SwampWolf
Member
I think open carry should be legal in every state. But, unless you're hunting or plinking, I don't think carrying openly is a smart thing to do.
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Why Aren't More People In South Carolina Open Carrying?
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Palladan44
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Open carry has been legal in this state as long as I can remember.... I've never open carried, I much prefer to carry concealed. I don't need anyone seeing that I have a weapon. Period.
I rarely, if ever see a weapon OWB thats not a uniformed LEO.
There's a reason for why you're not seeing many open carriers, it's just has several drawbacks (this is just my opinion)
Normally I don't care what "other people" are doing... but there is a thing called social norms. They are not laws, but in these parts, people don't generally open carry. I choose to NOT be the seldom guy that everyone sees in street clothes wearing a gun outside his clothes.... No they wouldn't think I'm just a police detective. Most police detectives keep their gun under at least some concealment, at least around here.
People react differently to people who act outside of social norms, especially when it comes to firearms. Some people could give strange looks, others might feel uncomfortable. Some may call police with a concern.... I'm not interested in any unwanted attention, from anyone whether that be a law abiding concerned citizen, Police officer, or Criminal..... Whether it's legal or not, I don't care.
I'm not a fan of open carry, for me personally.
Everyone has to make the choice for themselves what is right.
I rarely, if ever see a weapon OWB thats not a uniformed LEO.
There's a reason for why you're not seeing many open carriers, it's just has several drawbacks (this is just my opinion)
Normally I don't care what "other people" are doing... but there is a thing called social norms. They are not laws, but in these parts, people don't generally open carry. I choose to NOT be the seldom guy that everyone sees in street clothes wearing a gun outside his clothes.... No they wouldn't think I'm just a police detective. Most police detectives keep their gun under at least some concealment, at least around here.
People react differently to people who act outside of social norms, especially when it comes to firearms. Some people could give strange looks, others might feel uncomfortable. Some may call police with a concern.... I'm not interested in any unwanted attention, from anyone whether that be a law abiding concerned citizen, Police officer, or Criminal..... Whether it's legal or not, I don't care.
I'm not a fan of open carry, for me personally.
Everyone has to make the choice for themselves what is right.
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Double Naught Spy
Sus Venator
Keep in mind that my response was in response to the "shall not be infringed" comment. Throughout much of its history, Virginia has had some gun laws and had restrictions surrounding carry. There may be some gaps where laws were less (or maybe none)
Virginia's first gun control laws were in 1619, LOL. In the 1650s, they had gun confiscation. In the late 1700s, Virginia passed a law against the wearing of guns. In 1806s, Virginia had to enact a law to allow African Americans the right to own guns, but slaves could not. Slaves or their owners could get in trouble if a slave was found carrying a gun or owning a gun. In 1934, Virginia enacted a law against guns such as semi-autos holding more than 7 shots.
https://scholarship.law.duke.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4825&context=lcp
In 1950, Virginia made it illegal to carry in places of worship. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter7/section18.2-283/
In 1950, places restrictions on concealed carry. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-308/
It was illegal to carry guns in bars prior to 2010. Still haven't found out when that law went in effect. https://www.nbc12.com/story/12713174/guns-in-bars-law-begins-july-1st-in-virginia/
Since the 1991s, there were prohibitions against carrying in public. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-287.4/
Virginia may have been amongst the most lenient when it came to carry laws, but there were definitely Constitutional infringements if you read the Constitution as being absolute.
Palladan44
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In viewing many online camera-caught self defense situations involving firearms, I could see having an open carry firearm being a tactical dis-advantage.
The bad guys call out where, when and how the crime goes down, putting us self defenders at an initiative deficit almost every time. Bad guys may approach from behind, the side or catch you off guard. In a situation where you have to "wait your turn" which can be the case very often, its not tactically a great idea to have your weapon put in plain sight. I'd rather have the tactical advantage of being able to launch a counter-ambush from surprise, than bet on an open carry firearm being some sort of deterrent.
