Do you ever see anyone open carrying? (Manchester: transplants, school)

[Be Free]

I've been in the Lakes Region for a month and have yet to see anyone with an unconcealed hand gun. I know some of the Free Staters open carry in Manchester and the Seacoast area (with mixed reactions), but doesn't anyone else carry? Is it more common up north maybe?

I'm kind of nervous about causing a ruckus by having a gun on my hip, but I can't get my concealed carry license until I know 3 people of good chaaracter to sign it.

[rmcewan]

Originally Posted by Be Free

I've been in the Lakes Region for a month and have yet to see anyone with an unconcealed hand gun. I know some of the Free Staters open carry in Manchester and the Seacoast area (with mixed reactions), but doesn't anyone else carry? Is it more common up north maybe?

I'm kind of nervous about causing a ruckus by having a gun on my hip, but I can't get my concealed carry license until I know 3 people of good chaaracter to sign it.

Only cops and folks on ranges or in gun shops.

You'll cause quite a stir in tourist season ;-)

[thisguyrighthere]

When I moved up here before the tourists came into town I saw a few open carrying. Where I've worked I reduced to wallet size more than a few concealed carry permits so there are definitely a lot of them around the Lakes.

My guess would be as long as the tourists arent around you'll be fine. There are very few people I've met in the area who would react badly to open carry and those who would are CA or MA transplants.

Personally, I wish more would open carry. Concealed carry pushes gun owners into the shadows and makes it taboo in the eyes of the gun ignorant and with so many of these urban fascist intolerants up here for the Summer and the "turning of the leaves" we are definitely at risk of a ban by proxy for the sake of politeness.

Right after the election the Brady Campaign came out and released video and press statements about how excited they were to be getting "guns off the street" in the next couple of years. Now is not the time to sag our shoulders and pretend we're okay with being 2nd class citizens and hiding our shame so some other tourist jerkoff wont feel uncomfortable through no fault other than his own prejudice.

[sgthoskins]

I open carry when climbing Mt. Monadnock, that place is crawling with pacifist moonbats from MA. They never give me any grief or run and call the popo.

[BF66389]

I've only seen it in more remote areas rather than more touristy/populated ones due to the fact that most folks who wish to carry would rather not draw attention to themselves or accidentally perpetuate a negative stereotype by scaring those around them (those not used to seeing a weapon). While this view is driven by a lack of knowledge on behalf of those being scared- it does exist (right or wrong) so therefore we, as responsible gun owners, should act accordingly. We have the right to bear arms- but that doesn't necessarily guarantee the right to disturb others if it can otherwise be prevented (again, right or wrong).

There is also another issue at hand. Take Texas for example- carrying a firearm is VERY common compared to many other areas. Chances are no-one would be "suprised" to see someone open-carry even in a very urban setting. That said- many choose to concealed carry in a more urban area to mimize risk; that risk being carrying an expensive piece of merchandise on ones self.

So, in other words- there are MANY reasons that it is more appropriate in less dense areas than in more dense areas; not just "scaring people".

For the record, a friend who works in law enforcement takes the same view when he decides to carry concealed or open: Don't make the mistake of thinking that just because you have a firearm displayed it makes you immune from someone wanting to take that expensive piece of equipment. Reduce your risks and adjust your type of carry to what is most appropriate to that area.

[sgthoskins]

Excellent point BF66389. I only open carry when I hike as I usually have my t-shirt tucked in to my shorts. Concealed IMO is the best way to keep the bad guy from gaining any extra advantage they might already have.

[rmcewan]

Can an owner bar persons from carrying concealed or openly on their property? I'm thinking specifically of indoors areas.

You often see "No Firearms" signs at malls, etc.

Is disobeying such an order a criminal (e.g. trespass) offense or a civil matter?

[Valerie C]

I've seen people carrying mainly in the Manchester area, very seldom at the seacoast. One day about a year or so ago, I was in Manchester and saw a situation between a couple of guys and several officers. I didn't stick around, but I got the impression that they were Free Staters. I can see where it would be aggravating to be detained, questioned, etc every time you open carry, but I would expect it (and be pleasantly surprised if you weren't!) Attitude is everything, and the guy getting questioned was very patient and answered questions politely. If somebody is open carrying and acting like a jerk, I imagine it would have a bad outcome...

[BF66389]

Originally Posted by rmcewan

Can an owner bar persons from carrying concealed or openly on their property? I'm thinking specifically of indoors areas.

You often see "No Firearms" signs at malls, etc.

Is disobeying such an order a criminal (e.g. trespass) offense or a civil matter?

Not sure, in some localities certain places it is illegal to carry (for example- you can't carry in a place that serves alcohol in VA; you can't carry on school property in NH- and I think other public buildings, etc).

Even if it is NOT a criminal or civil matter in the specific case- I think it's very not-cool to be that disrespectful to a property owner (kind of like hunting on private land without asking permission; legal- but rude as hell).

[sgthoskins]

Originally Posted by rmcewan

Can an owner bar persons from carrying concealed or openly on their property? I'm thinking specifically of indoors areas.

You often see "No Firearms" signs at malls, etc.

Is disobeying such an order a criminal (e.g. trespass) offense or a civil matter?

They can. If you break their rule it is simply a trespass and the police will ask you to leave. "No Firearm" zones are often targeted because the bad guys know everybody is disarmed. I like to call them "Victim Disarmament Zones..." and rightfully so.