Any interest in an open carry event in Massachusetts?

[Phillip Gain]

I've been kicking around the idea of putting an event together here in Westborough. I'd want to do it right, ie get approval from the local police chief, invite some pro-gun politicians, the press, GOAL, etc. Nothing terribly fancy, just some guys and girls socializing over burgers, dogs, sodas, and pistols in a fairly low-key sort of way. :)

I'd like to hear from anyone who's interested. If there's enough interest, I'll start moving forward with it. Please email me privately - phillip.gain@charter.net. (But also feel free to add comments here.)

[glockcarry]

What is the point in an open carry event?

I have oc'ed before and it doesn't bother me to see or do it, but is there a point in a bunch of people getting together and doing it other than to baffle those who don't support it?

I am not against what you want to do I was just wondering why a oc event why not a gun rights supported event?

[Jbrl]

I'm in Somerville and I can't carry unless i'm looking sporty, like I just ran a marathon or am about to hike in this goofy city. (restriction).
Even though another woman was just attacked on my street last week.

[Phillip Gain]

What is the point in an open carry event?

I have oc'ed before and it doesn't bother me to see or do it, but is there a point in a bunch of people getting together and doing it other than to baffle those who don't support it?

I am not against what you want to do I was just wondering why a oc event why not a gun rights supported event?

The point of an open carry event is simply to exercise our right. "Because we can." Ideally it draws positive attention to the concept of being a legally armed citizen. You know as well as I do, that most people in this state assume that one is either a cop or criminal for carrying.

And you also ought to be aware that most people are afraid to openly carry in Mass - despite there being no laws prohibiting it - because the FID issuing guidelines are so discretionary. Open carry could be construed as menacing, being irresponsible, etc, leading to a loss of one's FID card and subsequently to a loss of one's firearms.

The idea is to create some awareness, and exercise/preserve our rights.

Besides...it's a good excuse to get outdoors and grill. :)

[Phillip Gain]

I'm in Somerville and I can't carry unless i'm looking sporty, like I just ran a marathon or am about to hike in this goofy city. (restriction).
Even though another woman was just attacked on my street last week.

WTF are you talking about? "Looking sporty?" I don't get it.

[glockcarry]

So there is a chance your fire arm coils be taken away and possibly charge with some sort of public menacing and you want people to join you? Sounds like you want to cause a seen more like.

But hey it is your rights so have fun

[Jbrl]

Sporting restriction. No carry unless running,hiking cross country skiing. Thats wtf I mean.

[tuts40]

How many of the folks here are in the MA area? I'll go, if you pony up a round trip airline ticket, hotel and taxi and don't mind if I only stop by for a sandwich... hehe

[Phillip Gain]

So there is a chance your fire arm coils be taken away and possibly charge with some sort of public menacing and you want people to join you? Sounds like you want to cause a seen more like.

But hey it is your rights so have fun

So you obviously didn't read the part about getting approval from local authorities etc? My sense is that the authorities in Westborough are pretty firearm-friendly, since they approved the issue of my unrestricted LTC-A with pretty much no hassle.

[Phillip Gain]

Sporting restriction. No carry unless running,hiking cross country skiing. Thats wtf I mean.

Sorry to hear about the sporting restriction. But that's a weird way to interpret it. I would have expected a sporting restriction to mean hunting, competing in shooting events, that sort of thing. Very odd.