Steve Randall strolled into the Starbucks at Mid Rivers Mall Drive and Mexico Road one recent Thursday evening wearing his Glock 21C pistol in a holster at his side.

Randall’s imposing height and short haircut might have led some to believe he was a police officer. Perhaps they were too busy to notice the gun on his hip or the hips of two men who joined him.

For Randall, 39, of Overland, this was just another “open-carrying” gathering with friends, something he says he does for two reasons — to provide personal protection and to let Missourians know they have the right to do so.

Open carry is legal in most states, but in recent years has become part of the national gun debate, which had primarily been dominated by battles over carrying concealed weapons. California, where open carry is allowed if the gun is unloaded, is a battleground on the issue now.

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