List Your Open Carry Experiences Here

[Bikenut]

Yooperlady and I awoke this morning all enthused and eager to get started on our grand project for the day.... cleaning the carpets. We sprayed Resolve on all the stains and let it set for a short time while I prepared the carpet scrubber... and then off I go to attack the dirt monsters living in our carpets!!!!

And the carpet scrubber puked right there at the beginning of the bedroom carpeting.

I went to get many tools. Some that poked and some that pinched and even some that shed light upon the hidden fasteners.... and couldn't figure out how to get the now defunct appliance apart.

So with the carpeting marinating in Resolve there was only one solution... a trip to Wal Mart to buy a new carpet scrubber. This decision wasn't made in haste because it involved both of us having to put clothes on... something that we resist doing on Sunday mornings.. never mind why when the carpets don't need cleaning...

So we drove to Clio and went shopping (me OC'ing of course) and picked out a new carpet cleaner and paid for it.. and on the way out we ran into the couple I had talked to about open carry at that same Wal Mart a couple of days ago... we were going out and they were going in. We spoke for a few and went on our ways.

And then... just outside the doors a gentleman we had paid for his lunch at Taco Bell a while back stopped to shake my hand and say "Hi".... and the two guys at the door taking contributions to help support the mentally challenged started talking between themselves about the guy wearing a gun...

Yooperlady and I went to the truck, still talking with the guy who had said "Hi", and I could still hear the two guys at the door talking about open carry and concealed carry so I took a couple of handouts to them fully expecting to answer some questions. They took the printouts and just kept on talking to each other, and it appeared they knew quite a bit about open carry, so I just went back to the truck and left.

Alas..... when we got home the carpets hadn't cleaned themselves so off came the clothes and on with the project! And the carpets did get cleaned.

Edited for family content.... but the other way was funnier.

 

[Raggs]

OCd at Gordy's Market, Meijers and Yesterday quasi OCd in Sparta at a few gun stores.

 

[fozzy71]

5 minute trip thru kroger and 2 comments which is far more than normal for me lately. One lady wanted to know what she needed to do to be able to carry like I was so i gave her an MOC tri-fold. As we were parting she asked if I was buying groceries with cash (which I wasn't today) so I am guessing it was all a ruse to get me to buy some food stamps. :uhoh:

One the way out one guy told me he normally open carried but was pocket carrying due to the gym shorts he was wearing today. I was also pocket carrying my BUG which he got a chuckle out of. He asked what I was carrying and shook my hand. I didn't think to ask if he frequented OCDO, MOC, or MGO.

 

[DrTodd]

This past Friday I OCced at West River Theater in Farmington Hills, I casually walked inside paid for my ticket at the concession stand, then walked over and gave the attendant my ticket promptly seated myself inside my designated theater. I had been watching the movie for 24 minutes when two Farmington LEOs approached with flashlights and asked if they could speak to me. Out of politeness to other movie patrons I quickly stood up and went outside into the hallway so as not to disturb their experience. Once out in the hallway one LEOs began to explain that they had received a call. I explained that I understood that since this was a PFZ they needed to see my CPL. I had already began to dig through my wallet to present it before being asked. The LEOs informed me that management wanted me to leave my guns in the car. However one LEO said he had explained to the staff that what I was doing wasn’t illegal. I gave him my CPL and driver’s license and then proceeded toward my vehicle. They followed a few steps behind. They watched me take off my rig and stow it at which point they were satisfied. Then just before we parted one LEO said:

“I’ll be honest with you, if my kids were in a movie theatre and a man walked in who was not clearly an officer wearing two guns, I would tell him to leave immediately.” Because, how many movie theater shootings do we need have?”

Me: “Well at the same time I don’t wish to be a victim, you understand my position too?”

His partner then chimed in saying, I understand, yeah we get it, we understand the law but went on to reiterate that since this was a private establishment I had to obey their rules in order to patronize their establishment. We both agreed on that aspect and ended the conversation on a pleasant note. In short we agreed to disagree then shook hands and I was back inside without incident. 3:56 minutes

Is that a 9-screen theater? What indicated to you that it was a PFZ? Was it posted regarding seating capacity?

 

[cmdr_iceman71]

Is that a 9-screen theater? What indicated to you that it was a PFZ? Was it posted regarding seating capacity?

To be honest I really wasn't looking for a sign because I had every intention on OCing. I wanted to play it safe from a legal point of view and bring OC out for discussion for any other patron. Given the size of each theatre I just assumed it "could" have a seating capacity of 2500.

