Open Carry Talk (literally)

[rpenmanparker]

I live in Ohio, and carry concealed. I just saw my first OC yesterday when a gentleman strolled our of Walmart. He was carrying a long slide Glock in a nylon holster. I was actually taken aback a bit.

I personally believe OC makes you more of a target for a snatch and grab, as well as agitating folks that aren’t gun people. I can carry a decent size handgun concealed. Don’t understand why you want to alert the world that you are carrying.

Let the flaming commence.

No flaming. Drawing and presenting the gun is easier from an open setup than a concealed one.

 

[entropy]

And yes, when I carry my buckmark or sp101 to the woods I do use a rather cheap and sloppy looking Uncle mikes nylon holster. Reason being is it covers almost the entire gun except the grip and they are well padded to protect it while rubbing up on trees and the side of the boat and such. So if you see me headed toward International Falls with a dog and a boat and one of these ugly things on don't judge to quickly

View attachment 789404

That's exactly what they are made for. But they are generally unsuitable for OC in more urban areas, just from the strap making them less ready. That's why my observation earlier, many of the ones I see just have the strap loosened, or unfastened.

 

[Speedo66]

I saw a couple of yahoos open carrying at a crowded beer and wine street festival last summer in Cincinnati. Lots of alcohol, kids, etc. and these two were walking around in camo, one with a drop holster. A "look at me" poster would have been superfluous.

Lots of people carry concealed in OH from what I've seen, retired LEO, but still got a pretty good eye for it. These two were getting the stink eye from almost everyone. I did not see them drinking, but based on the venue I thought what they were doing was inappropriate. People were close enough that a grab would not have been difficult or easy to see coming.

Think you're a good guy so it's OK for you to open carry? In a crowd you've just presented yourself as a target for a terrorist or EDP to obtain a gun. You may just cause a poop storm for everyone around you if that weapon is taken, and chances are good you'll be the first victim.

 

[Bushpilot]

The last time I saw someone open carry was a couple weeks ago in a Walmart. Two guys in their early to mid 20's, each with a Glock. While they weren't being rude or disruptive, they were a bit animated and I had the impression that they were there together putting on a show...

I have mixed feelings about open carry. While I generally support it I don't practice it (unless I'm in the woods). I carry concealed. Just because something is legal to do (and should be legal) doesn't always mean that it's a good idea to do. I don't like to generalize because there are always exceptions but most of the people I see that open carry seem to be making a show of it or doing it to make a statement. I support their right to open carry but I personally don't want to draw attention to myself or my gun....

 

[.308 Norma]

[QUOTE=" As far as the practice itself, that conversation has been hashed out many times before.[/QUOTE]
On about a dozen or more internet guns and shooting forums.

 

[Old Dog]

People who open-carry are probably more likely to actually be firearms hobbyists or enthusiasts than most concealed-carriers. The guns and rigs are often more expensive than the typical, non-enthusiast's pocket-pistol and holster (if he even has a holster.) In such hobbies, there does seem to be a certain level of "camaraderie", so to speak, like the way fishermen who encounter each other at the lakeside will chat each other up.

I now live over on the Southwest side of Puget Sound, and there's a number of open-carry guys in my area; seems as though I can't hit up the local Wal-Mart or Fred Meyer stores or stop for gas without running into someone open-carrying.

Seems to be two distinct groups: the tactical-poser crowd with 5.11 pants, polo shirts and kydex rigs for their Glock or the (mostly older) jeans and flannel-wearing types with S&W or Ruger revolvers in budget nylon or leather holsters ... Occasionally encounter a 1911 guy, and I will attempt to strike up conversation with those folks, generally just trying to find out what pistol they're packing -- and 1911 guys do seem to step up their holster game a bit compared to the other O/Cers I notice. But, my experiences are pretty much the same as Robert's -- see a lot of cheap, ineffective looking holsters.

What bothers me the most about some who carry openly is how they present themselves. I cannot countenance slobs or foul-mouthed people in public places and regrettably, I've encountered too many of those who could be painted as representing the gun-owning/gun-carrying community. Would it kill ya to clean up a bit and not constantly drop the F-word when you're out running your errands in public?

I do open-carry when camping, hiking and fishing, mostly for reasons of comfort and packing the biggest handgun I can, but that's not at all uncommon, especially East of the Cascade mountains.

As far as the issue of whether O/C is tactically sound (for civilians), we've flogged that deceased equine enough over the years, I believe ...

 

[rpenmanparker]

The last time I saw someone open carry was a couple weeks ago in a Walmart. Two guys in their early to mid 20's, each with a Glock. While they weren't being rude or disruptive, they were a bit animated and I had the impression that they were there together putting on a show...

I have mixed feelings about open carry. While I generally support it I don't practice it (unless I'm in the woods). I carry concealed. Just because something is legal to do (and should be legal) doesn't always mean that it's a good idea to do. I don't like to generalize because there are always exceptions but most of the people I see that open carry seem to be making a show of it or doing it to make a statement. I support their right to open carry but I personally don't want to draw attention to myself or my gun....

