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AAllen:

--- Quote from: D.A.D. on May 20, 2012, 04:44:50 PM ---One idea I liked was to hold a public gathering (like a picnic with informational sessions or speakers) of gun owners concerned with the exercise of existing rights available to all gun owners.  The gathering would be held in a location in Lincoln and all attendees would be encouraged to open carry to demonstrate to the public at large that it is indeed a legal activity.  In my opinion, it should be discussed with LPD first so they are informed and not surprised by it.  Also, the news media should be notified and invited to cover the event.  I don't know if NFOA is interested in this type of activity or not, or if you have held public gatherings similar to this or not.

--- End quote ---

D.A.D while I am not opposed to doing an open carry event I would need to point out what doing these types of activites has had for an effect in California.  An event like this would need to be held away from a city (but nearby) and be very carefully planned, or it would blow up in the face of those putting it on.  Missourri has had some nice open carry events that recieved good press, but they were held at parks that were well outside of any major city limits.

So open carry events are a double edged sword and would need well planned and strictly enforced rules.  But if someone would like to take on planning one I'm certain that the board would welcome the idea and offer it's support and direction.

D.A.D.:
Andy,
I must thank you as well for your hard work and dedication to the work of NFOA.  It must be gratifying to be part of this effort.

I would like to learn more about both the unsuccessful and successful open carry events that you referenced.  If you have any links to stories about the events, I would welcome the opportunity to read through them.  I can understand that without careful preparation and planning how such events could be viewed in a negative light and not benefit the cause of normalizing the exercise of 2nd Amendment rights in our communities. It seems to me that it would take a continuous series of such events for it to be anything more than a novelty as a news story.

This brings me back to the original topic of open carry in Lincoln and the experiences of those who have exercised their right to do so.  I would like to hear from anyone who has, where in the city they were, what the reactions of those around them were, etc.  In other words, is this happening today at all?

Several years ago, I witnessed someone open carry into a gun shop, but they were well known to the owner.  The first few gun shows held in Lincoln (there were at least two held at the Bob Devaney Sports Center before the accidental discharge of a shotgun) allowed unloaded open carry, but that practice was brought to an end fairly quickly.

Since I live in the country, I carry both open and concealed without concern since I am on my private property.  I do not have a CHP and I'm glad I don't need one at home.  Often the difference between open and concealed carry is determined by the weather and whether or not I need a coat.  I have forgotten that I am carrying on occasion and made a run to get fuel or feed.  I have a liberty that those who live in Lincoln (or other cities/towns) do not seem to have.  Frankly, I get tired of having to differentiate between open and concealed.  I carry at will.  If a person could open carry in Lincoln using discretion, I am concerned they would still be inviting trouble for themselves.  Much of the general population isn't aware that it is legal and some that know it is legal don't think it should be.

My point is if it isn't being done then it won't be done.  If LPD discourages carrying with promises of citations, it will cause the benefits of open carry to be lost.  Again, I invite the opinions and experiences of others as well as any ideas or thoughts anyone would care to share.  A backyard picnic with some friends who open carry on a regular basis might help normalize the activity.

Time for bed.



 

BV:
D.A.D., I have on occasion open carried in Lincoln. I generally carry concealed, but sometimes if I'm just running out to the store or some similarly quick errand I will open carry. I've never had any issues beyond people giving me weird looks, but I also stick to places that are close to my home. I do this because most of the employees at the stores close to me will recognize me and know that I work in an armed security position. Even so, I rarely open carry, opting rather for the pocket pistol if I don't feel like carrying my normal weapon. I've also open carried, though only once, at the North 27th St Walmart. I didn't like the extra attention it drew in the form of people staring.

For whatever reason, people in Lincoln don't seem comfortable with the sight of a person open carrying unless they happen to be in some kind of law enforcement/security type uniform. For that reason I can't recommend to anyone that they open carry here on a regular basis. It would certainly be nice if public perception could be changed so that it was possible to open carry without wondering if you'll be getting a visit from LPD, but I don't think that will happen anytime soon. But even if it did, I think concealed carry is still the better option in most cases.

cracked junior:
A few years ago.  I rode my motorcycle through north platte on way to shooting range.   I had my 45 on hip and ar15 strapped to my back.   I went by a few city cops and one state patrol.  I stopped to get gas at flying j truck stop, south side of I-80.  A car with california plates pulled in behind me.   

Didnt have any issues with anyone.  Although who would mess with a guy with that much gun. 

D.A.D.:

--- Quote from: BV on June 10, 2012, 11:45:09 PM ---I've never had any issues beyond people giving me weird looks, but I also stick to places that are close to my home. I do this because most of the employees at the stores close to me will recognize me and know that I work in an armed security position.

For whatever reason, people in Lincoln don't seem comfortable with the sight of a person open carrying unless they happen to be in some kind of law enforcement/security type uniform. For that reason I can't recommend to anyone that they open carry here on a regular basis. It would certainly be nice if public perception could be changed so that it was possible to open carry without wondering if you'll be getting a visit from LPD, but I don't think that will happen anytime soon.
--- End quote ---

BV,
It is pretty well documented that there is a huge difference of perception when the person carrying a handgun openly is in a uniform that represents some form of law enforcement or security.  It is also documented that a nicely dressed person gains more acceptance than one in more casual (read somewhat sloppy) attire.  The bottom line is that it is a matter of perception which varies from person to person.  What is shocking to some (I am still appalled at the preponderance of gross tatoos that are so mindlessly popular today), others have little or no reaction towards.  I am suspicious of the intelligence of people sporting ever-growing tatoo displays (and probably always will be) and I am sure there are people who will always be suspicious of the presence of handguns in public (as is reflected in the State CCW laws).

I don't have a uniform, but I can dress nicely and carry in places where I am a familiar face.  Maybe that will provide some assurance to some in public that there is a degree of comfort that can be had being around someone with a visible firearm.  But it is difficult if not impossible to counteract the intentional hype and histeria that dominates what comes out of the newsmedia and government.  Intimidation is their greatest weapon against the exercise of constitutional rights.

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