Okiebryan
Fanatic
In just a few short weeks, SB1733 will go into effect. While we all hope that the word has gotten out, there will be some members of the public who may not know that your holstered handgun is actually legal, and more importantly, not a threat. Even among those who know, there will be a subset of anti gunners who will think it's their job to give you a hard time.
Much of what is being suggested here is gleaned from the experiences of open carriers in other states.
There are as many different reasons to carry a visible firearm as there are people who will carry. Obviously, deterrence and ease of access are major reasons to choose to OC. Another very important reason is that it can place you in a position to be a good ambassador for lawful gun owners. Keep this in mind when you decide how to handle encounters with the public.
You will likely get a number of questions. These may include, "Why do you have a gun?", "Is that legal?", "What gives you the right to walk around with that?", "Are you a cop?", "Do you have a license for that?", "Are you compensating for something?", "You planning to shoot someone?" Some of these questions may be coming from an anti who thinks it's a good idea to harass someone they claim to be afraid of (huh?), but others may be a curious gun owner who really just wants to know how you get to carry like that. The trick is not to react, but to listen for a second and find out where they really are coming from.
I've found that by pondering these questions in advance, I am better prepared to respond in a manner that doesn't make me look dumb. Of course, your answer will depend on the tone and body language of the person asking the question.
First and foremost, unless you are in a bonafide self defense scenario, NEVER EVER touch your handgun. It could be taken as a threatening or intimidating act. Second, know and understand that it is a CRIME to impersonate a police officer. Never say anything that could get you into legal trouble.
When it comes to members of the public, you have no obligation to answer any question. There is always the temptation to answer a "stupid" question with sarcasm. Depending on the demeanor of the person engaging you, you may decide that this is completely appropriate. "Because a police officer is too heavy", "Compensating? Why yes..my Corvette is in the shop"
I have open carried in my business for some time. It has been my experience that when I thoughtfully answer questions with the top goal being to communicate that I'm not a threat, sometimes I take someone who is on the fence and sway them to my side. Other times, the rabid anti becomes less rabid. Of course there are some who will not ever be swayed. With those people, my goal becomes to disengage at my first reasonable opportunity.
Remember that when you are in someone's business, the law allows business owners and their designees to control the possession of handguns on their private property. Nothing requires them to put up a sign. We don't want them to put up a sign. Even if you are embarrassed, DON'T ARGUE, and JUST CALMLY LEAVE. Don't ask "Where is the sign?" Either return later (unarmed or concealed) and try to have a calm, educational discussion with the owner or manager, or share your experience with our community so that we can work together to convince that gatekeeper that banning lawful carriers is a bad idea. Don't be that guy that totally confirms the idea that LACs with guns are scary jerks. Give us all the chance to salvage a good educational opportunity.
As always, more information can be found at: http://okoca.org
Much of what is being suggested here is gleaned from the experiences of open carriers in other states.
There are as many different reasons to carry a visible firearm as there are people who will carry. Obviously, deterrence and ease of access are major reasons to choose to OC. Another very important reason is that it can place you in a position to be a good ambassador for lawful gun owners. Keep this in mind when you decide how to handle encounters with the public.
You will likely get a number of questions. These may include, "Why do you have a gun?", "Is that legal?", "What gives you the right to walk around with that?", "Are you a cop?", "Do you have a license for that?", "Are you compensating for something?", "You planning to shoot someone?" Some of these questions may be coming from an anti who thinks it's a good idea to harass someone they claim to be afraid of (huh?), but others may be a curious gun owner who really just wants to know how you get to carry like that. The trick is not to react, but to listen for a second and find out where they really are coming from.
I've found that by pondering these questions in advance, I am better prepared to respond in a manner that doesn't make me look dumb. Of course, your answer will depend on the tone and body language of the person asking the question.
First and foremost, unless you are in a bonafide self defense scenario, NEVER EVER touch your handgun. It could be taken as a threatening or intimidating act. Second, know and understand that it is a CRIME to impersonate a police officer. Never say anything that could get you into legal trouble.
When it comes to members of the public, you have no obligation to answer any question. There is always the temptation to answer a "stupid" question with sarcasm. Depending on the demeanor of the person engaging you, you may decide that this is completely appropriate. "Because a police officer is too heavy", "Compensating? Why yes..my Corvette is in the shop"
I have open carried in my business for some time. It has been my experience that when I thoughtfully answer questions with the top goal being to communicate that I'm not a threat, sometimes I take someone who is on the fence and sway them to my side. Other times, the rabid anti becomes less rabid. Of course there are some who will not ever be swayed. With those people, my goal becomes to disengage at my first reasonable opportunity.
Remember that when you are in someone's business, the law allows business owners and their designees to control the possession of handguns on their private property. Nothing requires them to put up a sign. We don't want them to put up a sign. Even if you are embarrassed, DON'T ARGUE, and JUST CALMLY LEAVE. Don't ask "Where is the sign?" Either return later (unarmed or concealed) and try to have a calm, educational discussion with the owner or manager, or share your experience with our community so that we can work together to convince that gatekeeper that banning lawful carriers is a bad idea. Don't be that guy that totally confirms the idea that LACs with guns are scary jerks. Give us all the chance to salvage a good educational opportunity.
As always, more information can be found at: http://okoca.org
