model of 1905
member
Do it! It's legal for me and I will do so whenever/whereever I can feasibly do so. It's my right. Infer what you want.
Your thoughts are welcomed.
Your thoughts are welcomed.
Open carry, if its legal for you...
- Thread starter model of 1905
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model of 1905
member
Thanks for your support.
B BRI
Member
I do believe that if we don't exercise our rights, it is far easier for those who wish to take them away from us to do so.
Keep up the good work !
Keep up the good work !
cyclopsshooter
Member
legal for me in washington state.... have absolutely no desire to do it in a populated area. i have a cpl and i use it... why draw unnecessary attention? i can flash it IF i feel threatened-
model of 1905
member
Alot more than just our rights are in jeopardy. For those of us that still support the Constitution, the time is now.
glockdriver
Member
not for me
its legal here in OR but I don't need the hassles that come with it.Yes I know I'm within my rights to open carry but nervous or scared store clerks , people in resturants and the over worked Police in my town it just makes more sense to use my CWP
its legal here in OR but I don't need the hassles that come with it.Yes I know I'm within my rights to open carry but nervous or scared store clerks , people in resturants and the over worked Police in my town it just makes more sense to use my CWP
lvcat2004
Member
Legal in NV, but I don't feel the need. If it's for self defense, I don't particular feel the urge to let the whole world know that I have a firearm...I prefer concealed.
model of 1905
member
The responses so far are very predictable and perhaps even valid. They are not however applicable to my situation. I'm not debating the virtues of open vs concealed. That topic has been discussed ad nauseum. It is about a right that needs reinforcing.
If there was a reason that you had the right to carry openly but did not have the right to carry concealed...then what would you do???
If there was a reason that you had the right to carry openly but did not have the right to carry concealed...then what would you do???
cyclopsshooter
Member
i still wouldn't open carry in a populated incorporated area
wickedsprint
Member
I will only open carry in the woods, I don't like drawing attention to myself in crowded areas.
I also have no desire to be a 1 man Army in terms of promoting an agenda...or in the more literal sense since I'd probably be the only person doing so in the populated areas where I live.
Can Open Carry laws augment your CCW permit and let you simply be more lax about carrying? Like..a jacket over an otherwise exposed holster. The CCW covers this as concealed, but if the butt of the weapon shows does the Open Carry law step in to protect you?
To answer your very direct question if Open Carry was my only option..then I'd open carry if I had an extreme desire to be armed that day, otherwise I probably would not. I don't consider it that big of of a requirement in my daily life to carry a weapon. I'm more likely to get hit by a car.
I also have no desire to be a 1 man Army in terms of promoting an agenda...or in the more literal sense since I'd probably be the only person doing so in the populated areas where I live.
Can Open Carry laws augment your CCW permit and let you simply be more lax about carrying? Like..a jacket over an otherwise exposed holster. The CCW covers this as concealed, but if the butt of the weapon shows does the Open Carry law step in to protect you?
To answer your very direct question if Open Carry was my only option..then I'd open carry if I had an extreme desire to be armed that day, otherwise I probably would not. I don't consider it that big of of a requirement in my daily life to carry a weapon. I'm more likely to get hit by a car.
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Superlite27
Member
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2007
- Messages
- 712
+1 on the damage you can potentially do.
Here in Missouri, concealed is preempted so I'm good to go everywhere. But we don't have full preemption, so open carry is a patchwork! MOST counties and towns have no laws pertaining to it, but some do. You have to do thorough research here, or you may enter a county that bans it, then WHOOSH! off to jail and no more CCW permit.
I always open carry where allowed, but I conceal when going into areas I'm unfamiliar with. I believe concealed is a better tactical choice if you are solely concerned about self defence. So, when I go to areas where I'm more likely to encounter crime, I untuck my shirt. Concealed is the only way.
Yet, do I think I'm going to need it in the mall? The grocery store? Barnes and Noble? Not really. These places that I'm familiar with and don't believe I'm in an area likely to encounter violent crime in broad daylight. I open carry.
How can the general public become comfortable with armed citizens if they never see one? They can't. So I'm a firm believer that we need to open carry in order to show the world that there is not just three of us out there who carry a weapon.
