Open carry incident in Nashville gets me detained 2.5 hour at gun point carried AK-47

[2beararms]

I suggest that Kwikrnu put the AK away until there is an appropriate place for him to show up cross dressed with an orange AK ...

... when is the next official State Dinner at the White House ??:biggrin:

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!

 

[Axeanda45]

Well, I have read all the posts to this point and cannot keep silent on this.

1: Most all of you need to stop badgering this man, he has the legal right to do what he did, period.

2: His right to do something does not hinge on your approval of it.

3: I am reminded of the FUDS who spout "those people don't need assault weapons, but my shotgun/hunting rifle is fine"

4: What makes ANY of you better than this man, at least he did something, most of you dont even have big enough balls to open carry in your own house with the curtains closed, much less in public.

See, wasn't that uncalled for and impolite (#4) how do you like being called on your own behavior? Have I upset you? good, get over it and mind your own manners/business and allow each of us to exercise our God-given inalienable rights the way WE OURSELVES see fit without being chastised for it.

Most of the posters chastising this man make me sick to think YOU are gun-owners, I consider that YOU are the ones giving the us a bad name.

HOW DARE YOU presume you have the right to tell someone else how they may exercise their rights !!!!!!!!:angry:

 

[ClearSightTactical]

Well, I have read all the posts to this point and cannot keep silent on this.

1: Most all of you need to STFU, this man has the legal right to do what he did, period.

2: His right to do something does not hinge on your approval of it.

3: I am reminded of the FUDS who spout "those people don't need assault weapons, but my shotgun/hunting rifle is fine"

4: What makes ANY of you better than this man, at least he did something, most of you dont even have big enough balls to open carry in your own house with the curtains closed, much less in public.

See, wasn't that uncalled for and impolite (#4) how do you like being called on your own behavior? Have I upset you? good, get over it and mind your own manners/business and allow each of us to exercise our God-given inalienable rights the way WE OURSELVES see fit without being chastised for it.

Most of the posters chastising this man make me sick to think YOU are gun-owners, I consider that YOU are the ones giving the us a bad name.

HOW DARE YOU to presume you have the right to tell someone else how they may exercise their rights !!!!!!!!:angry:

GREAT first post! Welcome to USACarry- I hope you stick around.

 

[tcox4freedom]

I have mixed feeling on this one. On one hand who's to say this guy is a nut job? I almost envy his moxy. Not to mention, he was "ABSOLUTELY" within his LEGAL rights to do what he did. I only wish I could OC anything in SC!

On the other hand, I think he made some mistakes; carrying an AK and disguising it to look like a toy being the biggest ones!

To the OP- I think your reasoning to paint the tip of the barrel orange was most likely done as to upset the sheeple as little as possible. BUT! If you're a proponent of OC, would you not want to let everyone know you're carrying a REAL gun?

Being a "Proponent" of OC, I think why not just carry a handgun in a OWB or shoulder holster. Besides that; why not dress in regular "street" or "hiking" clothes?

I have not gone through the entire thread, so forgive me if you've addressed the above questions.

I also see this act similar to what the perv's do in SanFran and anywhere else there allowed to display there lifestyle. FORCING a "controversal" lifestyle on the general populous of sheeple is at best ill advised. It could also have a detrimental affect on the ENTIRE" pro-gun movement!

To sum things up:
I feel the police were absolutely justified in questioning him AND really did their job well. That being said; my MIL lives in Brentwood and I might like to OC with this guy next time I visit; as long as we will limit OC to street garb and our "carry" handguns.

 

[HootmonSccy]

Well, I have read all the posts to this point and cannot keep silent on this.

1: Most all of you need to STFU, this man has the legal right to do what he did, period.

2: His right to do something does not hinge on your approval of it.

3: I am reminded of the FUDS who spout "those people don't need assault weapons, but my shotgun/hunting rifle is fine"

4: What makes ANY of you better than this man, at least he did something, most of you dont even have big enough balls to open carry in your own house with the curtains closed, much less in public.

