Well, I just spent a little time reading every post here, and to tell you the truth, I'm a little surprised for a few reasons:
1-With the anti-gun sentiment out there, which you will NEVER change in some people, why give them something to complain about. You know that the anti's have many friends in the media that can cause problems. If you want to carry, like I do EVERYWHERE I can legally, do it concealed. I agree with Mas about not "spooking the horses". If someone that is really not a gun person, but is on-the-fence on the issue of CCW, seeing someone packing in B&N openly won't help win friends.
2-Many mistakes were made here. Openly carrying SOB (or anywhere for that matter) while in a state of being comletely oblivious of your surroundings, can allow anyone motivated enough to just walk up and disarm you (kind of like what the officers did). And, if a criminal did walk in and robbed the place, guess who's going to catch the first bullet because they're the threat. The person who is paying attention to nothing but the book they are looking at while having a gun out in the open! I know the tactical aspect of this has been addressed, but I just had to chime in again.
3-The officers' response. Sounds a little overboard, but I can see two or three units responding to a call like this. I don't see any parrallel to the case mentioned above. I know that an anonomous tip of someone carrying a gun cannot warrant a Terry Stop, but when a tip is received and an officer can plainly see a handgun, there's no need for a Terry Frisk, he can already see it! Maybe a lawyer can justify that arguement, but I think it would be taken out of context. Imagine the civil liability if they received the tip, didn't respond, and some moron started opening up in the store. You can't blame them for responding. Would I have handled it differently, no. You would have been put up against the case with me holding on to your handgun and shoulder. When I found out that you were legal, I would not lecture you on why you need a handgun. IMO, an armed citizen is an important asset to law enforcement as a whole, but I do not agree with open carry at all. I don't agree with a law making it illegal, but I certainly don't promote it. IMO, it's kind of like helmet laws for motorcycles. I don't agree with a law making you wear one, but I think you're an idiot if you don't.
Here in MA, back when I got my first CCW in the early 90's, you could get them when you were 18 years old. I took after my father and have been carrying just about every day since I got my license. And, I have NEVER carried openly. Not because MA law is ever changing and it's legal one minute and not another, but for the reason I stated above. I want to be the one knowing I'm packing, not anyone else.
As for an alterior motive here, I completely believe that he didn't want to start something. But, you can't tell me that it never went through his mind that someone would see his Glock and not like it. I know it's kind of like making a statement about gun rights, but we all have to be responsible. Causing histeria among people that know nothing about guns does not help us when votes are being made about more restrictions. I know many here are rallying behind him standing up and making a pro-second ammendment statement, but for the most part, more harm was done than good IMO.
As a MA resident with a NH CCW license, I carry all the time when I go into the state. Concealed, that is. And, since it's obvious I'm in law enforcement, I know some will jump to conclusions that I'm a little biased. Nope, not at all. I felt the same before I was in law enforcement, and I'll feel the same after I'm out of it.
OK, it's time to open up on me now since I'm the only person who isn't strapping on my handgun and going around parading in public to show support. I agree that the charges were completely out of line. But, as many have stated above, keep it concealed.