Yet this comes with added responsibility. While open carrying, you'll most likely encounter at least one person who will ask about it. Here are a few you will hear if you ever open carry for any length of time:
1) "Are you a cop?"
2) "Why are you carrying a gun?" (Or the variant: "Why do you feel the need to carry a gun?")
3) "Is that real?" (while pointing at your sidearm)
These questions BOLDLY INVITE smart@$$ replies!
NEVER under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES sieze on the temptation to answer in a less than friendly and kind way! Remember: When open carrying, you have an added responsibility because you are not only reponsible for protecting yourself, you are now responsible for REPRESENTING ALL WHO OPEN CARRY. When asked these questions, it is an excellent opportunity to say, "No, I'm not a police officer. Since I've taken the time to get training, I believe that I can respond to something happening to me a little better than a cop who is ten minutes away." This explains everything, and it does so courteously.
One wiseacre remark to a curious civilian and it will travel around the world that "people who carry guns are jerks". We do not need this. What we need is people to talk about how they "met a person carrying a gun today, and they were the nicest person in the world."
Now, go carry openly, and represent us well.
Here in Missouri, concealed is preempted so I'm good to go everywhere. But we don't have full preemption, so open carry is a patchwork! MOST counties and towns have no laws pertaining to it, but some do. You have to do thorough research here, or you may enter a county that bans it, then WHOOSH! off to jail and no more CCW permit.
I always open carry where allowed, but I conceal when going into areas I'm unfamiliar with. I believe concealed is a better tactical choice if you are solely concerned about self defence. So, when I go to areas where I'm more likely to encounter crime, I untuck my shirt. Concealed is the only way.
Yet, do I think I'm going to need it in the mall? The grocery store? Barnes and Noble? Not really. These places that I'm familiar with and don't believe I'm in an area likely to encounter violent crime in broad daylight. I open carry.
How can the general public become comfortable with armed citizens if they never see one? They can't. So I'm a firm believer that we need to open carry in order to show the world that there is not just three of us out there who carry a weapon.
Yet this comes with added responsibility. While open carrying, you'll most likely encounter at least one person who will ask about it. Here are a few you will hear if you ever open carry for any length of time:
1) "Are you a cop?"
2) "Why are you carrying a gun?" (Or the variant: "Why do you feel the need to carry a gun?")
3) "Is that real?" (while pointing at your sidearm)
These questions BOLDLY INVITE smart@$$ replies!
NEVER under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES sieze on the temptation to answer in a less than friendly and kind way! Remember: When open carrying, you have an added responsibility because you are not only reponsible for protecting yourself, you are now responsible for REPRESENTING ALL WHO OPEN CARRY. When asked these questions, it is an excellent opportunity to say, "No, I'm not a police officer. Since I've taken the time to get training, I believe that I can respond to something happening to me a little better than a cop who is ten minutes away." This explains everything, and it does so courteously.
One wiseacre remark to a curious civilian and it will travel around the world that "people who carry guns are jerks". We do not need this. What we need is people to talk about how they "met a person carrying a gun today, and they were the nicest person in the world."
Now, go carry openly, and represent us well.
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GBExpat
Member
It is legal here in the Commonwealth of Virginia ...
... but, as others have stated, it is not for me ... at least, I have not yet found a situation in which I decided to strap on an external holster.
I carry concealed almost all of the time and, so far, that satisfies my protection requirements.
Quite frankly, I do not like the idea of everyone knowing that I have a firearm on me because if I inadvertently find myself in a scenario where something bad is about to go down, I may suddenly find myself as a primary target rather than having options, y'know?
... but, as others have stated, it is not for me ... at least, I have not yet found a situation in which I decided to strap on an external holster.
I carry concealed almost all of the time and, so far, that satisfies my protection requirements.
