i got that..the thing is i carry 90% of all time..and my main concern is in the summer time..im afraid having my gun printing especially with light cloths on..that means that people who ltc are goin to wear jacketsand long shirts cause u cant have guns printing on you..i carry a sig p226 and its hard in the summer to cc with that pistol.While it is not against the law to carry openly in MA, in reality, it does create problems. First, people who don't know you will "freak out" and creates disturbances. Secondly, for what purpose do you wish to carry openly? If you regularly carry a large amount of cash as part of your job, especially during this economy, and you have a LTC, then you have a legal use for the weapon. If it is to impress someone, then what use is it?
A weapon is a tool, which, when used for a legal purpose poses no problem. However, common sense is a valuable asset.
Finally, most people who have an LTC can and usually do carry concealed.
Important parts highlighted. You get a slap on the hand if a cop is called because it was seen and we go to jail. THAT is the difference. If its a right then why question the guy on WHY he wants to do it? If he isn't breaking any laws then so be it. Let him do what he wants to do even if you don't like it!Lelo,
If it is hard to carry a large weapon concealed, there are two options. First get a smaller weapon that is easier to conceal or two, don't carry.
Even as a cop, I rarely carried off duty. I planned my trips. If I went to a potentially dangerous place, I carried, and did not care if it showed or not. Which brings me to ask again why carry?
Another poster had issues with another part of your post, but I wanted to comment on this one.Lelo,
If it is hard to carry a large weapon concealed, there are two options. First get a smaller weapon that is easier to conceal or two, don't carry.
Even as a cop, I rarely carried off duty. I planned my trips. If I went to a potentially dangerous place, I carried, and did not care if it showed or not. Which brings me to ask again why carry?
No, a person is free to report any behavior he or she feels is suspicious. It is up to "law enforcement" to understand that people disagree, and accurately enforce laws and not opinions.Lelo,
While I agree with your comment regarding the right to carry v. reality. I merely wanted to point out that sometimes one side does not automatically correspond to the other. For example, you are carrying in a reputable neighborhood, where crime is virtually non-existent. You get stopped by the police, because of a complaint by a resident. The sight of your weapon can be intimidating to regular citizens. Especially when you see the shootings at colleges, work places, etc. Are the residents wrong in reporting suspicious behavior?
Common sense dictates that we, the lawful carriers of weapons, do not promote fear and distress in the area, that we travel through. A weapon is a tool. It has a purpose, and that purpose is not to distress lawful citizens.
mrsemmanLelo,
If it is hard to carry a large weapon concealed, there are two options. First get a smaller weapon that is easier to conceal or two, don't carry.
Even as a cop, I rarely carried off duty. I planned my trips. If I went to a potentially dangerous place, I carried, and did not care if it showed or not. Which brings me to ask again why carry
Lelo,
I agree with you on everything that you wrote. I believe that we all have that right based on the 2nd Ammendment to the Constitution. However, do your rights supercede someone else's? Or do their rights supercede yours? As I wrote earlier, if you travel or work in a bad area, carry your weapon. The reason I would conceal my weapon in those areas, is simple. I don't want the bad guys trying to get my weapon. Most times they did not even see it, or if they did, they thought I was a cop.
mrsemman wrote:...isn't it prudent just to avoid potentially dangerous places?Lelo,
If it is hard to carry a large weapon concealed, there are two options. First get a smaller weapon that is easier to conceal or two, don't carry.
Even as a cop, I rarely carried off duty. I planned my trips. If I went to a potentially dangerous place, I carried, and did not care if it showed or not. Which brings me to ask again why carry?
...If you feel like you need a gun where you're going, it's best just to get the hell out of there. I have no actual experience in this matter, it's just a strong opinion.
I've read one of your previous posts in which you mentioned that people "freak out" at the sight of OC. Have OC'd here in Vegas, including the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, for 3+ years, I find that's simply not the case. Many OC'ers will agree with this and tell you that people either support you, don't care or don't notice.
Lelo,
...The sight of your weapon can be intimidating to regular citizens. Especially when you see the shootings at colleges, work places, etc. Are the residents wrong in reporting suspicious behavior?
Common sense dictates that we, the lawful carriers of weapons, do not promote fear and distress in the area, that we travel through. A weapon is a tool. It has a purpose, and that purpose is not to distress lawful citizens.
Excellent post and points, with my added emphasis in RED. You're hitting the nail on the head.mrsemman wrote:No, a person is free to report any behavior he or she feels is suspicious. It is up to "law enforcement" to understand that people disagree, and accurately enforce laws and not opinions.Lelo,
...The sight of your weapon can be intimidating to regular citizens. Especially when you see the shootings at colleges, work places, etc. Are the residents wrong in reporting suspicious behavior?
(in response to comment in blue) all the more reason TO CARRY at colleges, work places, etc.
If I call about the bum on the side of the road soliciting money, police will respond, investigate, and take appropriate action. So long as said bum is not committing any crimes, police will move on to the next thing. I may not like that bum standing there with a sign, but my discomfort does not override his right to stand there.
In response to your reply to me, I understand there is a different between Las Vegas and Massachusetts, but one commonality is that we all have the same basic rights. Although Vegas is more open towards gun rights (and NV even moreso than Vegas), we still have our challenges. Not even 1 year ago, Vegas cops were stopping OC'ers. Official complaints and lobbying efforts have resulted in positive changes within the police department. I suspect the same will be true in Mass. It just takes time.
This is not rural Nevada, where people are used to guns. This is the mixing pot of mixing pots. People from every city, state and country, all witnessing Americans exercising their rights. Proof positive that people do not panic at the mere site of a weapon, responsibly holstered by seemingly responsible adults, acting normally.
I would add that I am being a bit wordy her since I'm passionate about conveying the fact that in my experience, a gun does not automatically mean public panic. Courts in nearly every state have agreed that a lawfully carried firearm is not justification for "disturbance of the peace", "disorderly conduct", or other related criminal charges
No, a person is free to report any behavior he or she feels is suspicious. It is up to "law enforcement" to understand that people disagree, and accurately enforce laws and not opinions.
timf343 wrote:No, a person is free to report any behavior he or she feels is suspicious. It is up to "law enforcement" to understand that people disagree, and accurately enforce laws and not opinions.
That right there is the whole issue in a nutshell. If open carry is legal in the state, then the LEO on the street responding to the MWG call needs to use judgment. If I'm walking down the street OC, and LEO observes me and see no suspicion of a crime afoot, then there is no basis to even stop me.