I now open carry regularly
- Thread starter Oregon Street
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CajunBass
Member
Depends on which gun I'm carrying, but they're the same ones I'd use for concealed carry.
My Colt Commander has a Galco FED paddle holster. My Makarov just a generic Nylon ambidextrous holster with a built in spare magazine holster. I've got other guns and holsters, but mostly now I carry either the Colt or the Mak.
I've never had any comments at all, except from people who want to know more about general carry laws. Can they open carry too? How do the get a CHP? Can they do this and can they do that. I've never had a negative comment.
Chris, the appropriate response is "I know it will surprise you, but my gun is an object. It doesn't care if you do not like it."
Doc, it might. It would be better if people could choose. After all, open or nothing is just like having no-carry from a crime POV. Criminals just look for no holster, and they know the victim is supposed to be unarmed.
I OC here in central Va and have been doing it for years. People either pay it no mind or politely go about their way. If there are any fears then they never confront me with them nor has any LEO said anything to me about it (and I have been in close proximity to them on numerous occasions). The vast majority of the comments I have personally heard are from people being curious or paying a compliment about what I'm carrying. I have no fear in doing something I'm within my legal rights to do. I also don't really care about someone's personal fears or disapproval because in life you will always run into things you fear or disapprove of but just have no control over. Why must I change my life because you are afraid yet I'm not doing anything wrong?
slabuda
Member
Cant wait till I get back to Idaho
Yes it is. I was in Idaho the summer of 1991 and from Nov 1996 to Jan 1998. And decided that is the place for me, the gun laws/culture one of the many reasons. I used to carry my el cheapo 1911 copy round the mountains and no one even seemed to notice. And going into a gas station was no big deal either. But I did conceal in Boise just because I dont like to deal with stupid people.
Ill be back next spring after 9 years over seas. Ill be buying a house in Boise and may neglect new furniture for a year for a new AR with 2 uppers (Varmint and 16"), AK, 12 Ga., a revolver of the magnum type and maybe another pistol for when I want to go smaller than my Taurus MilPro .45 and dont forget the tens of thousnads of rounds of mil surp ammo
Yes it is. I was in Idaho the summer of 1991 and from Nov 1996 to Jan 1998. And decided that is the place for me, the gun laws/culture one of the many reasons. I used to carry my el cheapo 1911 copy round the mountains and no one even seemed to notice. And going into a gas station was no big deal either. But I did conceal in Boise just because I dont like to deal with stupid people.
Ill be back next spring after 9 years over seas. Ill be buying a house in Boise and may neglect new furniture for a year for a new AR with 2 uppers (Varmint and 16"), AK, 12 Ga., a revolver of the magnum type and maybe another pistol for when I want to go smaller than my Taurus MilPro .45 and dont forget the tens of thousnads of rounds of mil surp ammo
shadowalker
Member
I live near Boise and have open carried a few times without any trouble at all and will be doing more of it in the future. Idaho is very gun friendly, even most people who choose not to own firearms support the rights of others to have them.
I moved from Alaska, people in Idaho have a lot of the same attitude as Alaskans, it is a great place to live.
I moved from Alaska, people in Idaho have a lot of the same attitude as Alaskans, it is a great place to live.
Ethereal
Member
Open carry vs. Concealed carry
I really don't think it's a courage issue with alot of people, or the fear of odd looks and harassment. It's the whole idea of having the means to defend yourself without openly letting the public know. Here in Washington sure it is legal to open carry, but rarely do many practice it outside of their shooting sports. I'm sure those states that don't have the ability to open carry or even carry concealed at all would love the idea of being able to do either. Me personally I prefer the choice to carry concealed, and prefer the "surprise I have a gun!" response if needed. I'm sure open carry would deter SOME crime but at the same time elevate others, so it's cons balance the pros. Imagine what would happen if a situation came about where two parties were involved in a dispute and the open display of arms caused the situation to explode? Don't take this the wrong way, I am in favor of the right to open carry, but simply think that the idea of everyone carrying open has to be a serious decision, because everybody unfortunately are not composed, trained, level headed, or confident to do so.
