where do you carry open or concealed

[PastureOfMuppets]

People with a fear or dislike of guns may have a legitimate reason. they, a son, daughter, parent, friend could have been a victim of crime, murder, suicide by a gun. I doubt somebody open carrying is gonna do anything but upset them. it could be someones Mom. having antis view us as less selfish and more sensitive to their feelings would help our cause.

I get that, and I get the empathy for people... but I am not going not buy beer in case someone has a family member that was killed by a drunk driver standing in line.

I do get the anti's angle, and I'm chewing on it.

 

[SmurfHunter]

I open carry everywhere i legally can. I very rarely conceal carry. To all the people who say that open carrying is going to attract attention or scare people... Have you done it? Give it a try and tell me about all of the people that have no clue. I carry my m&p in a very visible Serpa holster, and i have had no one make any sort of negative comment toward me EVER! I do get a lot of comments about how people are going to stay near me, or feel safer, or want to learn more about it.

"you will be the target"... Tell me 1 instance where a person with a visible gun was shot first? Most crimes are intended to be an "easy score." You really think someone running into the gas station trying to steal 50 bucks really wants to kill someone? No. majority of the time they will move on if they see someone who is going to fight back.. place a shotgun behind the counter at every store or restaurant and openly share its there, i doubt it gets robbed... just sayin.

"You lose tactical advantage" In a self defense situation, you are always already in a role of reacting. If you are needing an advantage over shooting someone, most likely you are not in a self defense situation and you shouldnt be shooting someone in the first place. Now say you are... having your gun tucked in behind a shirt or deep in a pocket or on your ankle seem much more like a disadvantage to me. Grabbing it from out in the open saves precious milliseconds, milliseconds that could potentially be extra rounds you fired, meaning the difference between life or death.

You saying that because its a right, we shouldnt exercise it because its the "wrong time" or could "scare people", or should do it another way.. How do you suggest we protect our second amendment rights? By doing what the general public likes? by hiding in the shadows? No way. Im going to make it public that I support my 2nd amendment rights. That im not an easy target. That I am here to protect myself, my family, and those around me if the time comes...

Why do police officers open carry? maybe we should start having them conceal too... it might scare people if they see their guns..

Besides, it much more comfortable.. try it!

Only person I'm trying to scare is the person trying harm me. And open carry would do just that. I'm with you

 

[shield4me]

I open carry everywhere i legally can. I very rarely conceal carry. To all the people who say that open carrying is going to attract attention or scare people... Have you done it? Give it a try and tell me about all of the people that have no clue. I carry my m&p in a very visible Serpa holster, and i have had no one make any sort of negative comment toward me EVER! I do get a lot of comments about how people are going to stay near me, or feel safer, or want to learn more about it.

"you will be the target"... Tell me 1 instance where a person with a visible gun was shot first? Most crimes are intended to be an "easy score." You really think someone running into the gas station trying to steal 50 bucks really wants to kill someone? No. majority of the time they will move on if they see someone who is going to fight back.. place a shotgun behind the counter at every store or restaurant and openly share its there, i doubt it gets robbed... just sayin.

"You lose tactical advantage" In a self defense situation, you are always already in a role of reacting. If you are needing an advantage over shooting someone, most likely you are not in a self defense situation and you shouldnt be shooting someone in the first place. Now say you are... having your gun tucked in behind a shirt or deep in a pocket or on your ankle seem much more like a disadvantage to me. Grabbing it from out in the open saves precious milliseconds, milliseconds that could potentially be extra rounds you fired, meaning the difference between life or death.

You saying that because its a right, we shouldnt exercise it because its the "wrong time" or could "scare people", or should do it another way.. How do you suggest we protect our second amendment rights? By doing what the general public likes? by hiding in the shadows? No way. Im going to make it public that I support my 2nd amendment rights. That im not an easy target. That I am here to protect myself, my family, and those around me if the time comes...

Why do police officers open carry? maybe we should start having them conceal too... it might scare people if they see their guns..

Besides, it much more comfortable.. try it!

I couldn't agree more. Criminal's are stupid (otherwise they wouldn't be criminals) but they are human, and "most" humans have an inate desire to survive. If they pull into a Quick Mart and they observe a marked patrol car..thats one observable deterrent. If they observe the officer in uniform with gun on hip...that's # 2 observable deterrent. Point being...they may be a stupid criminal...but if they have even a quarter of a brain...if they observe ANYONE who is armed you would think that they would process that as someone who is trained in the use of the weapon they're carrying...thus they're putting their life on the line for that 50.00 bucks. They will look elsewhere, because in addition to being stupid, criminals are cowards as well....they will always gravitate to the "easy mark".

