Ever feel "the eyes" upon you?

[joepamjohn]

This morning I took my two sons to breakfast at "Squirrels" restaurant in Lafayette. I was wearing a firearms related T Shirt.

The shirt was a "tastefull" silkscreen from the Martinez Gun Club. On the back it has a large picture of some Canvasback Ducks flying low over the water and tules. Above the picture is written "MARTINEZ GUN CLUB" followed underneath with the words "Martinez Ca. Since 1883". The front left breast has Martinez Gun Club screened there too.

I make it a habit to not broadcast my shooting and gun hobbies by wearing off the wall clothes, but this shirt (too me) is a real nice looking tastfully designed piece of art on cotton.

I never thought that the words "GUN CLUB" would attract that much attention. Keep in mind,I frequent that restaurant and when I wear any other clothes there were not these looks. Even my kids made comments about what were people looking at us for.I could have had a shirt on that said "Child Molester" and I would not have had any different looks.

I got home and later told my wife and she said that "somethings you just shouldn't wear to public places". It wasn't like I was hearing a "Shoot em all and let god sort em out" shirt or something like that.I am sure it was the words GUN CLUB that attracted the looks.

I am not sure what I will wear next time I go there but I sure will be thinking about it. I am not a paranoid guy that is always looking over my shoulder but this experience made me pretty uncomfortable. I know Lafayette is called the "Berkeley of the East Bay" but in over 40 years here I have never had an experience like that.

[DSeifert]

I got a LOT of looks and a few questions when wearing my CALGUNS shirt today. I encouraged everyone who asked to check out the site to see for themselves what a greate site it is. I also informed them about AB962/SB585.

[Scratch705]

who cares what those staring eyes think? you were having a nice lunch with your kids and that is all that matters.

the more afraid of letting what others think about our hobby the more easily they can take it away by forcing us to be quiet about it.

[joepamjohn]

It was hard not to care when the looks were so evident. I also did not see any point in calling anyone on it since that would further manifest the negative feelings towards guns.

Next week I will go in with my "Go Bears" Cal Sweat shirt and it will be all hugs and kisses.

[The Director]

Don't shave and wear your NRA hat into the bank just for kicks. Ask me how I know.

[Jason762]

*snip* I know Lafayette is called the "Berkeley of the East Bay" but in over 40 years here I have never had an experience like that.

Ummm... Berkeley is the Berkeley of the East Bay... isn't it?

Honestly, who cares? If you can't sport a firearms related shirt like a Berkeley hipster can sport a Che Guevara shirt, then you shouldn't be wearing it.

I once wore this shirt into a grocery store that's so liberal they don't stock hunting/fishing/gun mags. I got nary a look. If asked about it, I would've said, "What? It's a symbol of capitalism (Coca-Cola) and Communism (the Kalashnikov). I'm making a statement!" Walk the walk and talk the talk, IMO

[joepamjohn]

Ummm... Berkeley is the Berkeley of the East Bay... isn't it?

Meaning the "other side" of the tunnel

[odysseus]

Well you are in the LaM-Orinda area, sort of a beehive of "progressive" soccer mom stuff. However personally I know there are a lot of gun owners in that area, but yes when you wear shirts that are gun sports or RKBA - be prepared for those that don't like it to treat you as a social pariah.

[Turo]

ouch, I've gotten those "OMG he's gonna kill someone!" looks before as well. Usually from legally open-carrying fixed blades. In fact I got one last night. They can definitely put a damper on an outing.

We just have to keep going and continue to represent!

Good luck with future outings.

[sv_1]

I always get strange looks when I go to WC. It's hard to not say anything, but smile and nod. It usually lets them know they are staring...

Your money pays the bill just like theirs. Let your kids know that it's okay to stand up for what you believe in.

[bombadillo]

I don't care, i'm in a VERY liberal area and wear my if guns kill people then... shirt that Audihenry put a group buy for around. I honestly don't care that much if people like or don't like shooting and the hobby in general. It is a RIGHT that we all have and I don't mind getting into an open conversation with somebody that opposes it. I love the opportunity to take someone out who is against it to show them what it is and what its all about.

[MikeR]

I say step your game up and get something that will really make them wet themselves. I guess that just the way i am, my sisters always said i was the instigator.

One of my Favs..

[Inkman]

Funny. In a wierd sort of way.

I wear all sorts of gun related shirts and hats everywhere, including work. Never once had a bad look or feeling. Sometimes i'll hear an utterance about liking such and such gun, turn around and start shooting the breeze about guns with a stranger. Same thing with LEOs. next thing you know, 30 minutes has passed and we're on a first name basis going on about ammo types, powders, politics etc.

[GlennG31]

I say step your game up and get something that will really make them wet themselves. I guess that just the way i am, my sisters always said i was the instigator.

One of my Favs..

Nice! I like that shirt!

[Army]

I wear my "Infidel" shirt often enough, that some people know me for it, and greet me as 'the infidel shirt guy'.

Don't care what they think...which is why I bought it in the first place