The bad guys call out where, when and how the crime goes down, putting us self defenders at an initiative deficit almost every time. Bad guys may approach from behind, the side or catch you off guard. In a situation where you have to "wait your turn" which can be the case very often, its not tactically a great idea to have your weapon put in plain sight. I'd rather have the tactical advantage of being able to launch a counter-ambush from surprise, than bet on an open carry firearm being some sort of deterrent.
RealGun
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If you are carrying openly, you can't ignore a "No Firearms" sign. Now there are more of those signs than before.
Had a guy gardening on his own property in West Allis, WI (suburb of Milwaukee) a number of years ago, right after concealed carry became legal. He was carrying open because of a nosey neighbor. The neighbor spotted him from a second story window next door, looking over a high fence and called police. He was cited, but the case was thrown out because Wisconsin has constitutional open carry since statehood in 1848. Which is some bazaar way reminds me of the movie, "The Russians Are Coming" with Brian Keith, Johnathan Winters, Carl Reiner, Eva Marie Saint and Andrea Dromm.
SwampWolf
Member
For carrying open in lieu of carrying concealed or for just carrying period, no matter the mode?
entropy
Member
For the ignorance of the citing officer; It'd be interesting to see what statute was entered in when the tag was written.
In the case I mentioned, the man was not cited but arrested, handcuffed and the firearm was taken from his person and charged with disorderly conduct for openly carrying a gun. His bail was set at $300. He was acquitted a year later. At the end of the trial he was told that if he did that again, he would be arrested again. One year after his trial he counter sued, claiming his civil rights were violated among other city and police violations. It was noted that no disorder occurred and so police had no right to draw their weapons or use handcuffs. There are dozens of newspaper articles on this case as well as other media descriptions. Yet, I could only find one article on the results of the counter suit. In federal court the city paid out $30,000 to the victim and yet the city claimed they did nothing wrong. The Wisconsin Attorney General sent out a memo stating open carry in of itself, is not disorderly. I must admit my information was incorrect because of all the misinformation being broadcasted at the time. It appears the news media was trying to down play the event.
There is another legal issue here too with regard to open carry. In Wisconsin, if one is open carrying and puts on any covering like jacket, there can be a problem. Put on a loose jacket, even unzippered, if the jacket or other clothing even partially covers any part of the holster no matter how small, the gun is considered concealed. It's a common practice for pistol hunters to wear a leather bandolier type holster crosswise over their chest and outside of their clothing in order to be legal while going to and leave from hunting.
There is another legal issue here too with regard to open carry. In Wisconsin, if one is open carrying and puts on any covering like jacket, there can be a problem. Put on a loose jacket, even unzippered, if the jacket or other clothing even partially covers any part of the holster no matter how small, the gun is considered concealed. It's a common practice for pistol hunters to wear a leather bandolier type holster crosswise over their chest and outside of their clothing in order to be legal while going to and leave from hunting.
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entropy
Member
Not a problem if you have a CCW honored by Wisconsin.
It is common for Wisconsin open carry people, to be stopped and checked in big cities by police whenever one is "caught" carrying open.
I carry concealed, however, I don't understand the checking standard by police, unless it is a simple form of harassment.
I've seen it both ways, sometimes the cops stop to chat with the open carry person, other times they inspect the firearm before leaving.
I know two people that were stopped for alleged traffic violations while driving. According to state law, one is suppose to keep both hands on the stirring wheel while informing the officer that they are carrying or have access to a weapon. The first driver started arguing with the cop and told him directly he was violating state law when approaching a conceal carry person by quoting the laws verbatim. ( He teaches hunter safety and conceal carry.) The cop was so confused, he left without even issuing a warning. The second cop with the other friend, said cut the B.S. and give him his driver license. Also, Cabela's endorses people to come armed into their stores but not to unholster their gun and Walmart asks people to be concealed so not to alarm other shoppers. And finally one of our dem. congress women believes police are in more danger in spite of the statistics that show ccw are more safe. I told her no one wears black or white cowboy hats any more. Police are always cautious no matter who they approach.
