FIVETWOSEVEN
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I open carry occasionally without issue but I would prefer to conceal carry to avoid AH antigunners. That's one headache I would prefer to avoid.
Open carry?
- Thread starter Njal Thorgeirsson
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I come down on the side of not wanting any additional attention drawn to me or other lawful gun owners at this crazy time in our lives.
Emotions are raw, and the facts about the situation and the lack of a real solution are being ignored. More criticism and attention is not a good thing.
Emotions are raw, and the facts about the situation and the lack of a real solution are being ignored. More criticism and attention is not a good thing.
There are two general philosophies here.
The first is that OCing is bad. It shows that you are armed, which takes away the element of surprise. It invites awkward conversations and calls to 911. Some cops are fine with it, but other cops (even where OC is legal) will hassle you.
The second is that OCing is good. Showing that you are armed provides a deterrent. If you can maintain a decent demeanor, even under stress, then people will see that the man-with-a-gun is really just a normal guy and not a nutjob.
Personally, I think its up to you to decide. I've only ever CC'd (I liken the first time OCing to the first time wearing a Speedo), but I think I'll OC when the weather is warmer this year. I think its not something to take lightly, but then again neither is CCing. One thing I can say is that most people who talk about OCing have more problems from CCers telling them to "cover that up" than from anti-gun folk.
The first is that OCing is bad. It shows that you are armed, which takes away the element of surprise. It invites awkward conversations and calls to 911. Some cops are fine with it, but other cops (even where OC is legal) will hassle you.
The second is that OCing is good. Showing that you are armed provides a deterrent. If you can maintain a decent demeanor, even under stress, then people will see that the man-with-a-gun is really just a normal guy and not a nutjob.
Personally, I think its up to you to decide. I've only ever CC'd (I liken the first time OCing to the first time wearing a Speedo), but I think I'll OC when the weather is warmer this year. I think its not something to take lightly, but then again neither is CCing. One thing I can say is that most people who talk about OCing have more problems from CCers telling them to "cover that up" than from anti-gun folk.
25cschaefer
Member
I carry what ever is more comfortable; after the holidays my pants fit too tight for IWB and the only other holster I have is a Bianchi paddle that does not fit tight to my side so I carry open inside if it is too hot for a jacket and I don't worry about concealing it with my jacket as I exit. In the summer it gets too hot to have a gun plastered to my side so I wear the Bianchi; shorts, t-shirt, and flip flops-just a normal guy with a gun. I have noticed that as of late, because I am growing my hair out for the Locks of Love charity, I get a lot of strange looks. I think this is because people always assumed I was a cop before. Cops don't have hair past their shoulders and wear shorts and flop flops to Safeway.
boatmanschneider
Member
I prefer we not restrict open carry.
Maybe you want to take your jacket off. Most criminals will notice a guy sitting in a hot room wearing a large jacket and dripping with sweat. They know what to look for, so why make more ineffective laws?
We can't fix studip.
Maybe you want to take your jacket off. Most criminals will notice a guy sitting in a hot room wearing a large jacket and dripping with sweat. They know what to look for, so why make more ineffective laws?
We can't fix studip.
Mainsail
Member
I open carried for years in Tacoma, the most dangerous city in the Pacific Northwest. Daily robberies, muggings, gang activity, and all manner of violent crime are on the menu. I carried openly in those areas, not just in the 'good' areas.
Never had any problem. Never targeted for my $1K Sig GSR worn openly on my right hip. It is very visible too, I'm 5'8" and it's a full size 1911.
While walking in Wright Park on Sunday morning my Sig deterred a crime against me- a minor crime for sure, but also a crime for which it would have been inappropriate for me to have drawn my sidearm. Concealed carry would likely have left me with some injuries and some property taken.
I've carried openly through the dense crowds in Pike Place Market in Seattle as well.
So there you go. Actual experience, and years of it, vs speculation mostly from people who have never done it.
Never had any problem. Never targeted for my $1K Sig GSR worn openly on my right hip. It is very visible too, I'm 5'8" and it's a full size 1911.
