4 Reasons I Don’t Open Carry
It’s your right and mine…but that doesn’t mean I have to use that right.
About five years ago, the NRA released a statement about open carry that quickly had the gun-owning community up in arms (pun intended. Sue me). A critique of people who were open-carrying their guns as part of protests in Texas, the statement read in part: “…it’s downright weird and certainly not a practical way to go normally about your business while being prepared to defend yourself.” The firestorm that ensued resulted in a rare public apology from the NRA, so you’d think I’d be smart enough not to write an article pooh-poohing open carry myself. (But if you think I’d be smart enough to do anything, you’ve either never met me, or you’ve got many more thinks coming.) Before you get the torches and pitchforks out, please rest assured that I understand why people open carry, and that I respect their right to do it. I even wrote an article defending open carry last year—you can read it here. As for me, however, I don’t open carry and would discourage a friend or loved one from doing so. Here’s why.
1: It freaks out the squares
Most of my reasoning for choosing to carry concealed instead of openly is pragmatic, not ideological. I agree that we should live in a country in which all citizens understand what is and is not legal. Sadly, we don’t. If you live in a suburban area, chances are quite good that your neighbors think that a person wearing a gun openly is either a criminal about to open up a can of Criminal, or a cop getting ready to open up a can of Cop. These people aren’t stupid, but they are ignorant—and it’s the kind of ignorance that often results in public confrontations. Well-meaning folks who don’t understand that what you’re doing is legal may call law enforcement, and law enforcement has no choice but to follow up. I don’t know about you, but I generally enjoy being treated as a potential active shooter only a little bit more than visiting my ex-inlaws for Thanksgiving.
2: Sometimes it freaks out the cops, too.
This brings me to my next point. Although in general most law-enforcement officers know the local laws regarding guns, it’s the specific exceptions to that general rule that give me the foot sweats. There have been many cases in which people who were legally carrying open have been detained, arrested, or worse by LEOs who misinterpreted the meaning of that visible firearm. And here’s the thing: Even if the cops do nothing but check in with me to make sure I’m not a crazed mass murderer, every minute I spend interacting with the LEO is a minute I could have spent minding my business more pleasurably elsewhere.
3: It makes me a target for thieves
Open carry is a double-edged sword in many ways; it can and does serve as a deterrent to some criminals…but to others, it’s an attractant. Guns are relatively small and have plenty of inherent value, so they’re easy to fence. But many criminals don’t fence them at all; instead, the stolen gun becomes the community property of a street gang. In fact, theft is the primary avenue that puts guns in the hands of people who are otherwise not eligible to own them (and not, contrary to the entire Democratic presidential lineup, from gun shows). Although only a tiny fraction of those stolen guns came from someone’s openly carried holster, it does happen. A half-decent pickpocket can get your firearm out of your holster without you suspecting a thing until it’s too late…so why should I advertise to the pickpockets?
4: It puts me at a tactical disadvantage
If I were ever to–God forbid–be stuck in a situation in which I’m being forced to fight for my life, I want to have every single possible advantage. That’s because, if I ever find myself in that situation, I’m already at a serious disadvantage. It means that everything else I’ve done to safeguard myself has failed. One teeny-tiny tactical edge that might make the difference between life and death is the criminal’s ignorance of my firearm. Telegraphing the fact that I have one gives an aggressor all sorts of time and leeway to figure out how to overwhelm or disarm me before he begins his attack. In my opinion, the slight advantage of surprise outweighs the deterrent effect of an openly carried gun.
Do you open carry, or carry concealed? What’s your reasoning behind doing so? Tell us in the comments!
Another reason to not open carry is quite often a location would have a sign saying no guns allowed. In many states those signs do not have to be obeyed, however in many of those states you may have to leave if they request for you to leave. They can’t request you leave if they don’t know you are carrying. Also, don’t let your young grandkids know either. One day mine came running up to me and said in a loud voice…do you have your gun on you? He now knows better.
I don’t want anyone knowing I ‘ m carrying .
Which brings up the very important point I make during my classes. If you are forced into a situation where you feel you have to draw your sidearm ALLWAYS call 911 eirher during, if possible, or immediately after the incident. Normally 1st caller is the percieved victim.
