[Timpinutah]

Hello. I’ve enjoyed reading the discussion lines here and thought I might as will join. Here is just a little information about me and my thoughts. I have a Glock 23 that I carry most of the time in a Tucker Gun Leather holster. Like most of you, I have strong opinions relating to firearms. I realize the many of you may not share my views; however, I will express one right now just so you get know me a little better.

I believe that a concealed weapon should always be concealed unless you need to use it. I do not open carry. The following are my reasons:
(1) I don’t want to attract attention to myself. I believe that drawing attention to one’s self works to your disadvantage in most things.
(2) I don’t want any negative news about Utah’s gun laws. It seems that any press coverage about guns is usually given in a negative way by our media. I feel that except for certain circumstances, the less media coverage the better. Open carry seems to attract coverage in a negative way.
(3) Many people see those of us who carry as fanatics and think of us as being overly aggressive ********. I think the best thing we can do is to be the quiet example. Many close friends know that I carry; however, many others would have no idea. Smile, be friendly, and invite others to go shooting with you. I have been able to get several friends to go with me to the shooting range after work or to join me at a RangeMaster’s “Fun Shoot”. This has led several of my friends to buy pistols and get their concealed firearm permit.

Sorry about boring you guys (and gals). I look forward to returning to this site frequently to read and to contribute. Hopefully, I haven’t offended anyone.

 

[Jeff Johnson]

Welcome to our forum! We're very glad to have you join us.

I'm not taking any offense at your opinion.
Just don't expect everybody to agree with you. Some will, some won't.

Although it may seem from some of the recent threads here that most of our forum members open-carry, I hardly think that this is really the case. I suspect that most don't. Some do and are vocal about it, for the reasons they (we) have already expressed.

The OC vs. CC debate predates the establishment of the UCC forum by a long ways. I doubt we'll get everybody to agree and settle that debate once and for all in this forum.

Please, tell us a little more about yourself...

 

[Car Knocker]

Welcome to the forum....and how is Agent 99 doing?

 

[bane]

Timp,

I generally share your opinions on OC/CC (though I fully support a person's right to OC... especially since I experienced an episode a few weeks ago where I was pretty much forced to OC).

Your reasons are the same as mine. Your tactics are the same as mine too (inviting people to go shooting, show your good demeanor, and allow them to slowly realize gun people are good normal people not the crazed madmen some people think we are).

Just thought I'd let you know that while some here will disagree with you, others will agree with you -- we're all welcome, and we all respect each other!

 

[natehunts]

Welcome to the group and thanks for sharing your opinions and beliefs upfront and forthright. Hopefully we'll see you around the forum.
Nate

 

[Tarzan1888]

Welcome;

Hang on and have a good ride.

Tarzan

 

[tapehoser]

Welcome, Timp. Hope you enjoy yourself.

I have only OC'd 4 times now and haven't had any negative press or comments. I feel that I am forced to OC at times because of the clothing I wear. I'd rather OC than go "nekkid".

However, I also feel that I lose some sort of upper hand if someone knows that I am carrying. It's the concealability that gives me an edge.

But that's just me.

 

[packingmama]

Timpinutah,
First thanks for acknowledging the gals we don't always get accounted for. I don't hold a grudge towards you or your comments, I completely respect your decision and choice to conceal carry. Myself being a woman it is not as easy to conceal unless its in the winter and I have a big coat on or a sweater. The only time I conceal in my purse anymore is if I am wearing something that you can't put a holster on like a loose skirt for example. ( the woman know what I mean) Other than that I don't conceal anymore especially in my purse unless I have no other choice! I have said this before, I don't want to arm a criminal if he decides to steal my purse. Plus you have the opportunity to educate people. Also being a women it keeps predators at bay when they see a gun. Its not everyday you see a woman with a gun on her hip with two kids. I have yet to see any other women doing the same and I would love to. I have seen pictures and have heard of it though. I don't mind being different and it doesn't bother me if people don't like my decision, especially the media. I have my own free right to do what I want to do when I want to do it and carrying a gun is something I feel strongly about and would not change! As so does people on this site. Anywho just thought I would put my own two cents in.

 

[packingmama]

Timp, welcome and maybe I will get the opportunity to meet you at one of our gatherings.

 

[Hunter]

Welcome. I hope you stick around, feel at home, and post often. There are pro's and con's to OC vs. CC, it probably just depends what works best for the individual.

 

[Thomas]

Years back I ran a local armed security company. We had many contracts to do alarm response and during the day I would help out responding to alarms if my patrol guys got backed up. I did not wear a uniform but always OC'd. I also did not display a badge until I actually arrived onsite where the alarm was activated.

I never got questioned or hassled by anyone. My opinion is that if you act like you know what you are doing no one will question you. However, if you act nervous you are sure to be questioned. You will also make other people nervous and draw all kinds of attention. It all comes down to your attitude and state of mind.

Open carry seems to attract coverage in a negative way.

I would like an example of OC drawing negative press in Utah if anyone has any examples. I personally have never seen any news coverage on the topic of open carry at least locally.

 

[Strategic Tactical]

Welcome to the group. Glad you posted your opinions, feel free to share more.

 

[Timpinutah]

I want to thank everyone for your warm welcome. Sorry for coming out with one of my opinions so quickly. I realize that not everyone agrees with me and I hope I show the same respect for your ideas too. The main purpose of my introduction was to let everyone know me a little.

Jeff suggested I should let on to a little more about me. Here are just a few more things. I’ve been happily married now for 23 years. I have three wonderful children; however, none of them show the same enthusiasm for the shooting sports as I do. I work and live in Utah County. I think I grew up with a love of shooting because of my father. Some of my fondest memories were when he took me out with our .22 rifles.

Just glad to be here.