Man in Utah open carries AR15

[Dave_L]

http://kdvr.com/2013/01/18/photos-utah-man-carries-plainly-visible-assault-rifle-into-jcpenny/

I'm glad he called dispatch ahead of time.

[Rooskibar03]

IMHO I don't think this does anything to help our cause. Simply makes us look like a bunch of gun toting wackjobs. His foresight to alert LE was a good thought and shows he is responsible, but frankly I don't see any upside to his actions.

[HBARleatherneck]

delete

[sneakerd]

The act of a total retard who just wants attention.

[MCarp71]

What a Dickweed!!

[Tinelement]

Dumbass

[DireWolf]

total friggin idiot...that being said, I have on a few occasions needed to go into a store with rifle in-tow since I drive a jeep and am not about to just leave it lying in the back (in the open), but using a soft-case (with shoulder-strap) goes one hell of a long way towards staying low-profile, and letting an employee near the entrance know what you’re doing probably doesn’t hurt either. Hell, one time I even had a store manager ask if he could check it out and then start asking about build-details :)

[Gman]

People just need to chill out. Aren't you tired of the pussy footing around with firearms so that just the appearance of one upsets someone to the point of needing psychiatric help? It's irrational to fear them like our society does.

I guess it's OK to have them as long as nobody ever sees them or ever uses them outside of their homes.

Just keep treating them like cigarettes and create a taboo around them. Make people that have them out to be less deserving than the rest of society. Keep up the direction to stigmatize firearms. That sounds like a road to a positive outcome. [dig]

[Kraven251]

I don't know, I have mixed feelings. Maybe not the smartest thing, but there was a time when people just accepted seeing open carry as part of daily life. Would it be so bad if this was widely accepted again?

[HBARleatherneck]

delete

[Ghosty]

IMHO I don't think this does anything to help our cause. Simply makes us look like a bunch of gun toting wackjobs. His foresight to alert LE was a good thought and shows he is responsible, but frankly I don't see any upside to his actions.
Exactly, just feeds the anti-gun skurred people, ugh. And now his picture will go viral and help promote the anti-gun cause. Idiots like this are HELPING the administration make it's case!

[Gman]

http://azjewishpost.com/files/Israelis-with-rifles-460x305.jpg

[muddywings]

just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
ie:
Westburo Baptist Church using the 1st Amendment for their crap.
Burning the stars and stripes to protest how you don't get enough free stuff.

Don't like it but accept it as your right. You can do it, but.....doesn't mean you should (IMHO).

ETA: Carrying AR-15 in public is not anywhere as reprehensible as my two examples-just the first two extremes that came to mind

[Gman]

Exactly, just feeds the anti-gun skurred people, ugh. And now his picture will go viral and help promote the anti-gun cause. Idiots like this are HELPING the administration make it's case!
In what way is it acceptable to those that are anti-gun?

[HBARleatherneck]

delete

[crashdown]

Just bought about 200 bucks worth of ammo at Walmart and felt like a criminal.
Definitely mixed feelings on what this guy is doing.
We all state that "need" has nothing to with our rights. This guy definitely didn't "need" to carry a rifle into a store.

[Ghosty]

I didn't say it was acceptable to them, I meant the opposite, it gives them ammo that the pro-gun people are endagering their kids, even shopping at the mall. This isn't Israel or Africa, people aren't open-carrying at a level where it won't shock MANY regular people, especially in public places.

[Gman]

Was it his only form of self-defense? I don't know that. What would be acceptable? No lever guns, or shotguns? Glock on the hip or thigh? Musket?

That guy is a jackass. Find another group to think that you're a jackass. Pretty soon there are no jackasses left.

OK. We'll just pretend that they don't exist in the US....until they don't exist in the US. Just let them divide us until there's nobody left to divide.

[DavieD55]

That was a doomass move. I think it is more accepted in Utah than it would be around here though. It doesnt bother me that someone wants to carry their gun. But to go out of your way just to try to make a statement is dumb.

If someone like this guy would have been inside the Aurora movie theatre with the competence to understand the situation i am certain the outcome would have been different.

[HBARleatherneck]

delete

[Gman]

but, from the 50s untill now, most of the population moved to the city and became pussies. (im assuming present company excluded)
^^^^THIS --- Pussies that vote for this socialized BS...and here we are.

