Who here actually open carries?

[RSillsbee]

Lot's of opinions how about some actual experience?

[Arctic Dave]

1. I do when I'm out camping.

Other then that my guns rarely see the light of day.

[slackmaster]

13. Same here. I think it's socially inappropriate to OC in urbanized areas around here.

:hi:

[jpak]

2. I do - in the woods - during hunting season

The only reason to open carry

yup

[RSillsbee]

3. Do they have bears in Maine?

Always a good reason to OC (BTW we have bears in downtown Co Springs)

[jpak]

7. Lots of bears - some bears close to 800 pounds - but they run away to the sight and scent of humans

They are not a problem and no one - and I mean no one - in the State of Maine - lives in fear of bear attacks.

That is just plain stupid

yup

[RSillsbee]

10. I don't live in fear of bear attacks either

I have a gun
Yup

[jpak]

14. I have several - and they are locked up in hibernation, just like the bears in Maine right now

yup

[rrneck]

27. Um...

http://www.pressherald.com/news/bear-attack-all-kind-of-a-blur_2010-09-15.html
TOWNSHIP 5 RANGE 7 — A Maine hunter says he fired once and then got off a second shot before a 365-pound black bear charged him.
click image to enlarge

Before his release Tuesday from Millinocket Regional Hospital, Ryan Shepard recounts how he survived a bear attack. He walked out of the woods to meet paramedics because the dense woods made carrying him out difficult.

Hunting guide Ryan Shepard said he remembers the bear grabbing him by the leg, and then going down. He says that after that, it was all a blur.

http://maineoutdoorstoday.com/blog/2007/06/boy-killed-by-bear-bear-killed-by-man/
Eleven-year old Samuel Evan Ives of Pleasant Grove, Utah was camping with his family in American Fork Canyon. On Sunday night a bear grabbed Samuel from his tent, still in his sleeping bag and dragged him off screaming into the woods and was killed. Just before noon on Monday, the bear was tracked down and killed.

http://www.maineguides.org/referendum/bear_attacks04.shtml
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK - Two men were mauled by a black bear while they were camping near Fern Lake, and one said Monday "it was extreme pain and a whole lot of blood," yet he vowed not to be deterred from future outings.

"I just woke up, and it was a blur in my head, then the blood was going everywhere," said Boulder resident Patrick Finan, 22, of the attack early Sunday. "The bear was standing outside my tent, staring in."

Finan and Tim Schuett, 23, of Glen Ellyn, Ill., were treated and released from a hospital in Estes Park Sunday. Finan had bite marks on his forehead and scalp, and Schuett had a laceration on the top of his head.

This may come as a shock to you, but Google is good for finding things other than professionally written snark.

[jpak]

32. It might come to a shock to you that wounded bears might attack after being shot

BTW - We have no grizzlies or polar bears in Maine.

And - there no accounts of unprovoked black bears attacks in Maine.

We don't even do bear-proofing when camping.

no need to

nope

[rrneck]

37. Non sequitur. Try and keep up

[jpak]

38. R U afeared of bears 2?

:rofl:

[rrneck]

43. Another dodge. nt

[RSillsbee]

40. Yes, you DO need to bear proof when camping

This is totally off the subject of guns

Yes, you do need to bear proof when camping. Once a bear starts seeing humans as a source of food it's a dead bear walking. It is our responsibility , as stewards, to do everything we can to ensure that doesn't happen

[Glassunion]

41. "We don't even do bear-proofing when camping."

It's doing shit like that, that gets bears killed. I don't give a crap if you are camping in your back yard or in a National Park or Forrest. When you and others like you fail to bear proof, you are creating human-habituated bears. When these bears(or other animals) become conditioned to human food they may become destructive and dangerous and may have to be relocated or killed.

I have encountered one such bear because of shitty campers who did just what you claim to do.

I'm sure you'll dismiss these as a RW publications as well... http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/get-cfr.cgi?TITLE=36&PART=2&SECTION=2&YEAR=2010&TYPE=TEXT
(2)The feeding, touching, teasing, frightening or intentional disturbing of wildlife nesting, breeding or other activities.

http://www.maine.gov/doc/parks/programs/parkrules.html
2. Feeding or touching wild animals found in the park is prohibited. For health and safety reasons, visitors are required to put away food securely and leave picnic areas and campsites clean.

http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/campingregulations.htm
Food Storage: Proper food storage helps ensure your safety and the safety of those camping around you.

