Again:
It’s not about negative reactions, it’s about how a hostile, aggressive prosecutor might use images to paint an inappropriate picture of us to a jury. I don’t care who likes my fashion statement in public or who disagrees with me.
Oh yeah Bugleboy, I have no doubt about that.
But, I weigh that against trying to promote our 2a rights, by wearing an NRA shirt, 5.11 Blueline Tactical shirt, USCCA shirt, Hornady, Cabela’s , etc.
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Here’s a thought that changed my mind on how I dress. A guy I met in training is a retired teams guy who does contract work for the govt. now. Bad ass. “You guys with your ‘Joe Gun Range’ outfits on–looking like you just bought out the 5.11 store. Pretty much telling anyone who knows anything that you’re carrying. If you’re ever in a place with a shooter, you’re the first guy they’re going to take out.” His point seems pretty valid. For the same reason I wear camo when hunting, I’m not wearing my ‘range stuff’ except when I teach. The last thing I want to do is stick out and make myself a target.
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Great point @Aaron25. Great point. When I was young, I was very confident in my physical abilities. I’d had to fight my way out of situations. I would notice the shirts some guys would wear with the bold tough guy “I’m the baddest in the swamp” images. Interesting how many times they’d be asked to prove it while I was left alone.
Maybe they were looking for a confrontation. It sure looked like it. If so, they got the full response. I’d be left alone with my date, because after all, would I prefer an evening with a nice girl or a smelly close physical experience with some funky looking guy…or guys?
Think too about how we represent ourselves to the “non-gunned” population. If you walk into a room full of people and start making bold loud statements, how long do you think it will take to win the room to your side? We are 2nd Ammendment Ambassadors. The more people we show how we are just normal peace loving Americans who are standing for our constitution, the greater our numbers will grow…the safer our constitution will be. They have seen all the unrealistic movies and shared all the anti gun memes. It’s time for them to see real, normal, healthy citizens who cherish our rights.
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And I’m through beating a dead snake.
Just a note though that makes a point for us too.
Did you know a surprising number of people are actually bitten by dead venomous snakes and even the severed heads of the snakes? Don’t ever trust a snake; even when you’re sure you’ve handled the situation. See a parallel?
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Good point - did he have the same view of open carry, @Aaron25?
Yes, but no. I won’t touch a snake, dead or alive. 
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If open carry is the law where you are and you’re comfortable with it, go right ahead. Being responsible and level headed is the key.
Open carry brings some changes.
We never got into the open carry discussion.
I think his point is valid, and in regards to open carry–I’ve not come across it much, outside of uniformed police officers.
But have you ever seen a police officer without a weapon retention holster? And if you do open carry (the only time I do it is when teaching at the range and when hunting out west), I sincerely hope you have some knowledge/training on how to prevent yourself from being disarmed.
I don’t see an up side to open carry for me. I"m not litlle–6’2, 225–and I know how to de-escalate a confrontation, but I still choose not to broadcast the fact that I carry. I think an invisible, deadly sheep dog is a lot better off than one the wolves notice. I have no problem with open carry–it’s just not something I choose to do regularly.
Si vis pacem, para bellum
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Open carry was mentioned in response to @Dawn. I didn’t want to get into that. We don’t have open carry. I’m not against it, but if I did open carry, I’d have a rick solid system. I prefer concealed for many reasons for myself.
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Solid points Aaron. I too see no reason to open carry. Why advertise? If a situation develops better to have surprise-on your side. Also oc tends to frighten the sheep who may then see You as the threat. To me it’s not worth the hassle. If you do oc, please use a retention holster-you do Not want to explain how the bad guy committed mayhem with the weapon he took from you😏
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I have a holster that would be almost impossible for someone to get the weapon from as long as I’m in control of myself, but I would still prefer to carry concealed. We don’t have oc anyway.
A few points to catch up on.
When I’m wearing one of my t-shirts mentioned, as always (even when not) I’m opening doors for the ladies, putting groceries in cars for the ladies and elderly if they park next to me. I’ve loaded some mulch and salt from time to time for the same at Home Depot. Nothing says Ambassador more than this, being helpful and polite. I did it once for a lady in the grocery store and specifically saw a Hillary bumper sticker on her car. When I was done she really looked at my shirt and scowled. I couldn’t resist and told her a non hating conservative helped you regardless of your bumper sticker. I think I saw her head just about to explode.
Snakes, all true.
Open carry. I used to as it is legal here in TX. When pumping gas, or walking through a parking lot. I thought that this would deter most criminals if they had nefarious thoughts. Where as it would, it is not the BEST strategy. Concealed and living in the Yellow, walk away from bad guys not towards them. There are different techniques for gas stations that I was taught as well. Open carry is still not the best.
I have seen my share of open carry folks and could care less other than they are probably like minded, so that’s cool I guess.
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This keeps going away from the point. Let’s just trash the thread. The point was not how you are perceived in public but what a clever gun hating prosecutor might twist up and misrepresent to make you look of evil intent. But I give up. I’m gone.
I don’t feel comfortable hiding my love of firearms, whether it’s in the form of stickers, gear, e.t.c…or even statements made online, just because what MIGHT happen in a legal situation.
I am aware though of hidden messages in some of the apparel being used by certain white nationalists groups as well as other factions whose views i do not necessarily agree with and try my best to steer clear of any images and/or slogans in relation. (to each their own)
I do however, wear my Glock, Sig, H&K shirts, and other gun apparel to show my support for the 2A cause, regardless whatever repercussion may come…we are, after all, in a fight to maintain our rights, now is not the time to fall back in showing our support…IMO
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I agree with you on that - if you want to wear a Sig shirt, wear it. There’s something to be said for living your life and sharing your passion responsibly.
Our actions and training will help show who we really are.
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The Seal is on the other side.
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A Sig or Glock or Grunt Style is a little different than a Punisher or a Spartan Molon Labe. Those to me could be used against you by a prosecutor.
I was at the farmers market and saw a guy with a punisher T, a pistol that didn’t hide well (a little extra girth), and a punisher bumper sticker on his truck. To each his own, but I think he’s setting himself up for trouble.
I have a ton of these shirts–but generally reserve them for range time. I like to be a ‘gray man’–I don’t want them to see me coming.
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This is exactly the sort of thing I’m getting at.
Of course it’s everyone’s choice. There are certain “fashion looks” that just don’t go with my nature or intent.
I wouldn’t wear a shirt that reads “Kill 'em all! Let God sort 'em out!” Not my nature or intent.
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