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Gun carrying in Safeway

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Started 3 years ago by billwill
Latest reply from iPlod

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billwill

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Last night at about 9 p.m., my husband encountered a man checking out at the Market St. Safeway with a 45-caliber pistol holstered to his thigh in plain view. My husband, who owns guns himself, was a bit taken aback. Does anyone know this man? Is he a regular in the neighborhood? I realize he has a legal right to carry, but this wasn't Leary Ave. at 2 a.m.; it was Safeway. What are your thoughts?

Posted 3 years ago #
Anonymous

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I just hope that he has a good education on gun safety.
I know of people who carry concealed weapons at all times - friends of friends - and I know that they do not understand how to use them safely and are just playing "macho guy who you can't mess with". They scare me quite a bit. I also have a cousin who works for Homeland Security and carries his gun at all times but he doesn't scare me because he's had a lot of gun safety training in the police force and knows how to be safe. It all depends on the person. There are plenty of bozos out there carrying guns we can't see. At least we can see that this guy is carrying his gun at all times even if we don't know if he actually knows how to use it safely or not.

Posted 3 years ago #
pwhee

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Thoughts - well, I'm hoping its f'ing Charles Bronson reincarnated. Clean up this s*%t town.

Posted 3 years ago #
Pokerguy

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I'm with Pwhee, how sweet would it be seeing some guy walking around capping all the homeless loser out there. Was he purchasing High Gravity Lager to use as bait? Place a can on a bench at a bus stop then BLAM BLAM BLAM!!!

Posted 3 years ago #
cd6

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What if some asparagus went crazy and tried to attack? You'd want this gun guy to save you, wouldn't you?

Thank god there are patriots and heroes out there willing to protect the frozen food aisle.

Posted 3 years ago #
onederfullone

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I can't wear it everywhere, but it is my right.
Sorry if anyone is offended*

...yeah, that last line was quite unfair, I really don't care.

Posted 3 years ago #
Frayed Knot

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Safeway is kinda scumy attracts the desperate and down trodden. Best to be armed!

Posted 3 years ago #
julesage

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i personally think that the mecca of bus stops surrounding the safeway, along with the lovely empty pits from dennys & sunset are major loitering places as we all know. that safeway is in a location to attract those folk at all hours.

im sure it was just done to get attention.

which it looks like it did.

Posted 3 years ago #
wildernessbarbie

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I thought the point was to have a CONCEALED weapon. I wonder if it's actually legal to strap on hip holsters and swagger around. That seems less for protection and more to antagonize. Someone who thinks it's appropriate to walk around with a gun on full display like that is not a person I'd want to have a gun in the first place.

Posted 3 years ago #
pwhee

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Perfectly legally in this state for anyone - non-felon I would guess - to strap on a visible gun and walk around.

Posted 3 years ago #
cd6

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In all seriousness, he probably only did this because his "I have a tiny wee wee" shirt was in the laundry.

Posted 3 years ago #
julesage

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and his bright red fast car was in the shop.

Posted 3 years ago #
iPlod

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He's probably a constitutionalist practicing open-carry in solidarity with other groups doing likewise in California & Arizona.

Posted 3 years ago #
onederfullone

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lol...those real men love to think about everything as being related to penis size...

I know that ALWAYS comes up at the firing range.

Yes, folks, unless you are a felon, (you know, those guys we are used to seeing brandish weapons?) it is perfectly legal to wear a firearm in plain view, unless you are somewhere that firearms are indeed prohibited.

WB- I guess if your point is to secretly carry a weapon, then yes, I have such a permit. If your point is to be seen carrying a weapon, then the permit doesn't do a lot of good. If you feel less comfortable with a weapon being held in plain view, I'm sorry, but seriously, there is a lot more stuff to be concerned about. IMHO

Some people, these folks that I am most concerned about at present, prefer that a weapon be visible, in plain view. I abide by their wishes unless prohibited by law.

It does get people flustered, that's for certain.
(oh, and the real men look a bit tougher ;-)

Posted 3 years ago #
cd6

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lol...those real men love to think about everything as being related to penis size...