See, wasn't that uncalled for and impolite (#4) how do you like being called on your own behavior? Have I upset you? good, get over it and mind your own manners/business and allow each of us to exercise our God-given inalienable rights the way WE OURSELVES see fit without being chastised for it.

Most of the posters chastising this man make me sick to think YOU are gun-owners, I consider that YOU are the ones giving the us a bad name.

HOW DARE YOU presume you have the right to tell someone else how they may exercise their rights !!!!!!!!:angry:

First let me bid you welcome..
It seems you do not have an issue with stating your opinion.. Good for you.. Add one more opinion to the mix - Not worth more or less than anyone elses.. even the ones that make you sick..

#2/#4 - Great.. Oh, man, I'm glad you posted.. I've been concealed carrying in my house for while, and have just been waiting for your permission to open carry in my house..
maybe 2011, I'll go Open carry with the blinds cracked!!! OOoooohhh I can feel the excitement already!!!

As for your MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS comment.. I, nor any of the other "responders", was the one that posted to every gun board on the planet.. If you post, you will get comments and should expect both positive and negative feedback from such a stunt.. So, actually I believe WE are minding our business. Our Gun business and not wanting to loose ground on the gains we have made in the past few years, especially with the present political climate!!!

I DO presume to tell someone else how to exercise their rights (that would be the 1st amendment) (Especially on a forum, that's what it's for!!!) when they pull a stunt like this one. At the same time, I will back him up to the fullest extent of the law to be an Asshat.. There is a reason why the framers of the constitution put the amendments in a particular order.. HOW DARE YOU presume to try to suppress my 1st amendment right..

leasantry:YOU posting make me sick to think YOU are a gun-ownerleasantry:, but only believe in the 2nd amendment, but not the 1st..
I consider that YOU are the one giving us a bad name.

Once again.. welcome to the site.. No really.. I mean it.. Isn't it great to be able to have Freedom of Speech???
America.. You got to love this country!!!

 

[JJFlash]

A45, your first post is to tell us all to STFU? Way to make friends and influence people.

Hey, pal, you post something here and ask for opinions, you're gonna get 'em, and some you're not gonna like. So, we can only express our opinion if it's the same as yours? I don't think so...

 

[Axeanda45]

First let me bid you welcome..
It seems you do not have an issue with stating your opinion.. Good for you.. Add one more opinion to the mix - Not worth more or less than anyone elses.. even the ones that make you sick..

#2/#4 - Great.. Oh, man, I'm glad you posted.. I've been concealed carrying in my house for while, and have just been waiting for your permission to open carry in my house..
maybe 2011, I'll go Open carry with the blinds cracked!!! OOoooohhh I can feel the excitement already!!!

As for your MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS comment.. I, nor any of the other "responders", was the one that posted to every gun board on the planet.. If you post, you will get comments and should expect both positive and negative feedback from such a stunt.. So, actually I believe WE are minding our business. Our Gun business and not wanting to loose ground on the gains we have made in the past few years, especially with the present political climate!!!

I DO presume to tell someone else how to exercise their rights (that would be the 1st amendment) (Especially on a forum, that's what it's for!!!) when they pull a stunt like this one. At the same time, I will back him up to the fullest extent of the law to be an Asshat.. There is a reason why the framers of the constitution put the amendments in a particular order.. HOW DARE YOU presume to try to suppress my 1st amendment right..

leasantry:YOU posting make me sick to think YOU are a gun-ownerleasantry:, but only believe in the 2nd amendment, but not the 1st..
I consider that YOU are the one giving us a bad name.

Once again.. welcome to the site.. No really.. I mean it.. Isn't it great to be able to have Freedom of Speech???
America.. You got to love this country!!!

Well, excuse me for thinking that "USA CARRY" has anything to do with the 2nd Amendment.

