OC in Charlottesville Today

[Alex]

Well, I've finally worked up the nerve to try.

Just put in for my CHP yesterday, but while I'm waiting I think I'll go out to lunch.

Wish me luck!
-Alex

[makarovman]

alex. make sure you give us a report on all the scary looks you got here in cville

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[OakRidgeStars]

Oh noes.... man with a gun!!!

[Alex]

All right, part 1 of my day is over and here's the rundown.

Me: Black Polo, Khaki slacks, Oakleys, tucked in shirt and my GLOCK 27 in a Serpa Holster on my right hip, with a cellphone and case on my left hip. Short hair, close Shave.

What The majority of the public thought: Cop.

I was slightly disappointed that after all the stories of people being harassed by police for open carrying, I wasn't so much as given a second glance. I expect most people figured I was a cop, and didn't pay me any mind. Still more didn't even notice my weapon at all. (Make no mistake, I'm not LOOKING for trouble, I was just surprised nothing happened.)

Where I went/What I did today (So far)
-Dropped my Girlfriend off at work
-Went to Pet Forum and picked up pet food. (Girl behind the counter was nice, even flirty) No issues here.
-In the crosswalk leaving the store, I passed an old lady who gave me a "Good morning officer" To which I replied "Good morning to you as well, however I'm not an officer" and walked to my car. No issues here either.
-Dropped by work for a visit. My co-workers were excited to see my new gun, and they all took a turn examining it. I also educated one of my fellow employees on VA gun laws. (Open carry specifically) No issues here.
-Went and picked my mom up from her work and took her out to lunch. Went to Panera Bread at Barracks road. Staff was very friendly, no one said anything (Although I did get some quick glances) and we even got a discount! No issues here.
-After I dropped mom off at work, I went by Albemarle County Firearms to see about getting a magazine holder for my spare. Obviously, no issues here. (Except of course them not having a mag holder!)
-On the way home, I stopped at BP on Rio Road for gas, then went inside to buy a drink (warm out today) As I walked up, a few teen kids hanging around up front left in a hurry. (They looked up to no good) From inside, I got a look from one of the clearks, but the one who rang me up was friendly and didn't say anything about my weapon. (she obviously saw it)

That's been part one of my day. My conclusion was that everyone simply thought I was a cop. I didn't have any issues anywhere I went today, and that's nice. I like no-issues. My concealed carry permit should come sometime in the near future, but until then, it's nice to see that open carry seems to be an option. I was nervous as hell going into Panera at full lunch-rush time, but I quickly relaxed.

Things I think contributed:
-I was professional, polite and well-dressed.
-I made a point to make sure I wasn't constantly fiddling with my weapon.
-I was friendly and outgoing to everyone I came into contact with.

Part two of my report will be up after I head out tonight. Haven't decided if I'll be open carrying to dinner or not. I'm leaning towards not (I'd like a beer with dinner) So stay tuned!

[makarovman]

sounds like a good day. not allowed weapons on me at work. so haven't had the chance to oc in town

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[Alex]

We should do an open carry dinner night in Cville. I know a buddy of mine who would come out, maybe 2.

[mk4]

sounds like a very good OC day!

[makarovman]

alex it would have to be a week night for me.only time i am in cville

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[Alex]

I posted a thread, located below

http://vagunforum.net/post93454.html#p93454

For a possible meet/Greet and OC dinner/Lunch out.

As to the rest of the night, I was drinking, so no weapon for me. But the day went well enough.


-Alex

[Diomed]

Haven't decided if I'll be open carrying to dinner or not. I'm leaning towards not (I'd like a beer with dinner) So stay tuned!

You do know you can OC while drinking, right?

[Alex]

Certainly I could, but that doesn't make it a good idea at all.

[Diomed]

No different from having a glass and then driving home.

The neo-prohibitionists have really done a number on people's sense of proportionality.

[Alex]

I'm not saying I couldn't handle having a drink and driving home, or carry my weapon and have a drink. I'm saying that I choose not to. If I'm drinking, then I'm not carrying. If I'm driving, I'm not drinking. It's that simple. What you choose to do, is up to you personally.

[VAman]

I too am a believer that you shouldn't drive while carrying even if it is legal. That's just my opinion though.

[Diomed]

I too am a believer that you shouldn't drive while carrying even if it is legal.

Then what's the point of carrying? Most of us don't use public transport or live within walking distance of anything worthwhile.

[Yarddawg]

I too am a believer that you shouldn't drive while carrying even if it is legal.

Then what's the point of carrying? Most of us don't use public transport or live within walking distance of anything worthwhile.

+1

What's the problem with carrying and driving?

[mk4]

maybe VAman just mistyped and really meant "drink while carrying..."
guess we won't know 'til he pops back in to clarify.

[Hammer]

Humor?

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