Do you think people should be allowed to carry guns in public?

[bigguy]

MSNBC poll. 92% for the 2nd Amendment.


http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/poll-do-you-think-people-should-be-allowed-carry-guns-public

[Gavin_Sons]

This should be a poll on here. I'd vote Hell yes

[bigguy]

This should be a poll on here. I'd vote Hell yes

I don't think this is the result MSNBC expected. Look for this to come dow before long.

[Serk]

This should be a poll on here. I'd vote Hell yes

I don't think this is the result MSNBC expected. Look for this to come dow before long.

That poll's been up there for about 2 years now, just saying... 

(Check the dates on the comments at the bottom of the page)

[sandy]

Been normal in AZ for many years.

[mike72903]

Hardly a scientific poll.  Here's another MSNBC poll some crackpot created that is of burning interest to Valkyrie owners   http://valkyrierider.people.msnbc.com/_news/2016/06/29/35757850-should-valkyrie-riders-be-granted-universal-respect-for-having-such-a-magnificent-machine#65122

[The emperor has no clothes]

Hardly a scientific poll.  Here's another MSNBC poll some crackpot created that is of burning interest to Valkyrie owners   http://valkyrierider.people.msnbc.com/_news/2016/06/29/35757850-should-valkyrie-riders-be-granted-universal-respect-for-having-such-a-magnificent-machine#65122

[Bighead]

Hardly a scientific poll.  Here's another MSNBC poll some crackpot created that is of burning interest to Valkyrie owners   http://valkyrierider.people.msnbc.com/_news/2016/06/29/35757850-should-valkyrie-riders-be-granted-universal-respect-for-having-such-a-magnificent-machine#65122

Yeah that is about as funny as a chapped ass
And hell yes one should and still can carry in public

[..]

A couple of years ago standing in line at the "Burger Barn" at Tellico Beach - near Tellico Plains, TN .

A young couple walk up. The "line" is pretty undetermined so prospective burger buyers know to ask where the line is.

Young, slim, tall, copper haired female part of the couple asks "Am I cutting in line if I stand here"?

I took a long short look at her and noting the wood handled revolver secured in her custom leather holster I said "With what you are packing you can come right to the front of the line."

They both laughed and not one person in the group waiting to order or collect food was unsettled by the proximity of a firearm.

Last week sitting at a table on the deck at T.W Of Suches north of Dahlonega, GA it was noted by a nearby person that a male standing close by in the parking lot had a holstered pistol on his hip. That was all that was noted. No one gave a flying f'.

[..]

God Bless America.

[Jersey mike]

I vote yes.

Short story;

Many years ago I lived in South Florida, I was driving home one night on I95 from Pompano Race track with a buddy of mine. Apparently I wasn't driving fast enough and some guy with friends of his own in the car couldn't pass and was apparently upset about it. The one fella in the back seat thought it was wise to put his window down and and flash his .38 so I reached down and placed my Beretta on the dash along with 3 magazines. Well I guess that was enough for them to realize it was time to exit because they stopped being jerks real fast and got off the highway.

[fudgie]

As a pro-oc'er, yes. Done it myself a thousand times with no problems. 

[art]

I vote yes.

Short story;

Many years ago I lived in South Florida, I was driving home one night on I95 from Pompano Race track with a buddy of mine. Apparently I wasn't driving fast enough and some guy with friends of his own in the car couldn't pass and was apparently upset about it. The one fella in the back seat thought it was wise to put his window down and and flash his .38 so I reached down and placed my Beretta on the dash along with 3 magazines. Well I guess that was enough for them to realize it was time to exit because they stopped being jerks real fast and got off the highway.

[Robert]

Perception that is the key

We have been brainwashed to think guns are bad so therefore bad people have them and should be hush hush about it.

Get people used to the idea and there would be no problem, in past times it was normal.

[Jess from VA]

The right of the people to keep and BEAR arms shall not be infringed.  


Ummmm, Uhhhh, probably.

[jim@98valkyrie.com]

I vote yes.

Short story;

Many years ago I lived in South Florida, I was driving home one night on I95 from Pompano Race track with a buddy of mine. Apparently I wasn't driving fast enough and some guy with friends of his own in the car couldn't pass and was apparently upset about it. The one fella in the back seat thought it was wise to put his window down and and flash his .38 so I reached down and placed my Beretta on the dash along with 3 magazines. Well I guess that was enough for them to realize it was time to exit because they stopped being jerks real fast and got off the highway.

+1!!!!!!!!!!!

