Michigan Open Carry Experiences

[plastipop]

Curious to hear of anyones experiences Open Carrying in Michigan...

 

[croute]

I'm from Michigan. What would you like to know?

 

[Bikenut]

If you want to read about hundreds, yes hundreds, of open carry experiences in Michigan may I suggest going to:

Link Removed

 

[X1911]

^ What Bikenut said. You'll find a lot of "Went here, there, and there. No problems or issues." Or you'll see someone post about a positive experience. We rarely have issues with people OCing in Michigan anymore. If you are going to do it make sure you know the laws well. OCDO is a great place to learn.

 

[HaroldB]

open carry in Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids, Mi. and asked to leave Mall

Today I open carried to in the Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids, MI. , I live in Bay City, MI. And am down here with my wife visiting our daughter for this holiday weekend. I was with my wife, daughter & her friend. I was done shopping after about a half hour and trying to find my wife to leave and passed 3
Mall security officers in uniform. After I passed by them a uniformed Police Officer passed me and looked at me I said hi sir and continued walking aware that all the mall officers and the police officer started to follow me. Within 30 seconds I heard sir, hey sir and turned around with 3 security officers and behind them 6 ft was the police officer. I stopped and the security officer stated we have a no open carry policy here in the mall and its posted and I stated sir I looked well before entering your mall and saw no postings at all. He then pulled out a card and showed me and said right here #8 I stated if you say so I won't argue I believe you, I smiled and said again nothing is posted and he said yes it is. I said could I find my wife first since she has the car keys and he said yes right then my wife came and said do we have to leave and I said yes. I left and checked the entrance we left and came into the same door and nothing at all is posted on the inner or outer doors. Since the mall in I'm assuming is private property I left. Otherwise I have been everywhere open carrying in MI. with no problems and some nice conversations from store employees and other citizens. I was a law enforcement officer for 15 years, former US Marine and have carried for 33+ years from 17 years old (USMC) to Now 54 YEARS OLD. Any commements would be appreciated.

 

[HaroldB]

update to the Woodland mall incident in Grand Rapids, Mi.

I decided to contact Mall Management but got the Security Office, I spoke with a nice, polite Security Officer who listened to my incident, I just informed them they may want to insure stickers barring guns is posted on all their entrances since I assured home that none were posted where I entered. He stated he would inform management and that they allow only police with guns and security who do not wear guns anyway when working. It was a good conversation none the less.

 

[HaroldB]

Another Mall Experience and not posted!

Hi, ok today, June 9, 2012 at about 7pm, I again went shopping with my wife and daughter and her friend. We went to Flint Mi. (Genessee Valley Mall). We entered the Macy's side entrance and I looked good for signs prohibiting guns. There were none. We entered and I got into the main Mall from Macy's and saw two uniformed Security Guards. As I was ready to pass them I had the two approach and stand near me and the one guard stated sir can I talk to you one minute. I said sure and he stated it is our policy that we don't allow open carry in the Mall. I stated I looked well before entering the Mall and saw no signs and I looked very well. He stated once then again stated it was posted and I politely stated I entered in at Macy's and its not posted he then agreed. I said you should have it posted so as people like me don't waste your time. I then left and already had the car keys given to me by my wife just in case prior. I exited the Mall and secured my pistol in the car trunk. I went back into the mall to shop with my family and have noticed many security guards walking by me almost everywhere I go. Constantly. The Security was polite and respectful during our talk.

 

[NavyLCDR]

I said sure and he stated it is our policy that we don't allow open carry in the Mall. I stated I looked well before entering the Mall and saw no signs and I looked very well. He stated once then again stated it was posted and I politely stated I entered in at Macy's and its not posted he then agreed. I said you should have it posted so as people like me don't waste your time. I then left and already had the car keys given to me by my wife just in case prior. I exited the Mall and secured my pistol in the car trunk.

Can I ask why not carry the gun concealed in such a location? Do you not have a CPL?