 

[DrTodd]

To be honest I really wasn't looking for a sign because I had every intention on OCing. I wanted to play it safe from a legal point of view and bring OC out for discussion for any other patron. Given the size of each theatre I just assumed it "could" have a seating capacity of 2500.

Knowing your typical carry method (OC), I wasn't criticizing. Just wondering if they posted a seating capacity. With it being a 9 screen theater, it could have been close either way.

 

[smellslikemichigan]

This past Friday I OCced at West River Theater in Farmington Hills, I casually walked inside paid for my ticket at the concession stand, then walked over and gave the attendant my ticket promptly seated myself inside my designated theater. I had been watching the movie for 24 minutes when two Farmington LEOs approached with flashlights and asked if they could speak to me. Out of politeness to other movie patrons I quickly stood up and went outside into the hallway so as not to disturb their experience. Once out in the hallway one LEOs began to explain that they had received a call. I explained that I understood that since this was a PFZ they needed to see my CPL. I had already began to dig through my wallet to present it before being asked. The LEOs informed me that management wanted me to leave my guns in the car. However one LEO said he had explained to the staff that what I was doing wasn’t illegal. I gave him my CPL and driver’s license and then proceeded toward my vehicle. They followed a few steps behind. They watched me take off my rig and stow it at which point they were satisfied. Then just before we parted one LEO said:

“I’ll be honest with you, if my kids were in a movie theatre and a man walked in who was not clearly an officer wearing two guns, I would tell him to leave immediately.” Because, how many movie theater shootings do we need have?”

Me: “Well at the same time I don’t wish to be a victim, you understand my position too?”

His partner then chimed in saying, I understand, yeah we get it, we understand the law but went on to reiterate that since this was a private establishment I had to obey their rules in order to patronize their establishment. We both agreed on that aspect and ended the conversation on a pleasant note. In short we agreed to disagree then shook hands and I was back inside without incident. 3:56 minutes

refund?

 

[DrTodd]

refund?

I think he returned and watched the movie.

 

[rogrrr]

ID

What I don't understand is why all these Barney Fifes ask for ID when you're not in violation of any law.
Like all the rest of the carriers, I'm not about to offer any form of ID. They need to be schooled in REAL LAW.
Also, when going to a place like a theater, it's better to simply conceal. I like to OC but there are a number of places where I simply untuck and go in. I don't care what their policy is.
I've been asked if it's dangerous to be carrying a gun. I answer, "yes. it makes ME more dangerous than the thug."

 

[Mosnar87]

I don't know how the law reads with regard to carry in Ohio theaters, but in Michigan it is illegal to concealed carry in any entertainment facility that you know or should know has a seating capacity over 2500 or is properly posted with a sign declaring such a seating capacity.

Please refrain from advocating unlawful acts.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy IIIs using Tapatalk 2.

 

[Mosnar87]

Also, welcome to the forum!

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy IIIs using Tapatalk 2.

 

[cmdr_iceman71]

What I don't understand is why all these Barney Fifes ask for ID when you're not in violation of any law.
Like all the rest of the carriers, I'm not about to offer any form of ID. They need to be schooled in REAL LAW.
Also, when going to a place like a theater, it's better to simply conceal. I like to OC but there are a number of places where I simply untuck and go in. I don't care what their policy is.
I've been asked if it's dangerous to be carrying a gun. I answer, "yes. it makes ME more dangerous than the thug."

Without a CPL, it is illegal to be in the possesion of a firearm while on the premises of a theatre regardless of seating capacity. However, there are exemptions and someone with a valid CPL meets that exemption. So the LEO in question had all the reasonable suspicion he needed when he learned there was someone inside a theatre OCing two pistols. At that point the burden shifts to me the OCer to prove I meet said exemption, and I do this by producing CPL and I.D..

On Topic;
OCed today at Walmart and Auto Zone, no problems no issues.

 

[DrTodd]

Without a CPL, it is illegal to be in the possesion of a firearm while on the premises of a theatre regardless of seating capacity. However, there are exemptions and someone with a valid CPL meets that exemption. So the LEO in question had all the reasonable suspicion he needed when he learned there was someone inside a theatre OCing two pistols. At that point the burden shifts to me the OCer to prove I meet said exemption, and I do this by producing CPL and I.D..

On Topic;
OCed today at Walmart and Auto Zone, no problems no issues.

We may be in the minority here, but I think your analysis regarding the exception for CPL in the general gun free zones is correct. Hopefully, readers take note.

 

[Raggs]

Also, welcome to the forum!

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy IIIs using Tapatalk 2.

