sasheh
Newbie
I am a 23-year-old female who just graduated with a master's in criminal justice. I've been wanting to carry a gun since I was a teenager, and I did extensive research while I was in college so that I would be ready to carry once I was free from gun-free zone campuses (I always lived on campus). I finally bought a Ruger SR9c before I went off for my last year of school in August. I took a class during winter break and then applied for my permit during spring break, and I now have it. I have done my research, and I want to open carry most of the time. I returned home to my family a week ago. I am exited about starting to carry, but my parents (who still hold authority over me) don't share my enthusiasm.
I don't have a job yet, so I haven't been out much during the week. I've been carrying at home and during my daily walk along the walking path down the block (where I've had no problems). I thought I'd get the chance to really OC today. I live in Edina. Every Saturday, my family and I go shopping together for groceries (Aldi, trader Joe's, and/or Walmart) and whatever else we may need at the mall (Southdale or Eden Prairie Center), and we often go out for dinner. My parents are very pro-gun. My dad even wants to get a gun himself once he can afford it. However, today they made me disarm before we went on our shopping trip. I got into a small argument with my dad and ultimately complied. His problem appears to be with me OCing and not carrying in general. I would have preferred to conceal rather than disarm, but I do not yet have an IWB holster, and there is no way I can hide a gun in my Blackhawk serpa holster in the summer.
My dad is not convinced that OC is safer than CC, but his main concern is the reaction of others. He seems convinced that I'm going to cause a scene. He said most businesses will not like it if I carry a gun in their store (apparently, even if there is no visible sign). He also thinks people will scream or someone will complain and I'll get several security guards surrounding me with their guns pointed at me. I told him that most people on this forum reported no such experiences, but he chastised me and said that doesn't mean it can't happen. He said I shouldn't stir the pot if I can avoid it. Apparently, OC will bring me nothing but trouble. His one solution hr offered is to ask the security guards at the mall if they would allow me to a carry a gun (better safe than sorry, as he says).
Does anyone here have any experience carrying specifically in the Minneapolis suburbs (mostly Edina, Eden Prairie, Richfield, and Bloomington)? I know the MOA is different, but malls don't outright ban guns, do they? What is the most negative reaction I can reasonably expect? What can I tell my dad to help alleviate his fears? It's frustrating because I've been looking forward to carrying all year, and I thought my dad would be on my side. What was the point of going trough all the hoops to get my permit if I can never carry? I believe he's overreacting. This is Minneapolis, not Chicago or NYC. Any help would be appreciated.
I don't have a job yet, so I haven't been out much during the week. I've been carrying at home and during my daily walk along the walking path down the block (where I've had no problems). I thought I'd get the chance to really OC today. I live in Edina. Every Saturday, my family and I go shopping together for groceries (Aldi, trader Joe's, and/or Walmart) and whatever else we may need at the mall (Southdale or Eden Prairie Center), and we often go out for dinner. My parents are very pro-gun. My dad even wants to get a gun himself once he can afford it. However, today they made me disarm before we went on our shopping trip. I got into a small argument with my dad and ultimately complied. His problem appears to be with me OCing and not carrying in general. I would have preferred to conceal rather than disarm, but I do not yet have an IWB holster, and there is no way I can hide a gun in my Blackhawk serpa holster in the summer.
My dad is not convinced that OC is safer than CC, but his main concern is the reaction of others. He seems convinced that I'm going to cause a scene. He said most businesses will not like it if I carry a gun in their store (apparently, even if there is no visible sign). He also thinks people will scream or someone will complain and I'll get several security guards surrounding me with their guns pointed at me. I told him that most people on this forum reported no such experiences, but he chastised me and said that doesn't mean it can't happen. He said I shouldn't stir the pot if I can avoid it. Apparently, OC will bring me nothing but trouble. His one solution hr offered is to ask the security guards at the mall if they would allow me to a carry a gun (better safe than sorry, as he says).
Does anyone here have any experience carrying specifically in the Minneapolis suburbs (mostly Edina, Eden Prairie, Richfield, and Bloomington)? I know the MOA is different, but malls don't outright ban guns, do they? What is the most negative reaction I can reasonably expect? What can I tell my dad to help alleviate his fears? It's frustrating because I've been looking forward to carrying all year, and I thought my dad would be on my side. What was the point of going trough all the hoops to get my permit if I can never carry? I believe he's overreacting. This is Minneapolis, not Chicago or NYC. Any help would be appreciated.