Open Carrying a Rifle...

[Owen Sparks]

I walked about half a mile to the local range and then back on a rural country road on a Fall day. Nobody bothered me. It probably looked like I was hunting as it is mostly wooded on both sides of the road. A man with a gun does not look out of place here.

 

[Inebriated]

Never done it, probably never will... No reason other than I just don't like attention.

 

[X-Rap]

I figured the OP meant carry in the sence that one carries a handgun for defense. I live in one of the states that don't require cases and only need an empty chamber as stated in the game laws so my guns go to and from the truck OC. I carry in and out of the gun shops on main street but not in the defensive mode and the closest town with a gun shop is called Rifle. I walk some of the rural mountain roads to stay in shape and as fall and winter come I will probably start to carry an AR and incorporate some calling in which case it will be loaded but I don't expect it to ruffle any feathers.
I hope that we will start a little motion in this long gun carry as I think it helps acclimate people to firearms in general. I'm sure there will be some push back in some places but many places will take to it with little of no notice.

Back 35 yrs and longer I did it often because I didn't have a license or a car, nobody said anything about a kid walking through tonw with a gun then.

 

[Warp]

Open carried my rifle around town? Only the block or so from my car to the range. Other than that I never have nor do I intend to.

I personally think openly carrying a rifle "around town", for most of us, is not a good idea.

If it is legal for you and you would like to then, well, who am I to say you shouldn't? I will say that I don't think it's a good idea, I don't, and I (probably, locations and situations vary) wouldn't.

And I open carry a pistol frequently. All over the place. Even in the largest mall in Georgia many times over. But a long gun? I'll pass.

 

[Autolycus]

X-Rap: I did mean for defensive purposes. I did not mean to and from the range or anything like that. I mean carrying a rifle or shotgun for defensive purposes around town. Perhaps even an short-barreled rifle or shotgun around if legal. Why carry a handgun when a rifle or shotgun is available?

Warp: Why is it a bad idea for most of us?

 

[Warp]

Warp: Why is it a bad idea for most of us?

Why do I think it is a bad idea for most?

My assumption is that most of us do not live in areas where people are likely to accept it...or even come close. The question specifically stated "around town", where it would probably stand out...A LOT. If I did my "around town" activities with an openly carried rifle I am fairly certain some people would freak out...even though this is The South...and the police would be involved. For most of us, most of the time, in most situations, I simply do not believe that the benefits are worthwhile considering these things. If you have experiences to the contrary, please share. If you think you can sway my opinion, I'm all ears and willing to hear you out.

If anybody in metro Atlanta would like to try walking around town with a rifle I will hang around and see how it goes. It might just be a non-event, depending on the specifics. An AR15 with optics carried out front in a 'tactical sling' as you go through the Mall of Georgia...good luck with that. Around some small downtown in semi rural or rural Georgia with a Marlin lever across your back or behind your shoulder while going to lunch...probably just some interesting looks or questions and no more.

 

[Warp]

X-Rap: I did mean for defensive purposes. I did not mean to and from the range or anything like that. I mean carrying a rifle or shotgun for defensive purposes around town. Perhaps even an short-barreled rifle or shotgun around if legal. Why carry a handgun when a rifle or shotgun is available?

People are more accustomed to this, generally, and you are far less likely to be bothered or asked to leave.

I am personally not comfortable handling a gun in many/most public settings and situations. A holster pistol is fine...it's holstered and I'm not touching it or holding it or risking sweeping somebody with the muzzle while it is in my hands, and I am far FAR less likely to be seen as a threat when my gun is a holstered pistol vs a rifle I put my hands on.

Speaking to the point above I could not partake of my daily activities with a slung rifle without having to handle it. A rifle would seem awful awkward for me to do something with while seated at a booth when we go out to dinner on Friday night, or go to the movie theater. I would have to unsling it to get in and out of the car, and I really don't want to be the guy who gets out of his car and picks up a rifle in the mall parking lot. That just seems beyond stupid, IMO. Ditto carrying a rifle slung in front of you in anything resembling a ready position.

The pistol can be used fairly effectively with one hand.

In short, for simple and typical daily activities the practicality of a carry rifle just doesn't seem to cut it. If you can counter the reasons, thoughts and situations I presented above you might make some headway.