I know that ALWAYS comes up at the firing range.

heehee, now THERE is an entertaining image

Middle aged, pudgy bald guy #1: Boy, firing these guns sure is fun!
Middle aged, pudgy bald guy #2: I agree.
Middle aged, pudgy bald guy #1: Feeling that pulsing burst of power every time you pull that trigger, shaking your whole body, whew.
Middle aged, pudgy bald guy #2: Oh, I know it buddy. Hmmmm yeah.
Middle aged, pudgy bald guy #3: Hey guys, sorry I'm late. I had to run to safeway. Needed to pick up my miller high life, cheetos, and virginia slims.
Middle aged, pudgy bald guy #1: Did you bring your gun?
Middle aged, pudgy bald guy #3: You bet I did, strapped it right here to my leg.
Middle aged, pudgy bald guy #2: Did any liberal pinko hippies give you guff about bringing a gun to a grocery store?
Middle aged, pudgy bald guy #3: There was one woman with a couple kids, giving me the evil eye, bein all like "What kind of lunatic brings a gun to buy snack foods?" And I was like "The kind of lunatic WHO LOVES THE CONSTITUTION!!!"
/three guys awkwardly attempt to high five, break a sweat
Middle aged, pudgy bald guy #2: Everyone else's right to go to the grocery store without being intimidated by my gun fetish is totally trumped by my right to look like an action hero, despite the statistically nonexistent threat of me being attacked by another gun wielder in an American grocery store.
Middle aged, pudgy bald guy #1: Some dude on a forum was like "guys only publicly wear guns because they have tiny wee wees." I am so tired of that stuff.
Middle aged, pudgy bald guy #3: I know, man. The fact that I have a tiny wee wee, and am totally unable to sexually satisfy any woman has NOTHING to do with my decision to strap an explosive tool to my thigh. Feeling the weight pulling tight against my pants leg... knowing the raw power that's right there, and what I could do with it... oooohhhh...
Middle aged, pudgy bald guy #2: Ooooooo yeah... feels so good
/awkward silence
Middle aged, pudgy bald guy #1: So, um... did you guys see my sweet camaro out in the lot?

Posted 3 years ago #
NWKitty

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I grew up with guns and would never carry an exposed weapon. The purpose of having a concealed weapon is to protect yourself and others from some lunatic coming up behind you and grabbing your weapon off your leg and shooting someone or stealing it. You have the right to carry an exposed weapon but it shows your stupidity and ignorance about weapons.

Posted 3 years ago #
onederfullone

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lol, you almost squeezed every cliche in the book in there buddy...

Seriously, though, I hope that you folks continue the virtue of stereotypes and fearful scenarios about random gun play. It's always quite helpful and informative.*

I grew up with a BB gun. Then all hell broke loose ;-)

Posted 3 years ago #
Xtophe

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This is why I shop Whole Foods, much better class of customer, you don't see many people there packing heat.

Posted 3 years ago #
iPlod

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That's right, Xtophe.

I just had a client couple come in & gift me with a loaf of bread from Whole Foods.

They're both multiple-tour Iraq veterans & both concealed carry permit holders.

A much better class than that dork at Safeway.*

Posted 3 years ago #
idbill

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I hear the term the generic term 'weapon' bantered around... that applies to many things, not just guns.

So... I wonder what people would do if they saw someone with a 6' handed sword strapped to their back?

Oh that's right, the cops show up and shoot them.

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-83112381.html
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-64622164.html

So... guns good, swords bad?

Why the difference in reaction?

Posted 3 years ago #
Rudy

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Have you SEEN what people can do with swords?! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhrAB8WMsx0
Prepare for some awesome.

Posted 3 years ago #
onederfullone

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Wow Rudy...I wish I had those kinds of...skills.

idbill, I haven't seen this 'guns good' reaction you speak of, quite the opposite.
I can try to explain why the 'swords bad' reaction you referred to in the above incidents occurred. It seems as though when you brandish a sword in a threatening manner, and the police show up, and you do not follow directions, like, put the thing down, you very well might be shot. Just guessing that is the difference in reaction you're referring to. I'm guessing that you could find a couple stories of some idiot with a gun meeting up with the same outcome.

Just a guess, as I am certainly NOT an expert on idiots with guns...

Posted 3 years ago #
biker_girl

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Besides the gun, what did he look like, and what was his general demeanor? I'm really curious.

Posted 3 years ago #
OingoBoingo

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I wonder if the armored car people picking up the cash at Safeway give this gun toting guy a second look. Does the law allow law biding citizens to carry an exposed, holstered weapon into a bank, school or daycare? Spooky.

Posted 3 years ago #
JousterAlan

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Do you have any idea of how uncomfortable it is to carry a sword concealed?

