Open carry - winter

[Leanwolf]

In no way, shape or form, am I trying to get into another "Open carry, Right or Wrong?" thread. (I don't "open carry" but could not possibly care less if others do. I carry concealed, but just my preference.)

I am curious, however, as to how people who do "open carry," do so in winter time, or when it is cold enough to wear heavy jackets, coats, parkas, etc. I've not seen anyone here in O. C. Idaho carrying in the winter/cold weather, but it seems to me it would be kinda awkward to have on a heavy jacket/parka and being "strapped up, openly," with a heavy gun belt, holster, handgun, and perhaps a magazine pouch or speedloader pouch on the far side.

Information would be appreciated. Thanks.

L.W.

 

[TexasBill]

Well, you could always go the state trooper route with the Sam Browne and cross-strap worn outside the coat. Kinda dorky, though, unless you're an actual state trooper with the rest of the uniform.

Unless you're wearing one of those old "Wild West" dusters or a full-length top coat, there are several options. Depending on jacket length, you can get duty-style holsters that are designed to be worn with a jacket. Or you can be a Mall Ninja and get one of those tactical rigs where you strap the holster to your thigh. A low-slung Western rig would work, too, though it might be a bit of a challenge finding one for a Glock.

 

[FarmGirl]

Leanwolf, the first idea that comes to mind is simply slip your not-too-long coat behind the grip, wherever you may prefer to carry.

IIRC there's no law anywhere about concealing ammunition, so you could keep your other side warm

 

[Grizfire]

stay indoors.

Seriously though, you could have a thigh rig.

 

[Sam1911]

I've read a lot of the open carry debate threads and I think from all that I've read I would imagine that most folks who open carry generally, DON'T when it's too cold to go without heavy outer wear. One of the most compelling arguments for OC is usually convenience and the ability to not be hampered by an extra layer of clothing.

When the temperature and precipitation dictate that you WILL be wearing substantial outer gear, that convenience factor gets turned on its head -- as you've pointed out it actually becomes quite a hassle to deliberately carry that gun on top of your outer gear.

Another reason given is often "its my right and/or education (or at least to draw the attention of) the public." Neither of those is compelling enough to force the OC issue if it becomes MORE awkward and contrived to go OC than to cover it up with a parka. (And, besides, many of our public places where you can be seen are indoors anyway so you can ditch the parka when you get there and, voila, you're OC-ing again.) Even the most die-hard "philosophical" OC-ers aren't going to do something so contrived as to constantly shift their gear to on top of their outer layer.

The last reason I occasionally see is that there are a few folks who either just haven't gotten their CCW permit/license yet, or can't because they're too young. I suppose those situations do require OC, or at least prohibit CC. In that case, I can think of one fairly simple solution. As much as I deride them, a shoulder holster like this one:



could be adjusted to fit over a parka, because it doesn't tie down to your belt. It would suck, but you could slip it off, take off your jacket, and slip it back on (or vice-versa) when entering/leaving climatized areas so you could avoid concealing the gun.

I don't think there are many folks who would go to such extremes, but there must be a few.

-Sam

 

[cleardiddion]

I just wear a short coat or a hoodies and that doesn't go past my waist where I have my holster.
Simple enough I suppose

 

[Oro]

Adjustable straps are key.

New Year's Day last year:


But of course for most the handsome horse and skilled rider aren't interesting; here's the kit:

 

[General Geoff]

I am curious, however, as to how people who do "open carry," do so in winter time, or when it is cold enough to wear heavy jackets, coats, parkas, etc.

This is the easiest question ever.


Carry a rifle.

 

[kingmt]

I open carry or conceal carry depending first on convince then depending on perception to people. If I ware my OC holster on my side & put a big coat on then I normally let it drape over my sidearm but it is still visible.

I pick a gun & carry style like most pick there clothes for the day. What is the weather like? What is the occasion I am going out for? How likly is it I will need it, range it will be used, & how many rounds I will need.

You might not think of all of that to pick out a shirt but you get the idea.

 

[Big Boy]

I was oc'ing just last night in 20 degree weather. I normally wear a nice heavy duster pea coat, but it's too long for when I oc. So whenever I oc I just wear my other coat that doesn't go past my waist and always make sure the band is tucked behind the grip of my gun.

I am only 21 and Missouri requires 23 for ccw. Otherwise I'd just let my coat cover it.

 

[Leanwolf]

Thanks, gents. As i said, just wondering.

Oro, those are interesting pictures of your rig. Nice setup. I, too, carry openly when I'm hiking, scouting out in the boonies, around camp, on a horse, etc., etc. Any other time, in the city, on the road, etc., I carry concealed.

L.W.





I

 

[wishin]

Just wondering, does Idaho require that the entire rig be evident for OC?

 

[Leanwolf]

WISHIN - "Just wondering, does Idaho require that the entire rig be evident for OC? "

If you mean a magazine pouch or speedloader pouch, no. "Open carry" is when the handgun is visible in a holster.

Idaho is both "open carry" and "shall issue" for CCW, and is firearms friendly.

L.W.

 

[jahwarrior]

i think very few people who OC do so for anything other than practical reasons. that being said, trying to find a way to OC in the dead of winter is impractical. even hardcore OC guys will just bite the bullet and CC.