Walkie, Georgia is destined to be an open carry state ,so expect more guns everywhere.

Fly, I certainly hope Georgia does not become an "open carry" state; if you mean that any adult can carry a pistol without a permit.

I have my own views on gun regulation and they do not match all of yours. But, neither do they match anyone else's entirely. But, people who want to carry pistols around, concealed or not, should absolutely be required to be licensed after a thorough background check and training (for new owners - not new applicants).

Responsible gun owners should abhor any attempts to reduce the not very stringent current requirements.

Walkie, good questions. If you own a sporting goods store, carrying might suit your business model (kind of like letting dogs wander around Petco). If you own Dollar General or another retail establishment, maybe not.

I am not sure how I would react to gun toting customers if I owned my own store but with the recent Supreme Court rulings favoring firearms ownership for self defense this "open carry" may one day be adjudicated into reality. After all does your right to own and carry a gun for self defense end at your doorstep?

I feel a trained and licensed concealed carry in any business is deterrent to violence. Any business that puts up signs banning guns is opening themselves as a easy prey for armed robbery or other violence. I carry a gun because a cop is to heavy.

This made me think of the recent Denny's hooplah - where they wouldn't let officers dine who were armed... Personally, I hope they lost a ton of business. My personal opinion is this: if the owner of an establishment is going to broadcast that they do not allow guns, that business owner should DEFINITELY carry. I feel that to post a pretty sign saying you don't allow guns on the premises or allow customers to carry has NO positive outcomes whatsoever. #Criminalinfestation

Interesting comments. If I owned a retail business, I would not allow customers openly carrying a pistol (or sny firearm). As for concealed, how would l I know?

All,

Thanks for the interesting and civil follow-ups.

A person may legally carry a weapon openly, or concealed, in Georgia if they are licensed in Georgia or one of 24 other states. However, one will be subjected to higher scrutiny if carrying openly - and it may result with a "consultation" from a law enforcement officer. To carry openly without a license will only get you in a heap of trouble - should you get caught.

Personally, I feel that a "No weapons allowed" sign is like having a "this house not protected by gun" sign in the front yard. However, that does not mean the owner or manager is not packing heat.

Again, thanks.

I have a question for everyone. If someone is carrying a handgun, licensed to do so, visible to everyone, would that make you a little nervous?

It would me only because you hear stories of criminals trying to reach for the cops weapon while they are being arrested.

I'm not a big gun fan as they make me nervous, but I understand people owning them for hunting and for protection.

Handguns being concealed I think is the best way and if they are licensed to do so.

What are your thoughts?

pebbles, Charlie.

You should be nervous. The weapon carrier should be nervous to a degree, but not to excess nor to anxiousness. I was nervous every time I drew a weapon from the armory when I was in the military. I had a lethal weapon in my possession and was authorized to use it under certain conditions. That is serious business.

People should consider beforehand how to secure their own weapons. We were trained on how NOT to be disarmed, and many holsters made today are resistant to gun-grabbers.

When you say "we" are you referring to when you were in the military?

Yes. I was in the military and briefly in military law enforcement. We, military and all law enforcement, are trained how NOT to be disarmed.

I would strongly recommend anyone with a concealed carry license to be trained as well.

I totally agree. But is this kind of training available and should it be mandatory?

I don't know if it is available or not, never looked for it.

Mandatory?

I will relate to cars again... Another part of law enforcement training is 'special' driving skills. Actually helped make me a safer driver. Should that be mandatory for all drivers?

for one its really none of your business to know if i am carrying or not...I carry when I go anywhere anymore., and i don't do business with those who put on there businesses no guns allowed...I would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6 when I didn't carry that day.

UFGTRS, sorry the travails of daily life are such you feel the necessity to carry a weapon. Truly - no satire intended.

yes i do bryant, unlike those who live in the city, it does take the sheriff a bit longer to get to me...

Ufgtrs, Perhaps you should question your fear.Why are you so afraid? Offhand, I think a divorce from Fox News might be in order.

I fear no one...

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