NavyLCDR
member
Yes, the open carrier has the means to defend himself, but if the objective is in fact a gun grab, he will certainly not be afforded the opportunity.
The lone open carrier is vulnerable to surprise from behind and to being disabled by a blow or an edged weapon. The concealed carrier is of course also vulnerable to having his gun taken, but he will present a target of opportunity only after he has produced the weapon.
If a criminal is in need of a gun, chances are they likely do not have one. There are very, very few criminals in this world who would be dumb enough to try to take it from the person wearing it instead of just stealing a couple hundred $$$ to buy one. Again, though, it is not about absolutes. It's about playing the odds. There is a documented case of a man being beaten to death by a criminal using a flower pot off the victim's own front porch. So, should we conceal our flower pots on our front porches?