Please store all human and pet foods and cooking equipment in an enclosed vehicle or a hard-sided food locker whenever you are not present. This precaution will limit the opportunity for wild animals to be attracted to your camping site, tent, or vehicle.
Remember to place all garbage, including empty cans and bottles, in trash containers or in your vehicle.
Never store food or any container with human or pet foods in your tent or under tarps.
Park regulations require all campers to properly store food, trash, cooking utensils, and other items that may attract wildlife. Failure to do so may result in a fine.


So do the wildlife a favor, bear-proof your shit and clean up your site when you break camp. Yes... There is a "NEED TO"

[Common Sense Party]

21. No, you said that's the only reason to own guns, period.

[MineralMan]

4. I have the license, but almost never carry. I don't have any reason

to do so 99% of the time.

[tridim]

5. Does the NRA encourge bragging about open carry on the Internet?

I wouldn't doubt it.

[RSillsbee]

6. If they do

surely you'll be able to cite an example or two

[friendly_iconoclast]

45. Most prohis who claim to "know" what the NRA says are link-challenged

Funny, innit?

[cleanhippie]

47. You seem to not doubt much of anything when it comes to anti-1A nonsense.

Very progressive, I might add.



Not.

[rl6214]

54. It's a question jackwagon

Grow up, no one said anything about bragging.

[Bonhomme Richard]

8. In the wilderness maybe. Out and about no way.

It doesn't make social nor tactical sense to me.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

9. I do at home...I live in the twigs and there are dangerous critters out here

[RSillsbee]

12. I don't believe you

Jpak hangs out in the remote deserts of Maine and He/She/They/It has never seen a mountain lion or a snake. Therefore such things do not exist


If I must :sarcasm:

[jpak]

15. Lions! and Tigers! and Bears! - O My!

:rofl:

[ProgressiveProfessor]

33. Actually cougars and rattlesnakes

I found some fresh tracks from the former outside my door this AM.

[Maine_Nurse]

11. I hunt with a handgun so...

if I'm on my way to or from hunting, I usually won't take it off (open carry)to run into a store to pay for gas or grab some coffee. Other than that, I usually just keep it in the truck, which is considered concealed carry here. I do sometimes open carry in my town, but I live in an extremely rural area where the entire place is a hunting area, so it isn't all that unusual. We are infested with coyotes so there is a pretty good chance of randomly encountering them.

I used to carry large sums of cash for my employer on me/in my vehicle to purchase heavy equipment at auctions or from private parties, so I used to carry an actual concealable firearm a lot in those situations.

[RSillsbee]

16. I can NOT be the only person on DU that open carries in town

I thought this was a progressive website

[jeepnstein]

17. You might be.

It's relatively rare for someone to do it regularly around here. I've done it in street clothes when I'm working a detail that could potentially trash a uniform, like rooting in the mud for a search warrant or doing marijuana eradication. I always notice I'm drawing stares, which means I'm drawing attention to myself, which is not a tactic I prefer.

My personal objection to it is purely based on tactical considerations rather than some high minded moral consideration. I'm just not comfortable putting myself into the spotlight. I firmly believe it should be 100% legal in all fifty States and the territories.

[PavePusher]

19. Ahem.

But in Tucson and Salt Lake, it kinda fades into the background...

[Hoyt]

25. You just think so. Good to read posts from folks who choose not to do it.

[David West]

30. I'm not exactly a forum regular (or a progressive)...

But I've been open carrying on a regular, daily basis for 3 years. Here in Oregon, at least, it's not a big deal.

[Kennah]

46. Even though it's becoming acceptable throughout Washington state ...

... I'm still a sissy who carries concealed.

[cleanhippie]

48. I only OC when I am in the woods camping/hiking.

[PavePusher]

18. About 90% of the time I carry is O.C.

In Arizona, Utah, Vermont and New Hampshire.

[DWC]

20. Yes and No

I open carry a hand gun only when hunting or checking the hog traps.

In Texas, with few exceptions as above open carry is illegal. But even if it was legal, I would not do it in public.

Semper Fi,

[Hoopla Phil]

22. Texas does not yet have open carry. I would like the option though.

It would simplify things for me when I'm out and about. And it would also make clothes selection not such a pain.

[Common Sense Party]

23. Nope. I have a concealed carry permit. I rarely carry, period.

If I do carry, I'm not going to advertise the fact.

[spin]

24. Open carry is currently illegal in Florida ...

therefore I don't.

If it does become legal, I will still carry concealed. I have no desire to disturb people unnecessarily.

[Oneka]

26. In mn

It is legal.

I open carry occasionally, it does bring more attention than I usually want.
The majority of folks who see my pistol think I'm an off duty cop.