[sellersm]

People just need to chill out. Aren't you tired of the pussy footing around with firearms so that just the appearance of one upsets someone to the point of needing psychiatric help? It's irrational to fear them like our society does.

I guess it's OK to have them as long as nobody ever sees them or ever uses them outside of their homes.

Just keep treating them like cigarettes and create a taboo around them. Make people that have them out to be less deserving than the rest of society. Keep up the direction to stigmatize firearms. That sounds like a road to a positive outcome. [dig]

^This. As long as we allow 'them' to control the perceptions and drive the emotions, thoughts, conversations, then we lose... Is it a right or not? Last time I checked, perceptions weren't a pre-requisite (nor a litmus test) for a right.

[griebel303]

You mean he had that there "assault rifle" out in public and it just didn't start shooting on its own? He must have trained it well. I get both sides of the view here, might make people think gun lovers are even more crazy just bringing it into a JC Pennys, but atleast he had the forethought to go into an area that it wasn't illegal, call the dispatcher to let them know what he was doing, and do it in a peaceful manner.

[RCCrawler]

I saw a kid, couldn't have been more than 19 years old and couldn't have been 90lbs soaking wet open carrying a the flatirons mall last week.

[RCCrawler]

This was the best pic I could get.

[Gman]

This was the best pic I could get.
Why, was there something unusual about him?

[HBARleatherneck]

delete

[spqrzilla]

People just need to chill out. Aren't you tired of the pussy footing around with firearms so that just the appearance of one upsets someone to the point of needing psychiatric help? It's irrational to fear them like our society does.

I guess it's OK to have them as long as nobody ever sees them or ever uses them outside of their homes.

Just keep treating them like cigarettes and create a taboo around them. Make people that have them out to be less deserving than the rest of society. Keep up the direction to stigmatize firearms. That sounds like a road to a positive outcome. [dig]

This is not the time to be giving the media visual images that will only reinforce our enemies arguments.

[Gman]

This is not the time to be giving the media visual images that will only reinforce our enemies arguments.
Really? Please do share about what types of visual images and arguments you would use to combat the irrational emotions of our "enemies"?

[RCCrawler]

Why, was there something unusual about him?

Just the fact of what a huge target he has made himself out to be, remember the element of surprise is a good thing to have on your side. I have no doubt in my mind that my 14 year old daughter could have taken this kids gun away from him and smacked him upside the head with it.

[Ghosty]

Really? Please do share about what types of visual images and arguments you would use to combat the irrational emotions of our "enemies"?
Yes really. Just because the irrational emotions and knee-jerk reactionary public isn't something we like or approve of, doesn't magically make them not exist, or disappear for that matter.

[O2HeN2]

I saw a kid, couldn't have been more than 19 years old and couldn't have been 90lbs soaking wet open carrying a the flatirons mall last week.
If he's less than 21 he can't get a CHP (CRS 18-12-203 (b)), so open carry is his only option for self-protection. Is there a problem with that?

What makes the fight we're in right now so difficult to win is that we have been hiding our guns "in the closet" for so long that seeing a gun in public has become associated with mass shooting and other criminal behaviors. Responsible open carry is something we should be embracing at this point to reverse this misconception.

I frankly find it pathetic that some gunowners consistely call open carry folks "assholes" etc. Divided we fall, and invisible we fall as well. Show people that good guys carry guns too. Open carry, be friendly doing it, answer people's questions patiently and politely. Be a good ambassador.

O2

[O2HeN2]

Just the fact of what a huge target he has made himself out to be...
Right up there with the anti's claim "Concealed carry will turn fender benders into shootouts at the OK corral!" The last thing a criminal wants to do is get into a gunfight where the odds are even. If they see a gun, they go elsewhere to find a softer target. Excceptions? Of course it's possible, but unlikely.

O2

[iquack08]

If he's less than 21 he can't get a CHP (CRS 18-12-203 (b)), so open carry is his only option for self-protection. Is there a problem with that?

What makes the fight we're in right now so difficult to win is that we have been hiding our guns "in the closet" for so long that seeing a gun in public has become associated with mass shooting and other criminal behaviors. Responsible open carry is something we should be embracing at this point to reverse this misconception.

I frankly find it pathetic that some gunowners consistely call open carry folks "assholes" etc. Divided we fall, and invisible we fall as well. Show people that good guys carry guns too. Open carry, be friendly doing it, answer people's questions patiently and politely. Be a good ambassador.

