What do you think?

Just because someone can't cite an instance of it happening, doesn't mean it can't.

We all know how lawless our society is becoming. We are also aware of how brazen criminals are getting. There have been reports of people stealing catalytic converters in Portland, and bringing a friend to act as an armed guard while they did the cutting.

So to think that because it hasn't happened yet, that it's outside the realm of possibility, seems somewhat naive.
 
As it has pointed out, people are not comfortable with open firearms and I think we need curb our enthusiasm ever so slightly in this case.

I hope you have found this thread helpful.

Well, people who are not comfortable with open carry have chosen to comment in this thread. That’s what is known in statistics as a self selected survey. You see the topic, and you comment. Nobody reached out to you randomly. People who self self select survey responses are generally 100% biased one way or the other. . .

I could comment, but my comment would be meaningless in light of my response. . .
 
When in Rome...

Depending what region you're in could also play a factor. I've seen numerous Utahans sporting Iron. Wal-Mart, weddings, etc.

My inclination is to stay concealed but if I want to SHOW OFF my iron, I'll buy a fancy holster too and make sure no toilet paper's hangin' from my boot...
 
Like many of the other popular "what-if?" scenarios in the firearms community, it's less of a question of where or when such a thing may occur, but whether or not you're willing to accept the risk of becoming a well documented example of such a scenario.

Personally, I choose to err on the side of caution since I'd rather not become the guy who had his gun snatched from his belt and used against him, much less the guy who unwittingly armed a punk by displaying my firearm in full view of anyone who may get the idea.
 
You can’t demonstrate more than five nationwide. Don’t tell me to do my own research. You back up your statement. One of the most popular started out as a concealed carry. Gimme five examples . . .

1. Gun STOLEN! Carry correctly and get training before doing so - YouTube


2. Man snatches gun from man at Detroit gas station counter. - YouTube

3. Milwaukee guy gets his gun took in gas station 🤣 - YouTube

4.Milwaukee guy gets his gun took in gas station 🤣 - YouTube

5. This is Why You MUST Have Retention on an Openly Carried Firearm - YouTube

6. https://youtu.be/qxY8ZunAHDo

7. https://youtu.be/XFvU2sdM0DY

8 was the guy who.tried to take my gun in the Kum & Go

https://news.yahoo.com/man-had-ar-15-style-112013028.html

https://www.dailypress.com/2016/02/...open-carry-robbed-in-newport-news-police-say/

How many more do you want?


I'm not sure what the fact that somebody started out with a concealed gun but when his concealment failed the gun was stolen I don't see how that makes any difference.
 
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I don't care what choice anyone else makes, it's personal, and that's that. I have openly carried a handgun three times:

1. Carrying a 2.5" Ruger Security Six on a February feral hog hunting trip many years ago. Open carry was NOT legal at the time, with exceptions. The weather warmed up as we got into SW Texas so I took off my jacket. We stopped to pick up some feeder corn. I decided I fitted into the hunting exception and went into the store, very self-conscious, but nobody cared.

2. At a FONRA event where I went with a bunch of cowboy action shooters wearing our western duds. I wore my brace of sixguns (Vaqueros) as it was on private property (Southfork Ranch) , I knew nobody cared, and they were not loaded.

3. Believe it or not, at a western-themed wedding where I again wore my western duds with a different SAA replica, again unloaded, in a single cross-draw holster. Everyone loved it. "Why didn't I think of that" was heard several times. The fact that I was carrying a loaded gun concealed never came up. ;)

So, I admit it, I've done it, but it's not my thing as a general EDC self defense item. YMMV
 
Now I know many people believe if you open carry, you might be the first target if a bad goy shows up . He stated he had never read nor heard of this actually happening. I confess I have not read nor heard of this either.

I think the answer depends on what you mean by you might be the first target.

I remember seeing this video but it was at least 10 years ago and I haven't been able to find it on YouTube since but apparently there was a man standing in line in a convenience store somewhere in the southwest maybe Arizona maybe New Mexico, I don't know. He was open carrying a six shooter and a cowboy rig when somebody walked right past him and tried to rob the store. According to the news story attached to the video he drew his Vaquero and shot the guy.

So in that case the bad guy showed up and apparently didn't even notice that the guy was carrying a gun.

I've already made my argument and posted examples I'm not going to do it again. I'm just going to say the chance may be low but it's clearly never zero.
 
FWIW, I pretty much only open carry when out in the woods, like riding my quad or wheeling my Jeep. Those are the situations where I feel like I have to be concerned about and prepared for the possibly of coming across a large predatory animal.

The only exceptions I can recall were the times when I have attended 2A rallies opposing our state passing unreasonable restrictions on our 2nd Amendment rights, and private gatherings where a "BBQ gun" is appropriate attire.

Otherwise, if the goal is to protect against potential 2-legged predators, concealed carry is the order of the day for me. In most situations, I want to pass for a non-threatening "gray-man" (gray OLD man), and keep the element of surprise on my side.

My philosophy is to NOT telegraph my readiness or ability to defend me and mine to the criminal element who might want to do harm to others.

But that is just what works for me. YMMV.
 
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The argument is about open carry.

IDK

Most of the videos I've seen begin with the gun already exposed.

I'm not sure what difference it makes if you intended to conceal your weapon and failed. The question was whether or not open display of a firearm would make you a target. To me that question has more to do with what the criminal would do if they knew you were armed.

I'm not worried about other people's opinions. I'm Really not worried about your opinion.

Open Display of a firearm made Me a target once, that was enough to convince me.
 
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I think it's an individual decision whether or not to open carry. I don't, but others prefer to where and when possible.

As far as gas pumping, there is always some level of risk of varying levels.

A couple of times when traveling out of state, I had my hand in my pocket on my 642 while pumping gas. Late at night, sketchy area, ne'er do wells hanging around.

In general I make sure all doors except the driver's door are locked. I leave my phone in the truck, scan around while the gas is pumping, and watch for people walking around aimlessly.

Too many people have no awareness of their surroundings and are too busy looking at their phones.
 
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