BadKarmaZeroSix
US Veteran
this is the closest forum for my question, hope i'm not stepping on toes here, but what are your feelings on Open Carry weapons, where allowed by law? And thoughts on the overall pros/cons of open carry?
Open Carry...
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DAB
Member
if it's the only option, then that's the end of discussion. but it removes the element of surprise, as a potential bad guy will know you have a gun.
if you can get a concealed carry permit, do so. lots more options, lot fewer scared people to deal with.
if you can get a concealed carry permit, do so. lots more options, lot fewer scared people to deal with.
I like it---
But for the other guy.
If you want everyone around you to know your are armed, it means much less attention paid to me who carries concealed.
If, (and I pray not) I ever have to use a gun, I want the appearance of my firearm to be a complete surprise to my opponent/s.
To each his/her own
.
But for the other guy.
If you want everyone around you to know your are armed, it means much less attention paid to me who carries concealed.
If, (and I pray not) I ever have to use a gun, I want the appearance of my firearm to be a complete surprise to my opponent/s.
To each his/her own
.I fully support the right to open carry (OC) but believe it is not a great idea, at least in my part of the woods. There are no stats to support my position but OC surrenders the element of surprise, something I don't want to do. Also, IMHO (for whatever that's worth) my belief is that the OC person will be the first to be taken out in an attack. Finally, OC will attract unwanted attention from LEOs, a hassle I prefer to avoid.
During my career unless we were in uniform the weapon was to be totally concealed and I guess that has stayed w/me all these years. Anyhow that's my two cents, others are free to disagree.
During my career unless we were in uniform the weapon was to be totally concealed and I guess that has stayed w/me all these years. Anyhow that's my two cents, others are free to disagree.
Even though open carry is legal in WV and Va, I always carry concealed. Some claim that open carry is a crime deterrent and while this may be true in some cases, I believe it's more like wearing a "shoot me first" sign. I just try to look like a harmless old Injun. Harmless but not helpless.
The only time I open carried was when traveling through Va. I was wearing a tank top with a short sleeve shirt as a cover garment. It started getting hot out so I took my short sleeve shirt off. When I stopped for gas and a soda I left it off and walked around with my snubby hanging out. Didn't get any hassles but felt very exposed.
The only time I open carried was when traveling through Va. I was wearing a tank top with a short sleeve shirt as a cover garment. It started getting hot out so I took my short sleeve shirt off. When I stopped for gas and a soda I left it off and walked around with my snubby hanging out. Didn't get any hassles but felt very exposed.
Aticus
Member
Actually where you live open carry is legal BUT can be regulated by any local government. I've been told by a couple chief LEOs that even though OC is legal if someone complains you would probably be arrested for "peace disturbance". Think of that what you will.
For myself, like others here, I prefer concealed.
Moonman
Member
Open Carry even where legal DRAWS ATTENTION and sometimes LEO engagement on a different ordnance.
911 lines get tied up and you're complicating the LEO'S day.
What if, some gangbangers or anyone else decides to take it from you?
911 lines get tied up and you're complicating the LEO'S day.
What if, some gangbangers or anyone else decides to take it from you?
Blastmeister
Member
I can't see a whole lot of benefits for open carry -- it gets the sheeples nervous, someone could knock you over the head in order to take your gun, and you lose the element of surprise-- much prefer CC
Openly carrying a gun around in public is like carrying a big blank sign. The sign can be blank because the people around you will fill in the words themselves. To some it'll say, "2nd Amendmant". To others, it could say, "Survivalist", "Red Neck", "Gun Nut", or "Crazyman". If you enjoy being the center of attention, with children gawking, and mothers frowning, go ahead. But it may prove tactically better, in the long run, to "Don't ask. Don't tell".
Maybe someone has already said this, but....
I miss open carry!
Going from WI to FL it is one of the things I miss!
Getting ready everyday for Conceal carry life is difficult in it's own way compared to open carry. I have to worry about what everyone would think "IF" my gun prints or my shirt comes untucked or *** ever. With open carry people get over it and realize I have other things to do than to ensure them that i'm of no risk to them because I carry a gun. It's there as a life preservation tool, like a life jacket on a boat or a fire extinguisher for a fire.
No one should open carry without the necessary skills, attitude, and gear to do so.
In all my time open carrying I've NEVER had a LEO encounter(knock on wood) although i've encountered LEO's while open carrying.
Dress Appropriately(tactical?) and look professional! Don't look like a bum! I've always believed in dress for success. you never know who you will meet today! With or without the gun this is how I approach it.
Poodle Soup
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Pros? Its faster if you see a treat, and might... might... deter a threat. Cons? Attention.... lots of it.
Ive already been flamed for it but open carry being legal is nice. When your shirt rides up or your gun prints your not breaking the law that way
Otherwise? What ever your comfortable with.
