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Is there anyone here OC'ing up in Skagit County, and more specifically, Anacortes?

Seragoth

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2013
Messages
10
Location
Washington
Just joined opencarry, found out about you guys from WaGuns.org
I'm pretty new to all this. Someone asked on WaGuns if I OC'd and I had to laugh. For as much as I'd like to, I would undoubtedly be asking
for trouble, and I'm not ready to go toe to toe with a bunch of above the law cops here. So I mentioned it to my dad to get his thoughts, a 25yr
firefighter/paramedic for the city department...
He just laughed and basically said good luck with that.

I've been CC'ing now since early January and even that
took some getting use to, now it's becoming the norm, but I'd much rather OC... I'm just not ready for the war that would probably ensue.
Unless I'm wrong and there are others here who have, I'd love to hear from you... and btw, gogodawg, loved your posts. Was hoping there
was someone up here who had info on local stores and such.

I've lived in Anacortes since 1988 and not once seen an OC once, just to give you an idea.
This is liberal town.
 

Seragoth

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2013
Messages
10
Location
Washington
My friend and I were just up there last week at the San Juan Lanes Bowling Alley, so maybe that counts? We were OC'ing, but still had coats on to combat the chilly weather.

Well that's a start! Thanks for posting.
You're the first I know of, however, I'm talking fully visible OC in oh say, main downtown... into Safeway and old downtown and around all the shops.
That would be the big test.
I'm going to look into Safeway and The Market's OC policies here in the next day or so when I get the chance.
Those are the mainstay's of my visits to town.
 

Metalhead47

Regular Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2009
Messages
2,800
Location
South Whidbey, Washington, USA
Safeway's official policy is OC-neutral (defers to state law). IIRC I OC'd at the West Marine store down there once a while ago. OC in Burlington & Mt Vernon pretty frequently, never so much as a peep. And all the time down here in equally hippy-libby South Whidbey.

Remember, just KNOW the law, respect private property, keep your recorder handy, and don't talk to the police if contacted.
 

skeith5

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2012
Messages
356
Location
United States
Don't anticipate that there is going to be a "war" if you start to OC. I've never had any issues in the six months I've been oc'ing. Most people don't even seem to notice as long as you go about your business and aren't twitchy or acting nervous. I'd suggest finding a few stores that are generally oc friendly to get your feet wet. Wal-Mart in mount Vernon, the anacortes gun and telescope shop, oak harbor city council chambers ;).

If you want to make the "long" haul down to the smoky point area I'll take you around to a few of the stores.
 

sudden valley gunner

Regular Member
Joined
Dec 13, 2008
Messages
16,674
Location
Whatcom County
Open invitation to Bellingham Starbucks, Bakerview and Northwest, Sundays 10 Am.

I have OC'd nearly everywhere for everyday for nearly 5 years.

Have been to Anacortes OC and no problems.
 

gogodawgs

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Oct 25, 2009
Messages
5,669
Location
Federal Way, Washington, USA
Welcome to OCDO. Carry on just as you would if it is a phone case/leatherman on your hip. Be polite, be courteous, be respectful act professional and you will find it is a non-issue. Carry where you normally go, Safeway is a good start. Go shopping... no one will notice. If they do, smile, be polite and respectful answer questions. Know that Safeway follows state law.
 

hermannr

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2011
Messages
2,327
Location
Okanogan Highland
Just joined opencarry, found out about you guys from WaGuns.org
I'm pretty new to all this. Someone asked on WaGuns if I OC'd and I had to laugh. For as much as I'd like to, I would undoubtedly be asking
for trouble, and I'm not ready to go toe to toe with a bunch of above the law cops here. So I mentioned it to my dad to get his thoughts, a 25yr
firefighter/paramedic for the city department...
He just laughed and basically said good luck with that.

I've been CC'ing now since early January and even that
took some getting use to, now it's becoming the norm, but I'd much rather OC... I'm just not ready for the war that would probably ensue.
Unless I'm wrong and there are others here who have, I'd love to hear from you... and btw, gogodawg, loved your posts. Was hoping there
was someone up here who had info on local stores and such.

I've lived in Anacortes since 1988 and not once seen an OC once, just to give you an idea.
This is liberal town.

Openly Carried in Anacortes on and off for many years (I lived in Skagit Co (1970-2005), first near Sedro, then later nearer Mt Vernon, before we retired to the Highlands 8 years ago). Never had a problem anywhere in Skagit Co. Actually, my first encounter with OC was in Sedro. Asked the guy, got informed, and started to OC (unlicensed) that day...that was back in 1970. OC'd unlicensed until 1994. Like I said, east side, west side, never had a problem.

Was at the Clear Lake boat launch last summer and ran into a Skagit Co Deputy checking boats...talked about guns for several minutes, he thought my CZ was nice looking. Never been asked for ID, CPL, or to disarm...ever, since 1970.
 
Last edited:

Seragoth

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2013
Messages
10
Location
Washington
Safeway's official policy is OC-neutral (defers to state law). IIRC I OC'd at the West Marine store down there once a while ago. OC in Burlington & Mt Vernon pretty frequently, never so much as a peep. And all the time down here in equally hippy-libby South Whidbey.