Posted 3 years ago #
motorrad

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Yes

Posted 3 years ago #
allisonw

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Somehow the idea of WfOne having a concealed weapons permit is not surprising considering s/he lives under a cloud of anonymity online and will not say what business s/he owns.

Just sayin'.

Posted 3 years ago #
afreespirit

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Good one, cd6 ! Hilarious dialog. You too motorrad. (^_^)

Posted 3 years ago #
billwill

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Re: the guy's description, my husband says he was tall, early 40s, with curly brown hair. He was talking to an (unarmed) security guard on his way out, so I think he did attract some attention.

Posted 3 years ago #
onederfullone

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I'm guessing he had a crazy look in his eye, hand hovering near the weapon as he was thinking '...go ahead, make my day'*

allison, my anonymity is my choice. As long as folks decide that they are stuck in jr. high school, pointing at whatever doesn't quite 'fit in' with their view of their perfect little world, with an audible Eeeeewwww escaping from their pouty lips, I'll leave you there in jr. high. Life is no popularity contest folks. Shocking huh?

And no, I won't say what is my business, clearly, you would feel compelled to cease your patronage based on your perceptions of me. Which would be a shame for us both.

oingo-I haven't seen one, wouldn't expect it to be a big deal either.
Of course, if the description at the start were true, might be a different story.

Posted 3 years ago #
onederfullone

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Are you sure he wasn't a 'Middle aged, pudgy bald guy'?

Damn. Now I don't know who to look out for! Or whether or not to laugh...

Posted 3 years ago #
OingoBoingo

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Hm.m..
Slack holster fit, ready for the quick draw or a buttoned down leather strap?
Weapon have a chambered round?
Safety on or off?
Bandolier(s)over one or both shoulders?
Cowboy, military, hunting boots or tennis shoes?
Cowboy or brimmed hat?
Fashion accessorized with matching colors and tones?
Other accoutrements?
Can Hilfiger or Ralph Lauren cash in?
Yowza

Posted 3 years ago #
cd6

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He probably had a bald spot.

Posted 3 years ago #
onederfullone

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yup, one of them butt cheeks...

Posted 3 years ago #
jj

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If there's anything I've learned from the movies, it's best to just shoot anyone swinging a sword

Posted 3 years ago #
onederfullone

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lol JJ, was thinking that very thing...seems very unsporting though...

oingo-no,yes
yes
yes, no
definately no
no,no,no,yes
no
of course, duh.
no
I certainly hope not.
yes.

...just guessing about all that...

Posted 3 years ago #
Ballardemician

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perfectly legal, as is walking into Safeway with a load of crap in your pants and a t-shirt that reads I Love Skull F-ing Sheep, my point being that legal doesn't mean not antisocial. Wearing an exposed gun in Seattle and most other places on the coast grates against informal social norms and is an anti-social act. People who do anti-social things are generally (be sure to read generally) more likely (ditto) to be disaffected and unbalanced.

To me wearing an external holster signals somebody with some sort of complex who either likes making others uncomfortable (which is an alarm bell), or somebody who is unaware of the social world around them (which is also an alarm bell), or someone who is aware but doesn't care about how other people feel (which can signal a sociopath).

So of course it's legal to be externally strapped in DT Ballard. But I certainly don't have to like it, or not view the anti-social person doing it with a raised level of suspicion or concern.

As for concealed carriers that's a different story -- the act of concealing is prosocial as is recognizes that breaking norms usually makes the vast majority of others uncomfortable. Legal concealed carriers want to protect themselves without making others uncomfortable, which is fine by me.

Posted 3 years ago #
onederfullone

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Hey everybody, look at the anti-social douche bag, bet he's a sociopath...yeah, just the kind of guy with crap in his pants or wearing a disgusting t-shirt designed to offend...

yawn.

I have empathy, a trait that sociopaths cannot possess. Perhaps you should check it out, as you seem to lack that yourself, and, have a good grasp on anti-social flags.

I conceal carry nearly all the time (does that make me a better person?) but not for the reason you would think. I try and avoid the assumptions that folks make inevitably.

I explained the open carry, sorry you missed it.

Posted 3 years ago #
Ballardemician

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hey easy on that hair trigger there gun boy. I've got no issue with conceal carry and don't really care what justifies an external holster. My point is that whatever the intent people who carry guns openly on their person in Seattle make others nervous for good reason.

We all make assumptions about situations based on likelihoods. Open carry and not in a uniform to most people in this city means more likely (again read more likely) something is off, so why not be a little more nervous than if the gun wasn't on display?

