[Tropical Z]

I sometimes open carry in public and have no hope of getting a CCW permit because of a freedom hating sheriffs department.My ? is this.Sometimes when using an "Uncle Mikes" type nylon holster the herd panics and it causes me temporary grief.I've been thinking that since the majority of the herd is quite dense that maybe they wouldnt even pay attention to my PA-63 or Makarov in a military full flap leather holster.The only problem i could see is that a certain percentage of LEO's might consider me to be concealing a weapon as in this full flap holster the gun can't readily be seen.I could see myself being arrested just the same as if i were keeping the gun in a backpack or stuffed in my waistband.Is this an irrational fear?

[ojibweindian]

In these times, no fear concerning the government should be considered irrational. I don't have a clue as to where you live, but here in Alabama, open carry is a definite no-no.

[Blackhawk]

I've been thinking that since the majority of the herd is quite dense that maybe they wouldnt even pay attention to my PA-63 or Makarov in a military full flap leather holster.That's exactly why open carry is proscribed in states like AL, TX, etc. If guns are concealed, the herd has no cause to panic.

Your Catch-22 choice is to not open carry by using a concealing holster, but that effectively makes your rig an illegal concealed carry means.

Just get over your temporary grief at a few of the herd being nervous when you're complying with the open carry options you have. Eventually, they'll get used to it, and meanwhile, their complaints and braying will educate everybody that CCW should be allowed and that armed citizens are good for everybody.

[PATH]

If I had to carry open(you are not allowed in NY state) I would carry the biggest damn hand cannon that I possibly could and I would be everywhere with it that was legally allowed.

After a number of sheeple alerts the local LE might see fit to allow you to carry concealed so they don't have to answer calls of a cannon packing individual on the loose!:D

Funny part is that here in NY you are supposed to carry concealed but DEC says you can use a pistol for hunting. Anyone see a possible problem here? I am told that DEC allows open carry while hunting and that it supercedes the concealed carry law in this instance. Never got a very clear explanation though!

Go figure!

[NewShooter78]

Well I've also heard stories from friends around here that a nice way for the local police to harass people otherwise legally open carrying is to arrest someone for disturbing the peace when someone calls to report a "person with a gun in the street". So there are other twists and I guess it depends on where you live more than anything.

[PATH]

Get a good lawyer and go for the money!

[G-Raptor]

If you're going to open carry, my recommendation is to go for the "cop" look. It's not uncommon for plainclothed or off-duty cops to carry in the open and they don't cause a panic. Partly because their gear looks "official"; i.e. a wide belt, a standard black holster, a spare mag or two, handcuffs, and (usually) a badge on the belt. Obviously, you'd have to skip the badge, and probably the handcuffs.

Using a military style flap holster tells the entire world that you're carrying a gun, but you're not a cop. Cops don't wear those - just check any TV show.

Check out what the local cops use and get the same. People will pay less attention.

[Jim March]

Without knowing what state you're in I have no clue how to advise you.

[Slotback]

Just say no to open carry. You don't want the sheeple going crazy, and you don't want to be the first target for any potential bad guys. CCW to me is very much an "ace up your sleeve."

Just my $0.02 worth.

[Standing Wolf]

I'd rather carry openly than concealed: it's considerably easier to carry more gun that way. As it happens, I live in an open carry state, but have heard too many tales about too many people being harrassed.

[mrstang01]

Slotback, I gotta disagree. I think more of us who can need to open carry. We need to re-educate the sheeple that carrying a gun is a good thing. The more people who do it, the less harassment we'll have from LE. It's because we have let the anti's convince the sheeple and LE that carrying a gun by anyone other than LE is "Bad".

I live in an open carry state, and I'm as guilty as everyone else of carrying concealed to avoid harassment. I intend to start carrying open as much as I can. Who's with me?

Michael

[Slotback]

Stang:
I agree with you completely on educating the sheeple. My own feeling is that I like having "an ace up my sleeve" so to speak.

I hope that you don't get too much harassment when you carry open.