[AtheistCrusader]

28. Only when engaged in appropriate outdoor pursuits.

[ileus]

29. I open carry hunting/fishing/trail riding ect...

Hiking biking ect....it's just an easier form of carrying when you're engaging in outdoor activities.


If I'm going to be around crowds of people, I don't like people looking at me so I always CC.

[timo]

31. I do

I have ccl for in town but when I am working on the river I carry open, it takes law enforcement of any kind at least 30 minutes to get to you in Hidalgo county Texas!!

[GreenStormCloud]

34. Not legal here so I can't, but I always CC. N/T

[Euromutt]

35. I don't do it myself, but I like having the option open

I've talked to various OCers over the years, and while I know they don't carry for the purpose for intimidating their fellow citizens, they know it is provocative; in fact, that's part of the point, to provoke thought and discussion about citizens' right to self–defense. That's not by definition a bad thing, but it's something I generally don't feel like dealing with when I'm running errands or whatnot, so I side–step it by carrying concealed.

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

36. I have done it. I live in city/suburb setting.

My 1911 is a good looking gun, imo. Polished stainless with black oxide accents and Harrett wood grips. Throws some big ol' 235gr Federal HST hollowpoints downrange too.

Sometimes I feel like open carrying it - especially when dressed lightly in the summer. Cargo shorts, sandals, & a white tee-shirt with a loose fitting unbuttonned hawaiian shirt. I've OC'd my glock but rarely... I don't like my OWB glock holster cause it rides high and sticks out (it's for competition).

[Hoyt]

39. That sure is a purty gun. But they look awful strapped to a leg or pushing on a spare tire.

Thanks for the laugh.

[PavePusher]

44. Tacky, eh?

Like wearing white after Labor Day... or something.

[cleanhippie]

50. Always insults from you Hoyt, learn that from your grandfather?

After reading the story you posted about him insulting someone in a restaurant, I would think you need to review your family values...

[Hoyt]

51. I find someone walking around in public with a friggin gun insulting. Promoting it is worse.

Keep em at home. Otherwise, you should be treated like folks who used to wear fur coats. . . . . .or who are smoking a stinking cigar in public.

[PavePusher]

52. I wear fur whenever possible.

It's environmentally sustainable, after all.

And cuddly.

[cleanhippie]

56. And avoids imprinting while carrying concealed!

So we don't freak out those with irrational fears of guns, like our boy Hoyt here.

[Hoyt]

57. First off, not your "boy." Second off, not fearful -- I leave home w/o gun everyday.

Just don't like and let it be known.

[cleanhippie]

73. Yes, you are.

Fearful, that is.

And you have irrational fear, like a young boy might have.

[Hoyt]

78. Toters are the ones with irrational fears and no concern for what is good for society.

At least there are some on this thread the recognize carrying in public -- especially open -- is not a good idea.

[cleanhippie]

82. See, there you go, dosplaying your ignorance again.

If you could find it possible to get off your high horse for just a minute or two and listen, you just might learn something.

[Hoyt]

59. Probably smoke stinking cigars too, while wearing your dead animal and caressing your gun.

[PavePusher]

64. I don't smoke. And my fetishes (there are many...)...

have nothing to do with guns.

If you were any kind of mental health major in school, you should go ask for a refund.

However, making love on a sheepskin rug is a sublime experience. It has to be a large one to hold all four people though...

[Hoyt]

67. All four with guns strapped on? Whew.

[PavePusher]

69. My, you are kinky, big boy.... ;>)

[cleanhippie]

55. You know, there is help available for the irrational fear of guns.....

Perhaps you should seek some for yourself.

Here let me get you started... http://www.changethatsrightnow.com/hoplophobia/

And work on those family values too. Is that what you teach your kids, to insult those they disagree with or have an irrational fear of, like you do? It would seem that your grandfathers values rubbed off on you.

[Hoyt]

60. Father-in-law, and he earned right to tell folks with dual shoulder holsters they are "silly fools."

Combined 50 years in military and as policeman. Glad to have known him.

Don't have a fear of guns -- have some myself AT HOME where they belong. Just don't like folks walking around with one where 98% are unarmed.

[RSillsbee]

61. None of the above

Gives your authoritarian FIL the right to intrude into my space and I wouldn't hesitate to tell him so.

I would also escalate as needed

[Hoyt]

66. Yea, even pull a gun on a 70 year old, unarmed, man in wheelchair.

That's why so many of you really need to leave em at home.

