Are OC'ers getting more static from the general public, or those carrying concealed

[flybeech]

I've been carrying openly and concealed simultaneously since November 1st at 12:01AM and concealed since long before we were granted permission back in the '90's. So far, I have experienced absolutely ZERO static from anyone I see in public, with the exception of a few other CC'ers who see fit to step up and council me on the many tactical disadvantages of OC, ask me what I'm trying to prove or question the size of my personal parts.

My personal decision to carry openly is driven more by political reasons than a fear of becoming the victim of a bad guy. Maybe I'm the exception to the rule, but I've never been the victim of a violent crime and I don't walk in fear of being attacked. I am more worried about tyranny and when I try my best to courteously explain that to the CC'er who approaches me on the street with the aforementioned remarks, it's not long before I get a tin-foil hat response.

Have any others who have chosen to OC noticed that carrying openly gets more negative response from other CC'ers, than those who don't carry anything at all?

 

[SMS]

How many actual, face to face, encounters have you had with random concealed carrying individuals?

Were they random enounters with strangers or people that you knew and/or were already interacting with?

 

[Werewolf]

If it's a CC'r giving you grief just politely tell 'em to mind their own business and move on. You're not going to change their attitude right there on the street and even if you could the street isn't the place to have the discussion.

It doesn't suprise me that the grief you're getting is from the CC'rs - I found out while at a monthly meeting of the TriCity Gun Club and at an annual safety orientation that there are plenty of closet Fudds that are CC'rs. Their adherence and belief in the 2A stops at their opinion of what's right and goes no further.

 

[flybeech]

How many actual, face to face, encounters have you had with random concealed carrying individuals?

Were they random enounters with strangers or people that you knew and/or were already interacting with?

There have been 3 face to face encounters with total strangers. Two told me that they were CC'ers right off the bat and based on things the third said, it's safe to assume he was a licensed CC'er.

I've had plenty of lively exchanges with a couple of close CC friends in private settings, but I don't count those, since we've been fighting about everything under the sun for many years. We're getting up there in years and you know how old guys get more grumpy with age.

I've noticed plenty of argumentativeness on this and other forums, but I don't count those either. Forums like these are all in fun and spirited discussion is why I like to come. The uninvited remarks from strangers on the street while I'm out doing my stuff is slightly annoying, but when you strap on an open .45, unsolicited conversation is expected. I am just a bit surprised that the only friction I've gotten from anyone was from fellow shooters. If anything, I more expected schoolyard-type show-n-tell about hardware, instead of a hassle.

 

[tRidiot]

I agree with you that my decisions to OC are as much political as anything else most times. I think we need to show responsible carry to get people away from the panic they feel anytime a gun is even mentioned.

I've not caught any flak from any side yet, though.

 

[SMS]

I am just a bit surprised that the only friction I've gotten from anyone was from fellow shooters. If anything, I more expected schoolyard-type show-n-tell about hardware, instead of a hassle.

Looks like you are coming to the realization that I came to a long time ago. Folks like to refer to "gun people" and the "gun culture" etc...but there really is no such thing. Just because you own and carry a gun doesn't make you any closer to being "like me" than a guy who drives a pickup truck or lives in the same town as me.

In my personal observations (and as as you pointed out, as evidenced on this very forum) gun owners are a diverse group of people, with a diverse set of opinions, principles, values etc...to expect some sort of solidarity is to deny human nature. Because of that diverse pool of opinion, I would actually expect more flak from a gun owner than from one of the sheeple who know's nothing about firearms, does not train with them, and cannot even begin to fathom defending their own life with one.

 

[vicious]

I've only had positive encounters in person. I've read plenty of dissent on the forums from fellow carriers, which is astounding. It really is a shame. I wonder how they'd feel if we were like some other states that allow only open carry and no concealed.

 

[TwoForFlinching]

Part of me wonders if OC will desensitize the public from men/women carrying firearms... To the point we're creating the most submissive victims the world has yet seen. Just a thought.

 

[flybeech]

When taking my walk, a neighbor raking leaves said "Thank you for carrying openly" and came and shook my hand. He said he wanted to get his SDA permit just as soon as he could, so he could do the same thing. That brightened my day and I stepped a little livelier after that.

 

[HackerF15E]

many tactical disadvantages of OC

Do you counter by telling them that 'the element of surprise' is not a defensive tactic?