Why open carry when you have a CHP?

Cartoon · Post by **Cartoon** » Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:01:40

Fobus/Kimber Ultra Carry II with a sweatshirt etc... Can't imagine why someone with a CCP would prefer open carry? No offense and I respect your right but it makes no sense to me unless you enjoy negative comments from others..

Vahunter · Post by **Vahunter** » Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:01:11

Cartoon wrote:Fobus/Kimber Ultra Carry II with a sweatshirt etc... Can't imagine why someone with a CCP would prefer open carry? No offense and I respect your right but it makes no sense to me unless you enjoy negative comments from others..

I live in a very rural area where just about everyone has a gun. Never heard a negative comment around here but when I head to the big city I do conceal. Now if I lived say in northen Virginia you would never catch me open carrying.

wylde007 · Post by **wylde007** » Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:15:42

Cartoon wrote:Can't imagine why someone with a CCP would prefer open carry?

Visibility and education, mate.

Every person who sees a lawfully-armed citizen out and about, minding his own business and NOT COMMITTING a heinous crime is another opportunity to change someone's mind about personal defense weapons.

I felt the same as you initially, but now feel a great sense of pride when I OC as I am doing my small part to return this God given right to a place of honor and dignity, rather than fear and disdain.

I CC SOB in a Check-Six. I OC FBI cant, right-side in a SERPA (Glock) and an el-cheapo nylon holster with thumb-break for my 686+

Cartoon · Post by **Cartoon** » Sun, 22 Mar 2009 11:22:02

VaHunter,

I totally understand your position and wished I lived in a area (rural) where people appreciated and respected the right to OC and bear arms! I also agree that if you went to northern Va or any very populated area like Norfolk, Va. Beach, etc.. that you definitely would conceal. I know that in Norfolk Va not too long ago several individuals were verbally harassed and I believe one was charged at a city park for OC. Charges were dismissed but the hassle these individuals went through was terrible. No doubt they're in the crosshairs of anyone that sees them in the future! Going to court and spending money to defend what is my right is not my idea of having fun.

I also wouldn't OC into any bank under any circumstances. If you are there to do financial business and you walk into a robbery in progress you're probably going to get shot unless you anticipate a possibly confrontation everywhere you OC. Believe me when I say, "the bad guy will get the jump on you" in that situation. Or his driver will spot you on the way in! I don't believe you win people over to possess/OC or obtain a ccp by open carrying. Find somebody you know who's skeptical or doesn't believe and take them shooting and you'll have a better chance of getting them over to your line of thinking much quicker. I personally have transformed at least 3 non believers. They pre-judged me and now they thank me!

Please don't take any of my opinion as an attack on your beliefs!!! I'm on the same side as y'all and will do what I can to further the cause! This is meant to establish dialogue in this forum and share ideas!!

Vahunter · Post by **Vahunter** » Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:17:53

Cartoon I know what you meant, no harm done.

Like I said I only open carry in the area I live in where 99% of the people accept it. When ever I go to Richmond you can bet I carry concealed because I don't want to hear any crap from a misinformed cop or a crackhead who thinks he can steal a gun. Have a nice day.

wylde007 · Post by **wylde007** » Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:33:50

Cartoon wrote:I also agree that if you went to northern Va or any very populated area like Norfolk, Va. Beach, etc. that you definitely would conceal. I know that in Norfolk, VA not too long ago several individuals were verbally harassed and I believe one was charged at a city park for OC.

As a lifetime resident of Virginia Beach and frequent visitor to Norfolk, I can say that I categorically disagree with this statement.

Danladi Moore was harassed not once, but twice by NPD for OC at Waterside Marketplace. The first time he was vindicated and awarded $10,000 recompense for the city's negligent behaviour.

The second time the case was, in fact, dismissed and there is an ongoing interest by Mr. Moore of further consideration for compensation at having his Constitutional rights infringed.

The night of the second "victory" a group of us met at Freemason Abbey on Boush Street (in downtown Norfolk) for supper and were welcomed by the staff most graciously. There's a thread on the OCDO about open-carry and the economy. If we, as a group, make a conscious effort to only support businesses that honor our rights, we can make a statement.

OC is an excellent method to carry and provide opportunity to educate others. I do conceal on occasion, but now it is more likely when I am around my in-laws as a courtesy to my wife. On a frame such as mine (5'5", light build) concealing a Glock19 is near-on impossible anyhow... and gets more so as summer comes on the horizon. Kinda hard to hide anything under a cotton t-shirt when it's 90° and 100% humidity.

But, to each his own.

Cartoon · Post by **Cartoon** » Sun, 29 Mar 2009 12:42:04

As a lifetime resident of Virginia Beach and frequent visitor to Norfolk, I can say that I categorically disagree with this statement.

I'm not sure what you categorically disagree with? Those individuals were Harassed, despite their $ettlement! Walk the boardwalk in the summer evening hours at the Beach and see who you educate! You will be challenged almost everywhere you go. Most Sheeple will avoid you but not the wise guys!

If we, as a group, make a conscious effort to only support businesses that honor our rights, we can make a statement.

