Concealed or Open Carry

[Guest Kingfish]

So, did you get banned from Wally World or what?

Nope not at all.

So, I walk into Wal-Mart, grab one of the brand new cart-Yea, I hate that one wobbly wheel.

I have my list in hand, shop around for a while until I get to the back of the store where the sporting goods section is. I wait in line. My turn. Guy asks if he can help me. I ask for some ammo, "9mm please". He says the usual? (WWB 100 pack). Yes, one please. He set the ammo on the counter, looks right at my gun and asks if there is anything else. "No" I say. He rings up the ammo (have to pay for it there.) I slide my card and it asks for ID. I hand him my permit and he says "I wish I can get a Saturday off to get my permit." We talk for a little while and I finish up the shopping and checkout.

I have since carried where we have our self storage place, even rented their truck to move a few things in. I carried in a local restaurant (no booze). Today, took the wife and son to IHOP in Murfreesboro. IHOP doesn't serve booze. One of the waiters said "see what I was talking about" to another after I came out of the restroom (assume he was talking about the gun.)

No strange looks, no one called the cops, no soccer Moms grabbing up their kids crying, no problems at all.

I am going to OC at all (well, most) times now.

[molonlabetn]

...I am going to OC at all (well, most) times now.

One good thing to do... Print out the TN AG opinion # 05-154, fold it up, and carry it in your wallet. Really helps.

http://www.attorneygeneral.state.tn.us/op/2005/OP/OP154.pdf

I've got a few AG opinions in my wallet. And some excerpts from TN code (which reminds me, I need to print out recent copies...)

[Guest Kingfish]

I've got a few AG opinions in my wallet. And some excerpts from TN code (which reminds me, I need to print out recent copies...)

Do you have them in a format that is readable in a small size that you could share? The opinion avove is 3 pages. I am not sure what I could cut to make it fit on a small card.

[molonlabetn]

Do you have them in a format that is readable in a small size that you could share? The opinion avove is 3 pages. I am not sure what I could cut to make it fit on a small card.

I just use the printer preferences to multi-page print it onto a single sheet of light-weight paper, and then fold it to fit into a card-sleeve... I have to un-fold it to read, but it's readable. They won't fit on a card-sized piece of paper, unless you cut and pasted only the relevant portions...

It does make the wallet a bit thicker! Worth it though...

[Guest Kingfish]

Problem with me is I only carry a very small wallet just big enough for ID, cards, and a little cash (like I ever have any of that.)

Maybe I will pickup a small belt pouch to carry a spare permit and documents.

Case Logic Compact Camera Case

Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.5 x 3.2 inches

[molonlabetn]

Problem with me is I only carry a very small wallet just big enough for ID, cards, and a little cash (like I ever have any of that.)

Maybe I will pickup a small belt pouch to carry a spare permit and documents.

Hmmm... that's a good idea. I bet a belt holder for a flashlight or pocket-knife would hold rolled-up papers perfectly.

[Guest Kingfish]

Yea, like Saturday, I started out to the mailbox (across the street) and remembered I had changed shorts and forgot to transfer my wallet (can't cross the street without the permit.) This way, I put on the belt pouch with the weapon and I have a spare permit. Looks like a stop at Wal-Mart is in order...Hmm, may go to Target...Anyone know if the one in Murfreesboro is posted?

[molonlabetn]

Yea, like Saturday, I started out to the mailbox (across the street) and remembered I had changed shorts and forgot to transfer my wallet (can't cross the street without the permit.) This way, I put on the belt pouch with the weapon and I have a spare permit. Looks like a stop at Wal-Mart is in order...Hmm, may go to Target...Anyone know if the one in Murfreesboro is posted?

I've OC'ed at the Target in the 'boro without issue, 3-4 times. I Looked, but never saw a sign.

I've OC'ed just about everywhere in the 'boro... Including Stones River Mall (the security personnel didn't even blink, and I know they were aware... stood right in front of them and asked directions to the restroom, due to the renovation).