#4 was sarcasm, get a clue.


I am chastising those who are yelling at the OP that he is an idiot and he should not have done what he did.

Dont try to change the subject and come at me to deflect attention from YOUR attack on his actions. By calling his actions a stunt, YOU are chastising and ridiculing him. (and now, in this latest post, you are attacking me) That is what I was pointing out. This is a forum to discuss things, not to attack people.

I agree that you have that right with the 1st amendment, I just try not to ridicule or attack anyone (like you have here in this example). Your rights end when they infringe on anothers rights. Using words to attack someone else is considered assault. (yes, all of us have the right to say/type our opinions, but not to attack someone in the process)

Please, enlighten us with facts, real sources (beside your opinion) on how what this man did hurt or set us back on what we have gained? Do you have scientific polls? Do you have any documented research on the matter that proves this? Or is this just your "FEELINGS" on the matter?I have no evidence otherwise, but you brought it up, so the burden of proof is yours to provide, not mine. :blink:

BTW, Thank you for the welcome.

 

[Axeanda45]

A45, your first post is to tell us all to STFU? Way to make friends and influence people.

Hey, pal, you post something here and ask for opinions, you're gonna get 'em, and some you're not gonna like. So, we can only express our opinion if it's the same as yours? I don't think so...

HEY!!!

You are 100% right,and I apologize. I should not have said STFU

I let emotion get the better of me, I was ticked off that almost all the posts were attacking the guy for doing something totally legal and hardly anyone stuck up for that.

 

[HootmonSccy]

Well, excuse me for thinking that "USA CARRY" has anything to do with the 2nd Amendment.

#4 was sarcasm, get a clue.

Most of my post was sarcasm.. I have already stated why I think this is a "Stunt" and the "fact" that next he goes to town and wanders around for more than an hour and a half again indicates it is a "Stunt". I'm again not saying he doesn't have a right. But it sounds as if he really had not other business in town except to wander around with his gun, to see what attention he could attract.. I define that as a "stunt".. IF he had business in town, or was truly out JUST to enjoy the park, and he took his gun, that's one thing.. But that was not WHY he went to these places.. He went specifically to wander around with his bright orange gun and see what attention he could get.. ie: "stunt"

The posted news reporting is all the proof you need that this is negative... and AS I stated before, he has given no indication that he has tried to correct any of the information put out from the media..

So what is his goal.. Advancing the cause.. That may be his intent.. but you know what they say.. IF it quacks & walks like a duck, then it's probably a duck..
If you go wandering around with a gun, with no real destination in mind, and you don't correct the media with there fact reporting.. THEN it's probably an attention getting stunt.. and if the reporting is all bad and not corrected, then it's probably NOT advancing the cause. Maybe.. but in this case.. many feel it is not.

BTW - I was NOT being sarcastic with the welcome... It's great to have you here!!!
Oh.. And Happy New Year!!!

Oh and by the way.. I think WE have arrived...

 

[Axeanda45]

But I like beating dead horses, damn

 

[HootmonSccy]

Just to round this out and make sure I'm being clear..
There is NOTHING wrong with a stunt.. Marketing people use stunts all the time.. Even the guy with the "boy in the balloon" pulled a stunt, But with a stunt, there is always an intended outcome..

IF the intended out come was to get attention (wander around with an orange AK) and then revel in what people think about it (post to all the forums you can find).. Then it was a FINE stunt...
Success!!!

However..
IF the stunt was to promote open carry the question is "promote to who (or is it whom??)..
If it was to promote it to all the people who own guns by posting to all the forums...
Maybe success, at least partially

IF the stunt was to promote open carry and the target was the general populous.. Then by the Media coverage so far.. I'd have to give it a
FAIL

 

[RugerP345]

I don't disagree that the dude was withing the law (so far as carrying.), it's just that he shoulda considered the bad publicity that he was giving ALL gun carriers. A camo guy with an assault rifle is just asking for the sheep to start screaming. I could legally ride around town with a fully loaded AK just in case I run into a platoon of muslim extremists, but the odds of me needing that much firepower Vs. the bad publicity and LEO problems just isn't worth it (to me).

