Why open carry?

[countertop]

Why would you want to ask permission from the government to carry concealed?

 

[Mainsail]

Mainsail: I take it you haven't tried open carry in Pike Place or Hilltop in Tacoma? I'd kinda like to know if you've been able to carry openly anywhere this side of the Cascades ....

Pikes Place? Yes. I’ve carried openly into REI Seattle a number of times as well.

Hilltop? Tonight in fact. I visit Pinche’s over on 6th and Sprague often.

I’ve open carried in Seattle, Tacoma, Tukwila, and Federal Way, but mostly in Tacoma -since I live here.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

I often open carry out in the wilderness. Mostly because it's more comfortable... and slightly easier to reach for.

 

[tkendrick]

Let me tell you about heat and Texas.

What was it The Duke said? "If I hear another Texican brag about drinking water from a muddy hoof print....."


My Momma was from Texas.....but she got over it

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

I don't open carry mainly because I am afraid of uninformed cops. I think I read about someone in WA spending a lot of money to defend himself against charges for open carrying. It was legal all along.

Also, I think OCing would freak a few people out around here. I have friends who know that I carry, and even they get a little quiet when they see the gun on my hip. I don't lose sleep if my gun can be spotted as I exit the car or whatever.

I would like an OWB retention holster, just to have the OC-option.

Mainsail, I'm surprised but I think that's great you OC all around here.

 

[Cannonball888]

Because a smaller CC pocket pistol won't stop elephant, rhinosaurus or dinosaur crackheads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b6UJsfTAnA









How about open rifle carry?

 

[davinci]

well, 12 hours after my original post High Roaders have responded 30 times.
The only real sensable argument, in my opinion, is the argument of gun familiarity to make the 2nd amendment commonplace enough to make carrying commonplace.

My concerns remain, and I will always conceal my weapons. Just as I have the right to free speech and I don't go up to men and say "Comb your hair, pull up your pants." I choose to keep my right to defend myself as neutral as possible among the general public, for the exact same reason...I do not wish to be considered offensive so I don't wear my rights on my sleeve for each and every occasion that I can. I could give an example and say something like "The economy was on an extreme upswing under President Clinton's administration. I find Clinton to be a solid leader." But, nobody would be offended by that, and it wouldn't invite controversy I'm sure.

Another argument is for the folks who don't want to open carry. When criminals know that 10% of the folks in your state have a concealed carry permit, they're going to think "which one of these guys is armed?" before they do their dirty deeds. If we all start open carrying, and we manage to get 10% involvement, all they have to do is look around for folks with holsters before they kidnap a child from a playground. With more concealed carry, there's no way for them to know that a TEACHER doesn't have a pistol... with the state of schools being what it is, teachers should probably be required to carry guns. What about suburban areas where crimes are committed? Just looking at the folks in the grocery store on a wednesday morning tells him that the registers are free for the taking, whereas under concealed carry, even the guy behind the counter may be packing... and if he's open carrying, I don't think it's going to stop the bad guy from putting a bullet in him first then getting another, unarmed, clerk to clear the cash drawer for him.

Also, I would like to note that my belief is that 99.9% of human beings have a genuine moral fiber. They aren't against you, they're just more for themselves...they call the police because an exposed holster on a fella makes them think "man with a gun!" I've heard that on the police scanner before, "man with a gun, 1200 N. Washington." I've even seen it on COPS on TV before. not like it's a crime necessarily, but it will get police attention is that argument I'm making.

These are my thoughts on the subject, that's why I started this thread. The reasons don't outweigh the risks, the imposition on society nor the intelligence a criminal can gather by just looking around before making an attack. Like I said before, most people are good hearted folks, and if we start arming good hearted folks, it only takes a few "I just couldn't pull the trigger!" before the criminals call our bluff. Not too mention how worthless a pistol is to an unarmed criminal. Just because you see a man pick up a kid and run off with her doesn't mean he isn't her father...and you could just as easily shoot him as a kidnapper.

I'll start another thread for that, it needs to be addressed.