I really don't think it's a courage issue with alot of people, or the fear of odd looks and harassment. It's the whole idea of having the means to defend yourself without openly letting the public know. Here in Washington sure it is legal to open carry, but rarely do many practice it outside of their shooting sports. I'm sure those states that don't have the ability to open carry or even carry concealed at all would love the idea of being able to do either. Me personally I prefer the choice to carry concealed, and prefer the "surprise I have a gun!" response if needed. I'm sure open carry would deter SOME crime but at the same time elevate others, so it's cons balance the pros. Imagine what would happen if a situation came about where two parties were involved in a dispute and the open display of arms caused the situation to explode? Don't take this the wrong way, I am in favor of the right to open carry, but simply think that the idea of everyone carrying open has to be a serious decision, because everybody unfortunately are not composed, trained, level headed, or confident to do so.
Rickstir
Member
I live in a small rural community that is very gun friendly. I OC when practical and go in the grocery, hardware, co-op and most other places. No one seems to mind. It is just easier when working around the farm, where I always carry, and have to run to town to get something. I also carry concealed most of the time, but OC is something I have been doing for some time now. I always chuckle when people say "you'll be the first one shot". I have not heard of one incident where that happened.
Ethereal
Member
Yup. That too. It's not for everyone; I guess I should have said that. I didn't mean to put one over the other or imply that at all. They each have their strengths and weaknesses, but with consequenses and securities also. Thanks
eric.cartman
Member
I'm from Florida, no OC...
You lucky skunk!
You lucky skunk!
Desertscout
Member
There are a select few states that allow it's citizens to carry their weapons out in the open without a permit but there is a FEWER select few citizens that choose to exercise that right for fear of hurting someone's feelings.
There are quite a few establishments nowadays that choose to post signs that prohibit the carry of firearms, openly or concealed, within their walls. This is another of the many things that gives me deep and lasting indigestion. If you don't want to be robbed or have a disgruntled employee take out his frustration on your patrons, why do you create such a "hazard-free-environment" for those that might perpetrate such a crime? Do you seriously think that a guy intent on robbing your store, or worse, is going to walk up to your door, see your "No Guns" sign and say, "Darn!, I sooooooo wanted to rob this place but the sign says I can't bring my gun in so I guess I'll just have to go somewhere else."? No, by posting that sign, you have pretty much assured the criminal that there is little, if any, chance that he will be confronted. When trained, credible, responsible citizens carry their weapons in your store and give you their business, you should be grateful that, at least for the time that they are present, your business is protected. At least from violent crime. Most of us will not shoot someone for stealing money as it is replaceable and probably insured. However, I have never met a legitimate gun-toter that would not intervene if someone were to threaten innocents or start shooting.
I think that many post those signs because of fear of the image that some of the patrons might get, not for liability reasons.
It is my opinion that if those who do carry regularly WOULD carry openly more often, it would help to desensitize those whom some people are afraid they are going to offend. Well, it offends ME when someone is offended by my carrying (which is RARELY an issue here in NM). I have my rights just like they have theirs. They have the right to get up and go eat somewhere else if they happen to come into a restaurant where I am eating. They have the right to run home screaming if they see me walking down the street and I am armed. I, on the other hand, have the right to do anything that they can do and their being there doesn't affect me one way or the other. The reason that gun rights are in the shape that they are in is because we gunowners continuously pander to "them" and try to compromise to a point that is OK with "them". We walk around and hide what we do or give certain rights away to retain others. That's not freedom to me.
