For those that open carry - why?

[NavyLCDR]

Quote:
Because he can't get a concealed carry permit until he is 21.


My reply was directed towards the OP; where does it state his age and location in his post? I am confused.

HAHA! Sorry! I thought you were responding to the post directly above yours:

I open carry because concealed carry is not allowed for my age bracket (18-21 yo).

I thought you were referring to Why can't you carry concealed....

Yes, I agree totally with your response to the OP, why not?

 

[JellyJar]

From old thread

I have no moral or legal opposition to OC. However, as I wrote in a previous thread I believe that there are serious practical problems with open carry. See this old post here:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=5869509#post5869509

Although I now live in Alabama I lived for 26 years in the Great State of Texas. (I miss TX ) During my years there I learned of two incidences where LEOs were shot and killed by armed robbers while in stores.

In the first instance a plain clothes Deputy Constable was visiting a friend who owned and ran a jewelry store. This LEO was known for "flashing", deliberately allowing his gun to be seen. While talking to his friend on the customer's side of the counter an armed robber came in, saw the gun, fired and killed the constable before he had a chance to respond. It is said that the only reason others in the store were not killed was because the store owner then retrieved his hidden gun an drove away the killer with it.

In the second incidence a plains clothes HPD officer was writing a ticket for a clerk in an adult book shop when an armed robber came in. The officer's gun was concealed but he was wearing a raid jacket with "POLICE, HPD" or something to the effect and was gunned down before also having the chance to defend himself.

On the other hand in the July/August issue of American Handgunner ( At least I think it was that issue. Either that or the one before it. ( I threw it away already)) Mas Ayoob recounts the case where a CCW citizen was taken by surprise by two armed robbers in a sandwich shop. At first the citizen complied with the robbers' demands and gave them his wallet. Then the robbers ordered him and the clerk, the only two others there, into the back room. The citizen realized he was about to be executed so he "went for it" as he had no other alternatives. He succeeded in killing one of the robbers and wounding the other without being injured himself. He would not have been able to do this if he had been carry openly.

There are many more similar stories out there. Because of these incidences I will not normally carry openly. However, that does not mean that open carry should not be allowed.

 

[BlayGlock]

I wish Texas had OC. I do not think that I would OC all of the time, but sometimes it is just more comfortable, which would be the main reason tat I do it. Texas is a very pro-gun state (in general) and not much need to make a political statement.

Matter-of-fact, it really bothers me that states like VT and NH allow open carry but TX, FL, AR-forget it.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

Where does the TSRA stand on OC?

If they were willing to fight for it, I'd join.

 

[Mainsail]

Although I now live in Alabama I lived for 26 years in the Great State of Texas. During my years there I learned of two incidences where LEOs were shot and killed by armed robbers while in stores.

Two incidents in 26 years? Oh yeah, I'd completely alter my personal safety plan based on two incidents over 26 years, neither of which has any citations (and may not have even happened). There's more than two muggings here in Tacoma every day.

 

[JellyJar]

Mainsail

The two incidences are too old to be available on any online archive that I could search. If you really doubt my honesty then I suggest that you contact the Houston Police Department and see if they can confirm what I say. The first incidence involved a Texas deputy constable in the late 1970s and the other a HPD vice detective in the 1980s.

 

[dondavis3]

I would guess for the same reasons that a lot of the employee's of gun shops open carry.

I can't open carry in Texas, but I wouldn't even if I could.

I'm in the concealed carry camp now.

Funny 10 years ago I was in the open carry camp, just changed my mind in the last 10 years.

 

[lynxpilot]

I could only imagine that OC would be a deterrent for bad stuff more than anything. The only downside is a situation when two OC's happen to have a disagreement while they are OC'ing, like a traffic accident or something where either side thinks they are in the right.

I've only done OC around the farm and just got my CCW but haven't used it yet. Guess I'm just a victim for a while. I'm actually not that motivated to do either, but would like the ability to do so if I ever decide I want to.

I'm trying to find a nice torso holster for my S&W500 so I can CC with that one just for kicks.

 

[Clipper]

The only downside is a situation when two OC's happen to have a disagreement while they are OC'ing, like a traffic accident or something where either side thinks they are in the right.

Are you actually gonna sit there and claim that two OCers having a disagreement are more likely to start bangin' away at each other than if they were CCing????

 

[lynxpilot]

And you're right up that alley.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

The only downside is a situation when two OC's happen to have a disagreement while they are OC'ing, like a traffic accident or something where either side thinks they are in the right.

So, one side or the other, or more probably both, being ordinary citizens (comrades), aren't to be trusted with deadly weapons, since they will probably murder each other over a parking space.

Where have we heard that before?

 

[Mainsail]

If you really doubt my honesty then I suggest that you contact

Ack! No, I'm NOT questioning your honesty. People do hear something from someone who heard something from someone....

The main point was: Two incidents in 26 years does not warrant a change in tactics. We have that many (or more) muggins here in T-town every day. What's the greater threat?

The only downside is a situation when two OC's happen to have a disagreement while they are OC'ing, like a traffic accident or something where either side thinks they are in the right.

That's rich. That's the exact argument Sara Brady makes when she tells people any carry is too dangerous. So far for 2009, that's the most ignorant statement I've read on this forum. No offense.