[Guest Kingfish]

Cool, I have a Target gift card and can't think of a thing I need there...They don't sell ammo you know.

[Guest ETS_Inc]

I'm probably about 50/50 on open/concealed carry. It really depends on what I'm doing and where I'm going. If I'm going to the bank, I conceal. If I'm going to the shop, range, or class, I carry open.

I always carry my P/O C7/45 in an OWB belt slide holster. If I'm concealing, I just throw a cover shirt or a jacket on over my shirt. I also tend to carry a NAA .22 lr AOW (gun in a operational wallet holster) in a pocket, as a BUG. Generally speaking, my dress and demeanor is such that few people seem to give me a second glance if I'm open carrying. My guess is that many of them see me and assume I'm a cop, due to my haircut and the fact that I retain my military bearing.

[dkd83]

Let me know if this is considered a hijack but this appears germane to the present discussion.

I have seen several people on this and other forums write something to this effect: "When I open carry no one pays any mind to me because: I look like I should have a gun/could be a LEO/dress professionally and a few other similar reasons.

Does everyone here believe that an 'appropriate' appearance is something a HCP holder should consciously cultivate?

[Guest ETS_Inc]

Well, there is an old saying that goes "the clothes make the man." If you're dressed like a thug, you're going to get treated like a thug. If you dress respectable, you're more apt to be treated with respect.

That doesn't mean you have to wear a suit and tie all the time. (Lord knows I don't.) But, a nice pair of pants, clean shirt, and a decent haircut go a long way. Of course, quite often, I wear a pair of Teva sandals, a pair of jean shorts, a Wilderness Instructor's belt, a t-shirt advertising some gun company, and an Old Navy short-sleeved shirt, with the buttons open. If I'm teaching a class, it's usually a pair of 5.11 pants, a gun company polo shirt, and Ecco shoes.

I think a lot of what causes people to assume that it's ok for me to be wearing a gun in the open is my demeanor. After eight years in the Army, having been an NCO, military bearing and discipline is ingrained in me. It's second nature. People tell me all the time that I look like a cop or a soldier, even though I've been out 4 1/2 years. Granted, I keep my hair cut in a 'high and tight.' But, even when it's grown out beyond Army standards, people say I just carry myself like a soldier.

Attitude and behavior go a long way towards carrying an image. If you act and look responsible, that's how you'll be treated. Not just when carrying openly, but at work, and socially.

[Guest Kingfish]

Does everyone here believe that an 'appropriate' appearance is something a HCP holder should consciously cultivate?

NO!!!!!!!!

While I don't look like a thug, I don't look like a cop either. I have very long hair and wear shorts, untucked t-shirts and canvas shoes. I am not going to dress up or cut my hair just because I want to carry my firearm on my hip instead of inside my pants.

[Guest Kingfish]

I think a lot of what causes people to assume that it's ok for me to be wearing a gun in the open is my demeanor.

And it is not ok for a grumpy introvert?

I don't want people to think I am a cop. I want people to think I am a regular guy and regular guys are allowed to have guns.

[The Rabbi]

I think everyone has a right to choose his own look. But those choices come with consequences. I have customers coming into my store looking like gang bangers, with the baggy pants and all. Some of them probably are. Some of them are actually decent hard working people. But anyone who shows up looking like that will get extra scrutiny from me.

I look like, surprise, a rabbi. So I get little suspicion. I seldom to never OC but might be trying it more this summer due to the heat.

[saintsfanbrian]

I am getting more comfortable with open carry. This morning I went in to the local chick-fil-a and didn't have a single problem. I guess the main thing is, if you open carry, ACT responsibly. Don't be "thugging out" in public. Appearance IS everything. If you look like you know what you are doing and have confidence, people are less likely to get "scared" of your inanimate object on your hip. The first couple of times I did it, I was nervous about having the cops called or whatever. Now, I just check the doors on my way in to make sure there is NO signage (legal or otherwise) barring me from entering with it. If there isn't, I go on in. No questions asked and conduct my business as if I didn't have a gun on my hip. So far, NO ONE has commented on it.