Now maybe in Houston, LA, Chicago or Queens, something like an AK might be reasonable . But an AK in a park, playground, or Disneyworld is just asking for problems from both the LEO and Sarah Brady crowd.

I'm pro-2A all the way, but honestly, a stranger camo dude with an AK in a park with my kids would concern me. I'd probably take my kids and leave. Not because he was wrong, but because I would be uncomfortable with a stranger with that much firepower around me for no obvious reason.






.

 

[GregAllen]

Please, enlighten us with facts, real sources (beside your opinion) on how what this man did hurt or set us back on what we have gained? Do you have scientific polls? Do you have any documented research on the matter that proves this? Or is this just your "FEELINGS" on the matter?I have no evidence otherwise, but you brought it up, so the burden of proof is yours to provide, not mine. :blink:


It's a bit difficult to determine at this point if the OP's actions will or will not result in any actions taken on the part of Tennessee's General Assembly. The TN GA isn't in session, and hasn't been in session since prior to 12/20 when the OP was involved in the situation described in the first post. You can bet that the situation has been, and will continue to be discussed among law-makers. In addition, given the fact that Tennessee local governments are allowed to opt out of the law which made it possible to carry in parks, you can probably make a safe bet that a greater number of local governments will in fact choose that option rather than allow weapons carry by the public. What is clearly true is that the OP has generated controversy and negative publicity on the issue of open and concealed carry at a time when legislation is being actively considered. Take note, on November 20th 2009, a Davidson county judge ruled that the provision in a recent law which allowed permit holders to carry into restaurants that serve alcohol was unconstitutional. As a result, legislators will be forced to reexamine that law in the the upcoming session. As it so happens, the law allowing for the carry of weapons in restaurants that serve alcohol, and the carry of weapons in parks is one in the same. Since a part of a bill is due to be reconsidered, it is also true that the entire bill is due to be reconsidered.

There is also an additional reason for concern. News of controversy created by the OP can affect legislative efforts in other states. For example, the Georgia General Assembly is considering HB 615 which if passed as written would remove the restrictions on carrying weapons in all state owned and public places except areas of building that house prisons, courtrooms, or jails. I would not be at all surprised the OP's actions were to give cause for changes to the language in HB 615, or for the bill to fail entirely.

Every 2A supporter needs to understand that law-makers hold the power deny or restrict rights. In 1934 we had the NFA which regulated short barreled shotguns and rifles, fully automatic weapons, and suppressors. In 1968 we had a Gun Control Act passed which essentially governed who could or could not possess firearms. In 1993 we had the Brady Law which gave us back ground checks. In 1994 we had Clinton's Assault Rifle Ban, which fortunately expired and died 10 years later. Also during our nations history we have seen states enact various laws which govern the purchase, possession, ownership, transportation, and in some cases even the types of firearms and ammunition that are legal within a city or state. We've made some recent gains, but we still must proceed gently as future successes are never guaranteed. As good stewards of the pro-gun 2nd Amendment culture, not only must we abide by laws regardless of whether we support said laws, we must constantly monitor our behavior to insure that we are acting within the defined norms of social behavior. The opposition is always looking for those who are radicals or extremists, and it is those radicals and extremists that become the stereotype that defines us all in their eyes. It is a sad but true fact, we are not undefeatable politically. The rights that we have and enjoy are still very fragile.

 

[festus]

I was ok with the whole Lawful right to carry...but

Kwikrnu...You sir are an asshat!

When I saw the news articles that definitely did not help the whole 2A argument because somebody decided to go overboard in the I can do that dept...When that person causes a good thing to be ruined for everyone or places that right for everyone in jeopardy that makes them an asshat.

