It seems that different states have different ideas on which method of carry is better. I'm not so sure myself. Personally I don't feel the need to advertise that I'm carrying a weapon and prefer carrying concealed but on the other hand if I walk into a room full of people especially if there's verbal aggression I'd be a little more comfortable knowing who's packing and who isn't. Any thoughts on this?
Open or concealed
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sipowicz
Member
If I see a bunch of guns on people arguing, I feel no need to stay.
USAF385
US Veteran
Ah yes.. the old double standard. You like to keep it concealed because you don't want others to know you're carrying, yet you'd like to be able to know if anyone else is. 
I don't OC. I've done it a few (2 or 3) times, usually a quick stop like a gas station. I don't spend the day OCing (other than around the house or on my land). Like you said, I like to keep it to myself that I'm carrying. If a crazed individual goes on a rampage, a man with gun on his hip is a prime target. Considering carrying concealed adds at most 1/2 second to my draw, I don't feel OCing ads much benefit in that department.
Let's face it.. there are a lot of people who would be scared to see a gun. I don't want the hassle of saying "It's called open carry and it's legal to do...." every 20 minutes. I also feel in some of the areas I frequent, the high class individuals would be so freaked out they'd be calling the cops.
I do support OCing if that floats your boat though. As long as it's not just to make a point.
I don't OC. I've done it a few (2 or 3) times, usually a quick stop like a gas station. I don't spend the day OCing (other than around the house or on my land). Like you said, I like to keep it to myself that I'm carrying. If a crazed individual goes on a rampage, a man with gun on his hip is a prime target. Considering carrying concealed adds at most 1/2 second to my draw, I don't feel OCing ads much benefit in that department.
Let's face it.. there are a lot of people who would be scared to see a gun. I don't want the hassle of saying "It's called open carry and it's legal to do...." every 20 minutes. I also feel in some of the areas I frequent, the high class individuals would be so freaked out they'd be calling the cops.
I do support OCing if that floats your boat though. As long as it's not just to make a point.
38-44HD45
Absent Comrade
I live in a place where open carry is not legal (under most circumstances) but where most folks wouldn't give it a second thought if anyone did carry openly. Even when I'm in states where I can legally carry openly, I usually carry concealed. I like the element of surprise, and one never knows when he might encounter a full-fledged, hand-wringing Nervous Nellie.
Here we go again. 
There is no one right answer to this question.
There is no one right answer to this question.
cjcutter1
Member
Sometimes its best to keep certain things to yourself.
jag312
Member
In California; concealed carry only with a permit, or open carry an unloaded gun without a permit. An unloaded gun is almost useless as a defensive weapon. Now if I was a member of a criminal gang such as the Nortenos or Surenos, and if I saw some guy walking around with an unloaded gun on his hip, I would beat him over the head with a 2X4 and take his gun.
Exactly why I like to know who's packing. Besides if some of the anti gun people could see how many of us are carrying guns and not shooting at them maybe they could learn to relax a little.
An unloaded gun can get you killed in a hurry. Almost sounds like population control.
skiendog
Member
I'm a big buy, and a carry big guns. I usually carry on belt holsters. Sometimes I will pull my shirt over the gun, but I know it does little to nothing to hide the fact that I am carrying a full-frame gun, and two extra magazines.
If it's a day where I feel like taking my SWD M11/Nine, I don't bother concealing it.
If it's a day where I feel like taking my SWD M11/Nine, I don't bother concealing it.
flop-shank
US Veteran
OC is more susceptible to gun snatches, so no thanks. I'll stick with CCW. Those who do OC had best use a good retention holster.
The best thing about open carry is it will get you a seat in a restaurant really fast but you better like sitting in the most remote spot in the place.
I carry open quite a bit, maybe half the time. Not one person has ever questioned it.
I carry open quite a bit, maybe half the time. Not one person has ever questioned it.
straightshooter1
US Veteran
I'm perfectly happy with Florida's view. No OC with only a few exceptions.
Bob
Bob
sipowicz
Member
Most people who carry guns are very aware of their surroundings and want to have a tactical edge in any encounter...OC takes away that edge.
K1500
Member
But an unloaded gun can be loaded in about 1.5-2 seconds and does not require the user to obtain a nearly unobtainable CA carry permit. I'd rather live in a free state, but some folks persist in calling CA their home...
MSgt G
US Veteran
Carry however YOU feel comfortable and support other's right to carry as do they.
photoman
Member
I guess you don't have in-laws.
Open works fine when you're out in the woods with a large firearm. To me it's more comfortable to have an OWB while hiking etc.
But in social situations, as Sip said, no need to give away a tactical advantage. And your weapon stays in your control if nobody else knows you've got one.
photoman
Member
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