Quite frankly, I do not like the idea of everyone knowing that I have a firearm on me because if I inadvertently find myself in a scenario where something bad is about to go down, I may suddenly find myself as a primary target rather than having options, y'know?
cortez kid
Member
It's legal here in Pa. But, you can't drive around with one without a CCW. So if you can walk there, you can carry open without any paper work.
kid
kid
mljdeckard
Member
It is entirely possible to do more harm than good. Utah has good momentum for 2a laws lately, and the last thing I want is for the antis who were too busy to write their legislators during the recent fight to get our new parking lot laws passed to see me walking down State Street in Salt Lake City in condition 1, and REMEMBER to show up for the next fight. NOT HELPFUL. We have a positive trend running here, I don't want to mess it up.
Yo Mama
Member
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2008
- Messages
- 3,230
Open carrying your gun doesn't defend the Constitution my friend.
Legal, and wise are two different issues. If you're open carrying one night and a perp comes to rob the place, guess what, he's pointing his gun at you first. If you're ok with this then fine. Otherwise, open carry at home.
What? If I'm understanding your confusing wording, you won't be able to carry openly where you can't carry concealed.
Legal, and wise are two different issues. If you're open carrying one night and a perp comes to rob the place, guess what, he's pointing his gun at you first. If you're ok with this then fine. Otherwise, open carry at home.
What? If I'm understanding your confusing wording, you won't be able to carry openly where you can't carry concealed.
Deanimator
Member
Not my cup of tea, but I support the right of anybody to do so legally.
Blackbeard
Member
OC is tactically unsound in a self-defense situation, since you lose the element of surprise. It's more of a political statement than an exercise of rights. I have no interest in making political statements to everyone I meet.
briangsxr600
Member
I must say that I am not surprised by some of the replays I have read in this thread. I have carried openly from the time I turned 18 in the state of ky it is (or was back then) legal to carry, posses and own a pistol at the age of 18.Yes I did get bothered by the cops from time to time but as I would carry a copy of the state law with me at all times They would change the manner and tone after they found I was right in my actions. When I started carrying we did not have a cdw. I must say I have heard all the lines ....There is no place in Louisville you need to carry a gun, only cops need guns, what gives you the right to think you can carry a gun. As time went on I found out that the right to keep the freedom of the 2nd amendment is no different than if someone stayed in a bed for a year then tried to get out one day and pick up right where they left off, sure they would be able to do some things but they would have to work to get everything in the body to work right. Now think of laying in that bed for 5 years without ever getting up one time. Your muscles have last all strength you will not have the ability to get right up and start where you left off. This is no different then the right to carry a gun. If we don't use the right and keep it hid then the further and further back that right will go till it's gone. To this day I carry open some and if people ask I use it to teach them and if I get hassled 10 times but help change 1 person mind then that’s worth it all. As far as the leo's remember one thing the (right) for them to carry a gun is the same as a carpenter to have a hammer it is not a right but a tool needed for the job. Anyone who is a citizen of this country has the RIGHT to carry.
briangsxr600
Member
What? If I'm understanding your confusing wording, you won't be able to carry openly where you can't carry concealed.
As stated in ky before we had the cdw its legal to open carry but not concealed. I think thst was the same as he was saying.
As stated in ky before we had the cdw its legal to open carry but not concealed. I think thst was the same as he was saying.
Straight Shooter
Member
Its legal to OC in PA but as cortez kid mentioned, once you're in your car its considered concealed and you need a LTCF.
As for me, CC only. I want the element of surprise on my side.
As for me, CC only. I want the element of surprise on my side.
Bill_Rights
Member
Please add to this list...
The question is, when does open carry reinforce our 2A rights?
I think the argument of open carry to "get people used to it" is a little too hopeful and prone to backfire. I know what we would like. As an analogy, everybody is comfortable walking through the kitchen and seeing an array of PERFECTLY DEADLY knives sitting in the drainboard totally unsecured. I don't think we can ever get there with respect to guns. Please tell me I am wrong.
I think that reinforcing 2A rights by open carry is subject to the test of reasonablness.
Some more analogies: Not everybody would welcome a street-legal, but obviously fast, dragster car cruising down their residential street (kids, pets and all), even if it were being operated legally. The dragster is obviously out of place and possibly a negative influence on immature minds (kids). Probably the point is to startle, or at least to show off. Or again, it is legal and within your rights to carry/wear a Christian cross into a mosque or synagogue, but it is not reasonable unless your point is to protest. I guarantee you, we DO NOT want to open carry in protest - it will not help the 2A cause among non-involved, un-suspecting voters. (Several other posters have agreed on similar matters - smart-a!! comebacks, etc.)