I couldn't agree with you more on this statement! and to carry it a step further, a public forum at one of these restaurants on a persons "Rights to Carry" would be most beneficial too many (including the restaurant)and go along way. That's educating.

I do conceal on occasion, but now it is more likely when I am around my in-laws as a courtesy to my wife.

Interesting comment. Do they not buy on to your right when in public with them or do they not want you OC in their house...

But, to each his own.

Exactly right!

wylde007 · Post by **wylde007** » Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:47:03

Cartoon wrote:You will be challenged almost everywhere you go. Most Sheeple will avoid you but not the wise guys!

So I should conceal for their benefit? Sorry.

Interesting comment. Do they not buy on to your right when in public with them or do they not want you OC in their house...

They're just total jackasses and I am trying to keep the peace with the missus. In their house, concealed. Anywhere else, my rules.

Exactly right!

flowmaster · Post by **flowmaster** » Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:36:35

some people bug out when i open carry in fairfax county, but then again they know they're instantly outgunned. i've only been approached twice, but the people were just asking questions, not tryng to tell me what i was doing was wrong. there's this guy ed over on opencarry that gave me some business cards that he made, showing what part of virginia code states that open carry is legal and all that jazz. i wish i had them on me when those people were asking me about open carry. for some reason i always seem to opencarry at fiveguys burgers and fries locations in chantilly, fairfax, and merryfield.

you've gotta open carry if you go into an establishment that serves alcohol, even if you're not consuming any. either that or lose the gun before entering the restaurant. wearing black while carrying a gun in black leather or dressing up usually does not raise too many eyebrows, even in a county with over a million residents.

Jericho01 · Post by **Jericho01** » Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:54:28

I think Fairfax County PD is coming around as far as OC is concerned after two embarrassing incidents a couple of years ago (Champs in Reston and Fairoaks Mall, I think). I've seen a young Asian man OC'ing out in the parking lot of Fair City Mall one afternoon. Since I am aware that it's legal, I just commented about it and he laughed. I have a CHP and I do CC every now and then. I did OC one time with my friends at Chicago Uno in Kingstowne. No problem at all.

I will check in with my FCPD friends when I see them at the next Fairfax County Police Citizens Academy Alumni Association meeting to see how OC has been going on in the county....if there are incidents lately and how they dealt with it. Will keep you guys posted.

CajunBass · Post by **CajunBass** » Mon, 11 May 2009 11:28:12

I have a CHP, and open carry quite a bit. Why? I'm too lazy to cover up.

I have never had a negative comment anywhere. In town, in the country, in businesses, from cops, from soccer moms...nowhere, from nobody.

In Spotsylvania, Culpepper, Caroline, Hanover, Henrico, Richmond, Chesterfield....7-11, Wal-Mart, WaWa, Ukrops, Bloom/Food Lion, and a bunch of other places I can't think of off the top of my head. In short about anywhere I go.

I have had people ask "Can I do that too?" "Is that a Colt?" "What kind of 1911 is that?", but not often. I suppose the most negative comment ever was a guy at a 7-11 gas pump who told me "The hammer on your pistol is cocked." I told him it was designed to be carried that way. He replied "Oh, I didn't know that. Learn something new every day." End of conversation.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Mon, 11 May 2009 21:49:25

I've been reading all the comments on here and like Vahunter I live in a rural area. I open carry around my property but when I have to go to town or to any large city I prefer to not have anyone know that I'm carrying.

If I do have a problem I like the element of surprise being on my side.

I can see the point of open carry but me I just like to blend in to the crowd.

Nathan · Post by **Nathan** » Tue, 12 May 2009 15:54:45

I typically conceal unless I'm dining in an establishment that serves booze. I did OC on Saturday. My buddy and I hit Bojangles for some grub after turkey hunting. The girl behind the register commented "wow, I guess I ought to get your order correct!" and then laughed. Of course, I live in "good ol' boy" country and firearms aren't taboo like in NOVA (where I'm from originally).

StaffordCarry · Post by **StaffordCarry** » Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:38:38

I open carried starting this year after decades of concealed simply because I am tired of switching to a smaller arm or even a derringer AND I do wish to make a political statement. When it turned cold a couple weeks ago I just wear a coat as appropriate.

When I visit my Wife's employment areas around the Alex. Federal courthouse I have to be extra careful about who controls the building I am in (no legal carrying in Federal buildings or Courthouses) and noticed looks in restaurants but usually only receive questions about calibre or brand.

The several times I was in more questionable areas I must admit that I would have rather been concealed but the real response is... HOW MANY UNIFORMED POLICEMEN are robbed or attacked by criminals? With exception of the recent Washington State events, it is VERY RARE indeed. Criminals will always worry that everyone in your group or the area may also be carrying and CRIMINALS AVOID ARMED VICTIMS.

This about the recent attack, one armed criminal with premeditation facing four unsuspecting armed targets does not get away free. The Police are still dead but this is not a case to encourage copycats.