Ive already been flamed for it but open carry being legal is nice. When your shirt rides up or your gun prints your not breaking the law that way
Otherwise? What ever your comfortable with.Dikinalaska
Member
^^ That's definitely how we do it.
There are times and places for OC. I OC on my farm and property nearly every day. When I go to town, I carry concealed. There is no need to draw unwarranted attention from LEO, business owners and managers, or the general public.
Some people on another forum advocate OC in order to "educate" the public to the fact that it is legal. I think that is the worst possible reason I have ever heard.
Some people on another forum advocate OC in order to "educate" the public to the fact that it is legal. I think that is the worst possible reason I have ever heard.
I would have to agree Red. I've open carried while fishing, hiking etc..... But never in the general public. Especially in this area.
This ain't the old west. IMO open carry is an unnecessary show of force and eagerness to be seen and acknowledged.
The public does not need to be educated about open carry. And it's not up to me to educate them anyway.
We need to go about our business humbly, quietly, and with respect yet be willing and able to defend ourselves. If the "criminal" public needs to be educated, that's up to them.
Open Carry became legal here in Oklahoma at the end of last year. I haven't actually seen anybody doing it yet. Except, of course, for most
of the employees at the LGS/gun range that I frequent, but that is normal
here. In fact, years ago when i walked into a LGS in Tulsa, I had an odd
feeling that i couldn't pin down. Then I realized that I was the only person in the place without a gun on his hip. I'll just CC for now.
of the employees at the LGS/gun range that I frequent, but that is normal
here. In fact, years ago when i walked into a LGS in Tulsa, I had an odd
feeling that i couldn't pin down. Then I realized that I was the only person in the place without a gun on his hip. I'll just CC for now.
sipowicz
Member
Only if you dress like this.
Stu1205
Member
In Florida we do not have open carry, and if we did I still wouldn't.
As others said, it draws attention to you and make you a target, and possibly a threat to bad guys.
A LEO in Tennessee was telling me a story last month about a guy who was carrying openly.
He went into a convenience store to purchase a few items.
While he was in the back, two thugs came in and proceded to hold up the clerk at gun point.
While this was going down, the guy in the back, oblivious to what was going on, headed up front to pay for his purchase.
When he emerged from the aisle, one of the bad guys saw him with a gun, and shot him. They then fled without harming the clerk.
The poor guy died in the store.
Concealed carry gives me a tactical advantage, I don't appear to be a threat to anybody, and I don't draw attention.
JMHO.
Stu
As others said, it draws attention to you and make you a target, and possibly a threat to bad guys.
A LEO in Tennessee was telling me a story last month about a guy who was carrying openly.
He went into a convenience store to purchase a few items.
While he was in the back, two thugs came in and proceded to hold up the clerk at gun point.
While this was going down, the guy in the back, oblivious to what was going on, headed up front to pay for his purchase.
When he emerged from the aisle, one of the bad guys saw him with a gun, and shot him. They then fled without harming the clerk.
The poor guy died in the store.
Concealed carry gives me a tactical advantage, I don't appear to be a threat to anybody, and I don't draw attention.
JMHO.
Stu
Roan Ranger
Member
Timely Thread
This is a timely thread. I was perusing another BB (one that I will no longer post on) and there is an Open Carry thread there. Seems a group of members who carry (the state is a "Right to Carry" state both open and concealed (with a permit) ) are organizing an Open Carry night in a large local town. The plan is to open carry your firearm and walk around the town as a group with guns exerting their 2nd Amendment rights. Sorry, but in my opinion this is only going to hurt our fight for our rights as gun owners. I have visions of a bunch of gun toting characters swaggering around with guns on their hips defying anyone to challenge them. Not a good way to represent those of us who carry for protection. IMHO this is going to backfire unless they are looking for a confrontation in which case no good will come of it. And then, maybe I'm just in a minority. Just posting this here for discussion as ya'll seem to be a different breed of gun owners that I respect.
This is a timely thread. I was perusing another BB (one that I will no longer post on) and there is an Open Carry thread there. Seems a group of members who carry (the state is a "Right to Carry" state both open and concealed (with a permit) ) are organizing an Open Carry night in a large local town. The plan is to open carry your firearm and walk around the town as a group with guns exerting their 2nd Amendment rights. Sorry, but in my opinion this is only going to hurt our fight for our rights as gun owners. I have visions of a bunch of gun toting characters swaggering around with guns on their hips defying anyone to challenge them. Not a good way to represent those of us who carry for protection. IMHO this is going to backfire unless they are looking for a confrontation in which case no good will come of it. And then, maybe I'm just in a minority. Just posting this here for discussion as ya'll seem to be a different breed of gun owners that I respect.
