Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

I seem to be open carrying more. Seems to be a trend here in tidewater. Anyone else open carrying more or less than before?


John
Haven't been hassled yet either.

Something you dont see hardly ever here in NOVA is OC.

Around here people look at me and if they don't see a gun they ask " Did you lose your gun?"

I only OC when I have to, or if Im making a quick run somewhere... too many nuts here freak out... Last year I had a guy start yelling for his wife and kids while he was giving me a wild look. He gathered his sheep and ran out of the store. literally.

OakRidgeStars wrote:You Northerners do have it tough, being that close to DC and MD

So many liberals here and city folk that dont understand VA gun laws and the 2A. The only thing they know about guns is what is pumped out by the liberal media. I avoid DC and especially MD like the plague. I honestly cannot remember seeing anyone OC up here except at a range or in gun stores.

zephyp wrote:So many liberals here and city folk that dont understand VA gun laws and the 2A. The only thing they know about guns is what is pumped out by the liberal media. I avoid DC and especially MD like the plague. I honestly cannot remember seeing anyone OC up here except at a range or in gun stores.

Yeah, see Rick's OC experience. Looks like MD LEO's want to enforce MD law in VA.
general-discussion/talked-the-cops-today-about-t1539-12361.html#p12361

Thats too bad. Another reason I left MD for VA and wont ever go back.

This loosley ties into some thoughts i had on while on vacation...

I just got back from the Outer Banks NC, (Frisco)...OC'd some of the time down there...full size Glock 22 in a poly hip rig...i got one look from a guy who after staring for a momment said "oh, its a Glock...you like it?" i just nodded with a big grin...

NC was great, people were Oh so nice, food was awesome, and the only commodity that was "beach priced" seemed to be gasoline, went to the Frisco Rod and Gun, small selection of firearms, but they had what you needed, shotguns, smaller calibre rifles, etc, and the ammo was CHEAP, and they had everything, 00 buck shot in 12ga, .45 JHP and FMJ, .22 Stingers and Velocitors, and Hornaday Tap Ammo for my .40 along with blazer range rounds!! ...and the entire time i thought "NC is great..., no issues with the CC and OC laws, and I can sit on the beach and enjoy a cold beverage legally, why would i EVER go back to MD, for anything, ever...EVER"

but most importantly not only was it "laid back" for me, ...The kids had a GREAT time..beaches were clean and never crowded, water was great, real southern hospitality, overall an A+...

MD what??? pppffffttthhhhtt!

I cc more than ever now..I'm legal to now so I take advantage..but I do like using my holster better than the clipdraw than I have for cc..

The only time I ever intend to OC is as a protest. Until then, I prefer to keep the upper hand by CC'ing. Why let them know what your capabilities are? Worse yet, why tempt some illegal alien or crackhead to smack you in the back of the head with a can of Bush's baked beans in the Food Lion so that he can take your weapon? Get your permit and keep it covered.

gorknoids wrote:Worse yet, why tempt some illegal alien or crackhead to smack you in the back of the head with a can of Bush's baked beans in the Food Lion so that he can take your weapon? Get your permit and keep it covered.

Lots of alien looking people here in NOVA (or should I say NOVA is ethnically diverse). Not sure how many are illegal.

I wanted to OC in NOVA but I can't bring myself to do it. I purchased a Blackhawk Serpa holster & a 5.11 gun belt with the intent of OC'ing but I can't bring myself to it. I have a CCW permit & carry concealed. My wife also has a CCW permit & doesn't think it's a good idea for me to OC. I just don't want the negative attention it can bring, from the public & the LEO's, especially when I go to Alexandria.

Me too 40. Would just draw way too much attention here in Alexandria. And I dont care for that.

Howdy, Y'all,

It makes me feel a little better to know that many of you have the same reservations I do. It's a shame it has come to this, though.

I've decided to try to get myself comfortable with the idea by going for an evening walk in my 'hood w/my family while OCin'. The people need to get used to seeing more of us doing the same.

Regards,

George

How will you Alexandrites ever make it more "OK" to OC if you don't do it? As long as you're on the right side of the law, who cares how much attention it garners? More attention might be better since that will help to get the word out that it's legal. If it attracts attention, use it to your advantage and educate someone.

I don't live up there, so I don't know the circumstances surrounding your wariness to OC. I'm no lawyer, and I certainly wouldn't want anyone to do anything that they're not comfortable with.

Down here in the Fredericksburg area, I OC just about everywhere I go. Wal-mart, Lowe's, gas stations, fast food joints, slow food joints (serving alcohol - must OC there).

Just adding a couple of cents to the pile.

I open carry in NoVA everyday no exceptions. I have open carried for the past 3-months - without incident. Yesterday we held an open carry event at Fuddruckers in Fairfax. Approximately 20 people sat at the main table (all open carry). In addition, there were approximately five other patron that were open carrying at two other tables. My wife would complain at first - now she is over it. I have open carried throughout Fairfax/Annandale/Merrifield/Centreville/Falls Church/Springfield. If you are really interested in open carry - I suggest that you try www.opencarry.org click on the forums tab, scoll down to Virginia. There are open carry suggestions, lunches, dinners, etc... - Dean

I was CCing one day while washing my vehicles, a few neighborhood kids (7 - 10 yrs. old) were around and happened to see my weapon peek from under my gray T-shirt. It was if he had seen a ghost, now I know this is just a kid but I can imagine getting that same reaction from an adult. As a matter of fact some years ago, before I was carrying, I was in working in a bank branch in our nation's capitol. I rounded a corner to see a man with a holstered firearm in casual clothing exiting the branch as I was entering. I know my facial expression spoke volumes, a split second later I notice hanging around his neck was a DCPD badge. I was taken aback by the sight of the mans gun, which I feel would happen to me if I OC'd. I have this feeling that in Alexandria I may find myself being ordered to the ground by the local PD. Now it may be because not enough of us OC which makes it a rare sight which makes people uncomfortable.

Zephyp, what do you think the LEO would say about your right to OC when he learns you also have a CCW permit?, Do you think he'd suggest you conceal your weapon?

I too have started to OC almost all the time now. Summer has a lot to do with that,, Tidewater seems to be pretty tolerant and rarely do I ever get a second glance.