 

[Cannonball888]

The only real sensable argument, in my opinion, is the argument of gun familiarity to make the 2nd amendment commonplace enough to make carrying commonplace.

davinci , if it is sensible to you, then why do you follow your statement with only arguments to the contrary?

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

I wish I could open carry. I have a concealed carry permit, but if my pistol even "prints" through my clothing I can have my permit taken away and/or fined, who knows what else. Open carry would be so much easier, more comfortable, and not have to worry about breaking the law simply by bending over. I wish all states had open carry allowed!!!

 

[30 cal slob]

just because you see someone open carrying, doesn't mean they don't have a concealed weapon somehwere else.

anyhoo, i live in a state where open carry is technically legal, but in practice frowned upon by LEO and the body politic. too close to Noo Yawk City.

We are urged to CCW.

Anyways, I OC in places like PA and VA because I really do believe in cultural desensitization.

Also, CCW does kinda suck when it is hot out.

 

[CajunBass]

My concerns remain, and I will always conceal my weapons.

I'm sorry. I must have misunderstood something. Who is trying to make you uncover your weapons?

 

[Picknlittle]

Tennessee's permit is just called a carry permit. Open and concealed carry is perfectly acceptable. I get hot pretty quickly. Another layer of clothing isn't a thing I want to have to consider. At this time I don't have a carry permit, but plan to have in the next few of months.

I can see open carry being a norm for me because I wear shorts and short sleeves 75% of the year. I also carry a lot of crap in my pockets.

I ever I should have to present a firearm, I certainly don't want to be fumbling with my sweaty, sticky pockets and clothing to get to it.

 

[JohnKSa]

"The hand-wringers will tell you that the criminals are going to target you because of your firearm, only they will not be able to cite a single time it has ever happened."

I can.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/reports/reports2006/073106robNewtonPatton.htm

A man open carrying a handgun had is stolen from him
Man robbed in the Centreville area

About 4:10 a.m. Sunday, July 30, officers were called to the area of Newton Patent Drive and Newton Tavern Drive. A 21-year-old Centreville-area man was robbed while walking on Newton Patent Drive. Two suspects approached the victim from behind, and placed a metal object up to the victim’s head. The suspects took the victim’s hand gun which he was openly carrying. The suspect’s then fled the area. The victim was not injured.

The suspects were described as black males wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information about this incident or these suspects is asked to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.​

 

[Joshua C]

Cannonball, where is that pic from?

Anyway, I think I've a friend whose OC'd a shotgun before.

 

[Cannonball888]

Cannonball, where is that pic from?

Some teenage girls buying ice cream in Israel.


Everyone in Israel serves 2 years mandatory military service including females.

 

[Ala Dan]

First, let me start off by saying that it is legal to carry openly in the State
Of Alabama; see AG opinion #84-00205, by then AG Charles Graddick.

Ever since the 9-11 incident, more Americans seemed "spooked" [for the
lack of a better term] at seeing any person who is carrying openly. Even
plainclothed police officers are scrutinized, until the American public views
a shield which is usually (in most cases) worn on the belt. A law abiding
citizen who holds a valid CCW license [but is not a police officer] comes
under more scrunity. Persons unfamiliar with Alabama's AG opinion, might
just dial 911; upon seeing a legally armed citizen in public? Then you will
have the hassle of explaining that you are excercising your priviledge to
be a lawful member of the armed society.

I do open carry within the gun shop to deter theft, robbery, etc. Also,
I usually open carry when going to and from the local police department
firing range; otherwise, I want to keep the element of surprise on my
side so I carry concealed~!

 

[Joshua C]

Some teenage girls buying ice cream in Israel.

Thought so.

 

[Mainsail]

Here in WA, open carry is legal because there is no law that makes it illegal. The courts agree. This is interesting reading on the subject of open carry and people calling the police when they see it.

 

[WayneConrad]

Because if you have to ask permission, you're not exercising a right.

Because rights which are not exercised go away.

Because it should be seen that "civilized" and "armed" are not mutually exclusive states.

