I open carried today in a Dairy Queen just off campus of a major university here in Indiana (I won't say which one but it rhymes with "Fondue"). The place was packed because students are coming back on campus for the new school year and today was 1/2 price everything before 2pm.
Anyway, I don't open carry a lot especially that close to campus or where it's crowded. I've only had my permit for about 8 months and I am not a fan of drawing attention to myself. While I'm not afraid of a confrontation with some anti-gun nut I am afraid of them making me angry or just ruining my day with their insanity. Being that close to a University campus definitely mean liberals are lurking around.
I've tried very hard ever since I've got my permit to avoid conflict and to just let stuff roll off my back. I am a firm believer of practicing the DBAA method when carrying: Don't Be An A$$hole. Last thing I need is to have an argument with the afore mentioned anti-gun nut and then have them call the cops afterwards and say I pointed a gun at them. I believe that this is a entirely possible scenario and I think I read in a Massad Ayoob book of a similar situation. I feel like some of the true anti-gun nutters are capable of doing a lot of things to try and ruin your carry experience from what I mentioned above or even trying to grab your gun from behind (also something else I think I read in an Ayoob book).
Well, my fears weren't realized but just because it didn't happen while spending an hour in a crowded Dairy Queen doesn't mean it still couldn't at some point.
However, despite this possibility, I do think I will OC more often and here's why. I was much, much, much, much ++++ more aware of my surroundings and the people than I think I am when I CC. It was much easier to stay at Cooper's Yellow level and I think I my anxiety got the best of me as I probably spent a good amount of time (unnecessarily) at Orange.
Overall it was a good learning experience for me. I think I got a few looks and I'm pretty sure a couple of frats boys behind me had the following conversation:
Bro 1: "Hey look! That guy's got his gat!"
Bro 2: "Sweet. That's pretty cool."
Bro 1: "Yeah it is. Anyway, who's getting the keg tonight..."
At that point I tuned them out.
:alcoholic: