Open carry opinions

[shil]

I was just curious about the general feeling about open carry in those states that do not prohibit it. My own feeling is: Why not just carry concealed and be done with it? Can open carry be construed as confrontational or be deemed "brandishment" in some jurisdictions? Would an armed potential felon spot the open-carrier and seek to neutralize him/her first? What are some opinions out there?

 

[Muss Muggins]

Popcorn. Beer. Football on TV. Ready . . . .

 

[Bob O]

Open carry is good for those who can't be bothered to get a permit.

I think its great though, especially for women walking their dogs, etc. It should do great to deter the average cowardly perp who might otherwise attempt to make her a victim.

Sent via phone

 

[roadstar08]

i read somewhere, don't recall where, that open carrying is like playing poker and showing your opponent your hand.
what do you folks think? true or not true?

 

[Muss Muggins]

Cops and security guards open carry . . .

 

[Kanewpadle]

Some places, yes. Other places, no. Depends on the reasoning.

Don't do it myself. Never will unless I'm out in the sticks.

 

[Old cop]

While I support the right to open carry (OC) it's not good idea. Again I cannot support my conclusions w/hard facts, but someone who is OC is more likely to be "taken out" first in a confrontation. It makes no sense to give up the element of surprise, that's why most of us carry concealed.

I much prefer to fly under the radar and am not looking for a confrontation. My gun is only a tool to be used in the very unlikely chance that I need to protect myself, or a loved one, from a deadly attack.

Most jurisdictions make the process of obtaining a concealed permit pretty simple. Why ask for unwanted attention from law enforcement, and others, when OC when the permit process is pretty easy?

 

[jackvs1]

Cops and security guards open carry . . .

Not sure what this refers to but as a retired Trooper don't you want law enforcement to open carry? IMHO in in todays society it is not good to open carry. too many people would be scared. I would never open carry in public, as another poster stated he would in the sticks and I agree - did it while hiking in the middle of no where. Be safe all.

 

[loknload]

I operate this way, Don't ask, Don't tell and Don't show!
No one needs to know what you have, operate with the element of surprise
Unless you are walking in the woods I believe your piece should be covered!
Just my thoughts on the subject

 

[Smoke]

This thread is not going to end well.

Having said that,

I fully support the right of those who wish to open carry to do so. I choose not to because I don't like the attention it brings.
Even though I'm currently not an armed guard I get enough idiots saying things like "Here comes the security guard, look out he's gonna shoot you" at work I don't need it in my off time.

I've read too many stories here and on other forums by posters who either feel the need to tell the open carrier what a great job they're doing supporting our Second Amendment rights or what an idiot they are for open carrying at all.


I recall one story about a guy that ran half way across the store to tell an Open Carrier what a wonderful person he was and the guy whipped out his piece to show it off. I don't need the hassle.

 

[snubbyfan]

I'm gettin' the popcorn ready early.

Who's bringin' the beer?

 

[Muss Muggins]

Not sure what this refers to but as a retired Trooper don't you want law enforcement to open carry?

I'm not a retired trooper . . . ?

 

[OldeTSgt]

I would like the option

I have a CHL and would like the option - I carry a big gun and don't care to and have no reason to get a smaller gun. Both my SD9 and M&P45 are full sized pistols - I shoot them accurately and don't mind the weight - I don't like IWB carry and sometimes here in the summer in TX it is only covered by a T-shirt with my Serpa - some people say printing is a no-no - some say that even though it prints - if it is still covered it is concealed and you are at the mercy of an LEO interpretation of the word concealed if open carry was legal in TX this would not ever be an issue.

I spent lots of time in the military and civilian LEO and no one ever tried to snatch my gun on the street

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Oh good, an open carry thread.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Oh good, an open carry thread.

As if you didn't have enough to do.

 

[Comrad]

I'm from Jersey, I carry in the trunk of my car on the way back and forth to the range.

 

[USAF385]

There's nothing like walking around with an old fashion hip riding holster slung around your waist and a S&W 681 strapped inside. It's comfortable, easy to draw, and gosh darn attractive in my opinion.

Just...... only in the woods or on the farm.

When I'm out in public, concealed all the time.

By the way... The holster I'm so find of is the one in my avatar... And the avatar is taken from a picture from my wedding day.

 

[gen3guy]

Either you haven't been a member of this forum for very long or you're baiting us.

 

[keith44spl]

been doing both, at the same time, for three or four decades and I'm still around

 

[snubbyfan]