Recently I have read about a few people who were open carrying robbed of their guns at gunpoint. What is your answer to why do gunowners advertise that they have weapons on them?

Still confused about open carry as glad as hell I live in Arizona.

thanks
Thom

This subject has been covered ad nauseam in numerous lengthy threads, several of which are listed at the bottom of this page.

Because they want to. No other reason needed. It's their concern only.

I was never a big fan of OC. Some do this in the mistaken belief that bad guys will stay away b/c they are armed. Why would anyone want to give up the element of surprise?

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Police open carry, and I do not see too many of them robbed of their guns. That said, it pays to be on "yellow" anytime you are out, whether open carrying or not. A surprised person is an easier target than an aware person. Stay away from trouble spots, places where there are parties, free-flowing alcohol, and the like, and you will greatly reduce your chances of having an incident, whether you open carry or not.

I predict that you are about to be sorry you asked.

Being glad that I live in Arizona myself, I find that 'element of surprise' argument to be a real hoot!

I might just consider open carry if I lived in Arizona as I'd figure the guy next to me might just well get robbed first of his gun.
Not common here but legal and I don't. I did see a guy open carry at the store the other day and commented to the clerk I know. She said he was a detective from next county over but does have 3-4 customers that open carry.
I do like the fact my gun can get exposed without penalty but do plan on keeping mine concealed.

Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry?!?

I conceal carry. Open carried for over 26 years and when you think about it, you are advertising that you are armed. I have slowed down over the years and will use any advantage I have, especially a concealed weapon. I don't go looking for trouble, but will not run from it. Too slow now! Having said that, I will try to avoid trouble if possible.

I'm just glad I can carry. If all I could do was open carry, that's what I would do, but I live in a state where I can do both. Everyone should have the choice to carry however they wish.

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That's just somebody talkin.

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Keep on Chooglin'

IMHO Open Carry is a real bad idea! It is almost a statement of bravado or machismo and is likely to get you into more trouble than not having a gun at all.

Open carry while on your own acreage or while hunting in afield is fine, but why anyone would want to let potential per'ps. know they are armed is simply beyond me. I want it to be a surprise so I have the advantage. Just my opinion of course.....

Beaten to death by the same people over and over again, like they're going to convince someone on the 16th try.

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Sure you did

snub, you may need to supersize that

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Sure you did

How 'bout them Redskins.
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Keep on Chooglin'

Just can't let an "open carry thread" go - but you guys are right - people will do what they gotta do........

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Keep on Chooglin'

What gun should I open carry in bear country?

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Keep on Chooglin'

One in which you can shoot "+p" ammo.


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Because I can.

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U.S. Navy - U.S. Army, ret

I agree. I like to keep a low profile myself. Besides, even though it is perfectly legal in my state, I don't want to waste police time by them having to respond to MWAG call from some putts who is ignorant.

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USMC 83'-87', NRA Member.

I wonder if Jerry knows how many bullets he has on hand.

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That's just somebody talkin.

So Sorry that I asked now. I like the idea that others don't know if I am carrying or not. Just don't like to advertise it.
Thom

Carry anyway that makes you feel comfortable, main thing is to always have a gun at your disposal.
I'd rather you carried concealed, but it's your choice.
IMHO concealed is the safest way.

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John

Look at all that ammo! I've seen Miculek shoot at his home compound and it is shooters heaven. Must be nice to pick up a phone and have a pallet of ammo delivered free of charge

But man, the mess of that ammo room would bug me.

Yeah, Jerry uses the same organizing system I do. It bugs me and one day I'll straighten things up, but that day is not today.

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Freedom isn't free.

I would rather be avoided than have to attempt to surprise.

Time to throw my 2 cents about open/conceal carry, with fervor and passion, and no real facts or tactical realities to back it up, and finally end the argument once and for all.

And I would rather not elevate my chances of being a target.

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Freedom isn't free.

I don't like sticking out and as others have pointed out, yours is not exactly a "bulletproof" strategy

All of this talk about surprise and advantage may well be true, but there is something else to consider. Granted, most criminal element isn't very smart, but every now and then one comes along with half a brain. In that situation, they will look to try and maximize their chance of getting away with a crime. Let's say someone is going to rob a bank or a store. If they are smart, the first thing they will do is identify anyone that might cause them a problem and eliminate that problem first...without warning or notice. So, if you are in a store with an open carry weapon, you just made yourself a target that you will have little or no time for self defense reaction. In many robbery type of situations you might not even need to present your weapon. If there is not a direct threat to you or anyone else, it would be a bad idea to escalate the situation. But if the criminal can see you are armed, you might not have a choice...and that could end badly for you or others. Basically, creating a deadly situation that otherwise would have never occurred. If I am in a situation that I would need to defend myself, I would want as much advantage as possible and telegraphing that I am armed takes that advantage away.

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M&P Shield 9MM

Lets say the BG sees a Cop in a 7-11... the policeman is alone, does he pose a more lethal threat than John Q Citizen? I do not think so, will the BG retreat and bide his time? In my opinion he will, it would matter not if it is LE or JQC. I do not buy the argument that you , open carrying, would be a target. That said... I do carry concealed, it is the law in Texas... would I open carry? I think, given the opportunity, I would. How quick can you deploy your firearm in the concealed disposition? I dare say an open carry person is much quicker on the draw, what really matters is are you willing to engage or be a good witness. And by the way.. the BG is normally a coward and will not normally attack an aware person. There really is no good argument for or against....." shall not be infringed", is the argument. Carry what you will in a manner that suits you... but, carry none the less.

While I don't like OC in public for many reasons, I don't disagree with much of what you posted.

However, I've talked to one guy who actually tested against me (on timer and we posted our honest results) regarding OC versus CC draw time. Open carrying does not give you a significant advantage against a skilled shooter with regards to draw time.

It's very uncommon to see an OC guy timing draws, working reloads, shooting drills, etc. It's even more uncommon to see them taking training classes and/or competing. I support their right to OC but I'm not at all impressed by the OC guys' collective skill set with pistols. I also don't like carrying at people and that seems to be what many OC folks do to the detriment of the rest of us.

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Keep on Chooglin'

Cops don't get targeted because killing a cop brings more heat and a higher chance of getting caught. Unless the score is REALLY big, most perps would move on when there's a chance of killing a cop. Cops in PA spent 46 days and 10 million bucks finding a cop killer. The FBI put the perp on their Most Wanted list and the U.S. Marshals joined in the hunt. Think they'd do that for the OC guy getting coffee at the 7-11?