Any Advice on Carrying Openly for the First Time?

Status
Not open for further replies.
I can find other ways to stand up for my rights. I bet the constructive, solicited conversations I have while CCWing when the topic of self-defense comes up do as much as anyone open carrying who "shows people it can be safe" by example.

I totally support the right to open carry. That said, I think in most places it is like a full time job watching out for various types of unwanted attention, trying to cool off uncomfortable situations, etc. Not worth it to me. Now, when I tried it I didn't have constant interference, but enough that it was not worth it to me.

As for meeting chicks when you have a gun on your belt openly, forget about it unless you're a cop.
 
"I believe the law in AZ, if I remember correctly, is you can carry open, but you can't have a round chambered, but can have a mag inserted."

Wrong. You may have it full loaded, plus there are no magazine round limits here.
 
conwict said:
I can find other ways to stand up for my rights. I bet the constructive, solicited conversations I have while CCWing when the topic of self-defense comes up do as much as anyone open carrying who "shows people it can be safe" by example.

I totally support the right to open carry. That said, I think in most places it is like a full time job watching out for various types of unwanted attention, trying to cool off uncomfortable situations, etc. Not worth it to me. Now, when I tried it I didn't have constant interference, but enough that it was not worth it to me.

As for meeting chicks when you have a gun on your belt openly, forget about it unless you're a cop.
Click to expand...
Like I said. The second I turn 21, I am going to try as hard as I can to get my CCW.
I would rather people not know I have a gun.

Anyway, my open carrying adventure starts at 8 am, 12 hours from now. I'll be sure to take pictures and stuff, and post them in this thread or a new one.

Lets hope I don't get arrested.
Thanks everyone for your replies.
 
LtpOwer....
You've heard many of the awful things that can happen when you open carry. I'm in Missouri, and we have similar laws to AZ.. Now let me tell you some of the better things that might happen.

1. While pumping gas, out of town travelers may ask you how to get to a destination.
2. Anyone who doesn't know you, may ask you about a drug bust they read about in the paper, or heard on the news.
3. Sometimes hunters will ask you if you know the number to the local conservation office.
4. What agency are you with?

The absolute KEY to open carry IMO, is looking sharp. If you look like a thug, you're a thug with a gun. If you look clean cut, you're a cop.

Use a proper holster (already mentioned several times) use a proper belt, not a k-mart special. If you carry magazines or speed loaders, make sure they look nice and clean, not like you drug them out of storage.

Don't get nervous if a complete stranger comes by and asks you questions, they think any local LEO might know. I've actually had a pretty good experience with open carry so far. I also have my concealed permit, but I don't conceal very often.

Do your homework, dress well, stay clean cut as others have mentioned, and I doubt you'll have too many adventures with peace officers. Be ever mindful of your personal space, and keep a sharp eye on everything around you. It's been pretty good OC'ing for me.
 
Shooter64738 said:
4. What agency are you with?

If you look like a thug, you're a thug with a gun.

If you look clean cut, you're a cop.
Click to expand...
I hope you are speaking metaphorically.

I think we are over thinking the OP's question, from what I have gatherered from the last few pages makes OC sound intimidating and a hassle, Ive never (in years) had a confrontation or question asked when OC by an LEO or business owner. I am from rural Kentucky though.
 
Erik M said:
I hope you are speaking metaphorically.

I think we are over thinking the OP's question, from what I have gatherered from the last few pages makes OC sound intimidating and a hassle, Ive never (in years) had a confrontation or question asked when OC by an LEO or business owner. I am from rural Kentucky though.
Click to expand...
I'm speaking somewhat metaphoric, but more to how people will perceive your appearance with a weapon. However I have been asked what agency I was with before. I don't have a squad car, I don't have handcuffs, but I carry a weapon, and I dressed neatly. That was just their perception.

My point, is your point as well. I've not had any issues open carrying in my area. I'm rural as well, but I do travel a lot to larger cities, and my experience has been similar to yours. I'v just not had any really bad experiences with it, in fact it's been pretty pleasant.
 
I think the OC situation in VA has improved. I live in nearby MD and OC occasionally when I go to VA. Some stares and long looks, but I have not been asked to leave any establishments or had LE called. I have a VA non resident CHP as well. Fairfax County Police are extremely professional and knowledgable about OC in VA. . There are some restaurants that don't like it and they either have signage or ask you to leave the establishment and lock your weapon in your car. Needless to say I don't patronize any place that is not gun friendly. There are plenty that are.
 
Well. It's my birthday.
I am heading out to breakfast at Village Inn in 10 minutes (Open carrying, Of course :D)

Also, my free NRA membership just got confirmed.
 
I'm not going to read 5 pages of replies, so here is my advice - apologies if it duplicates that from others:

In AZ, OC of a fully loaded handgun is perfectly legal almost everywhere that CC is legal (the exception would be city/county parks that are m posted "no guns without CCW", and liquor establishments under the new law). I echo the advice to take a CCW course now anyway because its mostly a course in AZ law and defensive mindset, which you would find useful - its also very inexpensive as such advice goes.

As for your carry method, the gun you have chosen is good - it's black. Wear it in a black holster on a black belt, with dark jeans and a black T-shirt. Chances are most people won't even notice it, which will simplify your life a lot. If a cop notices, I doubt he will hassle you.

For all people who OC, my advice is to use a retention holster so that the gun can't get snatched. Oh, and not one of those crappy "ballistic nylon and velcro" jobs, but a real leather holster on a strong gunbelt. For your M39, a thumb-break is probably going to be your best choice, as I doubt any of the more modern retention holsters are available for it.