DR says
When wife and I hike I open carry along with CCW. Other times it is ALWAYS CCW. My reason is I do not want friends or acquaintances to know I carry. I don’t want to be in a close situation where I feel I should not draw and people with me keep glancing towards me wondering why I have not drawn. Even a dumb (or dumber) bad guy will probably pick up on people looking at me instead of him (or her). My wife and I have code words that seem like normal conversation but let each other know our intentions.
Well I conceal carry, but it is a mixed bag….. People are being programmed to panic and fear guns (even an image of one is leathal in many minds) so how are we supposed to convince the public that we are not evil killers? If one wishes to open carry I say more power to them!
I agree – if they wish to open carry. It Is not for me.
I agree that CCW makes more sense for true self defense. But we need more open display of peaceful firearms equipped lawful citizens to break the news media stereotyping of gun owners. Gun owners are being driven underground. Even the simple accidental display of a CCW is now seen as a crime in many places. It is this mind set that all guns are evil, and all gun owners are maniacs, that must be changed if our rights are to be protected. Changing this perception while we can not even display a firearm, or in some cases even a picture of a firearm, is all but impossible.
Open carry would be a great tool for teaching the public at large that we are not to be feared, but sadly it is simply not practical more often then not.
I tend to agree with the reasons given above. Additionally . . . .
I live in a small town. I open carried only at work. (very visible 9mm & 380’s)
Work was as a pharmacy tech at a small independent drug store.
Many, many customers have told me they were glad to see I was armed at such a dangerous place to work.
I’d like to think that the reason there were no incidents in the years I worked was that word was don’t mess with $^$%# drug store because there’s a crazy old guy there that will shoot your a$$.
Also, two pharmacists and three techs concealed carried at the store.
All other times I conceal carry and practice, practice, practice.
Good to hear, I think more pharmacies should have armed staff or security.
Armed staff will act as a deterrent to your store being robbed. This is a demonstrable fact. Thieves simply look for an easier target. This is why gun free zones make no sense at all.
I wish you well and pray you never need to use your pistol, that it’s mere presence will be enough of a deterrent to keep you all safe.
I agree with everything you said in your post. The thing that a lot of people that carry don’t do is practice, practice, practice. I know people that only practice live fire one or two times a year and think that is enough. You need to keep up your live fire practice along with dry fire and un-holstering and re-holstering your gun.
I have joined a pistol club and I try to practice at least ones a week and many times two times a week. I do USPSA shooting and that helps me to hit my target ( I constantly get the maximum A hits or close to that. It has been told “don’t worry about speed as much as hitting your target”. With practice your speed will get faster but if you can’t hit the broad side of a barn, it could be very unhealthy for you. You have to remember that in a critical self defense situation your accuracy will not be as good as at the range shooting hole in paper. Paper doesn’t shoot back.
I somewhat agree with the article and the commenters. There is a time to conceal carry and a time to open carry. But rights are like anything else. If you don’t use them, you lose them.
I for one choose to conceal carry for the reasons stated above, but am glad that I can also open carry if i choose to do so. The only time I open carry is when hunting or in the boondocks,but still have my concealed carry weapon on me,it is like the American Express card ( NEVER AWAKE WITH OUT IT ON ME!) I practice with Laser snap caps and laser targets to train my motor memory and to become one with my weapon and my self.My main carry is a Taurus PT745 and a Taurus G2 9mm in an ankle holster,the 45 is carried in a shoulder holster I only wear western cut clothes and shirts with snaps down the front.I have never been in a confrontation since Vietnam until 2 months ago when a guy I did not really know got mad and was stomping aggressively toward me shouting and waving his arms and when he got in my 20 yard safe zone I told him to STOP and he did not stop and kept coming,so I then drew my weapon to the low ready position and told him to stop again which he did not at which time he kept coming at me and I raised my weapon and lit him up with the laser dot between his eyes and told him to stop,his fate was at that time entirely up to him,and at that time he turned around and left. Of course he called the LEO on me and he and his girlfriend said their side of the story and the LEO said it 2 against 1, so I was arrested, am glad that I have the US CONCEALED Insurance that I have had all these years,they furnished me with representation with the issuer,in fact the LEO told me they all thought it was BS. After the confrontation was over it came to me that when I drew my weapon,it was automatic and fluid movement and I was calm the whole time and remembered that I was aware that my thumb was on the safety and it was on and that my finger was in the lock jaw position and was never on the trigger at any time and yes there was a round in the pipe as there is always one in the pipe. The original LEO asked me 3x if i would have shot him and each time I said I did not know that it was up too him to decide what the outcome was,so fortunately for him he made the right decision to live. so if the DA decides to go forward my trial will be in December. I do want to say the City and County LEO treated me real nice and the County booking person put me in with the Trusties and not the general population and the court bailiffs are nice and friendly to me. I was released with no Bail also.
