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[Artema]

Fear gets replaced by reality very quickly when the exercising of rights is continued often.

Remember when people had gun racks in cars? Very few people batted an eye at it.

This is the kind of thing we need to get back to. The original open carry movement was to protect people from cops who didn't like an accidental flash of a weapon, or people freaking out even if open carry is legal in the area. People wanting youtube views have turned it into a way to show off.

[Hoshnasi]

I got tired of being unarmed, and had my eyes turned into firearms.

But now I worry about the times when my eyes are closed, for example when I blink, I am not locked and loaded for that moment.

[MrSam]

Fear gets replaced by reality very quickly when the exercising of rights is continued often.

Remember when people had gun racks in cars? Very few people batted an eye at it.

I agree, but there is a difference between genuinely seeking to defend ones self, and walking around the streets with a firearm to "prove a point." If we want to prove a point, we need to start by ceasing to vote in the same idiots who want to ban firearms and infringe on our second amendment rights.

[clipofblanks]

There is no line when it comes to the defence of myself and my family. Maybe some think it is going too far, but remember you only have to be wrong once

[L84CABO]

I've seen several threads that have made me wounder this question. One thread a guy is considering quitting his job because he can't carry at work. Another someone says they always answer the door armed at all times. Others who refuse to go shopping (or out in public) without carrying a gun. I have seen some were people keep a gun on 24/7 as some kind of security blanket. I have even seen threads asking about carrying while in the shower (like WTF is that?).

There was another thread were It was asserted that answering your door with a shotgun was normal in other states and it must be a CA thing if one were to find that abnormal.

I can see if someone lives in a legitimately bad neighborhood but the way many portray themselves here (up talk their social status) most surely don't live in the ghetto.

Sometimes when I read about people and their fanatical need to carry it comes across as kind of crazy/obsessive. Couple that with all the "what if?" ninja stories and those who have a palpable fantasy of being some kind of super hero bad guy hunter/prepper and it sometimes makes us as a group come across as kind of gun-kooky nutcases.

It's as if there is a door kicking-car jacking-robbing-murderer-rapist-thug (thug is used far too often by the way and I have come to except it to mean either someone who could kick your azz or someone who looks different and people apply bias to their fear/stereotype).

Many of us live in some of the safest neighborhoods on the planet and crime has been on the decline for years now. It seems as if much of this over the top "gun nut" activities/beliefs is fear based rather than rooted in a second amendment/sports shooting/hunting base.

You'd think we were living in a war zone by the way some people talk.

Sometimes it's hard to believe that I'm on a gun forum when I read threads like this.

The antis say exactly the same things you have said about ANYONE who has a desire to own/carry a gun. They think we're, "over the top," simply for having a gun in the first place. YOU think it's fine to own a gun but "over the top" if you answer the door armed. Or want to carry when you go out shopping. Honestly man, you are no different than they are.

The right to defend oneself is inherent. And no man should be able to decide for another how great the risk to his life or the lives of his family needs to be before they are justified, allowed, warranted, etc., in defending themselves.

Oh sure, you're not trying to take away anyone's rights (I think but really can't be sure), but your posting is rife with disparaging remarks and judgment against anyone who doesn't align with your way of thinking.

Life is precious. And perhaps the odds of something happening where you would need a gun MIGHT be small in some cases. But we carry because what's at stake here is irreplaceable. And because life can go from good to really REALLY bad in the blink of a second. And often times it happens when you least expect it. Like when the movie is about to start. Or you just ran into the mall to do a quick return. Or the teacher started the lesson.

So here's a tip for you that will help you with the gun issue and just for life in general. Mind Your Own Business. Decide for YOURSELF when YOU feel the need to carry, have a gun close at hand, etc. And let other folks decide for THEMSELVES when THEY feel the need.

And while you're at it you might want to dial back on the name calling, judgment, innuendo, etc. There's far too much of that crap going on in the world already. We don't need any more of it. And we certainly don't need it here.

[Eldraque]

Id rather have a gun and not need it. Than to need it and not have it

[cudakidd]

Wow...this thread is still going?

[Hoshnasi]

I agree, but there is a difference between genuinely seeking to defend ones self, and walking around the streets with a firearm to "prove a point." If we want to prove a point, we need to start by ceasing to vote in the same idiots who want to ban firearms and infringe on our second amendment rights.

There is only a difference because people like to pry in others business and think that act of open-carry today is wrong -again, because we don't do it enough to change social norms..

You should not view them differently, it just another person excercising his rights as far as you should be concerned.