 

[HaroldB]

responding

Yes, I have a cpl and have carried since 18 in the military and as a leo. I'm 54 yrs now I wanted to test the waters and see what if any responses to OC here in Mi. In different locations. I have and could cc but I'm trying to do public awareness. These are the results.

 

[NavyLCDR]

he stated it is our policy that we don't allow open carry in the Mall. I stated I looked well before entering the Mall and saw no signs and I looked very well. He stated once then again stated it was posted and I politely stated I entered in at Macy's and its not posted he then agreed. I said you should have it posted so as people like me don't waste your time. I then left and already had the car keys given to me by my wife just in case prior. I exited the Mall and secured my pistol in the car trunk. I went back into the mall to shop with my family and have noticed many security guards walking by me almost everywhere I go. Constantly. The Security was polite and respectful during our talk.

Yes, I have a cpl and have carried since 18 in the military and as a leo. I'm 54 yrs now I wanted to test the waters and see what if any responses to OC here in Mi. In different locations. I have and could cc but I'm trying to do public awareness. These are the results.

So, maybe I am dense here, but I have to ask....exactly what was accomplished by locking your gun in the trunk of your car and returning to the mall other than leaving yourself and your family defenseless should a nut job decide it would be fun to shoot up the mall? Did you have a back up gun concealed? 99% of shopping malls in America have a no weapons policy. Is it really worth it to give up your means of self protection and the means to protect your family in order to do public awareness? It seems to me like you are no longer carrying a gun for self protection when you do carry it. Are you trying to find the 1% of malls that do allow guns by voluntarily showing your gun in the other 99% of them so that you can then voluntarily disarm yourself when they say something about it?

Seriously, really look at this situation and evaluate it carefully. You are really accomplishing nothing other than needlessly disarming yourself and leaving your family unprotected. I open carry 99% of the time. The 1% of the time that I carry concealed is in exactly this situation, going into the shopping mall where I know they will stop me if they see my gun. If you REALLY want to do something about the malls' policies, then DON'T RETURN and spend your money there! It means nothing to them, and does nothing to raise awareness if you simply do as they ask and lock your gun in your car to return unarmed to spend your money there. And the message that you are sending to casual observers who see this is that the mall is right and you are wrong for carrying your gun because all you do is simply comply with their requests, tell them they should put up a sign, and return, sans firearm, to spend your money there.

 

[applessshch]

I don't blame you for going back inside especially if you wife was inside and having a gun does not necessarily mean you're defenseless just limited. If the mall was crowded could you really have used the gun anyway? I understand your point but so long as you didn't give them a ton of money afterward no harm, no foul. I'd just never go back and maybe let them know why you wouldn't be back.

 

[NavyLCDR]

I don't blame you for going back inside especially if you wife was inside and having a gun does not necessarily mean you're defenseless just limited. If the mall was crowded could you really have used the gun anyway? I understand your point but so long as you didn't give them a ton of money afterward no harm, no foul. I'd just never go back and maybe let them know why you wouldn't be back.

The point is there was absolutely no reason to leave the gun in the car. Just conceal it and go on. Why leave the gun behind when concealing is an option?

he stated it is our policy that we don't allow open carry in the Mall.

OK. So they don't allow open carry in the mall. Fine. Put your dang shirt over your gun! It's also a heck of a lot less hassle than taking the gun off and putting it in the trunk. It just seems completely foolish to me, given the choice between legally concealing the gun or not wearing it at all to voluntarily choose not wearing it at all. At that point, it's obvious the purpose of wearing the gun is not for self protection.

 

[HaroldB]

responding

Ok, I respect everyone's opinions, however I was only wearing a thin t shirt which it would have been obvious to security and to anyone that can see that I was cc. But they had security watching me even afterwards, which didn't trouble me but it was funny to see. Malls are obviously a cc situation I have found out. BTW I respect all and don't get irate, mad when something occurs like this situation, I deal with it until laws and policies change, that is just me and my way. Thanks all for you thoughts. Signed ex military and Leo.