LW,
If you were released without posting a bond, I would be inclined to believe that you will be just fine. Bond amounts are usually commensurate with the seriousness of the alleged crime. They may come at you with a plea deal for a lesser charge or a monetary fine. Hope for the best for you!
With regard to the article, I liked it. Solid practical approach. I especially like reason #4.
Agree with the article. Although I am always alert, I cannot view 360 so if a bad guy is in the area to commit a crime with a gun, I am the first one he will take out if I am open carrying. I want to blend in so I always carry concealed.
Not true Joe. The bad guy would likely leave and rethink his position if he sees you with a sidearm. Your thought is contradicting. My question is, would a police officer be the first one that he takes out because he sees him with his sidearm? Of course not. No criminals want to kill a guy who has open carry sidearms just to rob a convenience store or even a more serious crime such as robbing a bank. They want a quick in and out job and a person with guns is an obstacle and he will avoid you. Just think…those with the license to carry, open carry or concealed are 1) aware of their surroundings (you don’t have to have eyes in the back of your head), 2) for the most part, they trained on the weapons that they carried, and good at what they aimed, 3) will not back down if someone else is in imminent danger if not himself. The criminals know all that. So tell me, would you still consider robbing the convenience store?
I made the decision to conceal carry over open carry for one of the reasons mentioned here. If I open carry the criminal element knows I am armed and therefore I become the target and lose my advantage. I also agree with the person above who mentioned the possible Red Flag Laws some states are considering. Just think about the idea that someone who does not even know you reports you as a threat just because you openly carried a firearm. Are there places where you might want to do so definitely. I know one of the gun ranges I go took likes their customers to open carry firearms in their facility.
I don’t believe in giving a bad guy an even break. The first time said bad guy should know that I’m armed is when I shoot him/her. Others can do what they see fit.
I carry concealed for all the reason mentioned and also when I first got my CCW The class was taught by two policemen in Tn. And they said that if we noticed Tn . Carry permits just said handgun carry permit but they said that they Suggest that we carry concealed because if we went into a wal-mart and some older lady saw the gun and screamed he’s got a gun and people started running for the door and someone got hurt that they were going to hold you responsible for causing people getting hurt.
As a old, large, slow moving target I also almost never open carry. I also need a cane to get around. This makes me more of a target. All my carry guns are equipped with laser sights, night sights, and weapon lights. Call me paranoid but I’ll take every advantage I can. I also recommend a cane self defense class for my fellow Gimps and Gimpetts.
5th reason I don’t open carry.
Red Flag Laws. One complaint is all it takes.
There is a proper time and place for each… wise firearm community members understand that and observe good old common sense whenever carrying (or should).
I have been carrying concealed in three states over the years. Every point in this rings true and exhibits the mindset that is required for this responsibility. There’s a reason that old men are typically ‘quiet and unassuming.’
I carry concealed all the time. Two comments to agree with your position. First, I am a retired police officer who has witnessed “man’s inhumanity to man” first hand, therefore I am armed virtually all the time. However I carry concealed because I too am old and need any advantage I can get. Secondly, as a retired police officer I have had time wasted, time I could have used doing real police work, answering calls from citizens that were reporting a “person armed” who was actually just another every day citizen doing what the law in their state allowed, exercising their right to open carry. As an aside, I have heard it said that people who carry concealed carry for protection, while those who carry openly carry for attention.
