What do you say?

[Dreamer]

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JohnK87 wrote:

"Why do you think you need to carry a pistol in here, do you think there will be trouble?"

"No, ma'am, if I thought there would be trouble I'd be carrying a shotgun."

If anyone asks me the "expecting trouble" question, I tell them "No, I'm not expecting Trouble, but I doubt Kevin P. Granata, Austin Michelle Cloyd, and Liviu Librescu were expecting trouble the morning of April 16, 2008 in Blacksburg VA either."

I was an Eagle Scout. I took an OATH, and it's my DUTY to be prepared at ALL times to help other people...

On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
​

 

[since9]

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Good point, Dreamer. I graduated from Virginia Tech a couple of decades ago, so the massacre really hit home. In 2006 I flew into Blacksburg Airport with a friend from Norfolk, and we walked around campus, reminiscing... And spent about an hour in the flying wingbetween Torgerson and the Library. I could see Norris hall, where I began engineering so long before.

So in answer to the question, "are you expecting trouble?" I might answer, "No, but I did graduate from Virginia Tech, and those who followed weren't expecting trouble, either."

 

[Grapeshot]

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since9 wrote:

Good point, Dreamer. I graduated from Virginia Tech a couple of decades ago, so the massacre really hit home. In 2006 I flew into Blacksburg Airport with a friend from Norfolk, and we walked around campus, reminiscing... And spent about an hour in the flying wingbetween Torgerson and the Library. I could see Norris hall, where I began engineering so long before.

So in answer to the question, "are you expecting trouble?" I might answer, "No, but I did graduate from Virginia Tech, and those who followed weren't expecting trouble, either."

Have always and will always blame the GA and Va Tech administration for the conditions that allowed that - defense free zone. :X

And they still don't get it. :banghead:

Yata hey

 

[MamaLiberty]

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I've answered that question in a number of ways over the years, but the most effective - and the one I will use from now on - is that I own my life and body. I alone am responsible for that life and my safety. If given time, I tell them I carry to protect myself and those around me from those who would harm them. I give them my card and encourage them to research the subject. So far, most people respond very well to that, and quite a few go on to sign up for my self defense classes.

 

[stainless1911]

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Depends on the situation. Sometimes I just tell them Im a gun rights / second amendmentactivist. Seems if you give an important reason for your gun, they are much more accepting.

 

[sovereigngrace]

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Cause momma told me to never bring a knife to a gun fight :celebrate

 

[Ivan Sample]

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I totally agree with the statement!

 

[Grapeshot]

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Ivan Sample wrote:

I totally agree with the statement!

Welcome to OCDO Ivan - lots of good people and discussion here.

Let us know of your experiences OC, CC or NC.

Yata hey

 

[dukenukum]

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A free Man/Woman needs no reason to exercise his/her rights, I use that if the question is snotty which it is most times. In the seldom honest inquiry I tell them I carry to protect myself and family then explain the guys who robbed the store I worked were never arrested, the police have no clues.

 

[I always carry]

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Presentation of yourself is everything when you "open carry". As my name implies, I ALWAYS carry, every day, everywhere I go, at any time. When it's cold I wear heavier clothing so concealment is a given. When it's hot here in Georgia where I live, I carry openly. I always act in a professional manner. I walk tall and proud without being arrogant. My appearance is important to me. I have had facial hair most of my adult life. I usually have a full beard or a mustache/goatee. I like to switch it up. Either way, the unshaven areas of my face are always clean shaven, never scruffy looking. My hair is cut short and my clothing is always clean and neat. I also agree with other posters on this forum, that wearing the right equipment is important. My weapon (Glock 23), my belt (2"nylon web), magazine carrier (2 extra) and my holster (Bianchi #82 Carry-Lok) are all black. My wife tells me I look like an off duty police officer. If I am ever asked whether I am, I ALWAYS say no. Any other response would be just plain dumb. I have visited many different retailers, stores and even malls. There have only been a few encounters where someone has actually asked me about my weapon. They were employees who worked at the store where I was shopping - both Glock enthusiasts. Most other people don't even give me a second glance. I feel a "right" unused is a "right" lost.

 

[SouthernBoy]

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I always carry wrote:

Presentation of yourself is everything when you "open carry". As my name implies, I ALWAYS carry, every day, everywhere I go, at any time. When it's cold I wear heavier clothing so concealment is a given. When it's hot here in Georgia where I live, I carry openly. I always act in a professional manner. I walk tall and proud without being arrogant. My appearance is important to me. I have had facial hair most of my adult life. I usually have a full beard or a mustache/goatee. I like to switch it up. Either way, the unshaven areas of my face are always clean shaven, never scruffy looking. My hair is cut short and my clothing is always clean and neat. I also agree with other posters on this forum, that wearing the right equipment is important. My weapon (Glock 23), my belt (2"nylon web), magazine carrier (2 extra) and my holster (Bianchi #82 Carry-Lok) are all black. My wife tells me I look like an off duty police officer. If I am ever asked whether I am, I ALWAYS say no. Any other response would be just plain dumb. I have visited many different retailers, stores and even malls. There have only been a few encounters where someone has actually asked me about my weapon. They were employees who worked at the store where I was shopping - both Glock enthusiasts. Most other people don't even give me a second glance. I feel a "right" unused is a "right" lost.

:exclaim:
Big time props to you. And welcome aboard!

 

[I always carry]

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Thank you brother! Glad I found this joint!