Without a CPL, it is illegal to be in the possesion of a firearm while on the premises of a theatre regardless of seating capacity. However, there are exemptions and someone with a valid CPL meets that exemption. So the LEO in question had all the reasonable suspicion he needed when he learned there was someone inside a theatre OCing two pistols. At that point the burden shifts to me the OCer to prove I meet said exemption, and I do this by producing CPL and I.D..

On Topic;
OCed today at Walmart and Auto Zone, no problems no issues.

I agree with you gentlemen as well.

 

[Bikenut]

Last night around 9pm I walked into the utility room to get some laundry out of the dryer and stepped into about a half inch of water. Yippee. A quick look around and I found that the cold water feed line to the hot water heater had sprung a really good sized leak. Like spray all over the place sized leak. And the clean up began.... good thing we have a wet/dry shopvac.....

So... early this morning after a quick (a VERY QUICK clean up with cold water in the armpits really opening my eyes) I'm dressed and wearing my sidearm like usual and I'm off to Clio to Menards... and then to Wal Mart.. and then home. No one cared about my sidearm.

Lo and behold!!! I only had to put the line on once!!! No leaks!!! And after about an hour I had a nice hot shower. Needed it too!

Later I met Yooperlady at Taco Bell in Clio for lunch where we left $5 to help pay for the next person in line... and we did that twice today. The folks who got that "free lunch" came and thanked us. Neither of them showed any concern about my sidearm.

We were almost done eating our lunch when a gentleman with two small boys came over and thanked me for exercising my 2nd Amendment rights. We talked for a while and he is going to get his CPL soon. He mentioned that his CPL class instructor said that with a CPL he could still open carry... and that he will give it a try after he gets his CPL. I gave him a printout on the laws and State Police Legal Update #86.

And while no one in Taco Bell knew about my hot water heater problems I'll bet they appreciated that I got it fixed and had a shower before I got there.

 

[Michigander]

I got a really hilarious head turn and stare down from a cranky seeming older gentleman at home depot. No comments from him or anyone else though, at least not in the past week.

We may be in the minority here, but I think your analysis regarding the exception for CPL in the general gun free zones is correct. Hopefully, readers take note.

As you know my theories are on the opposite end of the spectrum, but I think what is needed for practicality is case law.

 

[fozzy71]

........

Later I met Yooperlady at Taco Bell in Clio for lunch where we left $5 to help pay for the next person in line... and we did that twice today. The folks who got that "free lunch" came and thanked us. Neither of them showed any concern about my sidearm.
......

Apparently the pay-it-forward lunch idea has gone viral/national - http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/20/o...er&utm_content=buffer1654e&utm_medium=twitter

 

[Bikenut]

Originally Posted by Bikenut
........

Later I met Yooperlady at Taco Bell in Clio for lunch where we left $5 to help pay for the next person in line... and we did that twice today. The folks who got that "free lunch" came and thanked us. Neither of them showed any concern about my sidearm.
......

Apparently the pay-it-forward lunch idea has gone viral/national - http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/20/o...er&utm_content=buffer1654e&utm_medium=twitter

Well... I wish I could say that we do the "pay it forward" thing out of complete selflessness... but I can't. Because part of why we do it is because we want to give a little of what we have been blessed with to others...

... and part of it is the very selfish desire to counter the perspective that people who open carry guns right out there in your face plain sight must be arseholes just looking to cause some kind of confrontation.. simply because... it really is difficult to think badly of the complete stranger wearing a gun if he just smiled at you and bought your lunch.

So... folks... if you can afford a few bucks to pay it forward while open carrying once in a while please do. I believe there is no other more personal, more effective... or cheaper... method of positive public relations for open carry, and the right to bear arms, than giving someone a free lunch.

 

[FreeInAZ]

Well... I wish I could say that we do the "pay it forward" thing out of complete selflessness... but I can't. Because part of why we do it is because we want to give a little of what we have been blessed with to others...

... and part of it is the very selfish desire to counter the perspective that people who open carry guns right out there in your face plain sight must be arseholes just looking to cause some kind of confrontation.. simply because... it really is difficult to think badly of the complete stranger wearing a gun if he just smiled at you and bought your lunch.

So... folks... if you can afford a few bucks to pay it forward while open carrying once in a while please do. I believe there is no other more personal, more effective... or cheaper... method of positive public relations for open carry, and the right to bear arms, than giving someone a free lunch.

^^^ THIS! Win the the heart, and the mind will follow.

 

[Raggs]

^^^ THIS! Win the the heart's and stomachs, and the mind will follow.

There ya go, fify