I know everyone is excited to now be able to OC in OK, but I urge caution and reflection. Coming from a state (GA) that allows OC, I have seen many debates on the pros and cons. A couple of things to think about...
1. OCing can highlight you to the criminals. This can be good or bad. Good if they aren't all that hardened and decide it's better to try later when someone who is obviously packing isn't around. Bad if they decide to eliminate you as a threat first.
2. Public perception. In this day of the antis, we must remember that when we carry, we represent the ENTIRE firearm community. If you are out and about acting like an a$$, well it's no big deal if you are CCing. If you are OCing, however, your behavior could be viewed as representative of all of us "gun nuts." Obviously it isn't representative, but perception is reality. Especially to the antis.
3. Some businesses may be uncomfortable with you OCing in their store, restaurant, etc. If a manager asks you to leave, please be polite and just leave. Getting into an argument with a misinformed middle-management type is not going to help. Take your argument to regional or corporate offices after you've cooled down or just don't do business with them anymore.
4. Carry in whichever manner you feel is most appropriate for you and respect others choice to do the same. I have seen other forums have heated discussions on why OCers are dumb and CCers are cowards, etc. It doesn't matter. The important thing is that we are all exercising our 2A rights how we see fit.
1. OCing can highlight you to the criminals. This can be good or bad. Good if they aren't all that hardened and decide it's better to try later when someone who is obviously packing isn't around. Bad if they decide to eliminate you as a threat first.
2. Public perception. In this day of the antis, we must remember that when we carry, we represent the ENTIRE firearm community. If you are out and about acting like an a$$, well it's no big deal if you are CCing. If you are OCing, however, your behavior could be viewed as representative of all of us "gun nuts." Obviously it isn't representative, but perception is reality. Especially to the antis.
3. Some businesses may be uncomfortable with you OCing in their store, restaurant, etc. If a manager asks you to leave, please be polite and just leave. Getting into an argument with a misinformed middle-management type is not going to help. Take your argument to regional or corporate offices after you've cooled down or just don't do business with them anymore.
4. Carry in whichever manner you feel is most appropriate for you and respect others choice to do the same. I have seen other forums have heated discussions on why OCers are dumb and CCers are cowards, etc. It doesn't matter. The important thing is that we are all exercising our 2A rights how we see fit.