O2

I believe a CHP only applies to handguns. CRS § 18-12-105 states that it is unlawful to carry a firearm concealed. And since these is no permit to carry a rifle/long-gun/non-handgun concealed, the only legal way to carry an AR-15 is to do it openly.

I see nothing wrong with this story.

[Gman]

The Hangman - Maurice Ogden


http://youtu.be/znzzksxh6bY

[Melvin]

If he's less than 21 he can't get a CHP (CRS 18-12-203 (b)), so open carry is his only option for self-protection. Is there a problem with that?

What makes the fight we're in right now so difficult to win is that we have been hiding our guns "in the closet" for so long that seeing a gun in public has become associated with mass shooting and other criminal behaviors. Responsible open carry is something we should be embracing at this point to reverse this misconception.

I frankly find it pathetic that some gunowners consistely call open carry folks "assholes" etc. Divided we fall, and invisible we fall as well. Show people that good guys carry guns too. Open carry, be friendly doing it, answer people's questions patiently and politely. Be a good ambassador.

O2

Psychiatrists will tell you that the best way to deal with a phobia is to confront it. How can people who are afraid ever see the guns if they are hidden. Time to set up meet and greets on weekends and talk with people and explain in layman's terms. Let them see first hand the guns nor the owners are boogie men the media would have them believe. Maybe invite them to a range. More converts born on the range than anywhere else. Time to go out and win hearts and minds. One at a time. The same way they were stolen.

[spqrzilla]

You can tell yourselves how important it is to do open carry around town to exercise your rights.

Or you can realize that we need political support, today, from people who are not going to react well to someone open carrying an AR down the street. From people who will not understand your point.

[JM Ver. 2.0]

I've said it before... I'll say it again... I think Open Carry is a stupid practice.


Before you all jump my shit... Open Carry in rural areas is one thing. That I support 100%. Open Carry in a heavily populated area where Open Carry is not the normal or socially accepted thing is a bad idea.

Not to mention I don't want that kind of attention.

BUT! If open carry is what you wanna do... Knock yourself out. Just don't be a douche bag and cooperate with the police if they contact you.

[Gman]

Yeah, lets all hide in our basements and convince ourselves that we really have something important. Everyone stay in line and point and criticize someone who doesn't toe the line.

It has taken us a while to get to this point. Keep convincing yourself that the slide will stop some day soon and we won't be ostracized for actually believing in the right to bear arms. If you don't really believe it, why should anyone else.

I like the element of surprise, that's my choice for CCW.

He's in Utah. I'm not going to judge the guy based on what I don't know.

I'm concerned at the ease at which people that seem to have a common belief in our right to self-defense are so easily divided just based on what people might say. If you can be convinced that it's not socially acceptable to exercise your rights...where do you go from here?

[10mm-man]

Good for him! I for one think everyone (who is able) should carry, even if means an AR strapped across your back.............

[10mm-man]

Yeah, lets all hide in our basements and convince ourselves that we really have something important. Everyone stay in line and point and criticize someone who doesn't toe the line.

It has taken us a while to get to this point. Keep convincing yourself that the slide will stop some day soon and we won't be ostracized for actually believing in the right to bear arms. If you don't really believe it, why should anyone else.

I like the element of surprise, that's my choice for CCW.

He's in Utah. I'm not going to judge the guy based on what I don't know.

I'm concerned at the ease at which people that seem to have a common belief in our right to self-defense are so easily divided just based on what people might say. If you can be convinced that it's not socially acceptable to exercise your rights...where do you go from here?

^+1

[10mm-man]

Psychiatrists will tell you that the best way to deal with a phobia is to confront it. How can people who are afraid ever see the guns if they are hidden. Time to set up meet and greets on weekends and talk with people and explain in layman's terms. Let them see first hand the guns nor the owners are boogie men the media would have them believe. Maybe invite them to a range. More converts born on the range than anywhere else. Time to go out and win hearts and minds. One at a time. The same way they were stolen.


I like your thinking!

[BuffCyclist]

At first I had mixed feelings about this, but I assume he called the LEOs to not only inform them of his decision, but maybe even ask a few questions, to ensure it was legal and such.

Did it put him at risk? Yes, I really think it did. He could have been tackled by a bunch of people who were only trying to "protect" everyone else and prevent this guy from shooting people.