Also...the stats simply do not back up the notion of OC's being the victim of "gun grabs", and being the "first target" etc.

But, at the end of the day....it's a right...and rights should be exercised without prejudice or malice...and without being looked upon as some superhero...John Wayne...Johnny bad a** looking to show off his gun in public. Making statements such as those are not helpful and at a minimum are woefully misguided. Just my two cents from my side of the fence.

 

[erle]

Get a CCP

For what it's worth, since I am not a Law Officer, I personally only open carry when I am out & about in my yard or when I am hunting, hiking or fishing.

I got my CCP several years ago when they were approved for my State. I liked the fact that the background check informed the local Sheriff's Office, so it will never be a surprise to them that I am carrying concealed.

 

[Smitty357]

Too many tards down here in the South. When they see a gun (in the city), they always think someone is going to get shot. I guess its because we have 10x's the murder rate than any city in the US. So i guess i can kinda see why they think that.

To show u how tarded some people are down here. I was in a drive thru (yes McDonalds). I order my food and the girl asked me if i wanted to add ice to my drink. Huh? ***, are u kidding me. I thought she was going to charge me extra. But dont u think if i didnt want ice, i would have expressed that during my order?....I swear.

And now these people are picketing for a raise. They feel $9.00hr isnt enough for them to take orders and collect government assistance while the rest of us work and pay to provide for them.

 

[Sturmgewehr44]

I definitely do not open carry. I am from Las Vegas. I am not against open carry laws. I do not like those nuts making videos on Youtube getting questioned by police just to make a point about the legal right to open carry. Why stand out and draw unwanted attention to yourself from the bad guys or police? Read about a Terry Stop and how that works. A police officer can briefly detain an individual on reasonable suspicion (are you armed and have a permit?)and is just short of probable cause to arrest. The police have a higher stress level just showing up for work everyday. Why would you want to expose your weapon in the open to a gang banger or a group of gang bangers who are probably all armed and maybe under the influence of alcohol or drugs? They may like your pistol or want it whether you live or die. You lose the tactical advantage of conceal carry while open carrying. It's safer to conceal carry! As far as different states goes you can download for a few dollars an app called Legal Heat. It has updated gun laws in all 50 states. Stop exposing your gun you gun perverts. Keep it in your pants.

 

[Sturmgewehr44]

Iowa is a concealed carry "shall issue" state but it is also perfectly legal to open carry with PCW....I don't. I have no desire to get unwanted attention from a hoplophobe who decides to get crazy after spotting a legal carry gun. If someone starts yelling "He's got a gun"! you can find yourself in a hassle. You probably walk away OK but who needs it.

If I'm in a C-store when it gets robbed, my open carry might get me shot right off. If I'm concealed my focus is to protect myself, wife and kids if necessary....not to take down the perp!

George Zimmerman would be much happier if he hadn't confronted TM. He should have stayed in his car and called 911 again if necessary. Hero wannabes have been prosecuted in the past. Who needs that?

Depending on some states Stand Your Ground Laws, he would have been the AGGRESSOR and not in self defense, and found quilty!!!! Zimmerman pursued where he should have kept his distance and stayed on the phone with police. In Nevada, I believe, looking at the laws, Zimmerman would have been found guilty. Florida does not have a part in Florida laws about being the aggressor in self defense situations.

 

[Smithsrevenge]

I carry open in the woods. And at work on my duty belt. Otherwise its concealed. I don't mess around with the hassles of open carry in public

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

 

[swMO]

Stop exposing your gun you gun perverts. Keep it in your pants.

funny... but i wish enough people would open carry that it was acceptable to everyone. tolerance, right?

 

[shield4me]

I definitely do not open carry. I am from Las Vegas. I am not against open carry laws. I do not like those nuts making videos on Youtube getting questioned by police just to make a point about the legal right to open carry. Why stand out and draw unwanted attention to yourself from the bad guys or police? Read about a Terry Stop and how that works. A police officer can briefly detain an individual on reasonable suspicion (are you armed and have a permit?)and is just short of probable cause to arrest. The police have a higher stress level just showing up for work everyday. Why would you want to expose your weapon in the open to a gang banger or a group of gang bangers who are probably all armed and maybe under the influence of alcohol or drugs? They may like your pistol or want it whether you live or die. You lose the tactical advantage of conceal carry while open carrying. It's safer to conceal carry! As far as different states goes you can download for a few dollars an app called Legal Heat. It has updated gun laws in all 50 states. Stop exposing your gun you gun perverts. Keep it in your pants.