[RSillsbee]

68. No, I'd just roll his wheel chair out into the parking lot and leave him

or file a public nuisance complaint

[Katya Mullethov]

70. I'd likely feign gunshot induced hearing loss

And then I'd axtem " Would you please repeat the question ? " As I sureptitiously ready the cell phone camera and prepare for a withering blow that will verbally cleave yet another unsuspecting Elmer from shoulder to breastbone .

The only problem with this approach(as demonstrate on these pages) is that they often have no idea when they have been skewered , even after the goriest , colon nicking ,shit spattered verbal evisceration they just stand there laughing WITH everyone else .

[cleanhippie]

72. +100000

[cleanhippie]

71. Fail. No one "earns" the right to insult another person.

But that fits your profile, Hoyt, keep up those family values.

[Hoyt]

76. Wearing a gun in public is insulting to some of us.

Family values -- wearing guns in family restaurants, public parks, schools, nurseries, etc. Ha.

[X_Digger]

79. Yes, and I'm sure that two men kissing in public would be an insult to some..

Too bad for them, too.

[cleanhippie]

83. You find it insulting because you have an irrational fear that you don;t understand.

Its easier for you to attack that which you don;t understand rather than taking the rough road and confronting your irrational fears straight on.

[Hoyt]

88. Sorry, it is not an irrational fear to prefer a society where folks don't carry guns in public.

Again, you are the one that can't walk into a public park or restaurant in broad daylight without a gun to comfort you.

[cleanhippie]

90. With every post and personal insult, you simply show the world your ignorance.

Luv them family values.

[rrneck]

87. You're too easily insulted

and nobody really gives a shit about your delicate sensibilities if you are going to use them like that.

[PavePusher]

75. So much for that "civility" shit. Who needs it, anyway? n/t

[Hoyt]

77. Civility? Carrying a big gun in public is "civil," Hardly.

[RSillsbee]

80. RE: Carrying a big gun in public

I usually carry a S&W 6909 hardly a 'big gun"

[Hoyt]

81. For some of your buddies -- bigger seems better.

[cleanhippie]

85. You are the only one concerned with SIZE, Hoyt. Project much?

:rofl:

[cleanhippie]

84. Oh, so its just BIG guns you are afraid of?

The truth is coming to light. Must be envy.

[rrneck]

86. When do you plan to earn the right?

I notice you don't mind letting your wheelchair bound father in law do your insulting for you in person.

:rofl:

[friendly_iconoclast]

89. I don't care if he was chairman of the JCS. No one has the right to insult anyone in such a way

And you certainly haven't inherited it, either.

You both need to be told "Mind your business", were either of you to be so rude as to open your mouths in public.

[Hoyt]

91. I think that is a reason many carry -- so they can "tell someone to mind their own business."

You can actually do it without a gun. In fact, it is much more satisfying that way. Try it, leave em at home for a month.

[friendly_iconoclast]

92. Do you have any examples of what you claim, or is this something you 'know'?

Telepsychology is better left to the likes of Pat Robertson, Coulter, O'Reilly, and their ilk. It has little place

at DU.


BTW, I do not own a gun, and never carried concealed or openly when I did. So, in accordance with your standards:

Why don't you mind your own business about what others should or should not do. Leave the wowserism for Republicans.


You were right- that was satisfying!

[Abq_Sarah]

42. When I'm out in the boonies

In town, no.

[cleanhippie]

49. I only OC when I am in the woods camping/hiking.

[rl6214]

53. I do when out in the boonies

But Texas does not have OC so it is concealed carry for me.

[YllwFvr]

58. up until recently

I did, always. It was pretty rare for me to conceal. Now I cant OC, at least for now.

[Katya Mullethov]

62. Some of my older jeans have a bad case of Skoal pocket

In the shape of a pocket pistol , so when I wear those , you can see a muzzle . But that aint but once a month or so if I get behind on the wash . I only got asked about it once . But I was not wearing those that day . I was craning over the engine of an 18 wheeler that belonged to a gay mexican guy , so naturally, he is checking out my magnificent moto-x ass and after a little bit of bathing in the sunlight that radiates from my pores he says :

'' KM , is that a goan ?" In a hushed concerned tone .

I say " A little one " and grin .

Gay trucker says " Good for you girl ! "

And on that much more triumphant note , we had a good laugh and I got back to work .

[RSillsbee]

63. You are a rock star NT

[PavePusher]

65. I'd look too. n/t

[backwoodsbob]

74. around my home and in the woods?..regularly

in town?..I have a few times to places where I am known but not at all as a habit.