Really? It sounds like you have ZERO firearms training. If someone is trying to kill me, the last thing *my* firearm will be is "useless". But maybe that's only because I take it seriously and have spent hundreds of dollars on training.
frightening to some people,
That's *their* problem, not mine.
a little bit too "in-your-face" for me
If someone is uncomfortable with another American carrying openly, that is *their* problem, not mine. I'm not going to surrender a fighting tool simply based on other people's perceptions.
Anyway, sometimes "in your face" is the only way to get things done. (Sam Adams, Rosa Parks, etc....)
a statement that goes something like: "look at me--chip on shoulder, gun on hip.."
Like I said earlier, if you truly believe that, then you need to get some serious firearms training. Or sell your guns to someone that will appreciate them.
I just don't take them in among polite company.
Why? Do you think a magic force-field will protect you from violent predators simply because you and your friends "wish" them away?
Or are you so selfish and arrogant that you expect a police officer that probably makes half what you do to risk *his* life protecting you because you were too lazy to take reasonable steps to protect yourself?
Like a friend of mine says: a sheep with a gun is still a sheep.
I dunno, Mulder. You seem like a nice chap; but your style differs greatly from mine.
I am a gun person, with plenty of training, living in the West where there is plenty of wide open space and lots of reason to pack, such as going where there are predatory animals, or out prospecting and the like. So I don't think I'll be selling my guns any time soon, despite your advice.
I like it when cops come into restaurants. I know them and trust them and they know me. They are not there with their shootin' irons to make a statement or to prove how tough and aggressive they are. It's those wannabes with their beards and cowboy hats, or beards and leather jackets, or beards and sleeveless vests (and guns or big knives strapped on) that bug me.
Anyway, like I said, here we are, a couple of FReepers, good Americans, and it's too bad we make each other uncomfortable. I seem to have hit a hot button with you by my post because you sure unloaded on me, without even knowing me. I am not a confrontational person, and that has stood me in fine stead lo these many years. And I am sure that your style works for you.
Sorry if I offended you, but please understand: I was not directing my musings at you. It was more like I was just trying to throw out a couple of caveats about gun behavior in public in the 21st century.
I assure you that we are pretty much on the same side, and no insults are necessary.