" Why would you want to expose your weapon in the open to a gang banger or a group of gang bangers who are probably all armed and maybe under the influence of alcohol or drugs?"

I don't know about you, but for me..being a responsible gun owner...and taking upon myself the sober responsibility of carrying a weapon.. concealed or open...dictates to me that I will not find myself in the situation you described above. Yes, there are rare exceptions to this...but generally speaking...most people who want and/or need to avoid those types of places and scenario's will almost ALWAYS find a way to do so.

Again...if I was so irresponsible as to just finding myself in that situation..and IF those BG's were already predisposed to assault me...whether they knew I was armed or not...my personal self-awareness and training would have already alerted me to be on the defensive and to be ready if the situation deteriorated as you suggest. They would have eternally regretted their mistake. It must be remembered...given the situation you describe above....the odds are great that whoever it was....stood a great chance of being assaulted. If they were again "stupid enough" to choose to assault an obviously armed individual...then they deserved the big holes that they received.

"It's safer to conceal carry! "

The stats do not back up this assertion. In the situation you described above...the BG's would most likely assault you BECAUSE they perceived you as a easy mark. My position is that I don't want to be a victim at all...even a victim who was able to prevail over the BG's. The way I see it..human nature is on my side in that they will bypass me (because they see me as at least in a position to defend myself)...you being "unarmed" to them....not so much. So YOU become their victim. Again..you may prevail...but you were nevertheless a victim FIRST.

But, we can agree to disagree. I could set up any number of real world scenario's that could support the tactical advantage of OCing. Bottom line....each method of carry has its pro's and con's and is a personal decision...which should be supported..not maligned.

 

[Hunter5]

Although I think I maybe understand what shield4me is saying...maybe...this guy still scares me. With that being said I know where I can conceal carry and where I can't, I still would like Florida to be an open carry State. If it was I would not open carry but I would also not be concerned with printing or the occasional wind blowing my outer shirt up.

 

[shield4me]

Although I think I maybe understand what shield4me is saying...maybe...this guy still scares me. With that being said I know where I can conceal carry and where I can't, I still would like Florida to be an open carry State. If it was I would not open carry but I would also not be concerned with printing or the occasional wind blowing my outer shirt up.

Hunter...I appreciate the response...but I have to ask so I'm clear....what is it exactly I said that scares you if you "maybe" understand what I'm saying? What is unclear?

You say you would like Florida to be an OC state only for the sole reason of concern for "printing or the occasional wind blowing up my outter shirt"...and that's it...no other reason? Just trying to understand your position.

 

[MgoBlue]

Why is it that when pro-open carry folks (like shield4me) state plain facts -- there are not any data supporting the notion that folks who open carry make themselves to be targets, etc -- probably otherwise "civilized" gun carriers (like Hunter5) get the willies?! "...this guy still scares me." REALLY? I'd suggest that Hunter5 get together with a meet up of open carriers in his locale. You can find them often through OpenCarry.org. You'll find that they're not all loonies . . . in fact, my experience is quite the opposite! I don't open carry often, but I smile and nod when I spot someone carrying on in a great tradition. It makes me feel safer knowing that the bad guys are going to be going elsewhere.

Try it, you may like it!

Carry on.

 

[Sturmgewehr44]

funny... but i wish enough people would open carry that it was acceptable to everyone. tolerance, right?

Tolerance? Arizona has Constitutional Carry laws. That is tolerance. Arizona has long expressed a preference for the wearing of arms openly. Of course not where prohibited by state and federal law. I'm serious, if anyone does not have an App called Legal Heat...I highly suggest people get it..it has updated concealed, open carry, transport laws, and other additional information for all 50 states.

 

[Sturmgewehr44]

I am not against any legal carry laws or anyone who open carries. I just prefer not to do so and prefer conceal carry. I have worked for California Department of Corrections. I have read files of inmates. I read court transcripts, police reports, victim statements, etc...of some of the creepiest criminals. If you can imagine a crime somebody in a prison near you has done it. I am very thankful for the correctional systems all over the US and those officers and staff. Here is real information: all of these types of crimes will be committed again by people who have there freedom now and are on the streets with us everyday. They have not done it yet and have not been caught yet. Every criminal is replaced with someone on our streets. Be careful. Be smart. Be legal if you open carry or conceal carry.

