[Ancesthntr]

I have mixed emotions about this.

One the one hand, the right to keep AND BEAR arms is part of our Constitution and our heritage. Having and bearing arms DOES send a message to those who would even think of turning this nation into a tyranny.

OTOH, from a practical POV, every time someone out there carries openly WITH A LONG GUN, it makes every single advocate of guns - let alone open carry or even concealed carry - look like a drooling moron. It actively sets back our agenda of normalizing firearms in the public’s mind, and detoxifying the image of guns and gun owners that has been put forth by the statists over the last century or more. This is all the more so when someone who is clearly a knuckle-dragger (like a guy wearing a hood, waving around a swastika, etc.).

All things considered, I think it best to take this a bit slower until the populace can be educated...and I reluctantly conclude that SAF is correct - for now.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

OTOH, from a practical POV, every time someone out there carries openly WITH A LONG GUN, it makes every single advocate of guns - let alone open carry or even concealed carry - look like a drooling moron.

IMHO...the only reasons to open carry a long gun is while transporting to or engaging in a hunt. Or, if there is open combat in a situation of rebellion against an oppressive dictatorship.

Such protests by a group of citizens against a group of citizens who dare think differently than the former, is not an appropriate venue for open carry of a long gun. It's like smoking a cigarette at a gas station.

[dangerdoc]

I have mixed feelings also, I remember the pictures of posing protesters in Starbucks demonstrating poor muzzle control and fingers on triggers. Made me queasy and didn’t help our case.

This group also has the right to choose their battles.

On the other hand, we appear to be entering an era where carrying a long arm on the streets may be required.

[azcap]

Some “activists” on our side do not understand difference between having the right to do something and whether you should do something. Let us be honest in our evaluation of this. Open carrying long arms at the Bundy Ranch standoff was both for protection (always ok) and to convey a message that we would not be intimidated by a well armed and threatening government presence that wnted to suppress our rights. Open carrying a long arm in Charlottesville was done to intimidate and demonstrating with a threat of violence is not OK in the American system. It is exactly why Antifa carries clubs and wears masks.

[dware]

It actively sets back our agenda of normalizing firearms in the public’s mind, and detoxifying the image of guns and gun owners that has been put forth by the statists over the last century or more.

That's a milquetoast agenda. I want them to be afraid - very afraid - and know that I have no problems shooting someone who is an immediate danger to either myself, my family or my Constitution. THAT'S what guns are for, not for decoration and "normalization".