Well, I disagree with some of what has been said. If'n yer workin' outdoors and common sense suggests a firearm, you take one. Carryin' a long gun ties up one hand and tires you out over a day. Havin' a sidearm on yer hip makes a lot more sense if yer adoin' actual work. I know, the police types define work as standin' around in a group, BS'n. I mean actually pick'n stuff up and movin' it around, or hammerin' on things, etc. No, you can use yer sidearm as the hammer. It doesn't fit my style. I see nothin' wrong with a farmer or rancher with a gun on his hip. It makes a lot more sense than havin' it concealed under his dress jacket when the temps are above 90, or 100. Do as you please, but don't leave out common sense.
When I was young and even more stupid, there was this little party my daddy threw out in the hay field. He called it "hay'n" and his trusty little revolver was on his side. Plainly visible to anyone within maybe 100 feet. I shore would like to see you disarm'n experts walk up to him and take that thing away. I kind of think you'd better have an excuse fer bein' in his field and approachin' us. Even if we were in the barn and you appeard out of now where, you'd be what we'd call a trusspasser, and he'd be thinkin' about usin' the revolver on you before you could get very close.
Back when huntin' bunnies and tree rats seemed like a good idea, I'd often haul a 22 pistol on my side. Not sure why, just seemed to make some sense to me. I've even shot a few stupid tree rats with it. Back in those days, concealed was forbidden. Hardly anyone but our huntin' party saw us. Course if we got done and headed into town, we'd put all the guns, including the rifles, shotguns, and handguns in the trunk. Anyone with any sense at all figured we had guns, but why else would be be dressed with canvas clothes and have a big ole license pinned to our backs?
To me, that was open carry. Part of what they say is true. If yer up to no good, shoot the guy with an exposed gun first. But that's done with city slickers. I did have an exposed handgun one time. In a bank no less. On payday I'd rush home. If I came through the door yell'n, old spot my dalmatian would run in circles and bounce of the walls. He knew darn good and well what was up. So I'd change clothes or at least shoes and get him all roped up. Then with my carry piece under a jacket, and my paycheck in my pocket, we'd head out. From the house, it was at least 2 miles. A guy doin' a forced march can cover that in about 30 to 40 minutes. So we went into the bank and got in the slaughter line. We'd move up a step or two, and I'd tell him to sit. He knew the drill. And when he did, I'd pet him and tell him he was a good-boy. We knew the tellers and the guard. On this one day, I'd bent down a few times and petted my pooch. That day the guard walked over and very quietly said "your carry piece is showing". So I straightened out my jacket and we went on through the like without other incident. I'd guess no one cared one hoot. The tellers even had suckers for the kids and milk bones for the various dogs that came along. Nice friendly place it was. Let that cover concealed carry in a bank and unplanned exposure. If'n you're not tryin' to make a fuss, no one cares.