I live in a town of about 30,000 people. Here about 15 to20% open carry. It’s common so it seems normal. Residents and police don’t give it a second thought. I think it’s a deterrent as anyone that starts trouble will have to deal with multiple shooters and they know that up front. The only issue we have is people moving here from California who try to bring their politics with them.
We live near Elko, NV. We have encountered Californians who were convinced they would be shot if they angered a Nevada resident. Their comment was, “We hear you all carry guns..”
I carry concealed for the same reasons you state. I think when businesses see people open carry into their establishments they get scared and put up “NO FIREARMS” signs. I don’t like those signs and don’t want to see more of them go up. I carry into my church and bank concealed and they don’t have a problem with it. Open carry would be a whole different matter.
When out camping, away at the cabin, or walking the dogs through the woods…I open carry. When I’m back home doing the day to day, it’s concealed. I want that extra half second in case a bear or cougar decides I’ve pissed them off.
I moved from California to Arizona over 3 years ago. I could have immediately started to carry open but I decided to wait until I received my CCW. I respect everyone’s right to open carry but I completely agree with the author and that’s why I open conceal carry.
Agree 100%, I don’t want anyone to know I have a weapon. The only time I ever carried open was before I got my CCW license going to and from the gun range. Believe it or not, there were 3 robberies in my local area where the thief attacked folks coming out of the gun range. They were robbed right in the range parking lot. Apparently these folks were not carrying concealed.
If anything, you skipped a reason to be concealed. There is also a group of “well-meaning citizens” who would use the ability to see your gun in an open-carry holster to call the police and make a more detailed (good lies depend on using some facts to make them seem true) lie about what your gun looks like, and why the idiot feels “threatened”. But awesome article, summarizes and explains perfectly.
Good article Trace. I carry concealed for just those reasons you listed. Like you and other readers, I pray I never have to deploy my weapon. One additional point that might be considered: in this not-so-perfect world we live in, there are many citizens out there who are indeed ignorant of the laws regarding firearms. Unfortunately, ignorance along with irrelevance leads to opposition. If a person does not hunt or engage in the shooting sports, he or she will consider firearms as unnecessary. They drink the cool-ade of the the political left, and seek to deny others (us) of their rights. These are the people who get all freaked out when they see an openly carried firearm. I believe this adds to the anti-2A groundswell. I wish we did not have to worry about what others think, but that would be to deny the human nature. I think we should not give the anti-2A crowd any more to bitch about and make every attempt to educate them whenever we get the opportunity.
I keep concealed; it just attracts too much attention (unwanted, mostly) and unnecessarily scares some people who are afraid of guns. Also, on the (very) odd occasion I accidently wander into a store which has a “no guns allowed” sign on the door, I do not get thrown out or arrested. (Mostly I just don’t buy things at those stores, solves everybody’s problems) Tom
I see no reason to open carry unless I’m in the woods. I occasionally see someone open carry at the local mega-mart, I think to myself “what’s that guy compensating for?”
A right not used is a right given away, Lost! This retired police open carries. Want to rob me, know in advance I will kill you. Want my gun, know in advance I will kill you………. Never , ever, vote democrat.
Right on my man! Trump 2020🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Phoenix in the summer. Open carry
Phoenix in the winter. Concealed carry
i do very much agree with the article and the primary reason behind it (not advertising my defense tools). i have 35 years experience, and my screen name sums up my qualifications. the only time i take mt ccdw off is to lay down in bed. the second i get out of bed it goes on ALWAYS. there are only two scenarios i open carry a sidearm or long arm (or both). 1) when i am hunting, and 2) when i am outside on my farm.
i do have one point to make, though. this “open carry vs concealed carry” age old debate usually neglects the fact that they are not mutually exclusive. for example, when i hunt i have my rifle on a sling, a 44 mag open carry in a hip holster, AND i as previously stated always carry my concealed handgun. the point is an example of where both can cooexist.
nice article
Open Carry without a permit is legal in N.C. and VA where I have spent most of my time. However few people do it. I do not. I have a CHP and carry concealed. I am not “bothered” by those who do, but that’s because I am a gun owner. I think the best compromise among concealment, comfort, power and accuracy is OWB carry, concealed by a long shirt or light jacket. Unfortunately one’s personal dress code and the weather have to cooperate.
