright white tank top shirt, worn for maximum visibility to oncoming cars. They asked me where a certain hotel was in a VERY heavy German accented English. I gave them directions and they asked about a few attractions that they wanted to see the next day and I also gave them a little advice on parts of town to avoid and a few things to see like the zoo.
As we talked I noticed the male look towards my right hip and his eyes got a good bit larger. He then looked me in the eye and asked "Ist that a gun!?" (

best attempt at German accent)

I looked down and noticed that while riding my tank top had ridden up and now left my gun almost completely exposed. I said, in a nonchalant manner, "Yes, it's a Glock."
He then asked me if I was a police officer and when I told him no he looked a bit worried. I assured him that here in the USA there are a lot of private folks who carry guns for our personal protection and that he and his wife should not be too concerned about it.

We talked for about 10 or 15 minutes about guns and the second amendment and the different attitudes and laws here compared to their country. They seemed quite surprised that just anyone could carry a gun here as long as they had the permit. They did not seem put off by it or anything just very surprised and interested.

As we parted I told them welcome to the USA and Tennessee in particular and to enjoy their visit. I hope I was a good ambassador for our county and Tennessee and especially for law abiding gun owners. They seemed like nice people and I always find it interesting to meet people from other countries.

JD · July 26th, 2007, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TN_Mike

I hope I was a good ambassador for our county and Tennessee and especially for law abiding gun owners. They seemed like nice people and I always find it interesting to meet people from other countries.

I think you did just fine

falcon1 · July 26th, 2007, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TN_Mike

As we parted I told them welcome to the USA and Tennessee in particular and to enjoy their visit. I hope I was a good ambassador for our county and Tennessee and especially for law abiding gun owners. They seemed like nice people and I always find it interesting to meet people from other countries.

Sounds to me like you did great!

SIXTO · July 26th, 2007, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TN_Mike

I always find it interesting to meet people from other countries.

Me too, I enjoyed your story. Sounds like you left a favorable impression, or at least they pretended... so you wouldnt bust a cap in 'em.

Kingpole · July 26th, 2007, 01:01 AM

Sounds like you did great. I bet that will be one of the first stories they tell about their trip to the US when the get back to Germany.

Pete · July 26th, 2007, 01:03 AM

But really, what did they expect?
It's TN, the patron state of shooting things.

ccw9mm · July 26th, 2007, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TN_Mike

They seemed quite surprised that just anyone could carry a gun here as long as they had the permit.

A lot of folks in the USA are surprised by this, as well. Though many go well beyond mere surprise.

Mike, sounds like you did very well. Kudos on the cool delivery. "Yeah, it's a Glock. Now, where did you want to go?"

skippythenurse · July 26th, 2007, 01:04 AM

I love to poke the mind of a foreigner. They are less judging than some of our fellow Americans (at least that is my experience).

Chaddae52 · July 26th, 2007, 01:05 AM

Dang, 20 mile bike ride!?!?!? I'd be hurtin after that. I think its in those opportunities where we must capitalize on explaining the importance we place on carrying a tool to help us defend ourselves. The "sheep" that haven't been poisoned by media are assets to the cause when they understand our principles, even if they decide not to carry. Sounds like you did that. Thanx!

wmhawth · July 26th, 2007, 01:14 AM

Well done. You were friendly and helpful and didn't give the impression of being some crazy gunslinger cowboy Rambo. They'll take this back to Deutschland with them.

July 26th, 2007, 12:51 AM	#1
TN_Mike VIP Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: West TN Posts: 7,720	Shocked a German tourist couple tonight.... I was out doing what has quickly become my standard exercise routine tonight (20 miles on the new mountain bike, Gads, I love this bike) and the rout I ride takes my repeatedly through the Memphis Tourist center out here in Arlington. (about 20 miles from Memphis, it's still nice out here ) Anyway, around mile 15 or so when I made my pass through the Tourist Center parking lot, there was a Ford Escape parked in front of it (this is well after closing time) and a couple standing at the big map they have on a sign board out front with all the attractions and points of interest for Memphis marked on it. They flagged me down and I stopped. At this point I will say that as usual, I was carrying my Glock 23 in a right side paddle holster by Fobus under my bright white tank top shirt, worn for maximum visibility to oncoming cars. They asked me where a certain hotel was in a VERY heavy German accented English. I gave them directions and they asked about a few attractions that they wanted to see the next day and I also gave them a little advice on parts of town to avoid and a few things to see like the zoo. As we talked I noticed the male look towards my right hip and his eyes got a good bit larger. He then looked me in the eye and asked "Ist that a gun!?" ( best attempt at German accent) I looked down and noticed that while riding my tank top had ridden up and now left my gun almost completely exposed. I said, in a nonchalant manner, "Yes, it's a Glock." He then asked me if I was a police officer and when I told him no he looked a bit worried. I assured him that here in the USA there are a lot of private folks who carry guns for our personal protection and that he and his wife should not be too concerned about it. We talked for about 10 or 15 minutes about guns and the second amendment and the different attitudes and laws here compared to their country. They seemed quite surprised that just anyone could carry a gun here as long as they had the permit. They did not seem put off by it or anything just very surprised and interested. As we parted I told them welcome to the USA and Tennessee in particular and to enjoy their visit. I hope I was a good ambassador for our county and Tennessee and especially for law abiding gun owners. They seemed like nice people and I always find it interesting to meet people from other countries. __________________ A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. -Barry Goldwater 1968

July 26th, 2007, 01:01 AM	#5
Kingpole New Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Northwest Florida Posts: 3	Sounds like you did great. I bet that will be one of the first stories they tell about their trip to the US when the get back to Germany. __________________ If it does not kill me, it will make me stronger.

July 26th, 2007, 01:05 AM	#9
Chaddae52 Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 127	Dang, 20 mile bike ride!?!?!? I'd be hurtin after that. I think its in those opportunities where we must capitalize on explaining the importance we place on carrying a tool to help us defend ourselves. The "sheep" that haven't been poisoned by media are assets to the cause when they understand our principles, even if they decide not to carry. Sounds like you did that. Thanx! __________________ "Like a muddied spring or polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked." -Proverbs 25:26 "If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed..." -Exodus 22:2

July 26th, 2007, 01:14 AM	#10
wmhawth Distinguished Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 1,708	Well done. You were friendly and helpful and didn't give the impression of being some crazy gunslinger cowboy Rambo. They'll take this back to Deutschland with them. __________________ William

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July 26th, 2007, 01:03 AM	#6
Pete Ex Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA Posts: 2,572	But really, what did they expect? It's TN, the patron state of shooting things.

July 26th, 2007, 01:04 AM	#8
skippythenurse Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Houston, TEXAS!! Posts: 352	I love to poke the mind of a foreigner. They are less judging than some of our fellow Americans (at least that is my experience).