 

[32_d3gr33s]

I definitely do not open carry. I am from Las Vegas. I am not against open carry laws. I do not like those nuts making videos on Youtube getting questioned by police just to make a point about the legal right to open carry. Why stand out and draw unwanted attention to yourself from the bad guys or police? Read about a Terry Stop and how that works. A police officer can briefly detain an individual on reasonable suspicion (are you armed and have a permit?)and is just short of probable cause to arrest. The police have a higher stress level just showing up for work everyday. Why would you want to expose your weapon in the open to a gang banger or a group of gang bangers who are probably all armed and maybe under the influence of alcohol or drugs? They may like your pistol or want it whether you live or die. You lose the tactical advantage of conceal carry while open carrying. It's safer to conceal carry! As far as different states goes you can download for a few dollars an app called Legal Heat. It has updated gun laws in all 50 states. Stop exposing your gun you gun perverts. Keep it in your pants.

Obviously you aren't we'll versed in the law. Look up terry vs Ohio. Wearing a gun is not classified as reasonable suspicion. The officer has no right to detain you, so unless he gives you a valid reason, you are free to go. You do not need to answer questions either. Small chit chat is what gets a lot of people in trouble. Anything you say "can and will be used against you". If you are stopped for the sole reason of carrying a pistol, its in your best interest to inform the officer that the weapon alone is not reasonable suspsion, and inquire what he is suspicious of. If he cannot provide an answer, ask if you are being detained. If no, you are free to go. If yes, officer must provide the cause.

I heard a story once about a slight car crash. One of the drivers was chit chatting with the officer while waiting for the tow truck. Talking about random things such as weather etc. The driver casually was talking about how he had just been getting over a cold. Talk was made of him taking medicine, and the driver was then charged with owi or something of the sort. (Most cold medicine says do not operate heavy machinery on the bottle). Now I'm not sure on the accuracy of the story or if its true at all, but it reminds us of 1 thing. THE COPS ARE NOT YOUR FRIENDS. They are doing a job, a job that involves catching criminals, and they will make sure they catch criminals, even if the criminal is not really a criminal at all...

Just a friendly reminder that police have NO Duty to Protect either.

 

[TexasArmed]

what!!!!!! i thought texas everyone carried and open carried. or concealed. the entire state this entire time i thought was like a requirement to open carry from birth. ............

have i been wrong this entire time

Na we don't open carry in Texas, and even if legal most of us would not carry open. You been reading too much of this stuff written by dime store action heroes and experts who ridicule Texans as "range ninjas". That's not to say we don't carry because we do. Texas is a "castle doctrine" state, and
"SYG" state. Don't know what you have in Michigan but I travel to no state ever that does not recognize my "Texas CHL". Why I even heard Zimmerman was stopped coming through Texas by law enforcement and he had a gun in his glove compartment, before he was sent on his way.

Now in rural areas you may very well see a lot of pickup trucks with gun racks. Not being native to Texas I don't even own a long gun. I only own 4 revolvers, while lots of Texans have probably 20 or more. With hot weather I manage to carry two of mine at a time comfortably.

So in spite of all the dime story fiction writers who post all over gun forums who ridicule Texas you will find that Texas is certainly a gun friendly state. Just don't believe everything you read.

 

[hangnoose]

Fl cc law

Fl has already addressed the "issue" of an inadvertent/unintentional exposure, or "printing" of a cc gun. a breeze blowing back a shirt, or reaching for an item on a top shelf, or printing. if unintentional IS NOT illegal or considered brandishing.

 

[joestacey06]

Conceal everywhere. Open carry at home or sometimes when I'm fishing or walking.

 

[unbrkn]

I've always felt that OC is kind of a punk move. Here in Michigan, much like a drivers license, it is a PRIVILEGE to conceal carry, and you have to earn it through a class(and a long wait, depending on where you live). I understand we have a 2AR to bear arms, but let's not let that ideal get too deep. To me, OC just means to me that you want people to know. OCing is like displaying your plays on the mega screen at the football game, letting the other team know what you have going on. When people who know I carry ask, I say, "it's a gun with a number of bullets." Even being a CPL holder, I still feel awkward when my pistol shows on accident, or someone figures it out and asks me about it. It is not a conversation piece. Also, there is no law in Michigan that says you CAN or CAN'T open carry, and that is the misconception. The best defense is not letting the offense know what is in store.