 

[sig p6]

Our mall here where I live has a posting " no concealed weapons of any kind", I just slip the sig in my itwb and don't worrie about it.

 

[sig p6]

Alot of the sheep really don't look at you even if you have a owb clovered by a t shirt. I was nervous at first but got over it. I just ccw / oc in the U.P. of Mich and had no problem's wearing either buton down shirts or t-shirts.
In my home state if someone see it , I really dont care!, OC, and CCW are legal here. I think it is all about getting people use to seeing it one way or the other. The public has been conditioned by our MEDIA for many years , That the sight of a" holstered gun" is very evil!.People in time will see that a gun they might see is not out to harm them in anyway , but may in fact make them feel more safe.

 

[HaroldB]

Great everyday open carry experiences now !

Well when I first posted, I live in Bay City, Michigan and I started open carrying about 6 months ago and found out regular Malls don't allow OC so I don't patronize them after 3x being asked to leave in different locations in the state. You can read my posts on here about them experiences. Well I'm happy to say and BTW I have a cpl and open carry all the time locally and out of town and also out of State when vacationing in every restraunt, store, etc and have not had one problem., infact I have had several people approach me and was happy to see me OC and asked questions as well as thanking me saying they wished more people did it (oc). Gun Stores, Walmart, Meijers, Red lobster, K-Mart, Kroger, Big lots, Pharmacies, Taco Bell, Biggby coffee, Starbucks, Outlet Malls; well you get the point every where , everyday and no problems at all. I OC a SW40ve and yes I get some looks but I just smile and continue doing my thing. I just thought I would let new people know both CC & OC people if your new to be confident, beware of your surroundings, know the laws, be safe.

 

[HaroldB]

OC experience tonight at restraunt by anger patron.

Myself and my wife just went to a local Restrauant/bar with a buffet, I was Open Carrying a S&W Sigma 40 side carry, I open carry 99% of the time and we walked in people were sitting and eating. As we walked by a table a older man and women were sitting; my wife was in front of me and the Restrauant was semi-full. As I pasted the table the man said excuse me, again excuse me, very loud, now I turned toward him and the whole restraunt was looking at him and me, I said excuse me and he stated loudly put your shirt over your gun and cover it up, I didn't say anything, he then said so your going to open carry it, I then responded, yes! And then proceeded to my table., at the same time he was barking the order his wife said he is legal, he's ok. He didn't say anymore and I and my wife enjoyed our dinner, I then noticed behind me an old friend with two Her friends, senior citizens. One of her friends said why are you wearing a gun if you work for a TV station and I replied I don't want to be a victim or you either. She said ok. I said have a great night, bye and they left. The upset man and his wife left shortly after they left. I would have talked to the man but due to his anger I didn't want to instigate anything more. We left and that was that.

 

[Itstjs]

I live in Flint Mi, I OC once in a while, but prefer to CC. Ive OC'd in the Genesee Valley Mall, or I should say attempted. I made it into American Eagle before 4 Security Officers approached me. I was picking out a pair of pants when they informed me they needed me to follow them back to their security office. I asked what for, they informed me they had a no weapons policy, I informed them I had not seen any type of sign on any entrance, (i look every time I go there) Security again requested I go to their Security Office, I told them if they had an issue with it, I would just leave. I began walking out of American Eagle and seen 2 Flint Twp Police Officers standing there. I recognized the Officers as they quite frequently assist my company (Security Co. at an Apartment complex) we began talking for just a moment before Security pulled one of the Officers aside.
Longer story somewhat short Security told me they only needed me to "sign something" and could be on my way, I asked what it was, and apparently it was a copy of rules and regulations the Mall has, I informed them I would not entertain them any longer and would just leave.
I however only went outside and grabbed my IWB holster and returned to the store. Security followed me for some time before I challenged them, they requested to "pat me down" I told them more less to screw off and asked them if they would like to be charged with Assault being they could no longer see a weapon on me. Security laughed and continued to follow me. I decided to have a little fun and began walking in random directions (pretty much circles) before they left me alone.
Aside from the Genesee Valley Mall incident. I have had no other issues when I decide to OC. I get some questions from Citizens asking me if I am a Police Officer, or just ask why I carry a gun. 99.9% of the time, I'll just get a look and nothing else.