Okay, so now go a little more reactionary (and again look right past the inconvenient fine-points) and prove my point?

Posted 3 years ago #
onederfullone

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You take it easy there nut job.;-)
It's clear that you don't care. So who's the real sociopath..hmmmmm?

Your opinion, not withstanding your caveats, shows more anti-social tendencies.

Everyone thinks they have 'good reason' to be reactionary, assumptive, and wrong.

Personally, If I saw someone with a gun holstered to their side, out of uniform, I'd assume that they were law abiding. (who else would, really?)If I saw it tucked into their waistband, however, or waving it around, I'd assume that they were a criminal.
Hardly a knee jerk reaction, or a stretch as far as what is reasonable to assume.

Anyhow, you can join the majority in irrational, unreasonable reactions to what you believe you would ever see. Having never seen it, I assume, you are just guessing.

sincerely,
'gun boy'

Posted 3 years ago #
wilson

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open carry is perfectly legal... i hear some buisiness in seattle area offer discounts for people that open carry..

Posted 3 years ago #
ballardmike

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Leave the F-ing bullet delivery devices at home.

Posted 3 years ago #
SPG

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I think that Ballardemician nailed it. It's outside of the norm and signals that the person doing it is most likely out of the norm as well.
'derfullone, Outside of the right wing echo chamber that you've been living in, normal well adjusted people don't go around trying to intimidate their neighbors while running out for a gallon of milk. Safeway is hardly the battle ground of debate on second amendment rights, and the people who are going about their shopping would clearly be made uncomfortable on some level by someone who is not in a uniform carrying a weapon. If I'm out in the woods during hunting season and run into a guy with a rifle I don't even blink. I hope he doesn't mistake me for a deer, but carrying the weapon is completely normal. When I'm walking around and see a police officer, I don't even look to see if they're carrying a gun as I presume they are and it is once again the normal expected situation.
Someone who openly carries a gun for all to see around Safeway is trying to make a point. I'm not going to guess what that point is, but even you have to agree that openly carrying a gun around Ballard is not what the majority of people here would do, or be comfortable with.

Posted 3 years ago #
onederfullone

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I take it as a compliment of the highest order anymore to be labeled 'outside of the norm' thank you very much. I wish I could count you among those I hold dear, sir.

You know, in a semi-related matter, our founding fathers placed their very lives on the line to found this nation. Wasn't a bunch of hot air from arm chair quarterbacks, no sir. BTW, they did this for people who did not agree, would not accept the burden of such risk, would have publicly 'outed' them to the King of England to save their own sorry little asses.

I don't count on support, ever, from those who hold me to be the 'outsider'.
I'm quite used to it. It won't stop me from taking every step to protect you.
Peace, and may you slumber with the dreams of free men.

Posted 3 years ago #
BallardENTP

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I don't have a problem with open carry. It's clear others do, though, so perhaps the person with the .45 might consider wearing a jacket during his next trip to Safeway. Would be more neighborly / considerate. If one is willing to protect others' lives, surely one should also be willing to protect others' sensibilities?

Posted 3 years ago #
SPG

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'derfullone, Are you saying that was you in Safeway? I'm not kidding here, as you seem to take any speculation about this rather personally.
I don't see what attempting to intimidate your neighbors by showing off a gun has to do with the founding of this country. The conversation here isn't about your right to own a gun, but the social acceptability of showing off that same gun in a supermarket.

Posted 3 years ago #
wildernessbarbie

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cd6 and Ballardemician made my morning and got me laughing... thanks! I second SPG.

Will someone please explain the benefits of open carry vs concealed? Besides the fact that you don't have to have a permit to do so as with concealed weapons. The opencarry.org website is horrifying.

Posted 3 years ago #
saffythepook

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IMHO, open carry is unnecessarily intimidating to people and, in the extremely unlikely event that you'd actually need to use the firearm, is tactically disadvantageous because you've let the bad guys know who they need to take out first. If you feel the need to carry a gun, get a concealed license and keep the weapon out of sight.