[MacPelto]

Absolutely I would open carry if I could (generally, it's prohibited in TX). I understand the 'ace up the sleeve' feeling, but my feeling is that if more people would/could open carry, the stigma attached to personal weapons would go away. We shouldn't have to hide, it's not a dirty little secret, or a skeleton in the closet. We have every right to do this, and if more people did, the sheeple would have to get over it.

On a side note, did you ever notice that in all sci-fi movies, people walk around heeled, and nobody even blinks? I hope that in the future we CAN do this, it seems that somebody thinks we will.



edited for spelling

[Tropical Z]

Thanx everyone.

[David Park]

I sometimes open carry (when I think it's appropriate, like at gun shows :cool: ) and I agree with G-Raptor's advice. I bought a nice Bianchi thumbstrap holster with matching belt and mag pouch for my Sig P220, so my gear looks "professional" even though I can't pass for a cop (well, maybe a narc). Upgrade from the Uncle Mike's and see if you get better results.

I agree that concealed carry is probably more tactically sound, at least in our current anti-gun society, but it's nice to have the option to carry either way. The "right to bear arms" is generally understood to mean open carry, and this right should not be sacrificed to gain the "privilege" of a concealed carry permit.

[warddc]

Path,

Open carry is legal in NY.

Here is a typewritten memo from the DAs office in Steuben Cty NY..

Penal Law section 400.00 (2) (f) (pistol carry license)

This section permits but does not require that the licensee carry the pistol or revolver in a concealed manner.

John C. Tunney
District Attorney
Steuben County Office Building
3 East Pulteney Sq
Bath NY_ 14810
Phone: (607) 776-9631 ext 2270
Fax: (607) 776-7052


He is the man that would be prosecuting me should the need arise so I will use his interpretation of NY law.

Dave.

[armedbutnotdangerous]

warddc (Dave);

Where you at in Steuben Co? That's where I am!!

Steve.

[armedbutnotdangerous]

warddc (Dave);

Where you at in Steuben Co? That's where I am!!

Steve.

arrghh >>>DOUBLE-TAP<<<<<

[trimation]

Is open carry legal in California?

[DigMe]

I say you tape a number pad to the pistol and every time someone starts to freak out pick it up and pretend it's a gun-shaped cell phone. ;)

brad cook


just don't answer the wrong end..

[.45Ruger]

I live in AZ where open carry is legal and reallty won't get you harrased. I have a CCW but sometimes I just want to strap on my gun and go , no big deal. This is in Phoenix mind you but I would say I open carry at least once a week for the last three years with no problems. I believe if you don't excersise a right you just might loose it.

[rperry03]

I live in AZ where open carry is legal and reallty won't get you harrased. I have a CCW but sometimes I just want to strap on my gun and go , no big deal. This is in Phoenix mind you but I would say I open carry at least once a week for the last three years with no problems. I believe if you don't excersise a right you just might loose it.


Same here in VA. Even though I have a permit I often open carry, because the law says I can and you have to open carry if you plan on going into a place that serves alcohol.

[Tim Currie]

Is open carry legal in California?

Heh.... basically no. The only time you can is when in a national forest (so when camping, hiking, whatever...). However, NOT when in a state park, so watch out for that one.

Last summer I called the county sheriff where I was going camping to double check and he confirmed that it was fine as long as not concealed.

Depending on what county you live in you might actually have a shot at CCW. I got mine no problems what so ever here in Butte County.

[El Tejon]

Not a good idea. Covering up that thar hawlaig is a good idear on many levels.

However, I do open carry on the ocassion (gas station, running into el bano in a reststop on the I, etc.). I've never caused a panic around here, but that because of my location.

Once JustcallmeDan and I went up to one of my clubs and Dan sez we caused a stir. However, I believe those guys giving us nervous glances were not looking for badges and resolving to call their attorneys to clear up those warrants.:D

[Frenchy]

Open carry is part of the Missouri Constitution, but is not seen to often here. Those that do carry in this fashion (as I do) get the occasional raised eyebrow, but no hassle from LE.

[Guntalk]

As others have said, upgrade to good leather. And add a handcuff case. Don't put handcuffs in it, though.

Hey, you never claimed to be an LEO. Can't help it if onlookers make that assumption.