The thing with open carry though is that every single action you take, people will notice. So you have to be the PERFECT citizen because you are being watched. If you start getting aggressive with a sales associate because they can't process your return or whatever, things could get very sketchy very fast. Its like putting the Ichthys on the back of your car, and then speeding and cutting people off, it makes them think that Christians only preach the Word, they don't follow it.

I have never open carried in public (only while hiking), but I should probably try it first to see what its like before I start making any accusations of people who open carry.

[Bailey Guns]

Let me see if I have this straight...

We have a young man, apparently responsible and law-abiding, who called LE to ostensibly alert them to his plans and/or to check the legality of what he planned to do, then legally and openly carried his rifle while he went about his peaceful business. He caused no problems for anyone...with the exception of causing emotional distress with some who can't handle the fact he chose to exercise his right in an unusual and unorthodox way. So because some people don't like the way he carried his rifle he's:

an idiot
a dumbass
totally retarded
a jackass
a dickweed

I guess I'm in the minority because I support what he did 100%. I don't give a rat's ass that it might make some of you or some liberal anti-gun types uncomfortable. I'm tired of worrying about what the media people or anti-gun people might think because I, or someone else, chooses a "different" approach of lawfully exercising their rights.

No fucking wonder we're turning into a society of pussies. Even the so-called "pro gun" people get their panties all twisted over the most minor shit.

Some of you guys really crack me up...not in a good way.

[10mm-man]

I'm tired of worrying about what the media people or anti-gun people might think because I, or someone else, chooses a "different" approach of lawfully exercising their rights.

No fucking wonder we're turning into a society of pussies. Even the so-called "pro gun" people get their panties all twisted over the most minor shit.

Some of you guys really crack me up...not in a good way.


You took the words right out of my mouth!

[BuffCyclist]

Let me see if I have this straight...

We have a young man, apparently responsible and law-abiding, who called LE to ostensibly alert them to his plans and/or to check the legality of what he planned to do, then legally and openly carried his rifle while he went about his peaceful business. He caused no problems for anyone...with the exception of causing emotional distress with some who can't handle the fact he chose to exercise his right in an unusual and unorthodox way. So because some people don't like the way he carried his rifle he's:

an idiot
a dumbass
totally retarded
a jackass
a dickweed

I guess I'm in the minority because I support what he did 100%. I don't give a rat's ass that it might make some of you or some liberal anti-gun types uncomfortable. I'm tired of worrying about what the media people or anti-gun people might think because I, or someone else, chooses a "different" approach of lawfully exercising their rights.

No fucking wonder we're turning into a society of pussies. Even the so-called "pro gun" people get their panties all twisted over the most minor shit.

Some of you guys really crack me up...not in a good way.

I completely agree with you.

My mixed feelings came from the way the media portrays ALL guns and gun owners. While completely legal in places, open carry tends to have a stigma associated with it even before the shootings. Open carrying a rifle is almost unheard of in this country and that might be where the name calling started.

With that said, I don't think I would feel comfortable enough to open carry an AR.

[Gman]

My mixed feelings came from the way the media portrays ALL guns and gun owners. While completely legal in places, open carry tends to have a stigma associated with it even before the shootings. Open carrying a rifle is almost unheard of in this country and that might be where the name calling started.

With that said, I don't think I would feel comfortable enough to open carry an AR.
I agree with you in that I KNOW I wouldn't be comfortable doing it. I think the guy had some balls for carrying through to make his point.

The media aren't likely to ever come around to our side of the conversation since it doesn't follow their agenda. I'm tired of being concerned about what a bunch of lefties have to say about us. I never felt I needed to be one of the cool kids in school or needed someone else's approval or validation. I go my own way based on my core beliefs. It may not be "cool", but my conscience is clear and I sleep well at night.

“Always stand on principle....even if you stand alone.”
― John Adams (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1480.John_Adams)

“Be not intimidated...nor suffer yourselves to be wheedled out of your liberties by any pretense of politeness, delicacy, or decency. These, as they are often used, are but three different names for hypocrisy, chicanery and cowardice.”
― John Adams (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1480.John_Adams)

[Mick-Boy]

I frankly find it pathetic that some gunowners consistely call open carry folks "assholes" etc. Divided we fall, and invisible we fall as well. Show people that good guys carry guns too. Open carry, be friendly doing it, answer people's questions patiently and politely. Be a good ambassador.

