OKOCA: How will you handle open carry encounters with the public?

Okiebryan

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May 26, 2012
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Oklahoma City, OK
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
 
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I wont have to worry about these types of encounters, I wont open carry; I dont have a need to do it, and I dont need to complicate excercising my 2nd amendment right.
 
We had this discussion at work this morning about customers carrying open. We decided to allow it, all of us employess are still required to keep it concealed. I didn't argue, at least we get to carry at work.
 
We had this discussion at work this morning about customers carrying open. We decided to allow it, all of us employess are still required to keep it concealed. I didn't argue, at least we get to carry at work.

Where do you work?
 
There will be a learning curve for the general public. I've posted this before, but I've been in states where OC is the norm. (vermont, and alaska).
Nobody pays any attention other than tourists and visitors. People don't flee in fright when a cop shows up with a gun on their hip.

Last time I was in Mexico, there were guards with AK's and FN's standing guard in front of every bank, etc. Nobody paid any attention.
Well, I did. I was a tourist.
 
it's legal in Nevada... I have seen a couple of open guns here... never in a congested urban area.

I carried open on the way out and have carried open some here... I will be going for a Utah NON res and a Nevada RES permit soon... before I send my OK back.

Nevada has a short repricocity list...if you have a Utah it covers about everybody else.
 
How long has Nevada had their OC?

Pretty much what I've always thought. Nobody but some pistolero's OC's.

you have to remember that Oklahoma is a lot of nothing with a few towns interspersed. Nevada is a lot of nothing with about 10 towns in a billion square miles

Pretty much everybody here lives in Reno- Tahoe -Carson City or Las Vegas. They put cattle guards across the state highways when you leave a congested area (like a small cross roads) and open range most all of the land here. Elko on the north east side is about 15,000 and the last chance to by gas until you get to Salt Lake City UT LOL

Las Vegas -Clark County has some local gun laws (registration of handguns) but the rest of this state is wide open and conservative...Nevada never OUTLAWED open carry... if you get out in some of the ghost towns or find a truck with atv tracks heading away- expect to find a gun when you get there
 
you have to remember that Oklahoma is a lot of nothing with a few towns interspersed. Nevada is a lot of nothing with about 10 towns in a billion square miles

Pretty much everybody here lives in Reno- Tahoe -Carson City or Las Vegas. They put cattle guards across the state highways when you leave a congested area (like a small cross roads) and open range most all of the land here. Elko on the north east side is about 15,000 and the last chance to by gas until you get to Salt Lake City UT LOL

Las Vegas -Clark County has some local gun laws (registration of handguns) but the rest of this state is wide open and conservative...Nevada never OUTLAWED open carry... if you get out in some of the ghost towns or find a truck with atv tracks heading away- expect to find a gun when you get there

One of the open guns I did see was at a State Office (DMV) you cannot cover a gun in a state facility ... but you can carry open. The guy was covered... pulled his shirt up and showed his gun... did his thing and covered up on the way out.

I don't think you all are quite there yet LOL
 
I went to Nevada last year for vacation. I actually chose it for the gun laws, believe it or not. I wanted to get more experience with open carry before I came back and asked legislators to make it legal here.

I OCd in Reno/Tahoe, Carson City, Fallon, Lake Tahoe (the EAST side) and in Rachael. The only time anyone said anything, they were CA tourists and were very curious. Nobody in Reno Walmart ran away screaming or cowered in fear. I had ZERO police encounters, even though I saw several of them. The casino hotel where I stayed asked me not to wear it on the casino floor, and I happily obliged. Each room had a safe, so not a problem.
 
i will bump my shoulder into people, then turn around with my hips stuck out so they can see my gun and yell "you wanna go, you got a problem, come at me bro"...
 
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