Wal-Mart walk mentors program

[.cheese.]

I had an idea. Somehow I'm certain I'm not the first to think of this, but: What if somehow we set up a program for those who have been carrying for some period of time to do the Wal-Mart first walk along with new recipients of CCWs? It would be a good opportunity to promote knowledge of the applicable laws, common sense, answer questions the new CCWer might have, and to further ensure that those who carry will have the wisdom they need to be model representatives of lawful carry.

Having somebody there might help ease the first time jitters and would be a great way to gain knowledge that is not typically found in any book (such as types of clothes to wear, things to be mindful of that they otherwise wouldn't think of, etc.)

 

[WayneConrad]

Such a fuss over something nobody can even see?

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Unfortunately, it might be hard to get people to meet up and schedule with local people. Perhaps we could form some sort of online community where folks could ask questions and others could contribute... er, wait...

 

[.cheese.]

as always Jorg. funny stuff.

I was just thinking that not all CCWers are into internet forums. Maybe some program could be set up and promoted through local gun stores, ranges, and places where people take the permit course - wherever that obviously varies on a state by state basis.

Just an idea.

 

[ctdemolay0405]

so, has anyone ever been called on it, like someone screaming "OH MY GOD HE HAS A GUN!"

 

[SCKimberFan]

Haven't been spotted yet. I've been carrying off & on for over 8 years.

 

[harrygunner]

Wall-mart could ID new CCW holders in no time.

Just tie their video feed into a program that highlights people looking for cover garments, ammo and nachos.

 

[wagoneer1019]

what is the "wal-mart" walk?

 

[RONSTAR]

I had somebody notice once, and he happened to also be a CCW'er. I think that probably the only reason he noticed.

 

[doobie]

Sure if it's an open carry walk (where legal of course).

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

what is the "wal-mart" walk?

For some strange reason many people on online forums post that the first thing they did when licensed to carry concealed is to go strap on a gun and walk through their local Wal-Mart. For some even stranger reason, this seems to have become a rite of passage.

 

[ar10]

Every CCwer does the "WallMart Walk" whether it's in a Taco Bell or Giant Eagle. They do it alone and it usually happens the day they get thei CHL. They are so concerned about carrying a loaded firearm concealed firmly believing everyone spotted them and singled them out as a convicted felon getting ready to rob the store.
They're easy to spot too. They usually have a heavy long sleeve shirt on while it 100degs outside, they'll be putting their hand on the gun butt to see if it's still there. And they'll turn pale and weak kneed when a sales rep shows up.

 

[Spyvie]

The only problem I see with this plan and the traditional walk is that the requisite nachos are no longer available at any Walmarts near me. Perhaps an alternate course could be developed around either a chili dog from Wienerschnitzel or the seemingly ubiquitous Big Mac?

If this issue can be worked out then count me in.

 

[romma]

Every CCwer does the "WallMart Walk" whether it's in a Taco Bell or Giant Eagle.

No, No, No ar10... It has to be in Walmart... There very well may be a Taco Bell Walk, or a Giant Eagle Walk, but those are not the same..

You would be amazed at how many people carrying their first time actually posted a Walmart experience...

 

[bogie]

Oh, puhleeze....

 

[WayneConrad]

I don't understand the drama. The first time I carried into a Wal-Mart it was openly, and I couldn't see that anybody noticed. How can concealed carry be such a difficult task that it takes a guide? But if you want a guide who's an expert at not being nervous hiding dangerous things under their outerwear, go with a man who wears lady's undergarments. I would think they know what it's like to be carrying around a secret with aplomb.

 

[2RCO]

Isn't the whole point of "concealed"=nobody knows it's there.

 

[Prince Yamato]

I understand the sentiment behind your idea, but in all honesty, getting over the fear of carrying concealed is something one has to do on their own.

The whole reason behind the "Walmart Walk" is that Walmart is a place that is reasonably gun friendly. The employees are usually quite blase about any activity going on around them. This is in contrast to the "Mall Walk" where if you accidentally print, some soccer mom will scream, "he's got a gun!" and you'll be tackled by rent-a-cops and get your face on the evening news.

 

[bogie]

some'a y'all folks been thinkin' WAY too much...

 

[loop]

Think maybe I been open carrying far too long.

The fascination of carrying concealed in Walmart eludes me.

I'd prefer to hear about the experiences of the open carry at Chicago's O'Hare.

If ya want a thrill carry CCW in an airport. Done it three times in the last week. Different airports each time.

Got a LaGuardia walk in your repertoire?

 

[romma]

some'a y'all folks been thinkin' WAY too much...

bogie, I think these Walmart Walk threads are intended to be surrounded by humor. If you search for the original thread with the Walmart tactical carry map, it may clear things up.

It is good to keep things lively and upbeat here at THR I believe!

 

[.cheese.]

go with up a man who wears lady's undergarments.

hey that's not half bad.

OK then.... let's make this a Wal-mart walk cross-dressing program

 

[Vermont]

I just started carrying this week because my holster finally came in the mail (here in Vermont we wait on the holsters, not permits). I was going to do the Wal-Mart walk, just to be cool like everyone else, but I didn't have time during the week and I didn't want to wait until the weekend, so I proudly/nervously strode into work with my CZ 75B concealed.

It was an interesting feeling. I chuckled to myself several times through the day thinking about the reactions of my coworkers if they found out I was carrying a loaded gun while standing right next to them. This was in Vermont, but it was Burlington, which is not as gun-friendly as the most of the state.

A mentor would be a good thing, but if you are so nervous about someone finding out you are carrying, would you want to be talking about carrying a concealed weapon while you are walking around with one for the first time?

 

[Robby]

I got my permit yesterday! And I did NOT do the Wally World thing! Instead I went to the hobby store. Only me and the owner,(guess what she did not notice),

I did not have time for a walk, but today I attend our State Concealed Carry groups annual meeting, and I get to carry. It is at a range so shooting is possible.

Then tomorrow I do an advanced concealed carry course. So I will have them on me for a long time both days.

 

[.cheese.]

A mentor would be a good thing, but if you are so nervous about someone finding out you are carrying, would you want to be talking about carrying a concealed weapon while you are walking around with one for the first time?

Good point! Didn't think that one through apparently.

I just remember that my first time I was terrified of two things:

1) I had this irrational fear that the gun was going to somehow magically go off in its holster and shoot me in the foot or leg.

2) I was terrified that somehow somebody would know I was carrying, and call the cops, who would in turn call the feds, who would then call the military, and that I would quickly swooped away by a black helicopter and taken to Gitmo. (ok, so that's not actually what I was afraid of, but I was afraid of somebody calling the cops).

It took me a little while before I figured out that nobody but me knew, and that it's physically impossible in a proper holster, for a DAO gun to go off.