[signart]

Carry in public, yes. Open carry while standing in line or in a crowd, you are responsible for the security of that weapon, so you better think hard.
Open carrying where you can be overpowered by one or more, or beat to the draw with your own weapon when distracted, can result in at least permanent revocation of your carry permit, or lots worse.
You have a 2nd amendment right to own a firearm, but your right to carry can be denied for ANY reason.
Not a good idea to carry openly to simply express your rights in a place that you could lose control of your weapon.

[MP]

You have a 2nd amendment right to own a firearm, but your right to carry can be denied for ANY reason.

Maybe in your state, but in ND there must be a GOOD reason. Open Carry is NOT one of them.

In fact, here, unless hunting, you need a concealed permit, to open carry, on streets and in towns anyway.  Rural areas different.

[Willow]

...
You have a 2nd amendment right to own a firearm, but your right to carry can be denied for ANY reason.
...

I guess that would depend upon what the meaning of "bear" is.  I'm pretty sure it's synonymous with "carry".

I would agree that there may be times or places that it's not appropriate.  I'm not entirely certain how or who is to make that determination.

[Gryphon Rider]

[hubcapsc]

  I'm pretty sure it's synonymous with "carry".



   carry, bring, transport, move, convey, take, fetch, deliver, tote, lug

[signart]

You have a 2nd amendment right to own a firearm, but your right to carry can be denied for ANY reason.

Maybe in your state, but in ND there must be a GOOD reason. Open Carry is NOT one of them.

In fact, here, unless hunting, you need a concealed permit, to open carry, on streets and in towns anyway.  Rural areas different.

It's not up to you if it's a good reason or not. It's up to you if you think it's  a good idea to open carry in a crowd or standing in line somewhere. There are those in authority that will revoke your right to carry and you will pay dearly for your time in the courts and in lawyer fees, to disprove their good reason. The "good reason" here would be if you were open carrying in the midst of a crowded public area and were disarmed by someone and they run off with your gun or start firing it, and shoot themselves or someone else, or just shoot into the air, and create panic. The fact is someone has control of your weapon, and you don't. Even a minor disturbance in public can be blown way out of proportion, and you could pay a heavy price for some idiots action.  Not smart to open carry everywhere, that's a good way to get "No Firearms Permitted" signs posted in any public area or establishment.  

[signart]

...
You have a 2nd amendment right to own a firearm, but your right to carry can be denied for ANY reason.
...

I guess that would depend upon what the meaning of "bear" is.  I'm pretty sure it's synonymous with "carry".

I would agree that there may be times or places that it's not appropriate.  I'm not entirely certain how or who is to make that determination.

I should say a tax and a document for legal permission to carry can be denied, or revoked.
I feel I have a right to carry regardless and did so before permits were issued and will should I not be issued. I do not want to go to jail, and do not want to spend money and time in court. But worse, I don't want to die or see someone I care about die at the expense of someone I don't care about.

[Valk_Ridin_Soldier]

From a liberty standpoint, I am in favor of open carry.  Tactically, I think it's stupid.  What follows is my opinion...Not arguing with anyone.  This mindset is a result of 22 years in the Army, hundreds of hours of range time every year since I retired, and an ammo budget that probably surpasses what I spend in gas for my bikes every month.  That's Range Ammo- wadcutters and FMJ bullets, not what I carry.  And no, I do not work in Law enforcement.  

First, be able to secure and defend your firearm in case you are jumped or overpowered by someone determined to take it from you.  You can't draw on someone because they approach you and order them to step back, so it is easy for someone in public to get close enough to negate the advantage of a firearm.  A Cop or soldier can say "Step back" and maintain that advantage...a dude in a restaurant or a bar or in line at Wal-mart cannot.  

Tactically, for a civilian to open carry is a foolish move.  You have identified yourself as carrying a weapon.  Perhaps you are a deterrent, but depending on how determined the bad guy is, you may just as likely have a blaze orange hat on saying "PRIORITY TARGET".

These ass clowns that you tube themselves standing on street corners or going into stores carrying ARs and MP5s for no reason are nothing more than attention seeking dipshits that are normally protesting to procure rights that they already have.  

I also feel that, just like owning and riding a motorcycle, you should have the training, practice, and skills to operate a firearm.  I have a neighbor that owns several guns.  He's a pilot for a major airline.  Nice guy, but, definitely a "softie".  Never been military, not the type to start trouble, not trained to do anything with guns but buy them, and he has more money than gun savvy.  (He also bought a Suzuki M109 as a first bike that he wrecked the first day he owned it.)  He has a carry permit, which he went to an 8 hour class for.  He breathlessly comes over to show me his latest procurement on a regular basis.  I finally invited him to my gun club as a guest.  We fired pistols on the indoor range, and rifles on the 100 yard outdoor range.  Dude was obviously unfamiliar with his equipment, did not have basic marksmanship skills, and couldn't hit a silhouette target at 25 feet with the Kimber .45 ACP that he carries more than two or three times per magazine.  He couldn't hit a 6" circular target with his AR at 100 yards- with an ACOG 4x scope.  He didn't know how to break down his Glock- etc. etc.  Kept blaming his equipment.  When I put 10 rounds from the Kimber into the center mass of a target (God, what a LOVELY pistol) for him, he kinda got the message. You HAVE to learn what you are doing.  