OP
BadKarmaZeroSix
US Veteran
wow, thanks for all the insight...for clarification, in the state of MO, you can open carry, or with a permit, concealed...i have had the CCW for over 2 years now, but here's the catch -- if you conceal, it must be TOTALLY concealed, if you OC, it must be visible and noticeable publicly from 2 separate vantage points...so i can't carry concealed, and then if my shirt untucks and shows the weapon, claim OC laws...i dress casual, but am still in the clean-shaven, high/tight mode from Marines, and the few occasions that i have chosen to OC, the comments i've overheard are that they suspect i'm off-duty cop (um, most off duty cops conceal i think, but idk)...i DON'T do this everyday, and the idea for a group gun-a-thon sounds dumb as hell, i was just curious how many of you HAD done it, and if you felt it LIMITED your vulnerability or ADDED to it...from the input i've read in all of your great responses, i see a trend towards concealment over OC...my only "devil's advocate" argument over that would be my response time concealed vs. OC...open, i can put 2 shots on target in less than 3 seconds, very surely (helps a bit with the weapon i'm using)...concealed, i have at least double that...
MrJeep
Member
Moonman
Member
BadKarmaZeroSix,
How about a piece of advice?
Change your signature.
If you were ever involved in a shooting, that signature would
make it much easier for a Prosecutor to TAKE YOUR FIREARMS,
LIBERTY, AND FINANCIAL HEALTH.
Rambo's and Ninga's exist in the movies, and for true believers,
they live in the GRAY BAR HOTEL, or they Don't Live at all Anymore.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
Moonman
How about a piece of advice?
Change your signature.
If you were ever involved in a shooting, that signature would
make it much easier for a Prosecutor to TAKE YOUR FIREARMS,
LIBERTY, AND FINANCIAL HEALTH.
Rambo's and Ninga's exist in the movies, and for true believers,
they live in the GRAY BAR HOTEL, or they Don't Live at all Anymore.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
Moonman
tacman605
Member
Open carry will always be a hot topic with most having pretty clear lines drawn on whichever side they support.
I am all for "Responsible Open Carry". As has been stated if you decide to OC your situational awareness, training, skillset and mindset had better be better than everyone around you.
As far as the tactical advantage a lot depends on the person. No offense to anyone but the average joe does not pay attention to their surroundings and would/could be simply an armed victim. I have seen many videos and pics of people carrying a long barreled magnum in an uncle mikes holster with there pants about to fall down that have no clue as to the world around them.
It is feasible that the sight of a person wearing a firearm could deter the run of the mill thug interested in committing a crime however it could also draw the attention of that one guy that we all have to be prepared for who does not really care that you are armed he simply wants the shiny thing on your belt and will do whatever it takes to get it.
I am all for supporting the 2A but there is a time and place for everything. Right now it is probably be best to simply hunker down and wait all this out instead of poking the other folks with a stick however if that is the only option in order to carry then by all means do it if you feel the need.
The act of OC'ing with a rifle, shotgun or in general to garner attention from LE or just to show you can to me is not responsible open carry. Yep in many places it is entirely legal but not the smartest thing to do but many folks live to get their face on youtube.
Moonman in regards to the issue of screen names causing problems with a prosecutor I guess it could happen but if you get someone digging into that much you are probably screwed anyway.
I am all for "Responsible Open Carry". As has been stated if you decide to OC your situational awareness, training, skillset and mindset had better be better than everyone around you.
As far as the tactical advantage a lot depends on the person. No offense to anyone but the average joe does not pay attention to their surroundings and would/could be simply an armed victim. I have seen many videos and pics of people carrying a long barreled magnum in an uncle mikes holster with there pants about to fall down that have no clue as to the world around them.
It is feasible that the sight of a person wearing a firearm could deter the run of the mill thug interested in committing a crime however it could also draw the attention of that one guy that we all have to be prepared for who does not really care that you are armed he simply wants the shiny thing on your belt and will do whatever it takes to get it.
I am all for supporting the 2A but there is a time and place for everything. Right now it is probably be best to simply hunker down and wait all this out instead of poking the other folks with a stick however if that is the only option in order to carry then by all means do it if you feel the need.
The act of OC'ing with a rifle, shotgun or in general to garner attention from LE or just to show you can to me is not responsible open carry. Yep in many places it is entirely legal but not the smartest thing to do but many folks live to get their face on youtube.
Moonman in regards to the issue of screen names causing problems with a prosecutor I guess it could happen but if you get someone digging into that much you are probably screwed anyway.
In my state you can open carry w/o permit or carry concealed with one. I've never open carried but carry concealed whenever I legally can.
Open carry can open up a whole other host of issues. I firmly believe that if you carry a firearm for self defense, then you need to train with it so you can use it effectively and safely. In addition to firearms training, you need to choose your holsters wisely if you open carry. You also should get some weapon retention training also. If you open carry, everyone knows you have it and there might be someone who might try to take it from you.
Open carry can open up a whole other host of issues. I firmly believe that if you carry a firearm for self defense, then you need to train with it so you can use it effectively and safely. In addition to firearms training, you need to choose your holsters wisely if you open carry. You also should get some weapon retention training also. If you open carry, everyone knows you have it and there might be someone who might try to take it from you.
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