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'Open Carriers' Aim to Make Guns an Accessory

Gun owners want to educate the public by having their weapons on display

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 7, 2008 6:51 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A growing number of gun owners are tired of concealing their weapons when they're out and about, reports the Los Angeles Times. In most states, it's perfectly legal to walk around with a gun in plain view. Backers of the "open carry" movement think it's time to start doing just that, to make the public realize that gun owners are just regular people.

Open carriers say that, with Blackberries and cell phones a common belt accessory, their weapons often don't attract a second glance, although law enforcement officials sometimes take some convincing that they're not acting illegally. "I want people to be aware that crazy people are not the only ones with guns," one pistol-packing convert to the cause said. "Normal people carry them."

We've changed from the days of the wild, wild west, a police chief said. If people want to open carry, they ought to expect they'll be challenged more until people become comfortable with it.
"We've changed from the days of the wild, wild west," a police chief said. "If people want to open carry, they ought to expect they'll be challenged more until people become comfortable with it."   (Shutter Stock)
The growing 'open carry movement' encourages people to wear their guns openly in public.
The growing 'open carry movement' encourages people to wear their guns openly in public.   (Shutter Stock)
'Open carriers' believe that walking around with their guns in plain view will help educate people that gun owners are just regular people.
'Open carriers' believe that walking around with their guns in plain view will help educate people that gun owners are just regular people.   (KRT Photos)
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Open carriers cause Virginia controversy
Associated Press

Utah law would allow open carrying on campus
Daily Utah Chronicle

Open carry laws by state
OpenCarry.org

 
gun control • concealed weapon • weapon • firearms • handgun • concealed-weapons laws • guns

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