Also I was thinking if we got open carry, maybe carrying what I call "California Style," where it's unloaded with the slide back
Why not add a trigger lock to the mix, too?
Also I was thinking if we got open carry, maybe carrying what I call "California Style," where it's unloaded with the slide back
First of all, it's about the Constitution. The Second Amendment says:I guess I don't get the desire for open carry - IMO, it identifies you as a great source for a gun if a band of ne'er-do-wells want it.What's the big deal about CCW?
Once we accept that our rights can be infringed, we open the door for more and more "reasonable" infringement.A well-regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
Zombiphobia said:one woman asked why I carry, to which I replied "State law says I can, and I choose to exercise that legal right."
"If you were a criminal, and you were looking for a target to steal a wallet from, who would you choose to steal from? Would you pick me, with this gun on my belt? Or would you pick that guy standing over there who doesn't appear to be wearing a gun? Is it really worth taking the chance of getting shot to steal my wallet? And if you wanted a gun, wouldn't it be easier just to steal that guys wallet over there, and maybe a couple others, and just buy a gun on the street rather than taking the chance of me shooting you?"
LouCap said:I've said it before, and I'll say it again, when you "bear arms" it's all about weapon retention. If I'm the criminal, I KNOW you have a gun, and the other guy might. Well, I hate surprises, so I'll just jump you from behind and steal your wallet AND your nice 1911 (or Glock, Kimber, etc.) from your fobus (or single strap) holster and be on my way.
Fact: 60% of convicted felons admitted that they avoided committing crimes when they knew the victim was armed. 40% of convicted felons admitted that they avoided committing crimes when they thought the victim might be armed.
Fact: Felons report that they avoid entering houses where people are at home because they fear being shot.
Fact: A survey of felons revealed the following:
• 74% of felons agreed that "one reason burglars avoid houses when people are at home is that they fear being shot during the crime."
• 57% of felons polled agreed, "criminals are more worried about meeting an armed victim than they are about running into the police."
LouCap said:Also, there is something to be said for the element of surprise.
I hope they pass the law. More freedom is a good thing. I'll just carry any way I feel is best suited for the situations I anticipate during the day. Young and not so young people walking around with tactical thigh holsters doesn't bother me either. 23 years in the service and 5 more in law enforcement have taught me to be more comfortable when folks like that are around me in large numbers. Makes the bad guys very nervous. If some genius wants to try and "sneak up" and grap my openly carried weapon, it's a free country and they are certainly welcome to give that a try. Strong side, up front, good luck. Florida is also a state where we have a right to "stand your ground". None of that "duty to retreat" foolishness. Those who don't want to open carry don't have to and those who don't like it will have to get over it. I really don't see a downside. For folks who are worried about offending the anti gun crowd, worry away. That crowd has never and will never be a friend of gun owners. Them being pissed off about gun freedoms is the least of my worries. Better pissed off than pissed on.
I really see zero need for open carry in everyday life.
This thread is freaking unbelievable. Are we not all gun owners? Do we not all care about the second amendment and our rights? There should be ZERO argument in this thread about OC
Does anyone but Mainsail and I notice how LouCap keeps bringing up the same point over and over again but has never risen to the challenge of providing an example of ANYWHERE his theory has actually occurred in reality?
Mainsail - perfect explanation of the "element of surprise"! +1000!
LouCap said:My gosh, you're right. I guess no one has ever taken a weapon off anyone, anywhere. People don't get into fights, and everyone you meet only has the best of intentions.
Subie said:It's not exactly a bad thing, it is a very positive aspect of a society to be uncomfortable at the sight of weapons as it represents much social progress.