Dress code for open carry

[MYCAR47562]

I dont ever put slacks or dress for an interview while carrying, however, I dont want to go around looking like Joe Dirt. Most of the time I OC it's when I have a T-Shirt and Jeans on. Sometime I do choose to CC because of my appearance. For example, I wear old BDUs and white Ts around the house. I also have a very fast growing rate for my facial hairs. So I normally conceal if I need to run into Wal-Mart.

Bum looking guys with guns and WalMart employees dont mix.

As for if I care what people think of me when carrying in general.... You can sometimes catch me OCing with a thigh holster now that its cold. I also live in a populated apartment complex and when I need to walk the dog I carry what ever gun is closest to me. So you may even catch me with my AR15 slung across mt chest while the dog takes a leak,

...... lol awesome, i want a pic of that

 

[Bryan]

I think a best foot forward is good for shooting and gunownership. I don't think there is anything wrong with not reinforcing the negative stereotypes associated with gunowners. Those stereotypes are there like any stereotype because there is some truth to them. When I see bumper stickers that say "Keep honking I am reloading!", "If you can read this you are in range." or one with an AR on it and says "Come take it!" I think you are not doing gunowners any favors. Often when someone finds out I shoot and own guns they are surprised. I don't fit their Idea of what a gunowner is. It is one reason I try and share my interest in guns with people. Do I tell everyone I carry ? No.Do more than ten people know? Yes.
I don't hunt. When I shoot I rarely empty a magazine in less than a minute. Everything does not have to be about snipers , high capacity mags and combat training.
The face of gun ownership is the one we put on it.

 

[jsquared]

I think a best foot forward is good for shooting and gunownership. I don't think there is anything wrong with not reinforcing the negative stereotypes associated with gunowners. Those stereotypes are there like any stereotype because there is some truth to them. When I see bumper stickers that say "Keep honking I am reloading!", "If you can read this you are in range." or one with an AR on it and says "Come take it!" I think you are not doing gunowners any favors. Often when someone finds out I shoot and own guns they are surprised. I don't fit their Idea of what a gunowner is. It is one reason I try and share my interest in guns with people. Do I tell everyone I carry ? No.Do more than ten people know? Yes.
I don't hunt. When I shoot I rarely empty a magazine in less than a minute. Everything does not have to be about snipers , high capacity mags and combat training.
The face of gun ownership is the one we put on it.

So how do you feel about open carry in general, and also in casual jeans/t-shirt type clothes?

Great post BTW.

 

[Junior_357]

The face of gun ownership is the one we put on it.

Amen to this.

I seldomly open carry, just because I don't want the attention it commands. I used to be a little self-conscious when I would CC as to whether the gun was 'printing' or not. Now with OC, I don't really care if it prints. I carry revolvers exclusively...I have one for light clothing (S&W J-frame in pocket holster) and one for heavier clothing. I can conceal the heavier clothing weapon under a loose, untucked shirt. Not under a t-shirt, but more like a bowling shirt. Hardly makes me 'uncomfortable'...even on a hot day.

I have only be accosted once to question whether what was under my shirt was a gun or not, but that is a hassle I don't feel the need to repeat. Anti's - even when they are in the wrong - stir up a lot of unneccesary trouble, and I just do my best to avoid their issues if possible.

 

[dunkel]

I don't "dress up" when I OC, which is most of the time that I'm carrying. I especially don't worry about it when I CC, but only barely when I OC. You might have seen me with 3 day old beard, sandals, t-shirt and shorts up at Publix. Even then, I have gotten the "are you a cop?" question, so don't think it's just cause you have a short haircut and are wearing a polo and khakis. I have dressed up a bit while carrying, but that's only because of where I'm going, not because I'm carrying when I go there.

Really, I don't dress up to exercise any of my other rights, why this one? If I want to "put a good face on" for gun owners, I make sure I don't shoot the place up and I always say "please" and "thank you".

 

[kahrshooter]

Open carry may make some non-gun owners nervous, which I care a little about, but not that much.

Open carry may motivate someone to contact the Local Constabulatory, and I may be detained a few minutes, which isn't that big of a deal - but then again, I am usually busy, and would just as soon do without the drama and hassle.

Open carry may make me the first target, if I happen to be where something bad is starting, or I walk into somewhere where it's already going on. That is important to me.

I never open carry.

 

[drtybykr]

I never open carry.

We got that the first time.

 

[dunkel]

And you may never realize when open carry saved you from getting into a situation in the first place, like what happened at that Waffle House about a year or so ago.

 

[2007]

I think a best foot forward is good for shooting and gunownership. I don't think there is anything wrong with not reinforcing the negative stereotypes associated with gunowners. Those stereotypes are there like any stereotype because there is some truth to them. When I see bumper stickers that say "Keep honking I am reloading!", "If you can read this you are in range." or one with an AR on it and says "Come take it!" I think you are not doing gunowners any favors. Often when someone finds out I shoot and own guns they are surprised. I don't fit their Idea of what a gunowner is. It is one reason I try and share my interest in guns with people. Do I tell everyone I carry ? No.Do more than ten people know? Yes.
I don't hunt. When I shoot I rarely empty a magazine in less than a minute. Everything does not have to be about snipers , high capacity mags and combat training.
The face of gun ownership is the one we put on it.

Great post Bryan! As to some other posts, I didn't realize that in Ga. one could 'legally' CC or OC in a public place ie.: Publix, Walmart or EVEN PASSING within 500 ft of a school or a public gathering or where alcohol is served etc. Why create a problem or just piss someone off by OC if we can avoid it? Since the squeeky wheel gets the grease and anti's have thier way on so many issues it seems that this day in time we should not flaunt our right to carry but rather discreetly use it. (Not giving in, just useing common sense.) We must win this battle at the polls, and yes, the face of gun ownership is the one we put on it! JMO

 

[chosinsteve132]

I don't open carry either, unless I'm in my home town in TN.