A crazy question . . . but . . .

Prof Young · November 1, 2018, 01:33 PM

Another post about guns with "style" has prompted this query.

Are there places in the USA, or the world for that matter, where open carry is a fashion statement and people buy guns that make a fashion statement?

Life is good.

Prof Young

**JohnKSa** · November 1, 2018, 01:54 PM

In TX, there is a sort of tradition of what are called Barbecue Guns. These are typically very nice pistols--most often embellished and carried in similarly nice and embellished holsters. One would expect to see Colt revolvers and maybe embellished 1911 pistols filling this niche.

The guns would be worn at a fancy, but somewhat informal, get-together (a Barbecue or other similar dinner--usually served outside) on private property, not while walking around in public or at an indoor formal dinner.

I say it's 'sort of a tradition' because it's not something that one would expect to see frequently. I've never been to the kind of a get-together where people were wearing BBQ guns. I imagine that it's pretty rare for that kind of function to take place these days so it might be more accurate to say that there WAS sort of a tradition...

I haven't been in tons of places over seas, but I do have a little bit of history in South America. Pistols in the (very rural) areas of South America where I was were viewed as being for killing people and not much else. Most families had some sort of a long gun--usually a very old shotgun (the ones I saw were mostly vintage muzzle-loaders) for hunting--but pistols were rare and when a non-military person wore one openly it was usually a veiled threat, or a self-proclamation of power/authority.

aarondhgraham · November 1, 2018, 02:50 PM

I don't know about now, but in the late 80's,,,
I saw a lot of fancy open carry rigs in Flagstaff, Arizona.

That was the first and only place I lived,,,
Where open carry seemed prestigious.

Aarond

.

5whiskey · November 1, 2018, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Are there places in the USA, or the world for that matter, where open carry is a fashion statement and people buy guns that make a fashion statement?

Kind of. I am law enforcement, and when I go to training or a class with folks from many other agencies I will usually open carry my nicest pistol (which is not a Barbecue gun by any stretch). Same thing with like an FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) meeting. Some other guys do as well, while many just carry their standard issue. My nicest pistol is an RIA 1911 with custom grips. Yes I don't have deep pockets lol! At any rate, I would say that some cops I know will OC in a setting like that to show off a nice holster or firearm while they are training or meeting in plain clothes. Of course I'm from the country and many cops here are gun guys.

dakota.potts · November 1, 2018, 05:43 PM

I would say that it happens most frequently at gun ranges and shooting matches. A lot of regulars at club level matches are there because they enjoy guns and community... So there is a lot of showing off and ogling of guns

Tombstonejim · November 1, 2018, 06:22 PM

Ever been to Tombstone? Probably more weapons of all sorts on the street at one time per capita than any where else except for a war zone. Lots of collector stuff.

Archie · November 3, 2018, 11:26 PM

I am rather private about my armed status. Yes, there are some who know about it, but I do not 'open carry' in public. (I'm a bit more casual around my shooting friends.)

However, being in my own mind a sharp dresser and respectable, mature and generally edumacated type, I have a rather fancy sidearm. A 1903 Colt Pocket pistol with tasteful engraving, a new blue job and faux ivory grips. Not that I'm crazy about .32 ACP as a primary defensive round.

But I feel 'class' needs no explanation. And no. I do not show it off in public.

shurshot · November 5, 2018, 05:40 AM

Mexican cartel members appreciate gold plated and engraved AK-47's and Colt 1911A1 .38 Supers. Search Google for pictures.

November 1, 2018, 01:33 PM	#1
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,403	A crazy question . . . but . . . Another post about guns with "style" has prompted this query. Are there places in the USA, or the world for that matter, where open carry is a fashion statement and people buy guns that make a fashion statement? Life is good. Prof Young

November 1, 2018, 01:54 PM	#2
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 24,971	In TX, there is a sort of tradition of what are called Barbecue Guns. These are typically very nice pistols--most often embellished and carried in similarly nice and embellished holsters. One would expect to see Colt revolvers and maybe embellished 1911 pistols filling this niche. The guns would be worn at a fancy, but somewhat informal, get-together (a Barbecue or other similar dinner--usually served outside) on private property, not while walking around in public or at an indoor formal dinner. I say it's 'sort of a tradition' because it's not something that one would expect to see frequently. I've never been to the kind of a get-together where people were wearing BBQ guns. I imagine that it's pretty rare for that kind of function to take place these days so it might be more accurate to say that there WAS sort of a tradition... I haven't been in tons of places over seas, but I do have a little bit of history in South America. Pistols in the (very rural) areas of South America where I was were viewed as being for killing people and not much else. Most families had some sort of a long gun--usually a very old shotgun (the ones I saw were mostly vintage muzzle-loaders) for hunting--but pistols were rare and when a non-military person wore one openly it was usually a veiled threat, or a self-proclamation of power/authority. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

November 1, 2018, 02:50 PM	#3
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	I don't know about now, but in the late 80's,,, I don't know about now, but in the late 80's,,, I saw a lot of fancy open carry rigs in Flagstaff, Arizona. That was the first and only place I lived,,, Where open carry seemed prestigious. Aarond . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

November 1, 2018, 05:43 PM	#5
dakota.potts Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2013 Location: Keystone Heights, Florida Posts: 3,084	I would say that it happens most frequently at gun ranges and shooting matches. A lot of regulars at club level matches are there because they enjoy guns and community... So there is a lot of showing off and ogling of guns __________________ Certified Gunsmith (On Hiatus) Certified Armorer - H&K and Glock Among Others You can find my writings at my website, pottsprecision.com.

November 3, 2018, 11:26 PM	#7
Archie Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2000 Location: Hastings, Nebrasksa - the Hear Posts: 2,209	I am rather private about my armed status. Yes, there are some who know about it, but I do not 'open carry' in public. (I'm a bit more casual around my shooting friends.) However, being in my own mind a sharp dresser and respectable, mature and generally edumacated type, I have a rather fancy sidearm. A 1903 Colt Pocket pistol with tasteful engraving, a new blue job and faux ivory grips. Not that I'm crazy about .32 ACP as a primary defensive round. But I feel 'class' needs no explanation. And no. I do not show it off in public. __________________ There ain't no free lunch, except Jesus. Archie Check out updated journal at http://oldmanmontgomery.wordpress.com/

November 1, 2018, 06:22 PM	#6
Tombstonejim Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2007 Location: Tombstone Az Posts: 202	Ever been to Tombstone? Probably more weapons of all sorts on the street at one time per capita than any where else except for a war zone. Lots of collector stuff.

November 5, 2018, 05:40 AM	#8
shurshot Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2006 Posts: 1,819	Mexican cartel members appreciate gold plated and engraved AK-47's and Colt 1911A1 .38 Supers. Search Google for pictures.