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Where do/would you choose to / not to OC?

dave_in_delaware

Regular Member
Joined
May 10, 2007
Messages
394
Location
Newark, Delaware, USA
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I'm curious about something: where exactly do/would youchoose to OC? Where do/would youchoose to not OC? And why?

I'm still new to OC and the whole concept of having a gun with me while I'm in public. So far, my OC experiences have been pretty much limited to restaurants, driving in my van/car (w/ gun on dash or on passenger seat), and walking to/from my house. Luckily, I have had ZERO issues from anyone either being afraid, saying anything, or calling the cops. And most of my "in public" OC expereinces have been at night (not inbroad daylight).Also, I haven't "encountered" any LEO's while OCing either, which,I believe, has helped w/ my uneventful experiences....

There are a few places I can think of that I go to semi-regularly that I want to "test" out, namely Wawa, the gas station, BJ's Wholesale,ShopRite,etc. When/if I take the plunge I'll add it to my OC log.

There are a few places where I purposely choose NOT to OC, likethe New Castle Farmer's Market, and any large shopping mall (like Concord, Christiana, etc). Why? Because of the sheer number of people around that could bump into you, the groups of "punks" that may be stupid enough to try something, and the larger number of people (i.e. higher percentage chance) that may simply freak out and call the cops. Personally, for now, I'd rather just play it safe and leave my gun locked in the car (but I actually take the ammo - loaded in the magazine - w/ me).

I was "warned" by a few of the LEO entities I spoke with about OC in large public places like the mall. Because, they said, chances are that someone in there will call the cops, and you'll have a mob of police telling you to get on the ground. And I'd really rather avoid that.

A few places that I'm not sure of (for legal OC) are: public libraries andpublic playgrounds. Does anyone have any idea if these are "off limits" to firearms via Delaware Code? Or have you seen any rules/signs posted prohibiting firearms in these places?

I'd like to hear of your thoughts, comments, and any places that you may or may not choose to OC.
 

Wynder

State Researcher
Joined
Jul 31, 2007
Messages
1,241
Location
Bear, Delaware, USA
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I've concealed at the mall. I chose to leave my weapon at home when I took the kids to a mega-play center, simply because there were probably 150 people crammed into a very small space... I wouldn't want to be tempted to use it in self-defense there because of the risk to others.

In your case, I'd be paranoid to OC in the car, simply because it's my belief that Delaware LEO's don't run into it often enough to know it's lawful. Restaurants, convenience store runs I'd probably open carry, though if I felt comfortable.

Don't get me wrong, I was paranoid when I took my coat off the other night in the pub as I mused over my Pepsi, open carrying for the first time. I'm still paranoid and know that my pre-paid legal is only a small step above a public defender. ;p

A few places that I'm not sure of (for legal OC) are: public libraries and public playgrounds. Does anyone have any idea if these are "off limits" to firearms via Delaware Code? Or have you seen any rules/signs posted prohibiting firearms in these places?
Delaware has no restrictions on where you can carry, outside of Dover, state parks and forests and that pesky illegal New Castle County ordinance that'll soon be amended. :)

Statutorily, that's it. Even schools and recreation centers are fine as long as you open carry or want to conceal with a permit. That's our understanding of our laws -- we have blissfully been unaffected by carry restrictions, simply because I think it's never been much of an issue. Thankfully, with preemption, no restrictions will ever be put in place, either.
 

Wynder

State Researcher
Joined
Jul 31, 2007
Messages
1,241
Location
Bear, Delaware, USA
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sellahr wrote:
What New Castle County ordinance are you refering to?
New Castle County ordinance in Chapter 24, Parks and Recreations, section 24.01.014, titled "Possession of certain knives; discharge of weapons."

It reads: "No person shall carry a knife upon his or her person having a blade three (3) inches or longer in length or have possession of or discharge a BB gun, air rifle, pistol, firearm, paint ball gun, bow and arrow or any other type of lethal weapon in any park. (Ord. No. 98-050, § 1(24-14), 5-26-1998)"

You can see the thread on my conversations with my County Councilman in this thread: http://opencarry.mywowbb.com/forum15/6486.html

Amendment being introduced on Jan 22nd and voted upon in early February.
 

Citizen

Founder's Club Member
Joined
Nov 15, 2006
Messages
18,269
Location
Fairfax Co., VA
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Statutorily off limits and posted places are about the only places I wouldn't OC.

Everywhere else is a publiceducation opportunity for this OC'er.

One thing I do take into account is whether I can afford the duration of a police stop. For example, I won't OC during lunch break if I have an appointment with a customer within a couple hours after lunch.

I do think a fella ought to be able to decide for himself when and where, so I won't criticize others.
 

kmcdowel

Regular Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2007
Messages
253
Location
Marquette, Michigan, USA
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I'm not a Delaware resident, but liked the topic. I haven't carried in a mall yet, because there are no malls around me. But, with the recent mass murder, and the 'punk kids,' I will carry when I go to a mall. I have a CC, so I might go that route. I'm fairly new to OC, the way I feel right now is that I will OC in lower risk situations (every day tasks like shopping, fueling, dining...) and CC in higher risk (populated areas, night time or dangerous neighborhoods. And about having a mob of cops ordering you to the ground... I wouldn't worry about it. Cops do not stay in herds, it is most likely you will encounterone to start with. He may call for back up, but will probably approach you on his own. You will educate him on the legality of the situation, and if his backup arrives and they feel you should leave/CC, just do so. Take all their names and deal with it after the fact. I've heard mention of people carrying a tape recorder while OCing, something I'm considering myself.
 

ijusam

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2007
Messages
322
Location
Kent county, Delaware, USA
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dave_in_delaware wrote:
1. There are a few places where I purposely choose NOT to OC, likethe New Castle Farmer's Market, and any large shopping mall (like Concord, Christiana, etc). Why? Because of the sheer number of people around that could bump into you, the groups of "punks" that may be stupid enough to try something, and the larger number of people (i.e. higher percentage chance) that may simply freak out and call the cops. Personally, for now, I'd rather just play it safe and leave my gun locked in the car (but I actually take the ammo - loaded in the magazine - w/ me).

2.. I was "warned" by a few of the LEO entities I spoke with about OC in large public places like the mall. Because, they said, chances are that someone in there will call the cops, and you'll have a mob of police telling you to get on the ground. And I'd really rather avoid that.


1. I don't go to malls much, but did OC once in concord mall for about 15 min (a quick in and out trip). as to something happening in a mall just because its crowded, well I cant thin'k of any stories of cops or security guards around here getting jumped for their gun. IfThe bad guyswant a gun that bad, THEY ALREADY HAVE ONE!

2. Don't know yet, hopefully we will never have to experiance a felony stop.It could beLEOs just telling youstories to scare you away from OC? Maybe they don't know the law? Maybe it will happen? We can only hope they know the law and are professional.

My criteria for cc vs oc is: cc if it will hurt my business, required to cc,or Ican't afford to be stopped illegally.otherwise OC


edited because my post sounded dumb.
 
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