OC in NoVA - share your experiences

[USMCGunner]

That's a .ORG domain, not .COM

[LFS]

I had to OC at the Four Sisters Vietnamese restaurant in Merrifield on Sunday night. It was my first time there and I didn't realize they served alcohol, so I had to tuck my sweater and fleece vest behind my pistol so it was visible. The place was packed, but nobody said a word. I did end up sitting strong side in, but getting coats on the kids and everything required standing many minutes where lots of people were eye-level with my gun. Of course, I assume that people that see a couple with two small children don't think "Oh My Goodness, He's Got a Gun!" They might think, "He's gotta a family and wants to protect them."

BTW, the food there is very good.

[msk7a]

I've opened carried a couple of times at the Fairfax Ruby Tuesday near the NRA. Only had one bad experience. Apparently the family across from us saw my gun. The wife whispered something to the husband to which he replied along the lines, "this is Virginia, it's the law here." The wife and the kids left mid-meal (to go wait in the car?) leaving the husband to package up all the left-overs and pay for their dinner. I was totally oblivious to this (even though they were only 5 ft away from me) and my brother had to explain it all to me after they left.

I guess I feel really bad about ruining their meal. On the otherhand the waiters and door-greeters did not seem to mind at all - I'm guessing they get a lot of patronage from the NRA.

[Riana]

I've opened carried a couple of times at the Fairfax Ruby Tuesday near the NRA. Only had one bad experience. Apparently the family across from us saw my gun. The wife whispered something to the husband to which he replied along the lines, "this is Virginia, it's the law here." The wife and the kids left mid-meal (to go wait in the car?) leaving the husband to package up all the left-overs and pay for their dinner. I was totally oblivious to this (even though they were only 5 ft away from me) and my brother had to explain it all to me after they left.

I guess I feel really bad about ruining their meal. On the otherhand the waiters and door-greeters did not seem to mind at all - I'm guessing they get a lot of patronage from the NRA.

No need to feel bad. You didn't ruin their meal - they made the decision to leave. Sounds like the husband had his head on straight, at least. At least they didn't make a point of ruining your meal (shrieking/pointing/etc). I can just imagine a woman like that calling CPS on me when I'm out having lunch with my school-aged son.

And it's good to know that Ruby Tuesday seems gun-friendly. Maybe I'll talk hubby into going to dinner there sometime, since there's one up the street from us.

[Reverenddel]

We're talking about when you look "presentable" that people don't give a second glance. I don't look "Presentable" I have a shorn noggin, and a goatee to my chest, and I generally wear whatever the season/situation dictates.

However, that being said, when I OC'd in Fredricksburg for a day trip. No one said anything.

I'm not changing my "coture" for the "culture" of NoVa. It ain't a fashion show. HAHAHAH.

[goodoleboy]

We're talking about when you look "presentable" that people don't give a second glance. I don't look "Presentable" I have a shorn noggin, and a goatee to my chest, and I generally wear whatever the season/situation dictates.

However, that being said, when I OC'd in Fredricksburg for a day trip. No one said anything.

I'm not changing my "coture" for the "culture" of NoVa. It ain't a fashion show. HAHAHAH.

You got it pegged right there, if they don't like the cutoffs, cope ring, and my cowboy hat WHO CARES! +1 to you sir

[pratt]

I'm a relative newcomer to the gun culture (but have since dove in head first). About a year ago, before I had even shot my first gun, I crossed paths with a gentleman who was OC'ing while shopping near my home in Ashburn. He was wearing jeans with a knit polo-style shirt tucked in. I took notice of his gun, but it didn't phase me. Only after I got in my car, did I contemplate his gun and wonder whether it was legal. It didn't go beyond a moment of contemplation and I moved on.

At the time, I was completely uninitiated. I had never heard of the terms open carry or concealed carry, nor did I have a clue about the legality of either.

I think that's how most people would react. No big deal.

[zephyp]

I'm a relative newcomer to the gun culture (but have since dove in head first). About a year ago, before I had even shot my first gun, I crossed paths with a gentleman who was OC'ing while shopping near my home in Ashburn. He was wearing jeans with a knit polo-style shirt tucked in. I took notice of his gun, but it didn't phase me. Only after I got in my car, did I contemplate his gun and wonder whether it was legal. It didn't go beyond a moment of contemplation and I moved on.

At the time, I was completely uninitiated. I had never heard of the terms open carry or concealed carry, nor did I have a clue about the legality of either.

I think that's how most people would react. No big deal.

Welcome to the club !!!!!!!!

I think you're right that most would react the way you did, however here in NOVA there are an ample supply of those who would become visibly upset or call the police merely because they dont like our right and/or are ignorant of the law.

[KaosDad]

I have been living in the Ashburn/Braodlands area since 1995 with travel to other locals. Either I am totally blind or completely accepting, but I recall seeing only ONE person OC and that . . .was . . . six years ago? In the Ashburn Farm Giant?

Maybe I'm too distracted by all of the Cougars in the area.

But seriously - I can only recall seeing one person open carry (not counting at the range or gun shows) in the general public.

[viiiball]

Maybe I'm too distracted by all of the Cougars in the area.

Cougars? Where? I thought they were only at The Dock on Friday nights?

[OakRidgeStars]

Here kitty, kitty, kitty