O2

Here's the problem I have with people doing things like this.

A guy walks into a public place with an AR/AK/Etc on his back. Someone freaks out and calls the cops. Cops show up, talk to the guy and let him go about his business because he's not doing anything illegal.

Now which do you think is more likely; The people who freaked out and called say to themselves "Oh, he's just responsibly exercising his 2nd amendment rights?!? I totally get it now and I support his right to do so!"

... or....

"Oh my GOD! That's legal?!? We have to do something about that...We need more laws.. For the children!".

At the end of the day, stunts like this bring negative attention and definitely don't win us any friends.

[Gman]

Oh, they won't come after us if they just don't know it's our birthright. We'll be OK as long as we don't remind them of our freedom. The security through obscurity approach.

Those same ignorant individuals are happy to give up their rights and ours. They want honest people disarmed based on the actions of criminals. They aren't acting in a logical manner, so you won't out-think them by being tactical.

[Gman]

Virginia lawmaker's AK-47 sparks gun debate on House floor (http://washingtonexaminer.com/virginia-lawmakers-ak-47-sparks-gun-debate-on-house-floor/article/2518986#.UPq-wW_efsh)

A Richmond-area lawmaker brandished an AK-47 on the floor of the Virginia House of Delegates on Thursday in a wild stunt aimed at rallying support for tougher gun laws.

"A lot of people don't know that in many locations in the commonwealth, you can take this gun, you can walk in the middle of Main Street loaded and not be in violation of the law," Morrissey said. "Even though the law right now says you can't bring this gun into a high school or elementary or middle school, there is nothing from keeping you from walking in front of [an elementary school with a gun]."
That's from a Democrat that wants guns banned.

[hatidua]

I personally have no problem with what he did or what he does.



However, if his actions cause new legislation that infringes MY gun rights, I suddenly am not fond of what he did. We only have to look back at what in-your-face open carry did for gun owners in CA (yes, it was CA, but still...). It was legal, they did it hoping to make a point, and the state went ahead and made it illegal - not quite what the OC crowd was after. If, in our current society, you repeatedly push stuff in peoples faces that makes them uncomfortable, they'll simply outlaw it.

[HBARleatherneck]

delete

[Bailey Guns]

I personally have no problem with what he did or what he does.

However, if his actions cause new legislation that infringes MY gun rights, I suddenly am not fond of what he did. We only have to look back at what in-your-face open carry did for gun owners in CA (yes, it was CA, but still...). It was legal, they did it hoping to make a point, and the state went ahead and made it illegal - not quite what the OC crowd was after. If, in our current society, you repeatedly push stuff in peoples faces that makes them uncomfortable, they'll simply outlaw it.

His actions will cause no such thing. The misguided, ignorant and emotionally-based actions of liberal politicians are nothing new and they will continue regardless of what law-abiding gun owners do. They might use what he or others did/do with their lawfully possessed guns as an excuse for their attempts at further restricting the 2A rights of law-abiding citizens but that's nothing new, either.

[hatidua]

His actions will cause no such thing. The misguided, ignorant and emotionally-based actions of liberal politicians are nothing new and they will continue regardless of what law-abiding gun owners do. They might use what he or others did/do with their lawfully possessed guns as an excuse for their attempts at further restricting the 2A rights of law-abiding citizens but that's nothing new, either.

You are absolutely right. I was horribly wrong.

-happy now?

[trlcavscout]

I have no problem with open carry. My wife seen someone in a FT Collins walgreens open carrying the other night and no one was wigging out. I did see some NYers wig out over people open carrying in Cheyenne a while back but only because they had never seen it before. The more people open carry and people see it the less likely they are to run in circles screaming. I dont open carry because I have a CCW, unless I am working, but we shouldnt be afraid to display our rights! So what if some ol lib bag o'shit cant sleep at night because she seen someone carrying legally? If she see's it a few times she will calm down.


I will note, I carry concealed but not always that well and not always on accident, in 10 years of carrying concealed here and in las vegas no one has questioned me.

[Bailey Guns]

You are absolutely right. I was horribly wrong.

-happy now?

Sure...whatever. Now excuse me...I gotta go hide all my guns so I don't upset anyone.

[Gman]

Aaagh! You said the "g" word![panic]

[StagLefty]

I gotta go hide all my guns so I don't upset anyone.

If I did that I'd never find them again [ROFL1]