DO NOT JEOPARDIZE MY RIGHTS BECAUSE YOU WANT TO MAKE A GRANDSTAND PLAY YOU ARE SCREWING IT UP FOR ALL OF US WITH THE NEWS ARTICLES PAINTING FOLKS WHO CARRY IN A BAD LIGHT!

 

[JJFlash]

HEY!!!

You are 100% right,and I apologize. I should not have said STFU

I let emotion get the better of me, I was ticked off that almost all the posts were attacking the guy for doing something totally legal and hardly anyone stuck up for that.

That happens. Welcome to the site.

 

[Axeanda45]

*snip*

Every 2A supporter needs to understand that law-makers hold the power deny or restrict rights. In 1934 we had the NFA which regulated short barreled shotguns and rifles, fully automatic weapons, and suppressors. In 1968 we had a Gun Control Act passed which essentially governed who could or could not possess firearms. In 1993 we had the Brady Law which gave us back ground checks. In 1994 we had Clinton's Assault Rifle Ban, which fortunately expired and died 10 years later. Also during our nations history we have seen states enact various laws which govern the purchase, possession, ownership, transportation, and in some cases even the types of firearms and ammunition that are legal within a city or state. We've made some recent gains, but we still must proceed gently as future successes are never guaranteed. As good stewards of the pro-gun 2nd Amendment culture, not only must we abide by laws regardless of whether we support said laws, we must constantly monitor our behavior to insure that we are acting within the defined norms of social behavior. The opposition is always looking for those who are radicals or extremists, and it is those radicals and extremists that become the stereotype that defines us all in their eyes. It is a sad but true fact, we are not undefeatable politically. The rights that we have and enjoy are still very fragile.

I beg to differ with these statements.


The Constitution of this once great nation, specifically the 2nd Amendment, forbids ANY and ALL laws that would infringe at all or have anything whatsoever to do with firearms. No amount of discussion will change this fact. The document agreed to and signed/voted on by the individual States when ratifying that Constitution means exactly what the plain written words meant when it was signed, period. It can be changed only by a Constitutional convention.

Any interpretation of the constitution by the supreme court that goes against what the plain meaning of the words mean is wrong and not binding.

We, as citizens have no legal or moral obligation to follow any laws that contradict what that document says. The only power those false/unconstitutional laws have is what we, the people allow them to have.

That said, if I decide to not follow those unconstitutional laws, can I be arrested, tried, found guilty and sentenced to jail time, etc...? Yes, absolutely (sucks doesnt it?)

Do I think we have any chance of changing abolishing any of those laws? I actually doubt it, there are too many idiots in power these days, and I do not think there is any time left to do it before the powers that be do something really stupid and start something that we all will regret. Oh, we might get a few piddly things passed/changed, but we have already conceded too much.



(this last paragraph is not meant for the people on this forum)


I will back up no further, I will NOT follow any more laws passed against the keeping and bearing of arms.If you come for my guns, I will kill you, your move. As Charlie Daniels said once in a song..... If you dont want any trouble, you better pass me on by........



:nono:

 

[6shootercarry]

+1. The whole thing sounds to me like a grand stand play by someone looking for a confrontation.

Not the first time and I'm sure it won't be the last...

 

[6shootercarry]

I beg to differ with these statements.


The Constitution of this once great nation, specifically the 2nd Amendment, forbids ANY and ALL laws that would infringe at all or have anything whatsoever to do with firearms. No amount of discussion will change this fact. The document agreed to and signed/voted on by the individual States when ratifying that Constitution means exactly what the plain written words meant when it was signed, period. It can be changed only by a Constitutional convention.

Any interpretation of the constitution by the supreme court that goes against what the plain meaning of the words mean is wrong and not binding.

We, as citizens have no legal or moral obligation to follow any laws that contradict what that document says. The only power those false/unconstitutional laws have is what we, the people allow them to have.