I generally carry concealed BUT there are times and places that I slap on a paddle holster to open carry (the concealed handgun then becomes a backup).
One reason that I might choose to show it openly is specifically so some idiot notifies police. Inevitably they remain in the immediate vicinity (despite their call made because obviously they somehow feel threatened) so they are there for some friendly education after the police arrive, find nothing wrong, and inform them that open carry is completely legal – it is only actions taken by the armed person that justify calls to police and to please not waste their time should the see another armed person who is going about their business and minding their own business like EVERYONE ELSE SHOULD. (The emphasis there is mine BUT in almost every instance the officers do emphasize this to the complainers. )
I am a long time member of Front Sight out of Pawrumph Nevada. GREAT SCHOOL where they teach you: mental aspects of both offense and defense, shooting accurately under duress, clearing all malfunctions under duress, drawing the weapon under concealed conditions, how, when and where that firearm should be used, tactical and advanced tactical skills, firearm safety, trigger press and reset, thorax and head shots at all distances under duress, and most importantly they teach you about YOUR weapon inside and out. They engage their students, they demand respect for the instructors, firearm safety, and RESPECT for the firearm and the consequences for using it. After 4 days and over 800 rounds at targets located at various distance, demanding instructors, firearm safety under all circumstances, all students either graduate or not with a timed test covering ALL the concepts you were taught over those 4 days. On the other hand, a normal concealed class is a two day affair where one day you are taught rule/laws in your state and partially cover laws in some others, some gun safety, very limited knowledge concerning YOUR weapon, little to no concealed draw or how to conceal properly, touch on the consequences and then test you. Day two: some classed include about an hour or so at the range where you are supposed to put all the knowledge from the first day to practice and 99% of that is shooting 25 rounds at a target that is about 10 ft away. A large percentage of students walk away with a certificate to be presented at the local sheriff’s office. Now they have a concealed permit with NO KNOWLEDGE of any thing that I mentioned above. I am a proponent of Front Sight’s philosophy, the classes, and the respect you learn about the firearm and using it properly. Everyone applying for a concealed permit no matter what state, should be required to take this class or something similar. I recommend Front Sight to all who own any weapon. I believe this could help defend our Second Amendment rights.
I agree with your article …. and yet, I open carried exclusively for many years, as I always thought that open carry should be treated as safer than concealed carry … when walking into any business or church. Granted if done properly concealed carry doesn’t let anyone know you are carrying … but an odd placed / shaped bulge, could easily raise suspicions. Open carry … should logically, tell any and everyone, that you are armed, but have no ill intent, as who is going to openly show they are armed, when their intent is nefarious? I always felt safer seeing someone with a sidearm on their hip, over seeing a suspicious bulge, under the arm, in the back of a belt, or on the side, under an untucked shirt. I generally now don’t carry, as I haven’t found a comfortable means to hide a 1911 with my 69 year old, well deserved fat ‘food’ gut. I’m not comfortable with any other type of sidearm, and none of my 1911’s ever looks concealed enough, for my tastes so in lieu of that I currently don’t conceal carry. (While in Arizona, open and concealed both don’t require any permit.)
I carry concealed because the public is uneasy when they see anyone carrying. Also like you I’d rather not advertise. OH by the way I live in Texas where you can do either. What I don’t agree with is a business being able to tell I cannot carry in their store, so when I see their sign I just turn around and don’t go back.
I agree with you 100% I carry concealed because I don’t won’t people knowing I’m carrying at all. Also you reacted the way you train and practice. I have also found out if are going to carry concealed do it all the time not just when you go on trips because you will not reacted the same.
Count one more vote in the‘Agee’ column. I counsel people routinely about this subject.
I am a 60ish manager of a gun store/range. I open carry a Sig 226 at work, but when I leave, a jacket goes on as a cover, or, I switch to a concealed compact 380/9/38 revolver
Given the advances in ammunition technology over the past 15 years or so, I am not at a disadvantage by using a’minor’ caliber firearm. At least in my mind… which is all that matters to me.
I carry concealed and have for a long time. I want people to see it when needed. I carry in church along with others. Don’t go near our children. I only exposed once and it was by accident, but the 5 guys that were giving me a problem changed their minds when I pulled back me jacket (never had to touch my gun)
I’m in agreement with your well written article.
