Open Carry?

[badguybuster]

Does your state allow open carry? If so, how many of us do it? I live in WV and our state does allow it (cities can override). Although, I get some pretty freaked out looks while doing it.

 

[badguybuster]

Does your state allow open carry? If so, how many of us do it? I live in WV and our state does allow it (cities can override). Although, I get some pretty freaked out looks while doing it.

 

[rj8806]

Our state(TN) also allows but I choose not to. I would rather have the "element of surprise" on my side.



Richard

 

[TDR911]

I also agree. The element of suprise is a definate +. Awareness of your surrounding is Paramount.

 

[badguybuster]

Yeah, my wife gets annoyed because I have "see" everything and then I put out the things everyone is missing. I never ceases to amaze me what trusting sheep most people are. So oblivious to everything around them.

 

[The Big D]

What do you "see?"

Be safe.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

The great state of Texas has a big push on for open carry. I have my CHL and whether or not Open Carry passes, I'll carry concealed. I agree with other posters - the element of surprise is an advantage. Additionally, I am concerned about weapon retention. I think open carry advocates may not be considering weapon retention as an issue.

Regards,

Dave

 

[44forever]

I sometimes carry openly but New Mexico allows concealed carry in a number of establishments (7-11 type stores, grocery stores, drug stores - other places licensed to sell package liquor) where open carry is not allowed.

 

[nm38special]

Originally posted by 44forever:
I sometimes carry openly but New Mexico allows concealed carry in a number of establishments (7-11 type stores, grocery stores, drug stores - other places licensed to sell package liquor) where open carry is not allowed.

44forever, Im also from NM. I think I would only open carry on a hunt, a hike in the mountains or open range or to and from a shooting range, I dont like the extra attention open carry draws around town.

 

[Saunassa]

many in minnesota think that the permit we get is a concealed carry only permit. it is instead a permit to carry which allows concealed or open carry. i almost always carry concealed because as OO Dave stated, the element of surprise is one of our advantages.

On the occasions i have open carried it did not seem like anyone noticed or if they did they did not care. Could people really not notice it as they don't expect to see it? Maybe they assumed that the handgun=LEO ?

 

[flop-shank]

I'll venture a guess that your demeanor indicated that you weren't a threat, so they knew your pistol wasn't either.

 

[johngalt]

Here in Ohio, open carry is a right recognized the state constitution. However, if you do you are likely to be arrested anyway, usually on trumped up "inducing panic" charges, at least in Cincinnati or Cleveland. Supposedly Dayton is also extremely anti-gun.

Your odds of winning the criminal trial are good (or so I've heard), but you will still be out $ for the lawyer and you will spend a few days in jail waiting for bail to be set.

It sucks, but that's the way it is here. There have been a few lawsuits in the smaller towns, and slowly the city police forces are learning that open carry is legal.

If you don't have a concealed carry permit, be sure to stay out of the 1000' school zones (federal law).

 

[Jellybean]

What exactly does "the element of surprise" mean?

 

[badguybuster]

I "see" guys carrying large concealed knives, I "see" punks eyeballing potential victims, I "see" the other guy carrying not so concealed. I don't miss much. Too much time as a cop and in the military I suppose. So far as the element of surprise is concerned...I am all for it. "Straight up or draped over the saddle....it's your choice."

 

[Kollin]

In Oregon I do both. Occasionally at the same time.

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

It's legal here in Arizona, but you seldom see it, especially in the larger cities. I never do because I don't like the attention it creates in public places. In cities with a lot of gang bangers, I think you are setting yourself up to be a target by open carry. Why not just blend in with the crowd and be secure with your gun hidden from view? In today's political climate, CCW is the only way to go in my opinion.

 

[Evil One]

I OC daily... either my M21 or my 1911.
You get some looks now and then.
You also get positive questions and conversations from it.
I am always asked if I am scared that someone intending to rob or do mayhem will single me out first.
No, I am not.
Most criminals are looking for the easiest marks.
It would not surprise me in the least that a visibly armed person is a powerful visual deterrent.
My wife OCs most days also.


Jim

 

[badguybuster]

In general I do concealed carry but if I am out with the horses or in the country, a lot of the time I do open carry. Around here it doesn't seem to be much of a big deal.

 

[MSgt G]

In Georgia we can carry either way. I don't worry about the "element of surprise" when I carry open, most who want to take advantage of someone won't bother you if they realize you can defend yourself. That's probably why you don't see a lot of shootings in police departments, but you do see a lot in schools and other "gun free" zones. I say do whichever you feel comfortable doing; I'll support your right either way.

 

[Big Foot]

In cities with a lot of gang bangers, I think you are setting yourself up to be a target by open carry. Why not just blend in with the crowd and be secure with your gun hidden from view?

I agree....Too many illegals in my area that might chance an opportunity, to their detriment...