Posted 3 years ago #
onederfullone

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SPG, No, I have not, will not claim to be said person. Again, while trying to tiptoe through the minefield of societal acceptability, when does one choose to follow their belief at the point where those who are affected object? (And by affected, you must see their part in said offense, their choice to be offended, while not even an intent of the offender, seems as irrelevant as the hour of the day.)
Every individual in prison didn't do it, follow me? The truth lies outside of that societal majority, clearly.
This is the same issue, the values of the majority are in error, and in fact, such a grievous error given the real statistical data all over the issue of guns.
I would love to not 'trounce' on the sensibilities of my neighbors, I'm imploring that my neighbors take a holistic look at the issue, instead of this childish crap that many find humorous. gun=penis envy, gun=wacko, gun=out of balance, etc.
I ain't laughing.
I'll not forget the millions of lives that have been laid down over this issue, nor will I walk away from a good fight. The right to have the societal norm be FOR the keeping and bearing of arms, and to have that right not infringed upon.
I'm REALLY sorry, but if you are offended by a US citizen LEGALLY carrying a gun, you need to check your indignation at the door.

Posted 3 years ago #
onederfullone

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Trying to insist that you have the moral high ground to dictate how an individual will be allowed to carry a gun is specious, and constitutionally not allowed. Thankfully.

If you think that a visible weapon makes one the first target, you should be happy about that, anyway. And all the while, no one seems willing to state that the visible presence of a side arm would curtail potential criminal acts. Whatever, this clearly is not a balanced rational discussion, to say the least.

and according to the 'majority' that's my fault entirely...

Posted 3 years ago #
onederfullone

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...and apparently anything worth saying is worth posting twice.

Posted 3 years ago #
Edog

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Not to get personal, but does anyone else think its hilarious that Onderfullone said "knee jerk reaction"

Posted 3 years ago #
saffythepook

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onederfulone, assuming you're addressing me, I didn't in any way insist that I have the "moral high ground" and, in fact, prefaced all my comments with "IMHO". Carry any way you chose to do so, I'm just pointing out that there are good reasons, both political and tactical, against open carry in a "must issue" CPL state like WA. Tactical issues aside, IMHO again, scaring/antagonizing one's potential political allies is not wise if you're trying to develop a grass-roots movement, particularly when those potential allies are the mainstream of society.

Posted 3 years ago #
wildernessbarbie

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"no one seems willing to state that the visible presence of a side arm would curtail potential criminal acts." I think that the three officers, highly trained on how to use their open carry weapons, who were gunned down in that coffee shop would not support your argument.

If I'm a crazy person bent on shooting people, I'd be more concerned about the potential people whose weapon I can't see. The ones out on open display carried by a civilian are not much of a threat to someone who has the element of surprise on their side, no regard for others personal safety (and possibly their own), and the time to plan out how to take them down first.

I recognize that the guy who wants to rob the convenience store and just waive a gun around in an attempt to get money might think twice... but in those cases, rarely is there a loss of life anyway, so the "open carry to prevent loss of lives" issue is null and void for the most part.

Posted 3 years ago #
DNADave

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Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Posted 3 years ago #
allisonw

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the Founding Fathers had slaves too. Not exactly who I'd be inviting to join my book group.....

Posted 3 years ago #
onederfullone

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They did the best they could, in the times they lived. Hind sight is a waste out of context, isn't it?

WB, cop hunting isn't a fair illustration. Assuming that criminals don't assess the situation before acting...that's just naive.
I'm going around in circles with you, so I'll elect to stop, k?

Posted 3 years ago #
BallardENTP

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the values of the majority are in error

Onederfullone, I'm with you on the larger issue, but even I have to disagree with that statement. Values, being subjective, are determined by the majority. It's impossible for the majority's values to be erroneous.

They might not be safe, or practical, or even legal, but if the majority holds a particular value, than that value isn't in error.

Posted 3 years ago #
wildernessbarbie

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Getting into serious semantics here, but "It's impossible for the majority's values to be erroneous" I think is in itself erroneous, meaning in this context, 1 a : an act or condition of ignorant or imprudent deviation from a code of behavior (IE our Constitution).

The segregation that occurred in this country until only fairly recently was erroneous, in that it was not in keeping with the values stated in our Constitution (ALL men are created equal). Majority's values dictated that it was OK, because the majority were mostly whites.

Just because a majority group feels it's OK to subjugate another smaller group, does not mean it can't be erroneous. A group of KKK members in the deep south may feel it's OK to lynch black people, but the perspective of a larger group would say otherwise.

Posted 3 years ago #
wildernessbarbie

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onederfullone- "Assuming that criminals don't assess the situation before acting...that's just naive." I assume they do, where did I give the impression I didn't?

I think we've come to a stall, and no ground will be won by either side here, so truce it is. :-)

Posted 3 years ago #

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