Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

There's a good chance some of you have heard of "OC" but don't engage in it and while perfectly legal, you can not believe the arrogance of some individuals, especially those in law enforcement, when they come across an individual engaged in carrying a gun in public ...

... but if you want to see this for yourself, there is an ever growing collection of such police misconduct now available on YOUTUBE and the list of such videos is growing daily. It's something you have to see for yourself to be believed. Not convinced? Go over to YOUTUBE and search for; Open Carry, OC, Police Misconduct and see what comes up.

And if you really want an eduction, while on YOUTUBE, search for "Why You Shouldn't Talk To The Police." It's a seminar which took place in a Virginia Law School as given by a very savy professor, followed by a lecture by a very savy policeman/detective who has decades of experience and clearly knows what he is talking about.

It's really worth you while to see and down load at least these last two videos, let alone some of the others. Odds are you won't regret the time spent.

tyc

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

Oh we are well aware of the cops that do not understand the law and that do not know how to treat and to deal with the armed citizen. It is out of control and anywhere that open carry is legal, the folks had better start carrying that way to continue to educate these cops before they lose their rights all together. Each department needs to have training protocol on dealing with the armed honest citizen. Many cops are making up laws as they go and have no idea what the constitution says. Make certain you have a camera running at every interaction you have with the law, you will most likely need it. If nothing else, it will let them know that you know your rights.

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

Once they realize that you know your rights, it often becomes a much easier encounter. I started OCing 100% of the time a little while ago after a big change of opinion on the matter; I've had zero problems OCing and wouldn't have it any other way now. No hassle from LE, mostly positive encounters with the general public.

Used to conceal most of the time but WA being an open carry state is a very nice thing indeed. 99% of the LEO's around here even in Seattle are well educated on the subject and leave OCers alone. The problem is occasionally you get the one knucklehead that tries to make up rules as he goes and tries to bully an armed LAC around. So let's educate them.

I don't think it's a growing problem, it's just that more people have video devices now; but it's pretty sad to see some of those videos and the ignorance of some individual LEO's.

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

I wish I could agree that its not a growing problem. The videos continue to pour in daily and it doesnt seem to be leveling itself out so to speak....I hope I am wrong...

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

Here in my Boise it seems to be accepted and I think it is because of the libertarian movement. As they were opposed the movement pushed harder and began going out in numbers. It is kind of hard for a cop to walk up to an individual that is open carrying in a Taco Bell and begin saying something when suddenly five or six more guys come up and "high five" their OC buddy and group up together. Suddenly the police realize the people are good citizens exercising their rights and word gets around. Also I have yet met a fast food manager that is willing to tell a OC group to leave. I just have not heard of it. And the cops IMO should be grateful because that is one less restaurant that will be robbed during the time those good citizens re there.

For me I prefer to carry stealth. But when I see someone OC I always make it a point to shake their hand and let them know that I fully approve of what they do. And if I ever see someone harassing them for open carrying I won't hesitate to offer my assistance to help the OC individual press charges for another person trying to take their freedom of OC away. It's a matter of time but trust me, it will happen and I have no intensions of backing down..

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

I highly recommend the "Why You Shouldn't Talk To The Police." youtube video!

Open carry is legal in my state. Because it's legal you can do it. But I'm not sure it's all that good an idea. I suppose it depends upon the place and the context. If you are engaged in security of your business, hunting, if you are in a rural area, etc. why not? But in a town or city the sight of your firearm is likley to cause most folks to be upset, and wonder what's going on. I think, as a gentleman or lady, you should keep your gun out of sight.

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

Yea, the liberals love you! Thats EXACTLY how they think and want you to act. They will have your open carry abolished in no time! Keep up the good work!

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

Infringements one and all!!

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

The problem is the public does not know that it is legal

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

All the more reason to do it. Its time they knew.

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

Quick reminder: OC is legal in many states, but NOT all. Know the law in your area or be prepared to deal with the fallout of your ignorance.

OC is legal here, and I do from time to time. Not in daily life, as it doesn't usually fit my life, but it's something I do when it does fit.

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

It is legal in Ct. and no one does it i am going to try it see what happens, u guys might see me in the paper

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

For doing something legal?

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

Beth, try to get in touch with some of the groups in your area that do open carry. Hook up with them. There truelly is safety in numbers!

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

i have only heard of one person in the area that oc's he was arrested a couple of times and the judge said he is legal let him go

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

Although I live in what could be considered a rural area, it is in the cities and towns (and of all places, churches!) where most of the criminal offenses take place - for the most part against a clearly and mistakenly unarmed population, a population which presumes that when they're in trouble the cops will be right there to help. With that said I offer that there is a quotation used, I think by one of the members of this particular web site, which goes something like ... "When seconds count, the cops are only minutes away."

Without question I fully agree you're entitled to your opinion but I for one do not consider it to be the mark of one who is not a gentleman or not a lady when the individual has a gun and carries it in plain sight.

tyc

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

nice goin tyc

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

This is your gun, this is your weapon, get the two confused in public, and you will go to jail!

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

Well, if security is a problem and OC will help somehow, then why not? On the other hand, if the criminal does not know you have a gun you are in a much better position to defend yourself. If a criminal or nut knows you have a revolver on your hip he might grab it from you when you are not looking. Such an embarassment to be mugged with your own handgun! I'd much rather be a concealed carry gentleman than let some nutjob know who he can get a gun from.

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

You might also want to lineup a lawyer in advance to see if a law suit might help. Nothing like a law suit to get the attention of the authorities.

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

maybe I'm just lucky here in WA, but OC is not a big deal to most folks; if you carry on about your business as usual, you won't really notice much difference in day to day activities. I used to think OC was dumb in urban areas but (here anyway) I am pleasantly surprised that it's a non-issue and highly recommend doing so to hold onto that freedom. This includes Seattle of all places.

If it's legal where you are at, do it. Educate the ignorant, whether they be anti-gun libs or LEO's who don't know the law well enough or don't care.

being a gentleman or lady has nothing to do with your gun being covered by a millimeter of fabric IMO. It's just about everything BUT that. An armed society is a polite society, it's not just a bumper sticker, it's reality.

I choose not to live in fear of crunchies calling cops about my OC firearm anymore and strongly urge everyone else to exercise your legal right to OC.

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

Your scared. Bottom line. Probably shouldnt be around firearms.

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

when's the last time anyone heard 'man open carrying shot in back of head while waiting in line' or 'man OCing get's killed with his own gun'? There was joking on the opencarry.org forums about how 'membership on the forum is extremely hard to maintain with all the OCers getting shot in the head', made me laugh.

many criminals are cowards and although I used to conceal partially because I also like the element of surprise, bad guy sees me and my gun, he's likely moving on. I'm not the biggest guy out there either, but I think there is a large element of deterrent with OC.

Situational awareness. Bad guy ain't gonna come outta nowhere and snatch your gun like an evil spirit; he's probably going to watch you for a minute or so first.

And if someone takes your gun, pull out another one and get your first one back!

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

Have you ever open carried? I have, and I can tell you right now that this ain't gonna happen! Why? Because those of us that open carry, or have open carried usually use a holster that will prevent the gun from falling out, thus a retention method of some sort. Bet you didn't know that did ya!

Re: Open Carry (aka "OC")
 

If I could open carry in my state I would ever day. To many people doing every thing they can to take our rights away. If you don't use it you will lose it.