Craig

oops... I forgot to mention that even tough I carry a medium frame .45 ACP (S&W 45CSD, chief special auto with double action ONLY) in a belt holster it is common for people I deal with to never notice my firearm, being entirely black helps. On those times when I carry my Wife's full frame S&W nickel plated 9mm (model 59) it is noticed regularly.

Everett113 · Post by **Everett113** » Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:07:33

Just a quick observation. The ones that open carry are VCDL members. They are well informed about carrying are more comfortable open carrying
I would recomend any one that carries, join the VCDL. If you do have any problems they will help any member. This is just my opinion

Post by **zephyp** » Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:23:27

Everett113 wrote:Just a quick observation. The ones that open carry are VCDL members. They are well informed about carrying are more comfortable open carrying
I would recomend any one that carries, join the VCDL. If you do have any problems they will help any member. This is just my opinion

Good point but for those that choose to open carry and not bother with a CHP - IN ADDITION TO JOINING THE VCDL - highly recommend you become completely familiar with the VA code sections regarding what concealed means and even then be prepared to get hassled depending on where you live and carry...The code isnt complicated but it does present subjectivity regarding whats not concealed and is an ongoing discussion here...and just because you're a VCDL member obviously does not give you any special privileges. You must become familiar with the code regardless of how you choose to carry.

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504 ... d+18.2-308

A. If any person carries about his person, hidden from common observation, (i) any pistol, revolver.....For the purpose of this section, a weapon shall be deemed to be hidden from common observation when it is observable but is of such deceptive appearance as to disguise the weapon's true nature.

FCCSM · Post by **FCCSM** » Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:20:34

Got a call yesterday that my CHP came in.....only 13 days! (wife got hers too!) I picked it up after work. Well I still plan to OC but I got tired of trying to keep my jacket from concealing my firearm.... only been OC since July 09....took a trip to Florida as I do at least once a year to visit family and could not open carry (only in the glove box of car).... so now I feel better about being able to CC in Florida.

scampbell3 · Post by **scampbell3** » Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:46:57

While I am not a VA resident anymore, I enjoy reading the posts and comments. I would like to toss my comments into this thread since I am an active open carrier here on the DelMarVa Eastern Shore (DE). I currently live in the beach resort area of the Eastern Shore. We see a lot of people from all over the east coast coming here to spend their vacations, especially from NJ, NY, NOVA, Canada, and many New England states. This area is far from rural.

I have been OCing for nearly 2 years in this area, and I have NEVER been harassed, arrested, confronted or otherwise bothered by individuals or LE because of my openly carried handgun. Most of my encounters are those that have questions, and are pleasantly surprised as to the laws in DE in regards to firearms. There are quite a few of us that gather on a regular basis for meetings and dinners, and have never had an issue with a restaurant, patrons are not running out screaming at the sight of 20+ people with firearms eating dinner.

One of the common misconceptions is that the sight of an openly carried firearm will terrify and send people running into the streets. I can say that this is not the case. In two years of constant OC, this has never happened, EVER. When people do take note, they usually ask questions and are rather curious and not scared.

I have also OC'd in several other states as well, VA, GA, PA, and NC. All without problems or issues. I am now doing this not only as a political statement, but as a way to educate people on the difference between a right and a regulated privilege.
OC is not for everyone, and that is fine. I do not wish to push this method on everyone, but to educate people that it is an option. I enjoy the freedom to both exercise my right (OC) and my regulated privilege (CC)

Those of us that do OC do so with a purpose and have taken on the challenge to raise awareness and make a statement. This lifestyle is not for everyone, and that is fine. One has to make that decision for themselves.

No matter how someone chooses to carry, just carry all the time and everywhere legally allowed.

Carry on...

t33j · Post by **t33j** » Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:30:31

Ummm... I open carry in Norfolk every day. EVERY DAY!

I open carry on sidewalks 2 feet away from ODU "property" where I would be expelled if I carried a gun.
No Norfolk or ODU Police have ever approached me. I know they see me carrying. Surprised???

I open carry down town, next to police stations, to restaurants that serve alcohol, to coffee shops, in my car, on boats, and everywhere I go.

To all the naysayers: Have you ever actually carried openly? Are you just speculating? Where are your credentials?
I have had not a single negative comment anywhere, Norfolk or otherwise. People that comment are either encouraging or curious.

Why open carry?
http://opencarry.org/
It's a deterrent, a political statement.
To educate. See http://vagunforum.net/carrying/why-open ... .html#p349
Because I am not afraid to exercise my rights. Because I know my rights and I value them immensely.
Because I find it repulsive that I must ask my government for a permission slip and then pay to exercise a right.

Carrying concealed does nothing to protect or further gun rights. Educate yourself about open carry, and then consider trying it out.

Post by **zephyp** » Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:05:27

@t33j - good for you that no one bothers you and more power to ya...my credentials? I live in NOVA. Have you ever lived up here. You cant swing a small dead cat without hitting 12 liberals and 15 antis all at the same time...

Some of us dont like confrontations and/or visits from the police for no reason. My credentials are also the 2nd Amendment. And since I carry primarily for personal defense it dont have to be visible.

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