As I've just written in my introductory post, while I have years of military service under my gunbelt, I'm new to bearing arms, both CC and OC, as a civilian. However, after obtaining my LTCF less than six weeks ago, CC came rather easily. After a couple of weeks, it was second nature.

Like many, I was reluctant to OC--we may list loss of tactical advantage and the drawing of unwanted attention as the two biggest factors. Yet, realizing certain conveniences in OC and embracing my 2nd Amendment rights as much as any other, I read extensively, making certain I understood Pennsylvania law on the topic, and devoted considerable thought before attempting it.

First, came the phone call to my local police department. During a brief, but informative, telephone conversation with a friendly and professional local officer who seemed happy to address any concerns I might have, he assured me that the choice of CC/OC was "up to me" and left it at that.

So assured, I strapped my GP100 to my belt and set out on my evening and early morning walks without incident. After several days, I had reason to stop in the local gun store and saw no reason to not OC (after all, it's a GUN STORE). Thirty or so minutes inside talking with one of the employees; not an eyebrow raised by anyone.

A day or two later, an early Saturday morning run to a small store at which I'm a regular. Upon entering, I found only one other customer inside, as I patiently waited for the nice, older lady who runs the place to finish waiting on him before turning her attention to me. As soon as she did, I noticed her eyes slightly widen as she focused on my trusty Ruger in it's holster--in plain view. Still, she was composed and asked how she could help me.

Now, I should add that I'm anything but an intimidating person. Despite my years of military service, I'm not some sort of "hardcore" brute. I'm essentially an over-educated, non-imposing sort of guy for whom gentlemanly conduct is second nature. So, sensing that my OC was at least a bit of concern for her, I continued my typical sort of respectful dialogue; "yes, ma'am", "thank you, ma'am", "you enjoy your day too", etc.

I exited the store with neither her nor I any worse for wear.

Last evening strolling around the parking lot of a well landscaped business complex as many in my neighborhood do, I bumped into one of the cleaning ladies whom I often see. As always, she stopped to chat, as she has for the past two or so years I've known her, this was the first time she had seen me OC'ing. If she so much as noticed my gun, she gave no indication. If she did, she obviously found it in no way intimidating--she passed me on her second lap around the parking lot with no effort to avoid me.

Finally, as I returned to my car, a campus police officer from the local university pulled in a couple spaces away. Thinking "OK, this is it--my first encounter with law enforcement", as the officer exited his vehicle, our eyes met. I simply nodded and said "How are you?", to which the officer replied "Pretty well, how are you?" before he entered the food establishment to grab his take out dinner.

Did the officer even notice my gun? In the diminishing light, my guess is that he did not. In any event, there was nothing to it. No real "encounter", no drama, no nervousness. Just a hungry police officer exchanging "hello's" with one of the local citizens.

I'll post more here from time-to-time and enjoy reading the comments and experiences of others.

Stay safe out there.