While walking in Wright Park on Sunday morning my Sig deterred a crime against me- a minor crime for sure, but also a crime for which it would have been inappropriate for me to have drawn my sidearm. Concealed carry would likely have left me with some injuries and some property taken.
I've carried openly through the dense crowds in Pike Place Market in Seattle as well.
So there you go. Actual experience, and years of it, vs speculation mostly from people who have never done it.
I have watched many of these threads from the sidelines, but this one is particularly relevant to me.
I am one of the fortunate California residents with a CCW. Open carry is prohibited in many locales in CA, so I conceal. Soon I will be traveling to my state of birth, Washington. Not having a non-resident CPL (yet), my only options are to open carry or go disarmed. I'm not a person who seeks to be the center of attention; I'm more concerned with being uncomfortable myself rather than making others uncomfortable, so I haven't decided what I'll do yet.
Edit: One of my concerns, not being overly familiar with OC or Washington laws, is inadvertently concealing. Say I have a belt holster, and my shirt tucked in so my pistol is completely visible. What if I put on a jacket that covers it? Also, I understand that if I don't have a CPL, I may not carry a loaded pistol open or concealed in a vehicle. Does that mean that every time I get in and out of my car, I have to handle my pistol to secure it in the trunk or a locked box? That sounds like an accident waiting to happen. Sorry if I'm hijacking, but I think these questions are relevant to the OP.
I am one of the fortunate California residents with a CCW. Open carry is prohibited in many locales in CA, so I conceal. Soon I will be traveling to my state of birth, Washington. Not having a non-resident CPL (yet), my only options are to open carry or go disarmed. I'm not a person who seeks to be the center of attention; I'm more concerned with being uncomfortable myself rather than making others uncomfortable, so I haven't decided what I'll do yet.
Edit: One of my concerns, not being overly familiar with OC or Washington laws, is inadvertently concealing. Say I have a belt holster, and my shirt tucked in so my pistol is completely visible. What if I put on a jacket that covers it? Also, I understand that if I don't have a CPL, I may not carry a loaded pistol open or concealed in a vehicle. Does that mean that every time I get in and out of my car, I have to handle my pistol to secure it in the trunk or a locked box? That sounds like an accident waiting to happen. Sorry if I'm hijacking, but I think these questions are relevant to the OP.
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627PCFan
Member
I OC. Lived in Virigina since 2008. Aside from a snotty Marylander who should never have crossed the Potomac, I havent had any problems. More compliments than anything else, even from Cops. Had an old timer that wished he could carry a wheel gun instead of his Glock.
I dont worry about becoming a target, carry a big enough gun and they steer clear
IMO, people dont go around looking for gun fights. They go around looking for easy targets. Why start a gun fight when you only want to rob?
I dont worry about becoming a target, carry a big enough gun and they steer clear
IMO, people dont go around looking for gun fights. They go around looking for easy targets. Why start a gun fight when you only want to rob?NavyLCDR
member
I open carry in Washington because it does make my life more peaceful. Like Mainsail, I have open carried in the worst parts of Seatlle, the most crowded parts of Seattle, inside SEA-TAC International airport. No problems. This is why it makes my life more peaceful....
1. You are a criminal waiting outside a bathroom in a city park waiting for someone to go in so you can pop them in the back of the head and take their wallet. Are you going to pick the only guy in the park visibly wearing the gun who is known to have the capability to not only kill you, but also draw a lot of attention if even on gun shot is fired? Or are you just going to wait for that guy with the gun to do his business and leave and pick on the remainder 99.5% of potential targets not carrying the gun?
2. There are much, much easier ways of getting a gun than taking it from Joe Citizen carrying it. Average criminals are just going to buy one or have someone buy it for them. Hardened criminals are not going to mess with the armed guy because they don't want to get caught and it is much easier to just mess with the guys that aren't armed and to steal the money to buy a gun. They didn't become hardened career criminals by making stupid decisions.
3. People who like to rage, like road ragers, typically tend to shut up as soon as they see the gun. You know, you get to that parking spot at the mall, and someone else thinks they should have gotten it, so they are waiting for you to get out of your car so they can give you a piece of their mind that they probably need to keep for themselves anyway.... the gun tends to make them much calmer when they see it.
