One of the down sides of OC’ing.....

[DaveM55]

Originally Posted by carterbeauford

+1 to everyone who posted.

DaveM55, I am guilty of drinking when carrying concealed, no more than one or two good strong beers, at 275# not enough to cause impairment. I do agree that none would be better.

It's just my own personal opinion and rule. I'm not placing judgement on those that want to carry OC or CC and drink.

I'd just like people to consider everything involved with carrying and alcohol consumption.

I don't want to find out what would happen if I had to use my weapon even after one drink.
What would a judge, jury and prosecutor say and do?

[Rule10b5]

Originally Posted by Pa. Patriot

But I have also not seen people associating a guy having a beer with being an out of control drunk.

I generally get a bit concerned when I see someone driving AND drinking at the same time, for example. I don't think he's a drunk, but I do think he's a jackass.

I'm not going to call the police or glare at him or anything, but I'm certainly not going to drive near a guy that I've just seen sip from a beer in the center console.

I feel the same way about OC.

[Pa. Patriot]

Originally Posted by Rule10b5

I generally get a bit concerned when I see someone driving AND drinking at the same time, for example. I don't think he's a drunk, but I do think he's a jackass.

Poor comparison since drinking while driving is illegal (open container).

I do see your point. Just disagree.

What do you think of folks who CC (provided you know) and have a drink? Do you look at them the same way?

[imperialism2024]

Didn't think my last post was so controversial... I'd explain further, but that would end up going needlessly off-topic, and what y'all said in refuting my post pretty much clarified what I was trying to say originally anyhow.

[Pa. Patriot]

Originally Posted by imperialism2024

... and what y'all saif in refuting my post pretty much clarified what I was trying to say originally anyhow.

Yeah, I was more or less agreeing with you. Just adding some detail (opinion) to the small part I quoted from you.

[Rule10b5]

Originally Posted by Pa. Patriot

Poor comparison since drinking while driving is illegal (open container).

I do see your point. Just disagree.

What do you think of folks who CC (provided you know) and have a drink? Do you look at them the same way?

I don't think it's a poor comparison unless you assume that breaking the law automatically means someone is doing something dangerous. Whether or not someone is breaking the law, in my mind doesn't mean they're doing something dangerous -- just illegal. I don't look askance at them because they're doing something illegal (I happen to think most of the drinking and driving laws in this country are nonsensical and ineffective at protecting against the risk they purport to minimize), I look at them askance because they're doing something that tends to give rise to the reasonable inference that they may be the sort of person who can't wait to get to the bar/restaurant/wherever before grabbing a drink. I know my position probably isn't the most logical (after all, what does it matter whether I pound a shot before I walk out the door or do one in the car) but there is a definite visceral reaction when I see someone drinking and driving at the same time that isn't tied to the legality of the conduct.

And it's not illegal in all states, yet. A number of states have decided not to comply with TEA-21. Pre-1999 (and passage of TEA-21) it was actually pretty common to drink and drive at the same time.

I do look at people who CC and drink the same way I look at people who OC and drink. It's foolish -- likely moreso than drinking and driving from a legal standpoint.

If you have a beer or two, wreck out, and blow a .04 there is a good chance you'll avoid any serious penalty simply because you had a little alcohol in your blood. Yeah, you'll get run in, hassled, and maybe tried, but you can win and the consequence of losing is minimal.

If you shoot someone and you blow a .04 you're damn near guaranteed the railroad treatment, and the consequences are a heck of a lot more severe.

Sure, the chances of wrecking or getting pulled over are a lot higher than shooting someone, but I'll take a higher risk of a lower consequence any day of the week.

I'm not saying I'm above reproach, I'm just saying it's a shitty idea, regardless of whether it's one or five from a legal standpoint. And then there's the whole habitual drunkard thing. Why OC and drink -- it begs them to harass you about your CC permit.

[Gary in Pennsylvania]

Originally Posted by imperialism2024

Didn't think my last post was so controversial...

I didn't think it was controversial at all.
The fact that I may have been misunderstood by one person may mean that I was misunderstood by many.

I just wanted to clarify.

And I like the variety of opinions and convictions here. Lord knows I don't mind sharing mine - so don't be disinclined to share yours (whomever)...

[Pa. Patriot]

Like I said, I saw your point.

Was unclear the angle you were taking due to the legality issue of the example.

I know this has been debated plenty before, so I'll be brief in addressing the issue this has become.
I agree that drinking while carrying (OC/CC) _could_ cause liability issues.
However, I also think it's a personal decision. If you get stupid while drinking you should not drink. If I have a drink I will not relinquish my means of self defense. But I do not drink to stupidity.... well, not since I was 21, but that's another thread

[BearTitan]

Originally Posted by Gary in Pennsylvania

You have no choice whether or not others perceive you.
But you DO have a partial choice in HOW they perceive you.
And a good place to start is to act responsible and mature while OC’ing.

OK, I'll bite. You have detailed one of the many reasons that I chose to CC the majority of the time. Sure I have a right to OC, but the perception is a reason I choose not to. It is not the main reason, as that is more of a tactical concern than one of perception. Please notice that I am detailing the reasons for my choice, not condemning yours.

On another note guys. Getting stone drunk does not mean that you no longer have a right to defend yourself. Yeah, yeah, I'll get sued, I know. If you are the one to walk away from a gunfight, you are getting sued anyway. I CC sober, drunk, tired, well rested, hungry, horny, and shitty. I doubt my marksmanship improves after a few, but my rights stay the same.

[Rule10b5]

Originally Posted by Pa. Patriot

If I have a drink I will not relinquish my means of self defense.

Like I said, I'm not above, ahem, reproach, and don't always practice what I preach, either. :P