I don't "flaunt" it as some have said. I think that if one is going to carry openly that they should dress neatly and wear their gear professionally and conservatively. I don't think that it's appropriate to wear a 7.5" Super Blackhawk downtown in cheap nylon Wal-Mart holster. Yes, occasionally when I come in from hunting or something and I'm carrying a .44, I may stop to get a Coke or gas or something but I'm not gonna take my gun off just because someone else may not approve of it but what I wear daily is a Glock 23 in a Blade Tech belt holster with my shirt tail tucked in. I dress neatly and there is nothing threatening about my appearance (unless you feel threatened by someone that 6"4", 245 pound and wearing a gun ). Once in a while, I get a question or two but I have yet to experience the fear and panic that some claim is going to happen.
Occassionally, someone tells me how much that they value the 2nd amendment. Well, so do I...as it was written. Not as they would have me to accept it. Having said all that, I do believe that there are a very few places where it may not be appropriate to wear openly like church or some business meetings or picking the kids up at the Boys and Girls Club. In those few places, I do carry but it is concealed. If it's an impromptu occasion, I simply untuck my shirt and let it cover the gun. If it's planned, like church, I wear a Glock 27 in a Blade Tech IWB and a jacket or vest.
I don't "flaunt" it, make a big deal out of it or handle it in any manner when in public and I have NEVER had any problem.
I WILL NOT CRAWL AROUND AND EXERCISE MY GOD-GIVEN RIGHTS ONLY WHEN IT IS ACCEPTABLE WITH SOMEONE ELSE OR WHERE THEY CANNOT SEE!
There are those who will not stand up for a passing flag unless a few people around them do. Well I am the one around them that is first to stand. I could care less what everyone around me does. I have a man to face every day in the mirror and someone else to face when I leave this world. I plan to be able to walk uprightly before Him and say that I have done the best I could to uphold and exercise the rights and freedoms that I was blessed with at my birth.
"All those in favor of losing their rights, please do nothing!"
There are quite a few establishments nowadays that choose to post signs that prohibit the carry of firearms, openly or concealed, within their walls. This is another of the many things that gives me deep and lasting indigestion. If you don't want to be robbed or have a disgruntled employee take out his frustration on your patrons, why do you create such a "hazard-free-environment" for those that might perpetrate such a crime? Do you seriously think that a guy intent on robbing your store, or worse, is going to walk up to your door, see your "No Guns" sign and say, "Darn!, I sooooooo wanted to rob this place but the sign says I can't bring my gun in so I guess I'll just have to go somewhere else."? No, by posting that sign, you have pretty much assured the criminal that there is little, if any, chance that he will be confronted. When trained, credible, responsible citizens carry their weapons in your store and give you their business, you should be grateful that, at least for the time that they are present, your business is protected. At least from violent crime. Most of us will not shoot someone for stealing money as it is replaceable and probably insured. However, I have never met a legitimate gun-toter that would not intervene if someone were to threaten innocents or start shooting.
I think that many post those signs because of fear of the image that some of the patrons might get, not for liability reasons.
It is my opinion that if those who do carry regularly WOULD carry openly more often, it would help to desensitize those whom some people are afraid they are going to offend. Well, it offends ME when someone is offended by my carrying (which is RARELY an issue here in NM). I have my rights just like they have theirs. They have the right to get up and go eat somewhere else if they happen to come into a restaurant where I am eating. They have the right to run home screaming if they see me walking down the street and I am armed. I, on the other hand, have the right to do anything that they can do and their being there doesn't affect me one way or the other. The reason that gun rights are in the shape that they are in is because we gunowners continuously pander to "them" and try to compromise to a point that is OK with "them". We walk around and hide what we do or give certain rights away to retain others. That's not freedom to me.
I don't "flaunt" it as some have said. I think that if one is going to carry openly that they should dress neatly and wear their gear professionally and conservatively. I don't think that it's appropriate to wear a 7.5" Super Blackhawk downtown in cheap nylon Wal-Mart holster. Yes, occasionally when I come in from hunting or something and I'm carrying a .44, I may stop to get a Coke or gas or something but I'm not gonna take my gun off just because someone else may not approve of it but what I wear daily is a Glock 23 in a Blade Tech belt holster with my shirt tail tucked in. I dress neatly and there is nothing threatening about my appearance (unless you feel threatened by someone that 6"4", 245 pound and wearing a gun ). Once in a while, I get a question or two but I have yet to experience the fear and panic that some claim is going to happen.