 

[zack991]

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Citizen wrote:

Gizmoe142 wrote:

SNIP When they ask, why you need a gun? What do you say?

You have to understand that the question derives from a false premise: that the gun is needed.

Deliberate, or unthinking, it is basically a "trick question."

So, you don't answer the question. You say something else.

"Good heavens, ma'am, I very much hopeI never really do need it."

Of, if they are antagonistic, you might say, "Oh, I never argue abouthuman rights like self-defense." (then just walk away).

Or, "Rights don't require a justification, ma'am." (and just walk away)

I say this 99%of the time, and in most cases people don't think we have a right to so this. They believe everything they read or watch-on tv it is a shock to them that hat they have been told is not true.

 

[Big Dawg]

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I don't have to worry about being asked as no one knows I carry asI carry concealed with an IWB holster.

 

[Grapeshot]

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Big Dawg wrote:

I don't have to worry about being asked as no one knows I carry asI carry concealed with an IWB holster.

While all would agree that carrying responsibly (OC or CC) is the most important element, we OC for its self-defense advantages, to educate and in some cases to make a political statement.

One educates nobody when they CC. No message about legal, normal good citizens going about their daily routine. No questions asked, no answers given. Hiding your gun to avoid those "awkward moments" might seem easier, but is self-defeating in the battle to regain our full RKBA.

Yata hey

 

[stainless1911]

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You shouldnt keep your rights in your pocket with your "change".

 

[Big Dawg]

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If everybody can see you are armed it only serves to let the bad guys know who to shoot first should they do so without warning of any kind. I couldn't care less what others think of my rightto carry and would rather be the one to survive when attacked without warning or provocation than one who shows whatI have for self defense. I have had a CC permit since 1984 when it became the law here and have attended many different social functions and not one person knew I was armed. I will/have joined many discussions concerning the right to carry but did so without any participants knowingI was armed. If you choose to open carry then that is your choice but it also makes you a primary target of any wannbe thugs who are looking to make a street rep for themselves. I fully support your right to open carry and am a LM of the NRA, NSSA, Georgia Carry Organization, and am a 100% Disabled US Army Veteran and will render assistance to you or anybody should the need arise butI will continue to CC as is my choice.

 

[gogodawgs]

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Big Dawg wrote:

If everybody can see you are armed it only serves to let the bad guys know who to shoot first should they do so without warning of any kind. I couldn't care less what others think of my rightto carry and would rather be the one to survive when attacked without warning or provocation than one who shows whatI have for self defense. I have had a CC permit since 1984 when it became the law here and have attended many different social functions and not one person knew I was armed. I will/have joined many discussions concerning the right to carry but did so without any participants knowingI was armed. If you choose to open carry then that is your choice but it also makes you a primary target of any wannbe thugs who are looking to make a street rep for themselves. I fully support your right to open carry and am a LM of the NRA, NSSA, Georgia Carry Organization, and am a 100% Disabled US Army Veteran and will render assistance to you or anybody should the need arise butI will continue to CC as is my choice.

Uh Oh! :shock:

 

[gogodawgs]

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Big Dawg wrote:

If everybody can see you are armed it only serves to let the bad guys know who to shoot first should they do so without warning of any kind. I couldn't care less what others think of my rightto carry and would rather be the one to survive when attacked without warning or provocation than one who shows whatI have for self defense. I have had a CC permit since 1984 when it became the law here and have attended many different social functions and not one person knew I was armed. I will/have joined many discussions concerning the right to carry but did so without any participants knowingI was armed. If you choose to open carry then that is your choice but it also makes you a primary target of any wannbe thugs who are looking to make a street rep for themselves. I fully support your right to open carry and am a LM of the NRA, NSSA, Georgia Carry Organization, and am a 100% Disabled US Army Veteran and will render assistance to you or anybody should the need arise butI will continue to CC as is my choice.

Big Dawg,

Can you cite evidence of this happening? To the knowledge of this board, to the thousands of citizens who do carry everyday in this great country and carry proudly in the open, THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED.

I can speak for a fact that 99.99% of the time I am in public and am carrying in the open, that 99.99% of the public does not notice my firearm. The BG does not notice either, he is so consumed by the act of evil he is to carry out that he does not see a good guy with a properly holstered firearm.

Now no one is saying it can't or won't ever happen, but I for one refuse to continue to live in the closet anymore. I wan't to educate and announce to everyone that our freedoms are not subject to permission (Concealed Permits/License's).

Personally I believe it is attitudes like this that have eroded our 2A rights. While I respect the right to CC (without permission eventually) and I have CC'd for many years and continue to do so when it is appropriate I believe that this is part of the problem of surrendering our unalienable rights.

 

[stainless1911]

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Ive said this before, so to the regulars here, sorry for being redundant.

If an armed criminal wishes to attack someone, they will, and may take that persons life when they are through. The same armed criminal who assalts someone armed, legally concealing, will probably get shot, the lawful citizen may be shot as well. CCers are attacked with the same consistency as the rest. But criminals, who pray on those who appear weak, tend to leave the OCers alone.

I beleive that we are losing our rights in part, because the public never gets to see what a responsible law abiding gun owner looks like. They see what the mediagovernment, music, and movies wants them to see. They never see me playing with my daughter on a playground, or pushing a shopping cart, or just having a normal conversation with someone.

There are too many advantages to open carrying to even list here, ( there are severalthreads dedicated to this), and only one good argument for CC. That being, that it is your right to do so.