There are classes available.  If you are going to own a gun, get the training.  Practice.  Don't just carry it around and show it off.  Don't expect it to do you any good if you can't operate it.  Yes, it's your right- at least in Virginia- but exercising that right comes with responsibilities, much like it's your right to own and operate a motorcycle- which requires skill and practice and managing certain risks.  But, I digress.  I don't know how legislation should look to enforce this training and skill level but it makes some sort of sense that a gun owner- particularly one that carries should have to demonstrate and maintain some basic skill level.  My preference is that it would be a cultural, rather than a legal influence that propagates that idea.

If you are a civilian going about your business in public, and carry a gun for personal defense, for the love of God, carry concealed.  If you have a clue about guns, the first indicator a target should have that you are carrying a gun is bullets entering his ribcage.  You should be capable of drawing from the holster, acquiring a target, and hitting it without endangering invalid or unintended targets.  You should be well aware of your limitations, and that of your weapon.

Last thing for this rant...secure your crap.  Gun safes are a thing.  USE THEM.  Even my nightstand gun is secure...I put it in a biometric safe when I get up, take it out at bed time.  Rest of my guns, except my carry pistol, are in a safe...not a glass front gun cabinet.  

[Simmy74]

I agree 100% with VRS.
Here in Michigan we already have open carry rights, but why Would you if concealed is an option?

Advantage of open carry = Bringing a bigger gun
Advantage of concealed = Getting the first shots off

We open carry on our property, and when going afield for hunting,  but I find it works best to not carry openly in public, where person to person defense is most likely,  for all the same reasons VRS states above.

I'm a 6'2" biker.  I'm not crazy about Making myself even more of a target during a potential hostage situation or "crowd dust up"

[sandy]

I vote yes.

Short story;

Many years ago I lived in South Florida, I was driving home one night on I95 from Pompano Race track with a buddy of mine. Apparently I wasn't driving fast enough and some guy with friends of his own in the car couldn't pass and was apparently upset about it. The one fella in the back seat thought it was wise to put his window down and and flash his .38 so I reached down and placed my Beretta on the dash along with 3 magazines. Well I guess that was enough for them to realize it was time to exit because they stopped being jerks real fast and got off the highway.

To produce a deadly weapon for intimidation is a felony. You should not have produced yours, but should have gotten a tag # and a description of the car and person. Report to police.

[Tailgate Tommy]

I believe there may be times, and places, where it's appropriate.

http://www.shootersgrillofrifle.com/

[mike72903]

I vote yes.

Short story;

Many years ago I lived in South Florida, I was driving home one night on I95 from Pompano Race track with a buddy of mine. Apparently I wasn't driving fast enough and some guy with friends of his own in the car couldn't pass and was apparently upset about it. The one fella in the back seat thought it was wise to put his window down and and flash his .38 so I reached down and placed my Beretta on the dash along with 3 magazines. Well I guess that was enough for them to realize it was time to exit because they stopped being jerks real fast and got off the highway.

To produce a deadly weapon for intimidation is a felony. You should not have produced yours, but should have gotten a tag # and a description of the car and person. Report to police.

learned a lesson from the mishap of a friend who displayed a weapon to someone threatening him.  That lesson was YOU BE THE ONE TO CALL THE COPS.  in this case the other guy did and my friend was pulled over shortly after, surrounded by at least 3 police officers all with guns drawn.  Removed from his car, searched, taken to jail and his life was a misery for the next 6 months or so until his trial came up.  The case was dismissed as the other guy didn't show up.  I believe he might have been in less trouble if he had shot and killed the guy with the knife.  believe the other guy had experience with the system and simply did it from meanness.

[Jess from VA]

Valk_Ridin_Soldier

That is perfectly logical and sound post, and I could not agree more with all you said.  (especially on open and concealed carry)

I'm not as good as I used to be (mostly eyes, but also practice), but I can still hit what I aim at, and miss what I should miss.

Every rifle and pistol course I took in USAF qualified me expert, but our rules were probably easier than yours.