I carry concealed, however, I don't understand the checking standard by police, unless it is a simple form of harassment.
I've seen it both ways, sometimes the cops stop to chat with the open carry person, other times they inspect the firearm before leaving.
I know two people that were stopped for alleged traffic violations while driving. According to state law, one is suppose to keep both hands on the stirring wheel while informing the officer that they are carrying or have access to a weapon. The first driver started arguing with the cop and told him directly he was violating state law when approaching a conceal carry person by quoting the laws verbatim. ( He teaches hunter safety and conceal carry.) The cop was so confused, he left without even issuing a warning. The second cop with the other friend, said cut the B.S. and give him his driver license. Also, Cabela's endorses people to come armed into their stores but not to unholster their gun and Walmart asks people to be concealed so not to alarm other shoppers. And finally one of our dem. congress women believes police are in more danger in spite of the statistics that show ccw are more safe. I told her no one wears black or white cowboy hats any more. Police are always cautious no matter who they approach.
I live rural and I can probably count on my hands how many people I have seen Open Carrying in the years since passed...
(Not that I am disparaging the right to do so.)
buck460XVR
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While Wisconsin has had OC forever, it has only had legal CWC for a decade. Many of us got comfortable with open carry when we felt the need to have a gun on us, before it was legal to conceal. Same with those folks around us. In states where it's been legal for CWC longer than OC, I believe the opposite is true. While I agree, that in many scenarios, carrying concealed has it's advantages, there are also scenarios where OC is still a legitimate choice. When I walk my dog in town, my biggest threat is from the neighbor's loose dog. Many times it's easier to quickly get to the gun as well as the ease of putting on the exposed holster over my clothing. Same goes for when hiking in the woods, whether it be just for fun or for foraging. Even going into the gas station or making a quick stop at the grocery store doesn't get many looks from folks around here. Has nuttin' to do with getting attention. That assumption I believe is from folks that never OCed, and are uncomfortable with it themselves. Thus it's a good excuse for them not to. Shaming others for doing it seems to validate their opinion.....at least to themselves.
dogtown tom
Member
I believe there is specific language that must be used and posted in a specified manner.
I don't think "No Firearms" written on a sheet of cardboard meets the requirements.
WisBorn
Contributing Member
The only time that I have seen someone open carry in SC was at the Twin Ponds Rifle Range. (I lived in the PeeDee and spent lots of time in the Grand Strand and low country.)
The shooter was told very quickly that all firearms must be unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case when entering the range.
I'm not sure about all the specifics, but some of the states that are loosening there training requirements for CCW are losing reciprocity with states that require training for ccw permits.
The shooter was told very quickly that all firearms must be unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case when entering the range.
I'm not sure about all the specifics, but some of the states that are loosening there training requirements for CCW are losing reciprocity with states that require training for ccw permits.
JTHunter
Member
There are certain stores that post signs prohibit open carry in this area. Those signs are unnecessary or redundant as OC is already prohibited in IL-ANNOY.
RealGun
Member
Strawman. Yes the law is specific, but I have never seen a compliant sign. There isn't even an international standard symbol for a gun.
It's nice to chat with everyone on topic that should be taught in every school. But sometime in the last 150 years in Wis. it was assumed that open carry was disorderly. It wasn't until 2006 that people started questioning that enforcement Now don't think this problem was universal. I remember taking an uncased Japanese rifle to grade school for show and tell in 1965 while studying WWII. I got CCW because it is common to hop into bar for lunch while deer hunting. I was carrying a concealed hunting knife, but I would take off my warm jacket and expose it while eating and no noticed or cared in rural WI. State law says that an armed person is legal in a bar as long as one does not consume alcohol.
Then right after CCW became law, a KAREN in a Milwaukee suburban church, unknowingly drops her pistol while on the toilet and leaves it there for 10 minutes and a janitor finds it before she comes back to retrieve it. She was cited. But the whole state knew about it next day.