To summarize your point in an easily remembered way,”There is a big difference in what you have a right to do and what is right to do.”

 

[Madcap_Magician]

I see alot of people out and about with a compact 9mm like a shield or XDS in an IWB holster and shirt tucked behind it or a high riding kydex OWB holster. I don't pay it much mind. I guess I have seen a few people open carrying large frame handguns slapping around on the hip. Usually older guys with suspenders. Again, none of my business.

This one I kinda don't get because what's the point of open-carrying a subcompact single-stack in a ginormous belt holster.

 

[RPZ]

I've seen about a dozen to date in Houston. I've struck up conversation with a few at work and a restaurant. Most memorable was a guy with a beautiful polished factory nickel Colt 1911 in a belt slide. It was partially visible underneath a short length unfastened jacket.

I like seeing them around. If something bad happens around me I already know they're armed. Something I have also noticed is how few other people notice them or pay any attention at all.

 

[harrygunner]

I could see people with a shared interest talking to each other.

I live in a state (Idaho) where "open carry" is legal and have seen at least a half dozen people doing that in recent years. All happened when I was shopping. One occasion was a couple (male/female) openly carried as they walked into Walmart. On the latest occasion, a guy was wearing cammo pants, a gun on his right and a holster holding two fixed blade knives on his left.

Have also seen people openly carrying in Nevada a couple of times. Surprising haven't seen it personally in Arizona in spite of visiting that state often.

No one reacted during any of these.

I don't have a problem with it even though I only carry concealed. IMO, the more others see people with guns and the gun didn't miraculously turn the owner into a mass murder, the better.

 

[FL-NC]

It is very common in NC, but with rare exception I don't do it. An exception would be something like stopping to grab a drink or gas coming to or from hunting while OC a sidearm. I just prefer to not draw attention to myself, or to look like a threat (which definitely draws attention). Also not to show my cards to a bad guy.

 

[RETG]

Around town, no intentional open carry, sometimes a coat will fly open and the gun is open to view.

When camping, hiking or going into a town hear where I am hiking, camping or driving through I will open carry cause it is summer, I don't have a shirt or coat to throw over it. Never had a problem even if LE was in the store and never had a store owner ask me to leave. But again, this is in the smaller towns of ID, WY, MT, UT, etc. I have lunch in the Silver Dollar Bar in Leadore ID when I'm up in the Lemhi and Beaverhead mountains and I'll bet that 90% of the patrons are carrying six shooters.

In fact in some areas I camp, an open handgun on one side and a large can of bear spray on the other (next to the spare mags) is normal.

Only time I have ever received a second glance is from people who have plates that are from CA or the eastern Atlantic states.

 

[doubleh]

Although I've never researched it I believe open carry has been legal here every since we became a state. I seldom see anyone open carrying but no one that I've know of including me pays any attention to them other than I check out what they are carrying. I have never ever seen anyone carrying a low end gun or using a nylon holster. It's always a fairly nice firearm and a good holster. Saturday afternoon a week ago was one of those rare instances when I encountered someone with a gun on his hip. Of course I looked to what it was and what it was was an engraved 1911 in a tooled holster. As we met we exchanged "hellos" and continued on our way. He had just walked past a couple of people that paid him no notice at all.

We are a pretty laid back bunch mostly here on the Llano and don't get all startled at seeing a gun in the open on someone's hip. Personally I don't carry as I don't feel the need but have no problem someone that does.

 

[627PCFan]

Geography. Once your south on 95 say past Fredericksburg and West of 95 (that I have more noticed) you see more of it.

 

[MedWheeler]

Took six replies before the "OC-vs-CC" turn... In my mind, I actually saw it coming sooner.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

Geography. Once your south on 95 say past Fredericksburg and West of 95 (that I have more noticed) you see more of it.

I actually saw plenty of it when I lived in Mechanicsville and east of there, and still seeing it now that I'm in Dinwiddie.

The Harbor Freight I mentioned was in the South Park area.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

As to the types of folks you see OC, I see all kinds too. The original scene I mentioned the young fellow was wearing a Ruger P-Series in a Uncle Bucks/Mike's nylon holster while the middle age guy he was talking to had a compact Glock in a decent looking Kydex. Both were dressed normal for a hot summer day here, not what I would call sloppy.

I've seen a lot worse and a little nicer.

 

[WVsig]

People who open-carry are probably more likely to actually be firearms hobbyists or enthusiasts than most concealed-carriers. The guns and rigs are often more expensive than the typical, non-enthusiast's pocket-pistol and holster (if he even has a holster.) In such hobbies, there does seem to be a certain level of "camaraderie", so to speak, like the way fishermen who encounter each other at the lakeside will chat each other up.

I drive an old 4x4 Jeep and an almost-as-old Dodge pickup truck. It's fairly often that someone else, driving the same as whatever I'm driving that day, will chat me up about it at the gas pump or outside Bass Pro. It was even more common a few years ago when I still had my 80s Toyota 4x4.