I would only add that being competent and qualified with firearms is only half the equation; understanding the law and self defense and use of deadly force wherever you happen to be* is the other half.  (I instructed USAF cops on use of deadly force, and law of armed conflict, Hague and Geneva.)

*Like a duty to retreat jurisdiction; only one example

[Karen]

Valk_Ridin_Soldier
     I agree with Jess, and just wanted to add that you have the most lovely of all the Valkyrie color schemes!

[Jersey mike]

I vote yes.

Short story;

Many years ago I lived in South Florida, I was driving home one night on I95 from Pompano Race track with a buddy of mine. Apparently I wasn't driving fast enough and some guy with friends of his own in the car couldn't pass and was apparently upset about it. The one fella in the back seat thought it was wise to put his window down and and flash his .38 so I reached down and placed my Beretta on the dash along with 3 magazines. Well I guess that was enough for them to realize it was time to exit because they stopped being jerks real fast and got off the highway.

To produce a deadly weapon for intimidation is a felony. You should not have produced yours, but should have gotten a tag # and a description of the car and person. Report to police.

since this happened around 25 years ago around 1991, I did not have a cell phone at the time and was about 25 miles from where I lived. I don't recall the laws in Florida regarding the display of a firearm but I do remember to have a weapon in your vehicle it needed to be 3 steps from being a loaded weapon (meaning ready to fire, for semi auto weapons that meant having a round in the chamber) and the firearm could not be stored in the same location as the ammo.

if this had happened today I would call the LEO

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

A couple of years ago standing in line at the "Burger Barn" at Tellico Beach - near Tellico Plains, TN .

A young couple walk up. The "line" is pretty undetermined so prospective burger buyers know to ask where the line is.

Young, slim, tall, copper haired female part of the couple asks "Am I cutting in line if I stand here"?

I took a long short look at her and noting the wood handled revolver secured in her custom leather holster I said "With what you are packing you can come right to the front of the line."

They both laughed and not one person in the group waiting to order or collect food was unsettled by the proximity of a firearm.

Last week sitting at a table on the deck at T.W Of Suches north of Dahlonega, GA it was noted by a nearby person that a male standing close by in the parking lot had a holstered pistol on his hip. That was all that was noted. No one gave a flying f'.

All the locals I ride with carry a gun every single one of them however none open carry . I always have one and always will this is America . Just got back from a trip into the northern states several folks had concerns about me having a gun . I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

[Gavin_Sons]

A couple of years ago standing in line at the "Burger Barn" at Tellico Beach - near Tellico Plains, TN .

A young couple walk up. The "line" is pretty undetermined so prospective burger buyers know to ask where the line is.

Young, slim, tall, copper haired female part of the couple asks "Am I cutting in line if I stand here"?

I took a long short look at her and noting the wood handled revolver secured in her custom leather holster I said "With what you are packing you can come right to the front of the line."

They both laughed and not one person in the group waiting to order or collect food was unsettled by the proximity of a firearm.

Last week sitting at a table on the deck at T.W Of Suches north of Dahlonega, GA it was noted by a nearby person that a male standing close by in the parking lot had a holstered pistol on his hip. That was all that was noted. No one gave a flying f'.

All the locals I ride with carry a gun every single one of them however none open carry . I always have one and always will this is America . Just got back from a trip into the northern states several folks had concerns about me having a gun . I rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Right there with ya Joe 
I have mine on me 100% of the time outside of work, and if I really wanted to I could have it at work also. I know one of our owners keeps a 40 in his desk and have caught him carrying several times out in the shop.

[J.Mencalice]

From a liberty standpoint, I am in favor of open carry.  Tactically, I think it's stupid.  What follows is my opinion...Not arguing with anyone.  This mindset is a result of 22 years in the Army, hundreds of hours of range time every year since I retired, and an ammo budget that probably surpasses what I spend in gas for my bikes every month.  That's Range Ammo- wadcutters and FMJ bullets, not what I carry.  And no, I do not work in Law enforcement.  

First, be able to secure and defend your firearm in case you are jumped or overpowered by someone determined to take it from you.  You can't draw on someone because they approach you and order them to step back, so it is easy for someone in public to get close enough to negate the advantage of a firearm.  A Cop or soldier can say "Step back" and maintain that advantage...a dude in a restaurant or a bar or in line at Wal-mart cannot.  

Tactically, for a civilian to open carry is a foolish move.  You have identified yourself as carrying a weapon.  Perhaps you are a deterrent, but depending on how determined the bad guy is, you may just as likely have a blaze orange hat on saying "PRIORITY TARGET".

These ass clowns that you tube themselves standing on street corners or going into stores carrying ARs and MP5s for no reason are nothing more than attention seeking dipshits that are normally protesting to procure rights that they already have.  