 

[X-Rap]

I remember that brave soul who packed his AR to some political gathering in AZ during the last pres. election cycle, I think there were some in Minnesota as well. It stired up the press a little if I remember. I guess it is a statement much like these kids with tatoos and rings in and on all parts of their bodies, we all have our statements to make.

 

[Warp]

Oh yeah, that was a pretty big statement. In some instances I can understand openly carrying a rifle to make a point, or exercise a right, or what have you...or out of 'necessity' or convenience for things that have been mentioned such as when hunting or going to/from the range or the gun shop or what have you...but actually carrying a rifle instead of or in addition to a handgun..."around town"...as a defensive tool without an ulterior motive...I don't get that. It just doesn't make any sense to me, which I outlined above.

I'll be back tomorrow for updates.

 

[mgmorden]

Why carry a handgun when a rifle or shotgun is available?

Toting around a rifle entails a serious burden and lugging equipment. One would presume that such a burden would logically warrant some justification. Now consider where a rifle shines versus a handgun: long distance engagements. You have a HECK of a time proving a self-defense case at ranges greater than 7 yards. The handgun is quicker to come onto target at such ranges and aims nearly as easily. Not to mention that the overpenetration from most any rifle round is going to open up your liability tremendously.

Even your everyday law enforcement officers don't maintain this practice. If they need rifles they get them (or call in SWAT) on a case by case basis.

This whole thread borders on ridiculousness. Do I think it should be illegal? No. But I regard anyone that does it as overly paranoid or looking for trouble. That's not a gun issue. That's an issue that deals with anyone that responds to a perceived POSSIBLE threat in a drastically overreactive manner. Do I think it should be illegal to wear kneepads and a helmet when you walk down the street in case you fall? Of course not. Do I think anyone that actually DOES that is overly paranoid and a bit off his rocker? You betcha. Being pro-gun doesn't mean that you have to excuse otherwise irrational behavior just because someone is holding a gun. Rather, it means that you don't think otherwise rational behavior is irrational just because a gun is involved.

Now if you have a reason to be toting the gun (the mentioned scenarios of going to a range, or coming back from hunting, etc) then that opinion changes.

 

[Ringolevio]

I remember when...

X-Rap

Back 35 yrs and longer I did it often because I didn't have a license or a car, nobody said anything about a kid walking through town with a gun then.

I can remember a time (in the '50s) when in most cities and towns in America a couple of teenage boys could carry their .22s down the street, along the RR tracks, or even on the city bus, and spend a few hours at the city dump, shooting rats. And nobody batted an eye.

It was also a time when many public schools had rifle teams. Boy's Life was chockfull of rifle and ammo ads.

Remember that, in Revolutionary times and beyond, America was known as "a nation of riflemen". Nowadays, sadly, the average American doesn't know which end of the tube the round comes out of (literally and figuratively).

 

[Ignition Override]

Memphis is also in the south but you would not be visibly carrying a rifle very long without a few police cars stopping by.

And "Midtown" has much more in common with Madison WI and Berkeley CA than with the rural (old) south.

To and from one's home in daylight, even in a very small town/rural area would only invite a two-man team of burglars when you leave for work the next day.

 

[Murphy4570]

Carry so much as a pointy stick in NJ, and you get 10-life.

Well, not that bad, but bad enough that this thread makes me wish I didn't live here.

Carrying my '03 Springfield around would be....interesting.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Unremarkable

At some point, I hope that we are able to make the open carry of any firearm entirely unremarkable.

Here are some pics taken in Israel. You have probably seen them before.

The next two are kinda big, so just links . . .
http://weirdnewsfiles.com/wp-content/weirdnewsuploads/buying_ice_cream.jpg
http://frgdr.com/blog/wp-content/gallery/2008/lonely-planet-israel_boys-girls-and-guns_ido-kenan.jpg




And then there are these, taken in Switzerland:

And there are plenty more out there.

The point is that, if your culture doesn't have its head rectalfied, the idea of people wandering around with a rifle just isn't that big a deal.


So, if it's not like that where you live, that's what we need to strive for.

 

[Justin]

I wouldn't do it...but I applaud those that do, even if it is just to "make a statement". When controversial rights aren't exercised, they tend to be taken away.

Thank you for making that statement.