[Guest Hyaloid]

Let me know if this is considered a hijack but this appears germane to the present discussion.

I have seen several people on this and other forums write something to this effect: "When I open carry no one pays any mind to me because: I look like I should have a gun/could be a LEO/dress professionally and a few other similar reasons.

Does everyone here believe that an 'appropriate' appearance is something a HCP holder should consciously cultivate?

I think it is an appropriate discussion.

SHOULD it matter? No, it shouldn't. DOES it matter? Yes, I believe it does. As others have stated, I don't think you have to be in a suit and tie, but dressing nicely impacts other's perceptions of you.

If you walk into a store with slacks, a button-up shirt, OCing a firearm, people are less likely to think negatively. If oyu are wearing a black tench coat and have a tatooed face (not that there's anything wrong with that ), people are probably going to scream, run and call the cops.

Stereotypes may be politically incorrect, but usually they have SOME basis in a reality, and even the most tolerant person in the world bases some actions and opinions on stereotyping. OC'ing has advantages, and one may be changing (or at least challenging) the view of armed citizens in some of our fellow citizens, but that's probably a discussion for another thread .

[molonlabetn]

Let me know if this is considered a hijack but this appears germane to the present discussion.

I have seen several people on this and other forums write something to this effect: "When I open carry no one pays any mind to me because: I look like I should have a gun/could be a LEO/dress professionally and a few other similar reasons.

Does everyone here believe that an 'appropriate' appearance is something a HCP holder should consciously cultivate?

Well, it depends on what one considers 'appropriate'... if that means do I want to look like a cop, then, no. If it means that I try to present myself in a positive manner, by looking clean, non-threatening, and fashion-neutral, then, yes...

I don't tend to wear clothing with specific logos, and they're always clean and fit properly. I'm a pretty casual person, you'll usually see me in jeans... and the shirt can be anything from a nice t-shirt, to a polo or an ironed dress-shirt. I stay shaved (unless I'm really having a lazy weekend), and the hair is combed. I always wear a watch, too... I dunno what it is about wearing a watch, but they tend to give the sub-conscious impression of being organized (and would ya' believe it, but I'm not late much, either!).

The most important thing any of us can wear is a smile, and look people in the eye when we greet them.

The idea is not to conform to some expectation of what a person with a gun should look like, but everyone should evaluate how they present themselves... and try to do so in a positive way.

[Guest Kingfish]

You know Molon, I had a nice little nasty tirade all typed out but you said it just fine. I still don't smile much, but I will look you in the eye and give a nod.

[molonlabetn]

You know Molon, I had a nice little nasty tirade all typed out but you said it just fine. I still don't smile much, but I will look you in the eye and give a nod.

Glad to save the frustration

I think the point is, for me anyways... but probably most of us, that I want to be a positive influence on the people around me... and that has little or nothing to do with whether they see my gun.

They should see, either:

-Regular, non-threatening guy without a gun (or concealed).

or,

-Regular, non-threatening guy with a gun.

...

I don't think that looking like a thug or ragamuffin is desirable, regardless of whether one is armed.

[shaftbass]

NO!!!!!!!!

While I don't look like a thug, I don't look like a cop either. I have very long hair and wear shorts, untucked t-shirts and canvas shoes. I am not going to dress up or cut my hair just because I want to carry my firearm on my hip instead of inside my pants.

Vincent Vega?

[Guest Kingfish]

Vincent Vega?

Uh...No. I don't wear suits.

[shaftbass]

Uh...No. I don't wear suits.

What suit

[Guest ProguninTN]

So I OC'd today in Downtown Franklin while running errands. It was my first time open carrying in an urban environment. About 4 or 5 people saw me including one man who walked right past me. No problems to report. I bid the passerby "good afternoon", he responded similarly, and that was that.

[Marswolf]

Well, like it or not, how you look will affect how nervous other folks are around you - with or without a gun.

It's possible to look "professional" even if you are in shorts and a T-shirt.