Because straightening your hair and putting on white makeup does not combat prejudice.

 

[Geronimo45]

What was it The Duke said? "If I hear another Texican brag about drinking water from a muddy hoof print....."

We've cleaned up our air and water since then. We prefer 'murky hoof prints' nowadays.

 

[kurtmax]

I don't understand why there is such a rift between concealed and open carry people. I know some CCW holders that thing OC is terrible.

I was about to respond with that case in VA of the guy getting his gun taken, but it seems it's already been posted.

I think the major advantage of OC, is that in most states it doesn't require a permit to do. In addition, it allows a person who is 18+ to carry (Most CCWs are issued at 21+).

I think it's nice to have options. Sometimes you might want to OC, sometimes you might want to conceal. Maybe you just want to not worry about printing and loosing your permit. Does it really matter what the reason is?

Also, be careful in Alabama. While it's not illegal to OC, you will be arrested for it (normally they will make up a disorderly conduct charge once they realize you haven't broken any laws). You also can't carry in a vehicle, concealed or not, without a permit.

Here's a recent case: http://www.al.com/press-register/stories/index.ssf?/base/news/1184750741307550.xml&coll=3

Sean P. Costello, who lives near the Freeman family, said Monday that his gardener spotted Freeman with the rifle about 6 p.m. Friday walking along

Oakwood and Dilston lanes. Freeman did not point the rifle at anyone or threaten anyone, Costello said.

Why the DC charge? Because the gardener felt threatened, not that the gardener was threatened...

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

The only real sensable argument, in my opinion, is the argument of gun familiarity to make the 2nd amendment commonplace enough to make carrying commonplace.

-What about the responses regarding one's comfort while carrying in very hot weather? Personally, I value my comfort.
-What about OCing so that you don't have to worry about printing or flashing? A side note: I imagine onlookers would be more spooked to see a concealed handgun flashed, rather than to see someone openly displaying their sidearm. OCing gives people the impression "I don't care if you see my gun (so there's a better liklihood I am legal)". Again, OCing might make the carryier more comfortable.

-What about the ease of access to your gun, as a reason to OC? If I am walking through a dark parking lot and I want to be best prepared, I can see a reason to pull my shirt back away from my handgun.

Is the 2nd Amendment the ONLY sensible reason you have heard thus far?

*editted because I like this reason too*:

I think the major advantage of OC, is that in most states it doesn't require a permit to do.

 

[30 cal slob]

I don't understand why there is such a rift between concealed and open carry people. I know some CCW holders that thing OC is terrible.

Yeah. +1.

 

[Old Dog]

Here in WA, open carry is legal because there is no law that makes it illegal.

While this is true ...

The courts agree.

... and this may be also ...

it's all a matter of how the existing RCWs and city ordinances are interpreted and enforced. Unfortunately, if one persists in attempting open carry in W.WA (regrettably over-populated by far too many Birkenstock-wearing, latte-sipping fools who still haven't removed the Kerry bumperstickers from their Volvos) one should be prepared for the inevitable intervention by the local gendarmerie.

I still want to see someone in civilian clothing, no badge displayed, walk end to end through Pike Place Market at 2:00 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon with a Condition 1 1911 worn in a low-riding Western-style holster ... What was that old sci-fi B-movie with the young Steve McQueen where hundreds of folks ran screaming out of the theater on to the street? I could see that happening ...

The only real sensable argument, in my opinion, is the argument of gun familiarity to make the 2nd amendment commonplace enough to make carrying commonplace.

I dunno, the practicality aspect of open-carry over concealed-carry in many situations makes sense to me.

I don't understand why there is such a rift between concealed and open carry people.

Not a rift, but issues of P.C. aside, it's just a difference in opinions as far as which mode is more tactically advantageous

 

[peacemaker45]

Less stress from worrying about whether or not it's covered? Less chance of heatstroke? Can more easily carry more of a fighting handgun than the general run of overpowered and undersized CC pistols? I think there are more good reasons than just 2A. But, do what you want.

~~~Mat