4. It actually keeps me calmer. When I think I might want to confront someone about something, consideration of the gun either causes me to decide to not confront them, or I might confront them in a much more polite manner than if I wasn't wearing the gun - like if they park in a handicapped spot without a handicapped tag.
Like Mainsail, those are my REAL WORLD experiences rather then unproven theories. The biggest negative hassles I have had have been with the concealed carry only people who can't resist telling me that they carry concealed and that I should too. My 16 year old step daughter likes to respond to those people with, "He isn't a criminal, he doesn't have any reason to hide his gun."
1. You are a criminal waiting outside a bathroom in a city park waiting for someone to go in so you can pop them in the back of the head and take their wallet. Are you going to pick the only guy in the park visibly wearing the gun who is known to have the capability to not only kill you, but also draw a lot of attention if even on gun shot is fired? Or are you just going to wait for that guy with the gun to do his business and leave and pick on the remainder 99.5% of potential targets not carrying the gun?
2. There are much, much easier ways of getting a gun than taking it from Joe Citizen carrying it. Average criminals are just going to buy one or have someone buy it for them. Hardened criminals are not going to mess with the armed guy because they don't want to get caught and it is much easier to just mess with the guys that aren't armed and to steal the money to buy a gun. They didn't become hardened career criminals by making stupid decisions.
3. People who like to rage, like road ragers, typically tend to shut up as soon as they see the gun. You know, you get to that parking spot at the mall, and someone else thinks they should have gotten it, so they are waiting for you to get out of your car so they can give you a piece of their mind that they probably need to keep for themselves anyway.... the gun tends to make them much calmer when they see it.
4. It actually keeps me calmer. When I think I might want to confront someone about something, consideration of the gun either causes me to decide to not confront them, or I might confront them in a much more polite manner than if I wasn't wearing the gun - like if they park in a handicapped spot without a handicapped tag.
Like Mainsail, those are my REAL WORLD experiences rather then unproven theories. The biggest negative hassles I have had have been with the concealed carry only people who can't resist telling me that they carry concealed and that I should too. My 16 year old step daughter likes to respond to those people with, "He isn't a criminal, he doesn't have any reason to hide his gun."
I was in the Salt Lake airport yesterday and saw a guy in tactical pants and boots with a golf shirt open carrying. Just walking down the airport like he belonged there. And EVERYONE assumed he did too. I'm sure he did belong there, especially because he was behind security. The point I make is that how we dress and act goes a long way. I wish I could open carry in Texas. Not that I would a lot, but I would occasionally. My dress of choice would be to make me look as much like a plain clothes LEO or some other security personnel that no one would batt an eye.
Correct.
And the reason that is a problem is that some people refuse to accept that others choose differently from themselves.
It's kind of like the antis saying they would never carry a gun, therefore nobody else should either
627PCFan
Member
This. I carry open because I carry a larger frame gun and OWB is more comfortable for all day carry than IWB for me. Its not about looks or impression, or education.
Mainsail
Member
What I've never understood is that EVERY proponent of open carry is 100% for concealed carry, but that isn't case in reverse. Open carry folks are for carry, however the person wants to do it. Some concealed carriers are accepting of open carry, but others make up silly arguments about how open carry will harm firearms rights or make you a target, etc.
Sharps-shooter
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- 488
I open carry, pretty often. No one here seems to mind. I think it probably depends a lot on where you are. I wouldn't want to open carry in a very crowded place because someone might steal the pistol.
I grew up in a culture where open carry was pretty common buy concealed carry was considered sneaky and underhanded by some. I don't really feel that way, but open carry doesnt seem weird to me.
I grew up in a culture where open carry was pretty common buy concealed carry was considered sneaky and underhanded by some. I don't really feel that way, but open carry doesnt seem weird to me.
SouthernBoy
Member
I have been carrying openly on a regular basis for over 5 1/2 years and have only had one negative encounter. That was with a customer in a McDonald's who claimed he was a retired LEO. Judging by his accent, he was not a native Virginian.... most likely from somewhere up in the northeast.