I also feel that, just like owning and riding a motorcycle, you should have the training, practice, and skills to operate a firearm.  I have a neighbor that owns several guns.  He's a pilot for a major airline.  Nice guy, but, definitely a "softie".  Never been military, not the type to start trouble, not trained to do anything with guns but buy them, and he has more money than gun savvy.  (He also bought a Suzuki M109 as a first bike that he wrecked the first day he owned it.)  He has a carry permit, which he went to an 8 hour class for.  He breathlessly comes over to show me his latest procurement on a regular basis.  I finally invited him to my gun club as a guest.  We fired pistols on the indoor range, and rifles on the 100 yard outdoor range.  Dude was obviously unfamiliar with his equipment, did not have basic marksmanship skills, and couldn't hit a silhouette target at 25 feet with the Kimber .45 ACP that he carries more than two or three times per magazine.  He couldn't hit a 6" circular target with his AR at 100 yards- with an ACOG 4x scope.  He didn't know how to break down his Glock- etc. etc.  Kept blaming his equipment.  When I put 10 rounds from the Kimber into the center mass of a target (God, what a LOVELY pistol) for him, he kinda got the message. You HAVE to learn what you are doing.  

There are classes available.  If you are going to own a gun, get the training.  Practice.  Don't just carry it around and show it off.  Don't expect it to do you any good if you can't operate it.  Yes, it's your right- at least in Virginia- but exercising that right comes with responsibilities, much like it's your right to own and operate a motorcycle- which requires skill and practice and managing certain risks.  But, I digress.  I don't know how legislation should look to enforce this training and skill level but it makes some sort of sense that a gun owner- particularly one that carries should have to demonstrate and maintain some basic skill level.  My preference is that it would be a cultural, rather than a legal influence that propagates that idea.

If you are a civilian going about your business in public, and carry a gun for personal defense, for the love of God, carry concealed.  If you have a clue about guns, the first indicator a target should have that you are carrying a gun is bullets entering his ribcage.  You should be capable of drawing from the holster, acquiring a target, and hitting it without endangering invalid or unintended targets.  You should be well aware of your limitations, and that of your weapon.

Last thing for this rant...secure your crap.  Gun safes are a thing.  USE THEM.  Even my nightstand gun is secure...I put it in a biometric safe when I get up, take it out at bed time.  Rest of my guns, except my carry pistol, are in a safe...not a glass front gun cabinet.  

My God!  A voice of reason with palpable courses of action to support your opinions!  You, sir, are a professional breath of fresh air over a stagnant lake.  Well done and thank you.

[TallRider]

Don't know who's  right or wrong in this debate but appears  an individual attempting  to  rob a gas station  in I believe Chattanooga  area picked the wrong time and place. He is no longer among us as an armed customer ended his attempt to exited the station after taking the clerk and threatening to kill her. This happened earlier this morning. Sometimes the good guys win.

[MP]

Don't know who's  right or wrong in this debate but appears  an individual attempting  to  rob a gas station  in I believe Chattanooga  area picked the wrong time and place. He is no longer among us as an armed customer ended his attempt to exited the station after taking the clerk and threatening to kill her. This happened earlier this morning. Sometimes the good guys win.

They win a LOT MORE than we are told.  Rarely does news like this make any National news.  Local, and some conservative news only.  Liberal news buries it as deep as possible.  That is why so many think using a gun in defense is so rare.  They do not hear of it when it happens.

[Flat6Valk]

hell yes!

[Misfit]

As an NRA member I subscribe to American Rifleman magazine and they have a colum every month titled The Armed Citizen. There are some cool stories there. 

[fudgie]

I can tell by some of these 'myths' that they have never opened carried. 

[Gavin_Sons]

I can tell by some of these 'myths' that they have never opened carried. 

I normally dont open carry. I have before but prefer to conceal my weapon. Don't care for everyone knowing I have a gun on me. If crap hits the fan I want my gun to be a big surprise to an unexpecting criminal. Also don't want to be singled out and taken out first. I have no problem at all for anyone who open carries. It's your choice so do what makes you comfortable. I see the other side of it too. Someone open carrying could stop a robbery just by the robber seeing the person with the gun. I do open carry when hunting. Carry my 40 in a tactical thigh holster and my 380 in the chest pocket of my jacket. Then either my 44 revolver in a chest holster or a 44 mag lever action, sometimes both.  you never know what might happen in the woods 

I use to know a guy that carried 2 desert eagles open at all times and he could shoot them both at the same time very accurately. Always wore a flannel with them in a custom dual shoulder holster. One under each arm.