 

[CooperThunder]

I would like to open carry if I can BUT we are not allowed here in our county. IF I CAN, can you imagine how easy it would be to match my outfit with my rig? With conceal/carry, well...I have to have extra size for my waistline to accommodate IWB carry, which will make my butt looks big at the back, then there are the extra covers I have to go through like vests and coats in winter...you know what I mean...but then, different strokes for different folks. I'd love so much to open carry...'wish I can...everywhere.

 

[TexasBill]

I also wish Texas allowed open carry. It's not because I have any desire to be a cowboy or a police officer, but it would be so much more comfortable to be able to carry in a decent belt holster. As it is now, I OC around the house (I work at home) and that's the only time I can carry my full-size autos. Any other time, it's one of the .380s or a .38 J-frame.

If one is worried about gun grabs, just do the same thing the police do: carry a proper holster. I have Blackhawk Serpa and Fobus paddle holsters (it is going to take more than a quick grab for someone to get a gun in a Blackhawk CQC holster away from you) and I have no problem getting a good gun belt and a belt-type holster.

I have never understood Texas gun laws. Our state constitution says, "Every citizen shall have the right to keep and bear arms in the lawful defense of himself or the State; but the Legislature shall have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms, with a view to prevent crime." That last is something the legislature promptly did, almost completely outlawing the carrying of weapons by its citizens for more than 100 years. The UCA laws have obviously not prevented crime, just self-defense.

 

[ArmedBear]

One reason I like legal OC is that I don't have to worry about being cited if my gun "prints" a little when I lean over a certain way, or if my cover garment blows up in the wind or something. That has always seemed excessive, to me.

 

[CajunBass]

For those that open carry - why?

To tell you the truth, mostly because I'm in and out of my car/truck a lot, and I'm too lazy to keep covering/uncovering, so I just leave it uncovered. Been doing it for years.

 

[CosmicGrooves]

Well to open carry, you can carry your weapon freely.

To stick it in your pocket makes it concealed and you need a license for it.


Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[NavyLCDR]

Correct me if I'm wrong.

That depends ENTIRELY upon which state a person is located in at the time they are carrying a handgun.

 

[sheepdog]

Davidsdivad...

...TSRA was concentrating this past session on getting students with permits the right to carry on college campuses and employees the right to leave their weapons in their cars on employers' parking lots while working...felt that OC would cause such a furor that it would negate their chances of getting those two passed, so they didn't get behind OC this time...I think they're doing all they can to help gun owners and would be good to join...maybe OC will have a better chance next legislature...

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

...TSRA was concentrating this past session on getting students with permits the right to carry on college campuses and employees the right to leave their weapons in their cars on employers' parking lots while working...felt that OC would cause such a furor that it would negate their chances of getting those two passed, so they didn't get behind OC this time...I think they're doing all they can to help gun owners and would be good to join...maybe OC will have a better chance next legislature...

Oh, I had no idea they were involved in that fiasco.

 

[atomd]

I could only imagine that OC would be a deterrent for bad stuff more than anything. The only downside is a situation when two OC's happen to have a disagreement while they are OC'ing, like a traffic accident or something where either side thinks they are in the right.

I'm grabbing my popcorn for this one. Please tell me you're just joking.

 

[ArmedBear]

The reality is that, if I'm OC'ing, I'm even more polite than otherwise. Carrying a gun implies other choices: avoiding confrontation when possible is one of them.

Anyone with half a brain knows that even CC'ing means that he/she has made a choice not to get involved in stupid quarrels while carrying.

 

[Mainsail]

The reality is that, if I'm OC'ing, I'm even more polite than otherwise. Carrying a gun implies other choices: avoiding confrontation when possible is one of them.

Anyone with half a brain knows that even CC'ing means that he/she has made a choice not to get involved in stupid quarrels while carrying.

I agree 100%. Excellent post.

 

[Jonah71]

Well, personally, I think *I* help our cause.

Young ladies see a tall, very good looking, obviously highly educated and well dressed young man with a classy pistol on his hip, it will force them to rethink their preconceived notions that people who carry guns all are fat people with neck beards who wear camo everyday.

I'd also like to know how they can "obviously tell you are well educated" by looking at you? lol.....Do you keep silent in order to confirm that snap judgement or do you open your mouth, and risk dispelling the myth? J/K. And being fat with a beard (I don't wear cammo) indicates a lack of education? It may show a lack of self control and not enough trips to the gym, but my brain isn't in my gut. (although I'd have more brain cells if that were true). I do at times, carry openly. As a Baptist preacher in a small town, I feel it's better for me to keep it concealed. It's such a small community with more than it's share of gossips, and people know I'm carrying anyway. I just don't like walking down the street (yes...fat people still do that occassionally) with a 9mm or .357 on my hip. But I do open carry when I leave town or I'm in urban areas. I have a physical handicap that is obvious when I walk and I don't want any potential BG to think that makes me an easy mark. That may or may not be the way to approch it, but I haven't had any problems yet and I am sometimes called to be in some pretty rough areas of the city. But even so, I always try to find someone to go with me. Two well armed people are better than one. Gives me another set of eyes too.

 

[Jonah71]

The reality is that, if I'm OC'ing, I'm even more polite than otherwise. Carrying a gun implies other choices: avoiding confrontation when possible is one of them.

Anyone with half a brain knows that even CC'ing means that he/she has made a choice not to get involved in stupid quarrels while carrying.

Amen to that! I have a brother that pretty much sees gun owners as people who walk around looking for a confrontation or an excuse to use their weapon. Every local police officer I know or have discussed the issue with is pro CCW. The idea that law abiding citizens who carry are more likely to start shooting it out is ridiculous.