I don't OC to make a statement, political or otherwise. I don't OC to get a rise out of civilians or police. I don't OC to get into a confrontation with anyone. I OC because I have osteoarthritis in both of my knees and can no longer fight or run as I was once capable of doing. And while I did have a total knee replacement three months ago in one knee, I still can't run or fight effectively. So my sidearm acts as a warning to those who may be of a mind to do me harm that it is probably in their better interests to find another victim.
I get positive comments and questions frequently. In fact in my part of Virginia, about 6 miles from Manassas, the overwhelming questions and remarks I receive are those seeking information about the laws of our state, guns in general, and other related topics. We just don't seen any problems with OC'ing in this area.
I also conceal when I deem it to be in necessary at a given time and/or place. I celebrate both modes of carry and see nothing wrong with either. I just want more folks to carry, regards of whether it's open or concealed.
I don't OC to make a statement, political or otherwise. I don't OC to get a rise out of civilians or police. I don't OC to get into a confrontation with anyone. I OC because I have osteoarthritis in both of my knees and can no longer fight or run as I was once capable of doing. And while I did have a total knee replacement three months ago in one knee, I still can't run or fight effectively. So my sidearm acts as a warning to those who may be of a mind to do me harm that it is probably in their better interests to find another victim.
I get positive comments and questions frequently. In fact in my part of Virginia, about 6 miles from Manassas, the overwhelming questions and remarks I receive are those seeking information about the laws of our state, guns in general, and other related topics. We just don't seen any problems with OC'ing in this area.
I also conceal when I deem it to be in necessary at a given time and/or place. I celebrate both modes of carry and see nothing wrong with either. I just want more folks to carry, regards of whether it's open or concealed.
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shiftyer1
Member
It would be really nice not to worry about forgetting it on when you run to the store!
FIVETWOSEVEN
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Retention holsters are your friend.
True story.
Just in case.
I'd also like to point out that, IME and IMO, a good number of those who carry concealed don't realize how frequently they are "made", and the typical open top IWB holster that relies on nothing but a little friction for retention might make a pistol grab pretty easy.
Fortunately any kind of gun grab is extremely rare. It basically never happens to private citizens, and when it happens to cops it is usually because the officer was hunting the bad guy and the bad guy got desperate, so it isn't really applicable to the general public to quote officer guns grab attempts. IMO
FIVETWOSEVEN
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I use a Safariland 6280 as well, nice holster other then not quite working properly with a CZ75B
CajunBass
Member
I'm another Virginian who lives right smack in the middle of the I-95 corridor. I've open carried off and on for years. Everywhere from points "nawth" of here, down to Richmond and Petersburg, east to tidewater, and west to the Blue Ridge. I have never had a negeative comment. Not one. I have had a few positive comments, and a few questions like "Can I do that too?" but for the most part, people, don't seem to notice. Yes, I have seen other people OCing too. One young fellow did tell me that he got hassled but he admitted that he looked kind of "counterculture" and said that may have had more to do with it than the gun.
And that may make a difference. An old, fat white guy like me, most people would never see as a threat. Same for a middle aged guy, wearing dockers, a sweater, and loafers. A young black guy, with his hat on backwards, baggy pants and a hoodie would probably be seen differently, rightly or wrongly.
And that may make a difference. An old, fat white guy like me, most people would never see as a threat. Same for a middle aged guy, wearing dockers, a sweater, and loafers. A young black guy, with his hat on backwards, baggy pants and a hoodie would probably be seen differently, rightly or wrongly.
Njal Thorgeirsson
Member
Thanks all for the responses. I realize that open carry very well might be inferior to CC for self defense , but I was really curious about carrying to support 2nd amendment rights. Increasing my personal safety in a practical way was not really the intent of my question. Do you think it generally increases awareness or generally just makes people angry and more opposed to firearms? I suppose from the above posts,it is fairly clear that in an appropriate environment, OC won't anger people- but I'm still not really sure if it will change anyone's mind in the pro-gun direction.
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