Occassionally, someone tells me how much that they value the 2nd amendment. Well, so do I...as it was written. Not as they would have me to accept it. Having said all that, I do believe that there are a very few places where it may not be appropriate to wear openly like church or some business meetings or picking the kids up at the Boys and Girls Club. In those few places, I do carry but it is concealed. If it's an impromptu occasion, I simply untuck my shirt and let it cover the gun. If it's planned, like church, I wear a Glock 27 in a Blade Tech IWB and a jacket or vest.
I don't "flaunt" it, make a big deal out of it or handle it in any manner when in public and I have NEVER had any problem.
I WILL NOT CRAWL AROUND AND EXERCISE MY GOD-GIVEN RIGHTS ONLY WHEN IT IS ACCEPTABLE WITH SOMEONE ELSE OR WHERE THEY CANNOT SEE!
There are those who will not stand up for a passing flag unless a few people around them do. Well I am the one around them that is first to stand. I could care less what everyone around me does. I have a man to face every day in the mirror and someone else to face when I leave this world. I plan to be able to walk uprightly before Him and say that I have done the best I could to uphold and exercise the rights and freedoms that I was blessed with at my birth.
"All those in favor of losing their rights, please do nothing!"
M1 Shooter
Member
Wow, Desertscout!! Some strong words there. I applaud you.
I do carry concealed, but like I said before, I have not yet been able to work up the courage to carry openly much. However, your words have inspired me to open carry more often, in public even, and not just in the woods.
Now to get some nice gunleather and some nice custom grips for my 1911. I mean, whats the point in open carrying if you don't have a pistol worth showing off, and it should be in some nice leather too, am I right?
I do carry concealed, but like I said before, I have not yet been able to work up the courage to carry openly much. However, your words have inspired me to open carry more often, in public even, and not just in the woods.
Now to get some nice gunleather and some nice custom grips for my 1911. I mean, whats the point in open carrying if you don't have a pistol worth showing off, and it should be in some nice leather too, am I right?
cloudcroft
Member
I was having trouble understanding exactly how Desertscout REALLY felt about the subject...
Yes, there are tactical advantages to concealed carry over open carry, but ONE reason I like OC -- in states like NM, for example, which I go to occasionally since I'm so close to it -- is that I do not need a permit to OC...I just carry. That's how it should be: No permission needed for "the state" which thinks it's legal to rent/sell us our civil rights...and people who get said permit are at the least passively condoning that arrogant behavior -- and illegal premise -- by the state.
So OC allows me to avoid dealing the illegal CC permit system altogether. At least in NM I can be "free" while I'm there...not so here in TX.
-- John D.
Yes, there are tactical advantages to concealed carry over open carry, but ONE reason I like OC -- in states like NM, for example, which I go to occasionally since I'm so close to it -- is that I do not need a permit to OC...I just carry. That's how it should be: No permission needed for "the state" which thinks it's legal to rent/sell us our civil rights...and people who get said permit are at the least passively condoning that arrogant behavior -- and illegal premise -- by the state.
So OC allows me to avoid dealing the illegal CC permit system altogether. At least in NM I can be "free" while I'm there...not so here in TX.
-- John D.
CajunBass
Member
Well said Desert Scout. Well said.
As I said in another post, a lot of people worked hard to get the open carry law passed here, taking back a right that never should have been "compromised" away. To not take advantage of it is to do them a grave disservice for their hard work, and political courage.
As I said in another post, a lot of people worked hard to get the open carry law passed here, taking back a right that never should have been "compromised" away. To not take advantage of it is to do them a grave disservice for their hard work, and political courage.
Kevin108
Member
When I do open carry, it's with a Fobus paddle holster.
It's a cheap but it's very comfortable!
It's a cheap but it's very comfortable!