Remember, just KNOW the law, respect private property, keep your recorder handy, and don't talk to the police if contacted.

Knowing all the RCW's is a bit daunting. Waguns helped me answer my first question on whether I had to CC in my vehicle or I could have it in the open. Now I'm seeing that despite the legality of carrying in any park in Washington, parks still have NO FIREARMS signs posted.

Any good suggestions on a recorder? I've seen a ton at bestbuy but I'd want to make sure it picked everything up. And I've also heard it's illegal to record voice or video... is this true?
And you also mention not talking to the police if contacted... so if a/the cop(s) show up, you recommend not saying a word? I could potentially see that being very difficult.
 

Seragoth

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2013
Messages
10
Location
Washington
Welcome to OCDO. Carry on just as you would if it is a phone case/leatherman on your hip. Be polite, be courteous, be respectful act professional and you will find it is a non-issue. Carry where you normally go, Safeway is a good start. Go shopping... no one will notice. If they do, smile, be polite and respectful answer questions. Know that Safeway follows state law.

Thank you!

For OC I've been wanting to actually carry/holster on my leg. Is this out of the norm or would it make things worse? I'm tall and I have long arms and I've been thinking of going this route just
based on comfort.
 

gogodawgs

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Oct 25, 2009
Messages
5,669
Location
Federal Way, Washington, USA
Thank you!

For OC I've been wanting to actually carry/holster on my leg. Is this out of the norm or would it make things worse? I'm tall and I have long arms and I've been thinking of going this route just
based on comfort.

It's legal, carry how you are comfortable. Be aware that a thigh rig will draw more attention.

As for talking to the police...

[video=youtube;yqMjMPlXzdA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqMjMPlXzdA[/video]
 

hermannr

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2011
Messages
2,327
Location
Okanogan Highland
Knowing all the RCW's is a bit daunting. Waguns helped me answer my first question on whether I had to CC in my vehicle or I could have it in the open. Now I'm seeing that despite the legality of carrying in any park in Washington, parks still have NO FIREARMS signs posted.

Any good suggestions on a recorder? I've seen a ton at bestbuy but I'd want to make sure it picked everything up. And I've also heard it's illegal to record voice or video... is this true?
And you also mention not talking to the police if contacted... so if a/the cop(s) show up, you recommend not saying a word? I could potentially see that being very difficult.

Parks are posted? Where? That is not the LAW. If you know where a park is posted, look up the law for that local governmental agency and see what their law states, if their law does not conform to RCW 9.41.300 you need to start work to change it so that it conforms to state law.

My experience with LE is they will normally not put you in a bind by asking for your ID or CPL. There are a few that might, but for the most part (this haas been my experience anyway) they do not even ask. I have NEVER been asked for my ID or CPL...in 43 years now. Just don't be a Nervous Nelly, act like it is no different to OC a pistol then it is to OC a cell phone (actually it is no different) and the vast majority of people will not even notice you are armed.
 

Alpine

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2012
Messages
671
Location
Idaho
Knowing all the RCW's is a bit daunting. Waguns helped me answer my first question on whether I had to CC in my vehicle or I could have it in the open. Now I'm seeing that despite the legality of carrying in any park in Washington, parks still have NO FIREARMS signs posted.

Any good suggestions on a recorder? I've seen a ton at bestbuy but I'd want to make sure it picked everything up. And I've also heard it's illegal to record voice or video... is this true?
And you also mention not talking to the police if contacted... so if a/the cop(s) show up, you recommend not saying a word? I could potentially see that being very difficult.

I've been thinking about trying one of these Looksie recorders.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...7?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=looksie
To most people they look like bluetooth headsets and they are positioned in a good spot. I suggest getting a recorder than can sync with a smartphone and then use an app that will stream your content to a remote source and save it there, so even in worst-case scenario should a raging LEO take your equipment and break it or keep it you have it saved remotely.
 
Last edited:

slapmonkay

Campaign Veteran
Joined
May 6, 2011
Messages
1,308
Location
Montana
I've also heard it's illegal to record voice or video... is this true?

Flora vs. State says that its legal to record a public official with or without their knowledge or consent. [Download Case]. Additionally, you can record anything that is not considered a 'private' conversation. RCW 9.73.030 is the related code to look up.


Here is a good youtube video about 'Never talk to the police', its long but worth the watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8z7NC5sgik
 
Last edited:

slapmonkay

Campaign Veteran
Joined
May 6, 2011
Messages
1,308
Location
Montana
For OC I've been wanting to actually carry/holster on my leg. Is this out of the norm or would it make things worse?

Thigh rigs are frowned upon by some, most say they are more provocative or confrontational and Anti's will call it an assault holster:lol:. However, carry whatever way you feel comfortable carrying, your not carrying for them you are for you.
 

skeith5

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2012
Messages
356
Location
United States
here anyone here OC'ing up in Skagit County, and more specifically, Anacortes?

My suggestion is to get a recorder with a USB port built in to it. Makes it easier to copy the files off to a computer. I bought one and stuffed a large memory card into it. I'd suggest using the on board storage , it's much faster. At least with mine it is. I bought a Sony, around $50.
 
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