A few years back, an individual in my city made the news when he started attending City Council meetings with a SxS shotgun slung over his shoulder.

It was, at the time, completely legal, but highly unusual and far outside the social norms for even this fairly conservative, pro-gun town.

City Council ended up passing a law banning the open carry of guns at their meetings.

The point is that, if your culture doesn't have its head rectalfied, the idea of people wandering around with a rifle just isn't that big a deal.


So, if it's not like that where you live, that's what we need to strive for.

I would generally like to agree, but the cynic in me can't help but point out that Israel faces existential threats from every one of its neighbors on pretty much a daily basis. We'd probably be more liberal about allowing people to carry rifles in public, too, if there was a decent chance of a suicide bomber popping off at the local pizzeria or grocery store.

If that's the sort of thing that is required for people to find no issue with open carrying of a defensive long gun in public, I'd rather stick with the situation we've got.

 

[M-Cameron]

No, I haven't.



But, as a general observation, I think that the discussion will be entertaining:

Of the people in the "Carry" crowd, there are Concealed Carry folks who will wet their panties at the mention of long-gun carry.

Another part of the "Carry" crowd who are "Open Carry" minded will also wet their pants at the suggestion of carrying a long gun, as opposed to something they deem "reasonable."


It's all a matter of degrees... "Where do you draw the line when it comes to the 2nd Amendment?"

It's sad to see the truth of some of the responses...

i think people often get confused when someone says "oh, you shouldnt do that"......and somehow think that person means that action should be illegal........thats not what they mean.

they mean it in the same sense that you shouldnt stick your fingers in a toaster.

now if your outright determined to stick your fingers in a toaster....i wont stop you....but just know your actions have certain outcomes.


the same logic applies to OC a long gun.

the fact remains, in much of the country....OC a long rifle is "not normal".....heck, its even odd to see police with long arms.

so when people see someone with a rifle.....they most likely think something is up......and i would fully expect to deal with the police on likely a daily occurrence.

secondly......most people carry guns as tools, and not to make a statement...........and unless you deal with angry bears often......there really isnt much need (practical need, not legal need) for a long arm.......most people will go their entire lives without needing to use their pistol.....so the chance that you are going to encounter a situation where you need a rifle, in a civilized location, is near non existent.



so if carrying a long gun makes you comfortable....and its legal for you to do so......i wont stop you....but just realize that you are the one who has to lug it around all day.....and that you are most likely going to deal with the police a few times.

 

[X-Rap]

In places we are not so slowly turning into a country that is under attack and I would speculate that an Israeli living in the desert along our southern border would be no more comfortable than one living on the West Bank or Gaza. If we ever suffer a terrorist attack that is ground based and up and personal like that in Mumbai I suspect that would change things even more.
I think it would not be unusual at all to encounter citizens along the border today that are armed quite well as they go about their day to day business. It has been years since I lived there but I think today I would have my carbine very close.

 

[timhernandez]

In places we are not so slowly turning into a country that is under attack and I would speculate that an Israeli living in the desert along our southern border would be no more comfortable than one living on the West Bank or Gaza. If we ever suffer a terrorist attack that is ground based and up and personal like that in Mumbai I suspect that would change things even more.
I think it would not be unusual at all to encounter citizens along the border today that are armed quite well as they go about their day to day business. It has been years since I lived there but I think today I would have my carbine very close.

Agree 100%

If I lived and worked along the Southern Border these days, I would want both my pistol and my trusty AR with me..... a squad of Marines would be nice too but, most of those boys are busy these days.

 

[X-JaVeN-X]

I would generally like to agree, but the cynic in me can't help but point out that Israel faces existential threats from every one of its neighbors on pretty much a daily basis. We'd probably be more liberal about allowing people to carry rifles in public, too, if there was a decent chance of a suicide bomber popping off at the local pizzeria or grocery store.

If that's the sort of thing that is required for people to find no issue with open carrying of a defensive long gun in public, I'd rather stick with the situation we've got.

So, you're saying if there were a greater threat to us, then our gun laws would be more lax?

This country is so terrified of what is perceived as "not normal". It doesn't become normal unless it happens on a regular basis by more than just "that guy". So yes, I do applaud the people that try to make a statement. Doing nothing is just about a guarantee to have your gun rights taken from you. Doing something at least gives you a chance, especially if enough people do the same.