Up and until he opens fire, he is just another free America that should be allowed to exercise his rights without us second guessing him.

[Artema]

There is only a difference because people like to pry in others business and think that act of open-carry today is wrong -again, because we don't do it enough to change social norms..

You should not view them differently, it just another person excercising his rights as far as you should be concerned.

Up and until he opens fire, he is just another free America that should be allowed to exercise his rights without us second guessing him.

Don't forget, the thing about rights is that you can use them only how someone else wants you to.

[Hoshnasi]

Don't forget, the thing about rights is that you can use them only how someone else wants you to.

That would be diametrically opposed to the intent of the Bill Of Rights.

[rugershooter]

Agreed. As stated before, there is a difference between defending ones self (carrying a firearm to do so, especially one that is concealed) and attempting to raise awareness in a manner that, as a byproduct, raises fear.
I few years ago a friend of mine was driving down a street to pick up some food for his kids. In the middle of the day, during rush hour, a guy was standing outside the restaurant with an 870 on his side. When asked to "conceal the gun" by police officers, he went off on them. Yes, he has a right to protect himself, yes he has a right to bear arms (a right that should NEVER be infringed), but common sense is all that is needed to both enjoy that right, and respect those around you.

Raising awareness is perfectly fine, but raising fear is not. That said, I wholeheartedly believe in our right to bear and carry arms.

What exactly is that difference you're referring to? The fact that people have different motivations for exercising their rights? Carrying a gun in any manner people like isn't disrespecting others as long as you aren't a threat to them. Personally, I really don't give a damn that people get offended by the way I exercise my rights. I like OC and I OC a handgun whenever and wherever legal. If people are afraid of that, it's not my fault and not my problem. F*** them.

I agree, but there is a difference between genuinely seeking to defend ones self, and walking around the streets with a firearm to "prove a point." If we want to prove a point, we need to start by ceasing to vote in the same idiots who want to ban firearms and infringe on our second amendment rights.

Again, what exactly is that difference? Who are you to tell people how they should prove a point?

There is only a difference because people like to pry in others business and think that act of open-carry today is wrong -again, because we don't do it enough to change social norms..

You should not view them differently, it just another person excercising his rights as far as you should be concerned.

Up and until he opens fire, he is just another free America that should be allowed to exercise his rights without us second guessing him.

This. They only way to change social norms is to actually do the act that is socially unacceptable until people start accepting it.
As long as a person isn't threatening me or violating my rights, I don't care how he decides to exercise his rights. That's his business, not mine.

[12voltguy]

People who describe themselves as sheepdawgs & talk about a trip to the store in condition yellow make me a little nervous...

I prefer somebody who just answers the door with a coat of oil & a katana any day...

what is that????
like code 6 or 12????????

[rugershooter]

That would be diametrically opposed to the intent of the Bill Of Rights.

True. But that's how people perceive rights now. Open carry is a perfect example of that. People get flamed for simply exercising their rights in a manner that others don't approve of.

[BrassCase]

[MrSam]

What exactly is that difference you're referring to? The fact that people have different motivations for exercising their rights? Carrying a gun in any manner people like isn't disrespecting others as long as you aren't a threat to them. Personally, I really don't give a damn that people get offended by the way I exercise my rights. I like OC and I OC a handgun whenever and wherever legal. If people are afraid of that, it's not my fault and not my problem. F*** them.




Again, what exactly is that difference? Who are you to tell people how they should prove a point?




This. They only way to change social norms is to actually do the act that is socially unacceptable until people start accepting it.
As long as a person isn't threatening me or violating my rights, I don't care how he decides to exercise his rights. That's his business, not mine.

Ruger, I am not referring to everyday Americans who simply want to exercise their rights, or want to show others that it is normal. I am referring to those who do so with the intent of starting **** with others. That isn't "teaching," that's giving the rest of us who wish to carry, a bad name.
I spoke with a family-friend of ours who is a LEO for the Huntington Beach PD. Before going through the academy, he felt that open carry was an outstanding idea. He still feels that it is necessary, but throughout the years, has realized that some people are doing it just to start ****. His words, "I can't tell you how many times I've come close to drawing my gun because the guy I was talking to decided to "educate" me by flailing his gun in my face, and saying "I have a right to carry this where and when I please!"
These are the guys I am talking about, and the difference I am referring to.

All that said, I am applying for my CCW, and again, have no issues with those who carry.

P.S. At not point did I tell anyone how to practice or exercise their rights. I simply stated my opinion. You know, exercising my first amendment rights.