This was my first outing with the group. It was great to meet all the people. From a retired lawyer to a 19 year old young lady. Al open carrying, a very diverse, fun, friendly, and talkative group. Freemont was very crowed in places, shoulder to shoulder. Reactions were, some saying great seeing you open carrying. Other asking what is this all about when answered replied with an ok and left. We did have some taking the time to ask about the open carrying laws and we were able to do some public education. One lady in a group of two couples who was talking to us said she felt a lot safer seeing a group of civilians with guns.
As we meet up standing in somewhat of a large circle for about 30 minutes talking and introducing we were one of the Freemont Streets attraction. Several staring and taking pictures of the group. I saw one guy look at each gun and then checkout the person carrying it as if he was trying to see some common denominator. With no uniform, badges, several different firearms, holsters, dress, age, men, and woman. He appeared to finally realize we are civilians legally carrying guns.
As we started walking, I kind of stayed toward the back of the group and watched the people as we walked by. Because of it being so crowed many never noticed however, the people that did notice the firearms and if with someone would give them the elbow. Point at the person with the gun then all of the sudden they notice there is another person, holy cow there is another person with a gun, realizing in the immediate area everyone had a gun but them. Other than the looks, no one panic or made much of an effort to move away.
I noticed 5 metro walk right by us, there may have been more. Had a friendly chat with two of them. Carrying a gun at the Freemont Street experience never entered into the conversation. However, it was the first thing they noticed with a very quick glance, as they were approached.
Would it be correct to say that most on open carry.org and at the meets, the main mission is to promote a positive impression to open carry and by getting out helping the public and law enforcement to become more at ease with civilians legally open carrying? During the short conversation with metro, a person walked up to some of the group. He appeared to make an effort to turn our event into a metro bashing event by loudly calling metro scum or words to that effect, with no response, he said it a few more times, with no response from our group he left. I believe I heard someone say he was a regular poster on another site. I do not believe Metro heard him and he did not undue what we had gain. I am a little confused as to the thought process as to “Do not bother us as we are carrying legally “YOU NO GOOD FOR &^%##@@, LOWLIFE##$$%%###!!!” as we all know the gun laws are very confusing. If ending up in a situation with law enforcement on an unclear gun issue I believe one will want the LEO on their side.
Had a great time all positive hundreds of people just by walking by or talking to us had a firsthand experience of seeing several firearms in public and none of them jumped out of the holster and caused havoc.