I don't live in an OC state, but frequent two of them (Georgia and NC), and used to frequent a third (NM.) In none have I encountered anyone so carrying. I can't say if, had I, I would have struck up a conversation with any of them. It's certainly possible.

For me I see more people open carrying in unsecure rigs. For example I routinely walk my dogs on a local trail and the other day I see a guy walking while open carrying. The gun was in some sort of cheap nylon holster. The butt end of the gun was moving, bobbing a weaving, and at some points as he walked was at almost a 45 degree angle from his body. It was riding on an even cheaper belt. It was not a retention holster. I could have walked up behind the guy ripped the gun from his belt with or without the holster before he knew what was happening.

I see this all the time in NC. It is the exception not the rule to see someone OC with a proper rig. 99% of the time I see OC its a cheap gun, in a cheap holster riding on a cheap belt. I personally think the OC is a poor strategic choice vs conceal carry because with conceal carry you get to determine when and if to engage. With OC you are more likely to find yourself engaged not at the time of your choosing. I do not have a problem with open carry if that is what you choose to do but just like concealed carry it is best to chose quality gear fit for the purpose.

 

[MedWheeler]

Good Ol' Boy writes:

I actually saw plenty of it when I lived in Mechanicsville and east of there, and still seeing it now that I'm in Dinwiddie.

I remember you saying you wanted out of Mechanicsville, but didn't know you moved. One of the guys I work with used to work EMS in and around Dinwiddie. Talked about it a lot, but I don't see much of him anymore, as he now works at a different station and on a different shift than I do. Hope you're enjoying it there. Used to know people (my sister's in-laws at the time) back in the 80s in Mechanicsville.

 

[bikerdoc]

It is quite common and accepted here in south east coastal VA.
I only do it in the summer when it is hot and try to wear a long T shirt.

Holsters tell the tale. I only use leather or Kydex. Good nylon cost as much as leather so I GO leather. I you have to go cheap I tell people leather Tagua holster are a good value.

 

[buck460XVR]

You cannot know that.

...just as you cannot know it differently. You can assume of course, but you know what they say about those that do.

Probably the greatest risk comes from someone in line behind you.

Probably, but part of OCing responsibly would be to avoid those scenarios. No different than the threat of having your wallet picked. Common sense goes a very long way when it comes to either OC or CWC. I see a lack of it from both and I see great pains taken with both.

. How many people will decide to attack someone to take a weapon if he does not know that the victim has one?

How many folks will attack someone just to take anything unknown to them? Do muggers know exactly how much money is in the victims wallet? Or if they even have a wallet? Can you say that OC invites more attacks than it deters? No....you can't. You are also automatically assuming(here we go again) that someone CWCing is going to be able to successfully deter that attack and not loose their gun.

OCing around here is fairly common, so I feel comfortable doing it within certain parameters. There are many situations where I do not and would not advise OCing. If others do not feel comfortable OCing, I'm not going to chastise them and give all kinds of off the wall reasons for them not to, I respect their choice. I assume they know what is best for them, in their situation. I don't use my fears and inabilities to judge them. I wish others would do the same.

 

[Kleanbore]

...just as you cannot know it differently.

That someone who is seen to be carrying something of value is more likely to be a target than someone who is not is widely understood and is taught in most self protection classes, police department lectures, and the like.

Probably, but part of OCing responsibly would be to avoid those scenarios.

If you can avoid standing in line or standing at a counter where someone can come up from behind unseen, do so. For the vast majority of us, that's just not practical. Not wearing a handgun that can be seen is practical, however.

How many folks will attack someone just to take anything unknown to them?

Fewer, certainly than will attack someone displaying jewelry, a Rolex, a Leica or a designer purse. That's common sense.

Can you say that OC invites more attacks than it deters? No....you can't.

Nor did I do so.

You are also automatically assuming(here we go again) that someone CWCing is going to be able to successfully deter that attack and not loose their gun.

I have never asserted that a concealed weapon has any deterrent value whatsoever. That's not why people carry concealed weapons.

OCing around here is fairly common, so I feel comfortable doing it within certain parameters.

In my opinion carrying openly in places where many others do so and where one can maintain some distance from others is fine. Elmer Keith said the same thing. The town and the number of armed persons made violent crime most unlikely there.

 

[BobWright]

rpenmanparker said:
Drawing and presenting the gun is easier from an open setup than a concealed one.

I see that "presenting" practiced often at my range. Looks to me like a good way to get killed. Draw and fire.


Bob Wright

 

[Kleanbore]

I see that "presenting" practiced often at my range. Looks to me like a good way to get killed. Draw and fire.

Presenting precedes firing--when the gun is fired.

Should the justification for drawing, which means presenting, not remain in force before firing, do not fire.

I think it likely that most people will usually be able to present a firearm more rapidly from open carry than from concealed.

 

[MidRoad]

Open carry is such a weird concept to me since I've lived in upstate NY my whole life .I have nothing against it. But if the law somehow changed to allow it (it never will here), I feel like people around here would freak out.