Where in AZ do you live ? Come on up to Rio Salado and shoot some USPSA matches to hone your skills with your carry gun.

Oh, and happy birthday :D
 
Last edited:
I used to live in VA and OC'd for awhile, but ended up CCW because I got sick of the constant harrassment.
Click to expand...
I don't know how long you've been gone, but that situation has markedly changed, in large part because of the very active OC community here.
 
Too bad he can't legallly CC...then all this chatter would be completely unnecessary.

To the TS, I wouldn't suggest replacing the slide on your dad's frame and just assuming the gun will operate 100% reliably. But it's probably ok for a temp fix until you get your lever replaced.

Best of luck.
 
Now let me tell you some of the better things that might happen.

1. While pumping gas, out of town travelers may ask you how to get to a destination.
2. Anyone who doesn't know you, may ask you about a drug bust they read about in the paper, or heard on the news.
3. Sometimes hunters will ask you if you know the number to the local conservation office.
4. What agency are you with?

The absolute KEY to open carry IMO, is looking sharp. If you look like a thug, you're a thug with a gun. If you look clean cut, you're a cop.
Click to expand...

I'd rather not be perceived as a cop. Respectfully, I don't know why non-cops would enjoy being treated like a cop.
 
conwict said:
I'd rather not be perceived as a cop. Respectfully, I don't know why non-cops would enjoy being treated like a cop.
Click to expand...
How exactly does a well dressed clean shaven guy make other people stop thinking what they are thinking? I don't have a badge. I drive a compact car. I get asked all kinds of weird questions. Maybe they think I'm a walking version of google maps and wikipedia. I enjoy having polite conversations with people. Thats not something you need to be a peace officer for. Frankly I'd rather they know I'm just a polite open carry citizen. It changes peoples minds about the population in general.
 
StealthyBlagga said:
I'm not going to read 5 pages of replies, so here is my advice - apologies if it duplicates that from others:

In AZ, OC of a fully loaded handgun is perfectly legal almost everywhere that CC is legal (the exception would be city/county parks that are m posted "no guns without CCW", and liquor establishments under the new law). I echo the advice to take a CCW course now anyway because its mostly a course in AZ law and defensive mindset, which you would find useful - its also very inexpensive as such advice goes.

As for your carry method, the gun you have chosen is good - it's black. Wear it in a black holster on a black belt, with dark jeans and a black T-shirt. Chances are most people won't even notice it, which will simplify your life a lot. If a cop notices, I doubt he will hassle you.

For all people who OC, my advice is to use a retention holster so that the gun can't get snatched. Oh, and not one of those crappy "ballistic nylon and velcro" jobs, but a real leather holster on a strong gunbelt. For your M39, a thumb-break is probably going to be your best choice, as I doubt any of the more modern retention holsters are available for it.

Where in AZ do you live ? Come on up to Rio Salado and shoot some USPSA matches to hone your skills with your carry gun.

Oh, and happy birthday :D
Click to expand...
Yeah, I wore a black belt and a black shirt.
Also, I went to Rio Salado today. I shot my new mosin nagant.

Everything went awesome today. No one really seemed to notice it. I noticed someone checking me out in the grocery store (I was buying a cigar :D), but he realized I was cool and backed off.

And yeah, my carry pistol did fine at the range with my dad's slide. I didn't fire more than 20 rounds just to be safe. I was too busy with my mosin nagant anyway.

Thanks for all the replies, guys!
 
Eurgh.

East sider.

I'm sorry :p I wouldn't have given you the advice if I'd have known that.
 
Advice to a first-timer? Sure: Speak softly, and conceal a big caliber and a couple of extras mags of back-up. :)
 
Ltp0wer,
Your Holster is on it's way to me as we read this.
For all you that have made the holster recommendations to him, he has listened well and picked out a Black Bianchi Basketweave Holster, with thumb break retention.
Ltp, as promised, I will get it shipped to you the moment it gets delivered to my work place.
You will start your young adult life properly, I pray.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY. ~GQ~
 
I enjoy having polite conversations with people. Thats not something you need to be a peace officer for. Frankly I'd rather they know I'm just a polite open carry citizen. It changes peoples minds about the population in general.
Click to expand...

Well, one would hope it would change their minds. Somehow I suspect people do not generalize well. They will probably not think of you when they hear anti-gun propaganda on the news, and I bet it won't affect the way they vote.

I talk to an absolute ton of strangers. I'm just extroverted. I also have some pretty in-depth discussions about gun rights, with both friends and strangers. I think I argue persuasively and in a friendly manner that convinces people to open their mind to gun rights, etc. I just don't personally see any added benefit from OCing, except answering people who say "Is that legal?" and then parlaying into conversation.

I must have misread you. It seemed like you enjoyed being mistaken for a cop. Certainly, some people on OC.org do. Oh well...to each his own.
 
I was thinking ltp... one of the cool things is that when you do turn 21 and and get your CCW you will no go through the standard uncomfortable period where you have to get used to having a gun with you as many people... myself included... go through.

Happy Birthday!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

mesinge2
  • Locked
Open Carry?
Replies
3
Views
610
mesinge2
mesinge2
H
  • Locked
Any positive open-carry experiences?
2
Replies
28
Views
2K
MBG
M
C
  • Locked
To the man who open carries in Colorado~~~
Replies
2
Views
588
Catherine
C
C
  • Locked
Kentucky Open Carry
Replies
21
Views
2K
CAVHOOAH
C
S
  • Locked
  • Poll
Who here open carries?
2 3 4
Replies
75
Views
3K
Norm357
N
Back
Top