 

[X1911]

I live in Flint Mi, I OC once in a while, but prefer to CC. Ive OC'd in the Genesee Valley Mall, or I should say attempted. I made it into American Eagle before 4 Security Officers approached me. I was picking out a pair of pants when they informed me they needed me to follow them back to their security office. I asked what for, they informed me they had a no weapons policy, I informed them I had not seen any type of sign on any entrance, (i look every time I go there) Security again requested I go to their Security Office, I told them if they had an issue with it, I would just leave. I began walking out of American Eagle and seen 2 Flint Twp Police Officers standing there. I recognized the Officers as they quite frequently assist my company (Security Co. at an Apartment complex) we began talking for just a moment before Security pulled one of the Officers aside.
Longer story somewhat short Security told me they only needed me to "sign something" and could be on my way, I asked what it was, and apparently it was a copy of rules and regulations the Mall has, I informed them I would not entertain them any longer and would just leave.
I however only went outside and grabbed my IWB holster and returned to the store. Security followed me for some time before I challenged them, they requested to "pat me down" I told them more less to screw off and asked them if they would like to be charged with Assault being they could no longer see a weapon on me. Security laughed and continued to follow me. I decided to have a little fun and began walking in random directions (pretty much circles) before they left me alone.
Aside from the Genesee Valley Mall incident. I have had no other issues when I decide to OC. I get some questions from Citizens asking me if I am a Police Officer, or just ask why I carry a gun. 99.9% of the time, I'll just get a look and nothing else.

Were you ever asked to leave or put your gun in your vehicle?

 

[ezkl2230]

Today I open carried to in the Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids, MI. , I live in Bay City, MI. And am down here with my wife visiting our daughter for this holiday weekend. I was with my wife, daughter & her friend. I was done shopping after about a half hour and trying to find my wife to leave and passed 3
Mall security officers in uniform. After I passed by them a uniformed Police Officer passed me and looked at me I said hi sir and continued walking aware that all the mall officers and the police officer started to follow me. Within 30 seconds I heard sir, hey sir and turned around with 3 security officers and behind them 6 ft was the police officer. I stopped and the security officer stated we have a no open carry policy here in the mall and its posted and I stated sir I looked well before entering your mall and saw no postings at all. He then pulled out a card and showed me and said right here #8 I stated if you say so I won't argue I believe you, I smiled and said again nothing is posted and he said yes it is. I said could I find my wife first since she has the car keys and he said yes right then my wife came and said do we have to leave and I said yes. I left and checked the entrance we left and came into the same door and nothing at all is posted on the inner or outer doors. Since the mall in I'm assuming is private property I left. Otherwise I have been everywhere open carrying in MI. with no problems and some nice conversations from store employees and other citizens. I was a law enforcement officer for 15 years, former US Marine and have carried for 33+ years from 17 years old (USMC) to Now 54 YEARS OLD. Any commements would be appreciated.

Link Removed

Woodland Mall has signs posted inside each mall entrance detailing acceptable behavior. I guess they expect people to actually stop and read it; I didn't actually read it until recently, and I have shopped there for over 40 years. Yes, the sign prohibits firearms carry (ALL firearms carry, not just OC) in the mall; it is point 8 on the sign. If you are credentialed as a retired LEO on your CPL, then you are exempt from the pistol free zones designated in the law. Under Michigan law, however, there is nothing you can do about Woodland Mall's policy as businesses are considered to be private property, and can be declared to be carry free zones by the property owner, according to the terms of the owner. This is posted on the MI LEOSA web site:

"As well, LEOSA does not exempt an individual from state laws that allow persons to prohibit firearms on private property or prohibit firearms on public property. MCOLES recommends that you consult an attorney if you have questions concerning the interpretation of these restrictions."