That said, if I decide to not follow those unconstitutional laws, can I be arrested, tried, found guilty and sentenced to jail time, etc...? Yes, absolutely (sucks doesnt it?)

Do I think we have any chance of changing abolishing any of those laws? I actually doubt it, there are too many idiots in power these days, and I do not think there is any time left to do it before the powers that be do something really stupid and start something that we all will regret. Oh, we might get a few piddly things passed/changed, but we have already conceded too much.



(this last paragraph is not meant for the people on this forum)


I will back up no further, I will NOT follow any more laws passed against the keeping and bearing of arms.If you come for my guns, I will kill you, your move. As Charlie Daniels said once in a song..... If you dont want any trouble, you better pass me on by........



:nono:

Come for my guns and I'll give them up... One bullet at a time.

 

[mwd]

Most of the posters chastising this man make me sick to think YOU are gun-owners, I consider that YOU are the ones giving the us a bad name. HOW DARE YOU presume you have the right to tell someone else how they may exercise their rights !!!!!!!!:angry:

It ain't enough to be 'legal' you also have to be 'responsible' as well as 'reasonable', of which, the OP was definitely not. Was it legal. Sure. Bravo for you. Was it a totally uncalled for provocation? Absolutely in every shape, form and fashion. You can squawk all you want about our constitutional rights but anti-gun crowd is a very powerful opponent and if you think they are concerned about playing fair or following the law then best wake up from the fairytale. There is more than one way accomplish the dissolution of gun ownership and they will be happy with any path to success. How much good does your gun do if you have no ammo? Wasn't that 'unconstitutional' DC gun ban in place for 30 years?

When I read cocky post like your own or see stunts like the OP or Arizona dude pulled IMHO it leaves legal and responsible gun owners no choice but to consider you anti-gun. No different than Feinstein, Schumer, Bloomberg, Daley or the Brady Bunch doing everything they can to take away or damage the right to bear arms. The OP is going to make an absolutely wonderful poster child for the anti-gun cause and frankly has just exposed what many will consider to be yet another loophole that needs to be closed. Here's another way to look at it. One voter just scared the crap out of probably hundreds of voters, if not more. Do the math. Would you be so brash and anxious to post when you contribute to even more restrictions being placed on the right to carry?

Proof positive that legal and stupid can co-exist in harmony.

 

[HK4U]

It ain't enough to be 'legal' you also have to be 'responsible' as well as 'reasonable', of which, the OP was definitely not. Was it legal. Sure. Bravo for you. Was it a totally uncalled for provocation? Absolutely in every shape, form and fashion. You can squawk all you want about our constitutional rights but anti-gun crowd is a very powerful opponent and if you think they are concerned about playing fair or following the law then best wake up from the fairytale. There is more than one way accomplish the dissolution of gun ownership and they will be happy with any path to success. How much good does your gun do if you have no ammo? Wasn't that 'unconstitutional' DC gun ban in place for 30 years?

When I read cocky post like your own or see stunts like the OP or Arizona dude pulled IMHO it leaves legal and responsible gun owners no choice but to consider you anti-gun. No different than Feinstein, Schumer, Bloomberg, Daley or the Brady Bunch doing everything they can to take away or damage the right to bear arms. The OP is going to make an absolutely wonderful poster child for the anti-gun cause and frankly has just exposed what many will consider to be yet another loophole that needs to be closed. Here's another way to look at it. One voter just scared the crap out of probably hundreds of voters, if not more. Do the math. Would you be so brash and anxious to post when you contribute to even more restrictions being placed on the right to carry?

Proof positive that legal and stupid can co-exist in harmony.

+1. My pastor said one time that God answered 90% of our prayers when he gave us a brain. Trouble is often we do not use them. When you read about this guys actions and all the damage it may have done in regards to how many of the uneducated view guns and gun owners my first thought is "What the heck was he thinking". After further review it is obvious he wasn't.