Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Hey guys, just wanting some feedback on how y'all are with open carrying at 18. I'm about to start here in mid June when I get my springfield xdm in .45acp.

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Also if you guys could leave me feedback on how to handle those who don't approve and just different tips, thanks

I'm ok with it. Just be sure you know the applicable laws regarding carrying a firearm and self defense, and don't get yourself in trouble.

Welcome aboard!

Also if you guys could leave me feedback on how to handle those who don't approve and just different tips, thanks

Just politely tell them that you OC because it's the only way that you can legally carry a handgun for self defense until you turn 21 and can apply for a CHP.

Also, if you don't make a big deal about it, hardly anyone will notice. Calling attention to yourself because you are carrying is a sure sign of a douchebag.

Yeah id like to avoid attention, been reading up on the places that are un-friendly to those who carry

Welcome to VGOF!

A little homework for you: http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/virginia.pdf

How do you not get hassled as in "how can you OC at 18 with a handgun that you didn't purchase?"

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ShotgunBlast wrote:How do you not get hassled as in "how can you OC at 18 with a handgun that you didn't purchase?

He can purchase a handgun from a private seller, just not through an FFL.

how you carry yourself, you demeanor, your appearance... will all play a role in how you're perceived in public oc'ing. what you'll come to understand is that most people may never even notice that you're carrying. what you'll also begin to notice is that you'll be more carefully observing people around you once you start carrying. your situational awareness will increase, or at least it should.

you will be noticed by leo, though. how they interact with you will be dependent on many things. if you look "young" for your age, they may want to verify your age. others are well-enough versed in va statute to take no action other than noticing the oc'ed defensive sidearm. others will possibly hassle you, just because they don't like the idea of armed law-abiding citizens, constitution be-damned. many people purchase, carry and use a digital voice recorder with them at all times they are carrying so that they have a record of any encounter.

additionally, do yourself a service and get some good firearms training. nothing wrong with little continuing education. i can heartily recommend Proshooter's "Basic Safety" and "Intro to CC" classes. The first will serve as satisfying the training requirement for a va chp (as the law currently stands) and doesn't expire, so no reason not to take and get it cone. The second will give a great discussion on the law and includes coverage of sensible ways to interact with leo.

bottom line: if you choose to carry a defensive sidearm, it's incumbent entirely upon you to know the law about where you can carry, how you are allowed to carry, when you are legally justified in using deadly force and what to say, and more importantly, what not to say if you are, goodness-forbid, ever involved in a defensive shooting. when i started carrying, the responsibility on my shoulders felt far far heavier than the 2lbs of steel, plastic, lead and leather hanging from my gun belt. i also carry the card of a 2a/firearms self-defense expert attorney in my wallet and have his number on speed-dial.

hth.
be safe.

You should visit Open Carry dot Org (OCDO)...

http://forum.opencarry.org

Thanks! Ive been through a law class about carrying concleaed and they hit Oc-ing a little but didn't cover the topic completely, also I do visit the range 1-2 times a week and have been doing so for about 3 years. Ive also been through the ccw class. So I have some learning backing me.

That's a whole lot of range time. What do you do to keep from getting bored and how well do you shoot a pistol?

I can't get bored of guns. Just something about them thats never boring. And I generally shoot at about 10-15 yards with 6 inch groupings after about 50 rounds. For some reason though I always shoot best with .45acp

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I'm always on the lookout for young people who might be good prospects for competition shooting. Send me a PM if you think you might be interested.

Thanks Chasbo, will do

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Its all how you carry yourself. Don't look nervous, and don't walk like you own the world either. I've walked right by Cops before and they mostly look at me and then go about their business. I've had to educate a few people on OCing in the state of Virginia though.

jmicheals1984 wrote:
Its all how you carry yourself. Don't look nervous, and don't walk like you own the world either. I've walked right by Cops before and they mostly look at me and then go about their business. I've had to educate a few people on OCing in the state of Virginia though.

It's more than just how you carry yourself; it's the overall presentation. When people speak to you, be friendly. Remember your please's, thank you's, sir's, and ma'am's. I try to smile at people when I'm talking to the them. Remember, the anti-gunners have the impression that we are all barbaric, mean, uncouth rednecks. If we act contrary to that impression, you never know what sort of positive impression you might make. When I first started OC'ing, I went into Big Lots; the girl at the register mentioned that she got nervous when she first saw my gun, but realized that she'd seen me in there before, and remembered me as being a friendly guy, so she felt safe.

has been some good suggestions on your carrying. they are right don't look like a douche and more than likely you won't be treated as one.
know your laws and be confident in your demeanor.

know what you are going to say if you do get comments or objections.know what you want to say (or not say) to LEs

but mainly, be safe