More Open Carry Questions!

[ElOres]

Alright, so now I have my first handgun and I would like to OC. I'm not 21 for a couple months so CC is just out of my grasp. My question is about locations where OC is not allowed. I live in the Chesapeake area of Hampton Roads. I am aware of the more obvious places like federal buildings, schools, and the like. I just don't want to show up somewhere and find out it's not allowed. Any specific restaurants or shops that don't allow it?

All places listed will help.

Thanks in advance for helping your favorite gun novice.

[SHMIV]

Myself, I just watch for signs that indicate a disapproval of fire arms. Thus far, my sister has asked me to leave my gun in the car when I visit her at work (apparently, one of her clients was somewhat freaked), but other than that, I haven't been asked to leave anywhere.

If it helps, start out by carrying to the places that you already frequent. The people there may already know you, and you are (presumably) already comfortable there.

Also, if you go to the "Carrying" section of this site, you'll find that a thread has been "stickied", entitled "firearm unfriendly businesses in VA", or something along those lines. It's several pages long, but probably has a lot entries that you would find pertinent.

I suggest that you print a copy of the legal codes that pertain to you and open carry, and stick them in your pocket, should you get hassled. I don't get hassled in Williamsburg or Newport News, but I haven't spent much time in Chesapeake since the Mid 80's, so I have no clue how the local law feels about it.

[zerodown1]

Alright, so now I have my first handgun and I would like to OC. I'm not 21 for a couple months so CC is just out of my grasp. My question is about locations where OC is not allowed. I live in the Chesapeake area of Hampton Roads. I am aware of the more obvious places like federal buildings, schools, and the like. I just don't want to show up somewhere and find out it's not allowed. Any specific restaurants or shops that don't allow it?

All places listed will help.

Thanks in advance for helping your favorite gun novice.

This is just my opinion but I think I would wait until you are of age to CC. I think it is wiser to stay off the radar so as not to make yourself the target of unwanted attention by the people that are scared to death of guns. Some might report you as a man with a gun and they are not above making up a few lies to further their cause. That can lead to a boat load of trouble for you.

[lizjimbo]

Wait until you are 21. That way you won't have to go through the nightmare of LEO stopping you and not knowing what the law is. Most don't!

[SHMIV]

You two have just made a case against open carry in general. I have to disagree.

The young man wants to exercise his 2nd Amendment rights, and since he is (to the best of my knowledge) legally able to do so, I support and encourage that.

It is true that he may get hassled by law enforcement, this is why I suggested printing a copy of the law to carry with him. But that shouldn't stop any of us.

Those who are freaked out by guns are freaked out largely by ignorance and misinformation.

I say carry now. Just remember that by openly carrying, you are representing the entire gun-owning community. So be friendly and polite. Use your sirs and ma'ams, and pleases and thank you's. Smile often. And know that you will be asked about your gun, so come up with some intelligent answers, beforehand.

[skeeterss0]

Those who are freaked out by guns are freaked out largely by ignorance and misinformation.



and by the rarity of exposure. Kind of like being scared of spiders and snakes. The more you are exposed the less you fear.

[SHMIV]

and by the rarity of exposure. Kind of like being scared of spiders and snakes. The more you are exposed the less you fear.

Yes, that, too. One more reason to open carry.

[mamabearCali]

Ladies and gents know the law then do what you are comfortable with. I OC about half the time, hardly anyone notices anyway. Just act normal, go on about your business.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[gunderwood]

You two have just made a case against open carry in general. I have to disagree.

The young man wants to exercise his 2nd Amendment rights, and since he is (to the best of my knowledge) legally able to do so, I support and encourage that.

It is true that he may get hassled by law enforcement, this is why I suggested printing a copy of the law to carry with him. But that shouldn't stop any of us.

Those who are freaked out by guns are freaked out largely by ignorance and misinformation.

I say carry now. Just remember that by openly carrying, you are representing the entire gun-owning community. So be friendly and polite. Use your sirs and ma'ams, and pleases and thank you's. Smile often. And know that you will be asked about your gun, so come up with some intelligent answers, beforehand.

+1

[zerodown1]

You two have just made a case against open carry in general. I have to disagree.

The young man wants to exercise his 2nd Amendment rights, and since he is (to the best of my knowledge) legally able to do so, I support and encourage that.

It is true that he may get hassled by law enforcement, this is why I suggested printing a copy of the law to carry with him. But that shouldn't stop any of us.

Those who are freaked out by guns are freaked out largely by ignorance and misinformation.

I say carry now. Just remember that by openly carrying, you are representing the entire gun-owning community. So be friendly and polite. Use your sirs and ma'ams, and pleases and thank you's. Smile often. And know that you will be asked about your gun, so come up with some intelligent answers, beforehand.

Not a case for or against anything, just stating the facts. It will draw unwanted attention,it will freak people out regardless of what causes them to be afraid of guns. It is his constitutional right,no argument there,he can carry a copy of the gun laws,and the police can ignore that if they want to. H e will just tell him thats up to the judge. He can exercise his constitutional right to open carry,just telling him what he might be in for.He needs to be prepered for everything he might encounter. I totally agree about who he represents and how he should conduct himself. Its wise to know the what ifs along with the I cans.