Elza
Member
Unfortunately the option doesn’t exist in Texas. I would love to see OC available here. It’s not so much that I want to OC as much as I would like to be given a choice. There are times when it would be far easier and more comfortable. Even when CC I wouldn’t have top worry if it showed. Though in all fairness, ‘printing’ in Texas isn’t that big of a problem as long as a reasonable effort was made at concealment.
I’m just sick and tired of ‘appeasement’ laws. The sheep might take exception so we have to keep it hidden. I’m far more in favor of letting them get over their baseless fears than penalizing everyone else.
I’m just sick and tired of ‘appeasement’ laws. The sheep might take exception so we have to keep it hidden. I’m far more in favor of letting them get over their baseless fears than penalizing everyone else.
CajunBass
Member
30 cal slob
Member
OC is as much a political statement as it is self-defense.
As pointed out, desensitization is an aim - get the ordinary folk accustomed to people lawfully bearing arms, as is their right.
I understand some people don't like open carry - for (1) tactical reasons and (2) supposedly alarming the public at large.
I don't think this debate will ever end and I will meditate on it more for my own carry habits ... I have OC'd a handgun where legal but not necessarily socially accepted. I freely admit it is a bit weird, but ... at the same time it feels GREAT in a weird sort of way.
Having said all this, I would very much like to see the day when John Q. Citizen doesn't get his panties in a bunch when law-abiding folk can open carry their EBR's at the local wally-world.
As pointed out, desensitization is an aim - get the ordinary folk accustomed to people lawfully bearing arms, as is their right.
I understand some people don't like open carry - for (1) tactical reasons and (2) supposedly alarming the public at large.
I don't think this debate will ever end and I will meditate on it more for my own carry habits ... I have OC'd a handgun where legal but not necessarily socially accepted. I freely admit it is a bit weird, but ... at the same time it feels GREAT in a weird sort of way.
Having said all this, I would very much like to see the day when John Q. Citizen doesn't get his panties in a bunch when law-abiding folk can open carry their EBR's at the local wally-world.
30 cal slob
Member
and, as always, if you're going to blaze a new trail and OC were legal but not yet socially accepted:
1) be an ambassador for the RKBA crowd. your overall appearance (dress) and demeanor do leave an impression. respect the rights of private property owners - if a store or restaurant owner doesn't want you in his/her place with a gun (for whatever reason) - leave quietly.
2) retention holster is probably a good idea.
3) condition three carry not a good idea - have one in the pipe.
4) extra situational awareness probably required - bad guys can see your gun.
5) be prepared to interact with LEO's who might not understand that OC is legal where you are or who don't like OC. if the cops get a "man with a gun" call and the subject in question is YOU ... don't be a wiseacre when they show up. Be polite but firm.
1) be an ambassador for the RKBA crowd. your overall appearance (dress) and demeanor do leave an impression. respect the rights of private property owners - if a store or restaurant owner doesn't want you in his/her place with a gun (for whatever reason) - leave quietly.
2) retention holster is probably a good idea.
3) condition three carry not a good idea - have one in the pipe.
4) extra situational awareness probably required - bad guys can see your gun.
5) be prepared to interact with LEO's who might not understand that OC is legal where you are or who don't like OC. if the cops get a "man with a gun" call and the subject in question is YOU ... don't be a wiseacre when they show up. Be polite but firm.
One good thing about Minnesota gun laws, they don't issue concealed carry permits, they issue permits to carry a pistol, no where in the law is concealment mentioned. Even so, I anticipate alot of confrontations from people and a few LEO's if I choose to OC once I can get my permit(couple more years to go). The only guy I've seen OCing in the Twin Cities(that I've noticed) was cornered by some soccer moms in the produce section of cub foods who seemed to be rather indignant at the idea that a mere citizen could go around with a gun on his hip in plain sight.
Me being me, I'll probably give it a shot, the only way most people around here will except it as normal is if they see it everyday.
Me being me, I'll probably give it a shot, the only way most people around here will except it as normal is if they see it everyday.
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