So, when would an un-suspecting, non-gun-rights voter be persuadable that open carry is reasonable?
1) When hiking, camping, fishing, etc. when bears, cougars, etc. may be a danger
2) After a break-down of law and order, like after a hurricane, riot, etc.
3) After a vehicle breakdown on a remote highway (esp. for women)
4) While escorting (walking) defenseless people through a "rough" part of town (Note, if you were going alone, concealed carry may be wiser, but may not)
5)
6)
Yes, I know. These options are disappointing due to remoteness or infrequency of occurance - not many people will see the open carry.
Two related points:
a) Reasonablness can be dramatically increased if two or more of us show up open-carrying, esp. if we appear not to be collaborating.
b) The reasonableness test does not mean that un-suspecting people will be free from being startled or initially suspicious upon seeing open carry. We don't care if they are initially startled, as long as we win them over shortly thereafter. The startle response is one thing we're trying to get them past.
The question is, when does open carry reinforce our 2A rights?
I think the argument of open carry to "get people used to it" is a little too hopeful and prone to backfire. I know what we would like. As an analogy, everybody is comfortable walking through the kitchen and seeing an array of PERFECTLY DEADLY knives sitting in the drainboard totally unsecured. I don't think we can ever get there with respect to guns. Please tell me I am wrong.
I think that reinforcing 2A rights by open carry is subject to the test of reasonablness.
Some more analogies: Not everybody would welcome a street-legal, but obviously fast, dragster car cruising down their residential street (kids, pets and all), even if it were being operated legally. The dragster is obviously out of place and possibly a negative influence on immature minds (kids). Probably the point is to startle, or at least to show off. Or again, it is legal and within your rights to carry/wear a Christian cross into a mosque or synagogue, but it is not reasonable unless your point is to protest. I guarantee you, we DO NOT want to open carry in protest - it will not help the 2A cause among non-involved, un-suspecting voters. (Several other posters have agreed on similar matters - smart-a!! comebacks, etc.)
So, when would an un-suspecting, non-gun-rights voter be persuadable that open carry is reasonable?
1) When hiking, camping, fishing, etc. when bears, cougars, etc. may be a danger
2) After a break-down of law and order, like after a hurricane, riot, etc.
3) After a vehicle breakdown on a remote highway (esp. for women)
4) While escorting (walking) defenseless people through a "rough" part of town (Note, if you were going alone, concealed carry may be wiser, but may not)
5)
6)
Yes, I know. These options are disappointing due to remoteness or infrequency of occurance - not many people will see the open carry.
Two related points:
a) Reasonablness can be dramatically increased if two or more of us show up open-carrying, esp. if we appear not to be collaborating.
b) The reasonableness test does not mean that un-suspecting people will be free from being startled or initially suspicious upon seeing open carry. We don't care if they are initially startled, as long as we win them over shortly thereafter. The startle response is one thing we're trying to get them past.
chris in va
Member
I OC on occasion, so does my friend.
Just a caveat though, may want to get a digital recorder for those (rare) LEO encounters. More often than not they like to inject their own opinions about the matter instead of following the actual law.
Case in point, a guy here locally got accosted by several LEO's outside of a WalMart one night as he went to get some snacks. They detained him for an hour, giving him the third degree as to why he shouldn't open carry, despite the fact this is in Kentucky.
So by all means OC, just keep that in mind.
Hey 'Bill Rights', are you a member of the VCDL? I see you're in Virginia...
Just a caveat though, may want to get a digital recorder for those (rare) LEO encounters. More often than not they like to inject their own opinions about the matter instead of following the actual law.
Case in point, a guy here locally got accosted by several LEO's outside of a WalMart one night as he went to get some snacks. They detained him for an hour, giving him the third degree as to why he shouldn't open carry, despite the fact this is in Kentucky.
So by all means OC, just keep that in mind.
Hey 'Bill Rights', are you a member of the VCDL? I see you're in Virginia...
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