hafnhaf,
Well, I've done that probably hundreds of times in the year I've lived here so far (moved from no-OC Texas in July 2013)...and MANY people have seen me do it (adults/kids/families in the assorted IHOPs, Denny's, Village Inns, Home Depots, Lowes, Wells Fargos, supermarkets and other stores I frequent here in COS), but no one (I guess) was "scared" or even frightened. I've even done it in these same places with cops present at the next table -- they don't react, either.
Maybe it's HOW I do it, or how I carry myself, or maybe everyone thinks I am a LEO (except REAL LEOs). Maybe I should clip my 100% genuine Hawaii Five-0 badge (yes, really, as it was Jack Lord approved!) to my belt to complete that misunderstanding. Should be fun, yes? No?
But "brandishing?"
Seriously?
No way would that stand up in court whatsoever...even if it DID come to trial. Maybe in VA, but not here.
Welcome to the Great State of Colorado...
;-)
P.S. Some personal trivia:
1. I used to live in Fairfax, VA.
2. I use Half & Half in my morning espresso everyday (using an Italian espresso machine & Italian bean grinder).
Ciao, baby! ;-)
P.P.S. I SOMETIMES wear an empty holster, but rarely. If I go to a store that I'm not sure of their rules (meaning small Mom & Pop stores, as the owner is usually present, so it's more "personal" if you will) -- chain or big-box stores are different), the FIRST time I go in I leave the gun in the car, but they DO see my holster. If nothing is said, no nervous/negative reactions/body-language, the NEXT time I go in my gun goes, too. For example, I used that process at my local tailor shop.
On the occasional/rare days I have a VA Clinic doctor's appointment, however, I dare NOT wear the empty holster into the VA building (Federal property), as they probably would freak out, let alone assume the missing gun is in my car in their parking lot (also Federal property) -- and that'd be trouble for me. Big-time. Same for the pansies @ the US Post Office.
So...I choose to employ the "what they don't know won't hurt ME" policy, as most certainly I am NOT about to go UNarmed ALL DAY LONG just because of ONE place I need to stop at.
So far, so good. ;-)
Just like plans to live forever: So far, so good...