So, by that logic, why in areas with high crime/gang rates (lots of threat to the honest civilian) there are much tougher anti-gun laws?

This country is so terrified of what is perceived as "not normal". It doesn't become normal unless it happens on a regular basis by more than just "that guy". So yes, I do applaud the people that try to make a statement. Doing nothing is just about a guarantee to have your gun rights taken from you. Doing something at least gives you a chance, especially if enough people do the same.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Just because it's your supported constitutional right to say it doesn't mean you can expect no social repercussions though.

This.

Besides which, it's just generally impractical. The preparedness should match the risk, erring a bit to the side of over-prepared. Well, generally speaking, a handgun meets this requirement, and is not an attention-garnering encumberance.

As was also touched on, the rifle is more an offensive weapon with it's range. It follows that one would only carry it if they are expecting (or even looking for) trouble.

Now, keeping a long gun in the car? Different story. The car doesn't mind the extra weight and it's not going to be seen (usually). I keep an AR in the trunk. I figure if there's ever a situation where I need that kind of firepower in addition to my CCW, I'll most likely have ample warning and be able to get to the vehicle and retrieve it.

I would view the OC of rifles a bit differently if there was a hightened risk in a given area on account of a credible threat. For instance, we find out that some terrorist group is planning to coordinate bombings and shootings on a large scale all over the country; Yeah, I'd probably up-arm from handgun to AR-10. I'd also be at an entirely different level of situational awareness. Barring a situation like that, though, I just don't believe it is practical and prudent.

heck, its even odd to see police with long arms.

Even more to the point. When you see officers toting long guns, you wonder what's going on, because it isn't normal. Usually they're only so-armed in a heightened risk situation.

 

[Warp]

So, by that logic, why in areas with high crime/gang rates (lots of threat to the honest civilian) there are much tougher anti-gun laws?

The people living in the high crime/gang rate areas generally aren't the ones passing the laws.

 

[zfk55]

The county Sheriff is a friend of my dad's, so I just called to ask him what his officers would do. He said:
There's nothing illegal about it at all. It just depends whether you want to get home sooner than later because every LEO in his department, the city police and the Highway Patrol that saw you would stop and question you, one after the other. Not an "asphalt kissing" stop, but a definite stop to question why you're carrying it among the skitterish non-Montanans we have so many of here now.

You want to make a statement? To whom? The misunderstaning people on the street? They don't care about your statement. They don't know you and there are enough idiotic incidents that happen every day to keep them nervous.

 

[Dueling1911s]

i do have to say it is nice to see lovely ladies carrying ar's

anyone notice that more than half the pics the guns didnt have a mag in the gun?

 

[gym]

I would be more afraid tht someone would try to pick it up or having it fall or slide on to the floor in a crowded diner type situation, than anyone seeing it. People are clumsy and don't watch where they are going half the time, plus kids will be all up in your face wanting to touch it. If were to bring it in,"unless I could see my car/truck" from where I was eating, I would use a hard case, with a foam lining. This way if it does go sliding accross the floor, no harm.

 

[Ringolevio]

"A Nation of Riflemen"...and other thoughts

If shooting sports were more popular, or (even better) if people took it as their duty and responsibility as American citizens to be competent with weapons and therefore practiced every day or so, carrying a rifle down the street would be as unremarkable as carrying a tennis racket.

Also, speaking of what's perceived as "normal" vs. what isn't:

Carrying a rifle down the street (in a non-threatening manner) is perceived as "abnormal".

But walking around with one's trousers falling down and one's underwear deliberately exposed is "normal".

And walking around with one's face pierced with metal objects is perceived as "normal".

Walking around with clothing emblazoned with patently obscene messages, or blasting music with patently obscene lyrics is "normal".

And many other breaches of what used to be called "taste", "decorum" or "propriety" are now considered "normal".

What a world! When I was growing up, I never thought I'd live to see the 21st Century. From what I've seen of it thus far, I'm not all that crazy about it.

Go ahead: Call me a "bigot". It proves what radio raconteur, social critic and creator of "A Christmas Story" (the story of Ralphie and his Red Ryder BB gun) Jean Shepherd said back in the '70s:
"In an amoral age, the man who is moral becomes [is perceived as] immoral."