I think we got the ball rolling a little in the last 20 years, when a dem. governor who refused to sign CCW law twice, said "just carry it on your hip, it's legal." Eventually CCW passed. I think the Rittenhouse trial in Kenosha WIS also did a lot of good because many believed he did not have the right to protect property outside of the home. He is now suing media people that called him a home grown terrorist. I did get my church to remove their no firearms signs by complaining LEOs have a right to carry before going work and stopping in church while on the way. The church elders agreed. And finally for all those who care to interpret the second amendment, our President, Uncle Joe, who knows nothing about history, said recently no one was able to buy cannons when the 2nd amendment was written. Well guess what, several private citizens did buy cannons back it the day. Now The Supreme Court will be issuing a decision this Spring on how New York issues gun permits and it has the anti's very worried.
Then right after CCW became law, a KAREN in a Milwaukee suburban church, unknowingly drops her pistol while on the toilet and leaves it there for 10 minutes and a janitor finds it before she comes back to retrieve it. She was cited. But the whole state knew about it next day.
I think we got the ball rolling a little in the last 20 years, when a dem. governor who refused to sign CCW law twice, said "just carry it on your hip, it's legal." Eventually CCW passed. I think the Rittenhouse trial in Kenosha WIS also did a lot of good because many believed he did not have the right to protect property outside of the home. He is now suing media people that called him a home grown terrorist. I did get my church to remove their no firearms signs by complaining LEOs have a right to carry before going work and stopping in church while on the way. The church elders agreed. And finally for all those who care to interpret the second amendment, our President, Uncle Joe, who knows nothing about history, said recently no one was able to buy cannons when the 2nd amendment was written. Well guess what, several private citizens did buy cannons back it the day. Now The Supreme Court will be issuing a decision this Spring on how New York issues gun permits and it has the anti's very worried.
Mosin77
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In principle I think it’s terrible to prohibit people from open carrying. If I can carry a cellphone I should also be able to carry a pocketknife, a belt knife, a handgun, etc.
But that doesn’t mean I’m going to be open-carrying much. For practical reasons I’d much rather everyone not know when I’m packing heat. It’s really only a great idea when you’re roaming the woods and fields.
But that doesn’t mean I’m going to be open-carrying much. For practical reasons I’d much rather everyone not know when I’m packing heat. It’s really only a great idea when you’re roaming the woods and fields.
I’ve seen one person oc here since the law was passed. It applies to permit holders, not the general public so that number is not as high as one might think. I can think of only one person I saw oc in North Carolina when I lived there and it’s been an open carry state for as long as I can remember.
There are two questions related to OC. Can you and should you. Yes and probably not.
There are two questions related to OC. Can you and should you. Yes and probably not.
jar
Contributing Member
If I was carrying concealed I would not ignore a "No Firearms" sign.
RealGun
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Styx
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I live in Hampton Roads area of Virginia. It's a very populated collection of cities that is filled with military and a mixture of liberal and conservative people. Open carry is legal in VA on a state level.
I have on several occasions over the years seen men and women black and white open carry mostly in supermarkets, convenience stores, and while riding crotch rockets or cruisers during the spring and summer. It has never been an issue or caused an issue with anyone.
That said, open carry is not for me. The only time I would feel comfortable open carrying is at a range, training class, or a 2A protest or venue. I do not like the attention or others knowing that I am carrying. Other than that, I actually like and enjoy seeing others respectfully and safely open carry. Puts a smile on my face, and I always try to inadvertently get a glimpse at what gun they are carrying.
I have on several occasions over the years seen men and women black and white open carry mostly in supermarkets, convenience stores, and while riding crotch rockets or cruisers during the spring and summer. It has never been an issue or caused an issue with anyone.
That said, open carry is not for me. The only time I would feel comfortable open carrying is at a range, training class, or a 2A protest or venue. I do not like the attention or others knowing that I am carrying. Other than that, I actually like and enjoy seeing others respectfully and safely open carry. Puts a smile on my face, and I always try to inadvertently get a glimpse at what gun they are carrying.
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