Positive (?) experience OC ing last night.

[PlinKing2392]

So, I OC'd after work, like usual. I was meeting some friends at the Old Point Tavern downtown. As we were walking from a buddy's house (I'm not paying for parking) I was getting lots of strange looks from pedestrians. Walked into the bar, greeted our friends and ordered. One of our friends works in politics, do it was politically charged conversation all evening. Never had an issue from police, the servers, the patrons, but my friends sort of freaked as conversation shifted to 2a discussion. All but one of our group had no idea I carried. Then I got the question everyone asks... "Why do you need a gun/Why are you carrying that?" And because they are friends, I didn't give them the smart a$$ answer, but gave my honest reasoning.

I just thought it was interesting that total strangers had no problem (at least they didn't visualize any) with my firearm, but my close friends were in shock. Overall, it was a good experience and I got to educate my friends about legislation and firearms in general.

 

[sgreen3]

Any time you can teach someone about the benifits of carrying is a good thing. Glad it went well for you

 

[ATM]

Well done!

 

[Scutter01]

Then I got the question everyone asks... "Why do you need a gun/Why are you carrying that?" And because they are friends, I didn't give them the smart a$$ answer, but gave my honest reasoning.

I always respond with "Why do YOU think I'm carrying it?" I'm always astounded by their responses and it usually makes them stop and think honestly for a second about why someone would want to carry a gun. Believe it or not, I've never gotten the usual Anti answers: "Because you want to be a cowboy/wannabe cop/etc.?", "Because you're compensating for something?", and so forth.

 

[eldirector]

Another +1.

 

[LegatoRedrivers]

I always respond with "Why do YOU think I'm carrying it?" I'm always astounded by their responses and it usually makes them stop and think honestly for a second about why someone would want to carry a gun. Believe it or not, I've never gotten the usual Anti answers: "Because you want to be a cowboy/wannabe cop/etc.?", "Because you're compensating for something?", and so forth.

I like that approach. Come on, Scutter; turn on your rep so I can +1 you!

I was recently out for some friends for my cousin's bachelor party. Most of the people there were friends of his that I didn't know too well. My cousin was the only one who knows I carry, and I was CC all night (even at Hooters, I swear I didn't see the signs )

When we got back to his place, my cousin said something about the "no gun signs," and one of his friends said, "You carry a gun? Why?"

Before I could even respond, my cousin (who is from a small town) piped up with, "Umn... because he lives in Indianapolis?"

 

[youngda9]

Glad you came out to your frienda. Good job. It's nice to hear about positive OC experiences...even if they only happen once in a while

 

[INyooper]

Strangers either don't really notice much of anything and/or, if they do, they often (not always) mind their own business.

Friends and family, who are often closer to you, are less likely to be reserved about asking and will more likely be willing to discuss issues of carrying and firearms in general.

Also, strangers are only in your proximity for moments at a time, whereas friends and family will likely be around you for longer periods. It follows that they're likely to have more opportunity to notice OC, or even a poorly executed (pardon the pun) CC.

When I first started to CC, people who knew were initially inquisitive but, as time passed, either were more comfortable with the idea or lost interest. When I started to OC last spring, a similar pattern existed with friends who weren't aware that I had already been carrying CC previously. After the "novelty" (to them) wore off, they all seemed comfortable about it and the topic of 2A and firearms are now really only a point of discussion among other friends who carry and/or are interested in talking about the new rifle, pistol, and/or shotgun they just got.

While I'm not an OC veteran, I've experienced very, very, few people who have indicated in any way that they had "issues" with someone carrying a firearm in plain sight. When it did happen, such issues were rather minor, and much more about being interested in the reasons why I carried rather being offended by it. I've never been refused service or asked to leave because of OC.

 

[Cheapdiesel]

Soooo, what did you say? I OC more often then I CC and the average person just does not notice the black pistol in a black holster clipped on my belt.(even though it is a full frame 9mm) I have never had anyone who does not know me ask why I had it. I did freak my Step mom out once when I was CC and it was pinching me while I sat on her couch and I said "excuse me I have fix this" when I pulled the whole tuck holster with the gun in it out of my pants and adjusted my things. But, she got over it pretty quickly.

 

[BrianJacobsen]

Just to chime in with an agreement here but I just starting carrying about six months ago and found CC so annoying and difficult I just starting OC'ing after about two months. In that time I have been amazed at what an absolute non-issue it has been.

 

[TVon]

It seems like the only safe place to OC is in a bar. It nearly eliminates the risk of a 5 year old girl taking your gun away. That is, of course, only if she doesn't have a fake ID.

 

[PlinKing2392]

Just to chime in with an agreement here but I just starting carrying about six months ago and found CC so annoying and difficult I just starting OC'ing after about two months. In that time I have been amazed at what an absolute non-issue it has been.

I agee completely. Cc, our at least IWB, just doesn't work for me. And nobody even looks at my hip.

 

[mrortega]

Why would you carry a gun? I told my wife today that after the shooting at the salon in Cally the other day I might just say "screw the glock. I'll sit in the waiting area with my Mossberg pump while you get your hair cut next week." Seriously, turn the question around next time a bud or semi-aquaintance asks why. Ask them how many divorced/separated people are in the bar, whose ex may have a restraining order against them, who might walk in and catch their wife with another man, etc. What do they plan on doing if all hell breaks loose? It ought to get them to thinking.

 

[88GT]

I always respond with "Why do YOU think I'm carrying it?" I'm always astounded by their responses and it usually makes them stop and think honestly for a second about why someone would want to carry a gun. Believe it or not, I've never gotten the usual Anti answers: "Because you want to be a cowboy/wannabe cop/etc.?", "Because you're compensating for something?", and so forth.

I like to answer questions based on suspect logic with my own and force them to face their premises with a more critical eye. Up until now I have not had what I consider to be an "answer" question that didn't come off as overly brusque or snarky. I like this one....though depending on the person, I'll still keep the "Why do you NOT carry?" in reserve.

 

[88E30M50]

Just to chime in with an agreement here but I just starting carrying about six months ago and found CC so annoying and difficult I just starting OC'ing after about two months. In that time I have been amazed at what an absolute non-issue it has been.

Then OC'ing is working. The more folks that OC (at least once in a while), the less of an issue it presents. We need to get the sheep used to seeing good people carrying a gun and taking responsibility for their safety. I can't wait for the day when an OC'r is more likely to get a comment on holster choice than on why they carry.

 

[jcharrison05]

Then OC'ing is working. The more folks that OC (at least once in a while), the less of an issue it presents. We need to get the sheep used to seeing good people carrying a gun and taking responsibility for their safety. I can't wait for the day when an OC'r is more likely to get a comment on holster choice than on why they carry.

I like that! Nice choice of leather you got there.