[SHMIV]

I have to wonder, should an officer arrest someone for openly carrying, what law would they report as having been broken? They have to list SOME specific code.

[gunderwood]

I have to wonder, should an officer arrest someone for openly carrying, what law would they report as having been broken? They have to list SOME specific code.

In my brothers case they make it up and then back peddle as soon as lawyers are about to get involved. They just want to harrass and intimidate you. Granted most are not like this, but there are a few departments in VA who just hate OC and have no problem seeing just how much they can get away with.

[TheEqualizer]

I highly recommend joining this group if you happen to have a Facebook account:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/virginiaopencarry/

All your questions can be answered concerning open carry in VA.

[Jakeiscrazy]

You two have just made a case against open carry in general. I have to disagree.

The young man wants to exercise his 2nd Amendment rights, and since he is (to the best of my knowledge) legally able to do so, I support and encourage that.

It is true that he may get hassled by law enforcement, this is why I suggested printing a copy of the law to carry with him. But that shouldn't stop any of us.

Those who are freaked out by guns are freaked out largely by ignorance and misinformation.

I say carry now. Just remember that by openly carrying, you are representing the entire gun-owning community. So be friendly and polite. Use your sirs and ma'ams, and pleases and thank you's. Smile often. And know that you will be asked about your gun, so come up with some intelligent answers, beforehand.

+2

I'm a young guy in the same situation, not old enough to CC but I chose to OC. I have both positive and negative encounters but you must always remain calm and respectful.

As far as your originally question. Expect to be asked to leave on occasion, when you go somewhere know that might happen and of course leave if asked. VCDL has a nice list of no carry place and I for the life of me cannot find it!

[ElOres]

You two have just made a case against open carry in general. I have to disagree.

The young man wants to exercise his 2nd Amendment rights, and since he is (to the best of my knowledge) legally able to do so, I support and encourage that.

It is true that he may get hassled by law enforcement, this is why I suggested printing a copy of the law to carry with him. But that shouldn't stop any of us.

Those who are freaked out by guns are freaked out largely by ignorance and misinformation.

I say carry now. Just remember that by openly carrying, you are representing the entire gun-owning community. So be friendly and polite. Use your sirs and ma'ams, and pleases and thank you's. Smile often. And know that you will be asked about your gun, so come up with some intelligent answers, beforehand.

Thank you for the words of wisdom. I can assure you that I will not bring shame to the OC/CC community. But why do I hear of occasions where people are hassled by LEO in regards to their firearm? I mean, instead of wasting their time and our time by asking us about our legally carried firearms, they could be patrolling for the bad guys.

[lizjimbo]

OCer's get harassed by the cops because ignorant citizens harass the cops about someone walking down the street with a gun. The cops try to make you (the OCer) miserable by stopping you and peppering you with questions. Unless your lawyer is walking with you, expect it to happen. The question the cops should have is for the ignorant citizen..."don't you know you have the right to OC in Virginia?' The way California took care of the problem is they made open carry unlawful and getting a conceal carry permit in California...well just you go and try. I have no problem with OC...I was trying to save the young man the headache of carrying a pistol under the age of 21...some cops may not know the law. If you want, check out youtube on open carry encounters. It is refreshing!

[zerodown1]

I have to wonder, should an officer arrest someone for openly carrying, what law would they report as having been broken? They have to list SOME specific code.

There are many innocent people in prison.

[heyrakes]

there are a few tactical reasons for Open Carry. just like there are a few perceived reasons to CC. i had to go into the hospital the other day. good reason to hide it. for the most part i know of at least 10 times having my firearm visible has saved someones life. who knows how many times that i was unaware of.
there are places that do not allow firearms. these are gun free zones, and are the next target for a mass shooting (this is the only place those happen)
it will be up to you on weather or not what a place has is worth your life or your families life. i have found that if i have to disarm then it's not worth it to me.

[Jakeiscrazy]

OCer's get harassed by the cops because ignorant citizens harass the cops about someone walking down the street with a gun. The cops try to make you (the OCer) miserable by stopping you and peppering you with questions. Unless your lawyer is walking with you, expect it to happen. The question the cops should have is for the ignorant citizen..."don't you know you have the right to OC in Virginia?' The way California took care of the problem is they made open carry unlawful and getting a conceal carry permit in California...well just you go and try. I have no problem with OC...I was trying to save the young man the headache of carrying a pistol under the age of 21...some cops may not know the law. If you want, check out youtube on open carry encounters. It is refreshing!

That has not been my experience with law enforcement in my area. VCDL has worked very closely with local LE throughout VA to ensure OCers aren't harassed. Only a handful of departments are know for doing so.

[dorminWS]

A little pamphlet suitable for the breast pocket setting forth the lehgal groundrules would be a good idea. Something a cop who is a little out of his depth would find informative and persuasive; giving him an opportunity to educate himself without getting too far out on a limb. In fact, I can't believe somebody hasn't already come up with that.