Dressing the part = less hassle

[gibbs1911]

Unless its cool enough to wear long sleeves and slacks, or something along toughs lines that's considered respectable and makes you look like a plain clothes cop, I cant seem to OC without getting the OMG shock look or a challenging do something look from fellow patrons/pedestrians. I'm white, I have a shaved head, and more than a couple tattoos. I can't help the color, my fathers bald and I seem to be fallowing suite, and I'v been enlisted with the navy for the past 10 years.
I don't know why I'm complaining, logically I do fit the stereotype of what a racist/supremacist might look like from a distance and if I am OC at the time oh god, it's 10 times worse. But if I'm not acting in a rude or threatening manner instead acting very polite and civil to others (99% of the time. Armed or not) I still get the looks and attitude, and all I'm wearing is a plain T and jeans. Point is if you are having similar issues shop JCpenny. I guess I cant blame them though, I mean when I hear deafening rap music from a car I don't assume black thug. I think, rude person with poor choice in music. But the whole time I have been thinking that I didn't even notice my thumb was stroking the safety. Man preconceptions are a pain in the but. Thank god its getting cooler.

[thekinetic]

The hell with them, if they give you a look saying start something give them a look back saying you first. Well you could always dress in ripped jeans, sandals, and a tie dye shirt with a peace symbol and OC....that ought to confuse the poop out of them!

[Jakeiscrazy]

If your going to OC expect trouble and when met with trouble act with as much respect and courtesy as possible. It's all you can do.

[Kreutz]

I also get weird looks if I OC.....



Never could figure out why...

[VBshooter]

I'm tatooed and bearded and occasionally get a sideways look but just ignore em..I act like I belong wherever I am withoiut being a punk and kill em with kindness anytime someone asks any questions ..Really never had any real problems. Most non carriers are glad to be enlightned about VA law and I can't guarentee it but I think I am reponsible for several more people OC'ing after telling them the true facts..Those little orange cards from VCDL are a + sometinmes too

[Reverenddel]

Brotha, I hang with Goth's that pack firearms. And they couldn't give a blasted bit about what people think. Just be polite, and act like a decent gun owner.

Unless you have face-to-face blatant rudeness put upon you?

Screw'em. Rock your world the way you see fit!

[vooduchkn]

I expect sideways looks when I carry on the mainland (Hawaii here). I pay it no mind.

Give them a nice smile and simple hello. Works for me.

I have had the uneducated ask me some really obnoxious questions like:

Why do you have a gun?
My response: Why don't you?
I don't need one.
My response: Well, I truly hope you never do Sir/Maam, I hope I never do either.

Why do feel you need that thing? Nothing is going to happen that requires you to carry a gun.
My response: Why do you wear a seat belt? Do you feel all drivers are as responsible and as alert as you are?

Are you a police officer?
My response: No, are you?
No, but only police should have guns. You don't need that gun in here.
My response: Have you seen any LEO around here? I would also feel safer if an LEO was around, but the fact is that they cannot be everywhere at once. Violent Criminals do not walk around advertising their intentions.

My favorite:
Dad to me. Why are you carrying a gun? You are scaring my kids.
~9 year old kid: He isn't scaring me Dad, thats cool, why don't you do that? What if a robber came in a shot the place all up? Would we be okay?

Dad blushed and then just went about his way.

I have gotten into some good discussions with folks that otherwise would have never thought about carrying.

Kindness kills, I do not think looks really matter. You are going to find this type of response all over the place.

Stick with it.

[thekinetic]

I learned long ago not to listen to the peanut gallery. Shoot for a month I had to wear an eye patch due to strain and goodness knows in that month I heard more Arrrrs then I care to remember. And most I ignored except for a kid which, of course, I played up for their amusement.

So as soon as I get my hand gun situation solved, check my "goin shootin tomorrow" topic for further info, I'll be getting one too.

[clayinva]

Agree 100% that OC SHOULD not be an issue, but unles you live in Montana or somewhere similarly enlightened it is a definite possibility.