Open Carry Issue in WI

[marzie]

OK, so in case you hadn't heard about this, a couple of guys were temporarily detained in Appleton, Wisconsin for the open carry of their AR-15's to a farmer's market.  A lot of the so called "news" outlets jumped on it as a chance to demonize gun owners. There was even an organization that was going to bring live chickens into the farmers market (a local ordinance violation) in protest of it.  I'm posting because there is a heated discussion going on over at Arfcom about this.  One side is saying open carry is open carry, the law is clear on what is allowed and there is no need for discussion.  The other side says, open carry is fine, but these guys crossed the line and it makes gun owners look bad.  I just wanted to see where you all would weigh in on this.  I'm not sure myself what to think about it.  At first I sided with the "these guys are idiots" camp, but I'm starting to think that things like this could pave the way for there to not be so much fear when people see an AR.  What do you all think?

Original Story: http://www.jsonline.com/news/crime/rifles-near-appleton-farmers-market-lead-to-police-debate-b9996773z1-223514231.html

Chicken Carry: http://www.wbay.com/story/23487704/2013/09/20/to-oppose-open-carry-of-firearms-group-plans-to-carry-live-chickens

Arfcom thread: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_21/539394_Things_just_got_strange____.html&page=1

[kmitch200]

I do occationally OC.  It's NEVER with a long gun unless you call hunting open carry.

When you walk around with a long gun slung over your shoulder, you're not "normalizing" folks to seeing guns, you're being an asshole.

Just MHO, worth what you paid for it...



 

[Frosty]

There's a right way and a wrong way to get a message across, this wasn't the correct way. Yes, it sounds like they were within the law but ya gotta understand the general public is paranoid esp. about the dreaded "Black Guns" (AR's) after the CT. shootings, Aurora theater. Those two were pushing the limits. I don't agree with their approach to exercise their rights, it was a poor choice to parade thru a crowded place with their AR's. I also feel the deputy dogs that responded way overreacted, I feel they went overboard with cuff & stuff and parading them thru the crowd. Just my 2.5 cents.

[TAB]

its the old can vs should.   

[marzie]

My first thought when reading the thread was wondering if I would have called the cops myself. In most of the recent shootings, people either misinterpreted or ignored the warning signs, and people died.  I have nothing against open carrying of AR's in and of itself, but my first thought seeing a guy (in this case two guys) walking around with AR's is not "Oh, look, two individuals exercising their open carry rights."

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

What does the local law say ?
Other than making a statement there really isn't any reason to carry a long gun in an urban area unless you are walking to a hunting area outside town.
One question that crosses my mind at 7AM is this, some of you are up in arms about "Open carry of an AR".
How the f*ck else are you going to carry one ?

[TAB]

How about in a case?  .amy have very nice carry handles/ shoulder straps.

[1911 Junkie]

How about in a case?  .amy have very nice carry handles/ shoulder straps.

Guitar bag. Some velcro straps to keep things in place, plenty of room for extra mags. And no one gives you a second look.

[ellis4538]

What about under a trench coat in 100+ temp in the shade?  Just kidding...  OC an AR is going overboard just like OC a S&W .500 w/scope.  Both are legal so to speak but not the best was to get the point across.

JMHOFWIW


Richard

[TAB]

A full length x frame with scope is about 100 oz.   with holster and belt it would be close to 10 lbs.   no thank you.