Couldn’t agree more!
The fewer people know that I’m carrying the better off it is
The correct solution is individual and varies by location and situation. I carry concealed with a CCW. I wish open carry were allowed in my state but it isn’t. The key to me is not exercising my rights but rather, that as law abiding citizens, we all vote and continue to support our 2nd Amendment rights. It is increasingly important that we exercise our rights in a responsible way and that we understand and are prepared to support our own decision.
Concealed, for pretty much the reasons you stated in your article.
I agree 100% with you but I cannot understand the reasons why last year you wrote an article defending open carry. Either you do recommend open carry or you don’t. One possibility excludes the other.
I defended open carry because I’ll always defend the lawful and peaceful exercise of our rights, even if it’s not what I would choose for myself.
i carry concealed for basisly the same reasons you do. but will add that carrying concealed allows me to decide whether the situations warrants deadly intervention. open carry is like wearing a sign that says shoot me first to a potential active shooter. concealed carry might allow me to fly under the shooters radar long enough to take cover and deal with the active shooter from an advantage .and i do carry concealed everywhere i go if a business does not allow firearms then they don’t want my business/money.
33 years on the job, I’ve seen a number of fellow officers disarmed both in uniform and plain clothes. And many didn’t even know it until informed by a fellow officer of their empty holster.. In a crowd situation, when the officer is engaged with “police work”, someone can simply reach a holstered handgun and remove from its holster. I don’t know the numbers, the department hasn’t disclosed it.
Your points are common sense observations, albeit anecdotal, but plausible. None are real reasons NOT to open-carry. It’s an individual choice. Although losing some tactical advantage, which I believe is over stated, you do gain accessibility, and in a armed confrontation, first to draw or brandish has the immediate advantage. Secondly, open-carry opens up an individual’s suitable weapon choice immensely. Better to carry the gun you can shoot than to conceal one you cannot.
I am a female and I carry (on person not in a purse – because of accessibility) and I prefer to conceal so I don’t become a first target and have a chance at defending my children. There are times when I open carry but I feel more eyes on me and feel targeted. I firmly believe in the 2nd Amendment and have taught my children to use firearms safely. They have encountered the ignorant folks in our area and therefore learned to handle them. I encourage everyone who carries – open or concealed – to maintain good practice with their carrying weapon so in the heat of the moment you can be effective. God Bless and Carry On.
Agreed with all points above.. I want to CHOOSE to engage if and only if it is safe to myself and those around me. If you have a firearm openly visible, escalation to lethal force is more likely and your choices are diminished.
I open carry due to my age and body statue ,?never found a IWB holster I could use. I see your point and agree but some of us just can’t go the IWB route. Tried the pocket carry but that didn’t either.
Mike, I am close to 80 and carry IWB. The only holster that works for me is a suede one from Relentless Tactical. In addition they have a lifetime warranty and are nice folks to do business with
Not a handsome unit but comfy, easy to clip on and off unlike De Santis et al. I have carried both my LC9s and my S&W 442 in the same holster..
Look ’em up and if you buy a holster and it doesn’t work they willingly will take it back and refund your greenbacks.
No I do not work for them or do I get a fee. They are so nice to deal with and the public needs to know this. I lost a loop on a gun belt. I asked for a replacement and how much. I got one gratis, immediately.
Cheers
Alan
I do agree. The only time I openly carry is when I’m in the deep (unpopulated) woods.
Great article! Although I am retired law enforcement, I have always carried my firearm concealed when out of uniform primarily for the reasons you listed. I was visiting Texas where I grew up a few years ago. At church, I ran into the Sheriff, who was an old school mate. He asked why I wasn’t carrying a firearm and I explained that it was concealed. He asked if I would openly carry it, at least at church. He wanted it well known that there would be an armed response to any attack on a place of worship in his county.
I agree 100%! I live in Florida where it’s concealed carry only, but I have actually had a few cops see the very minimal print from my handle and they ask what I carry mainly because they are genuinely interested in changing their firearm to something with more knock down. I understand a lot of people carry a small or smaller caliber because of convenience but I myself carry a Steyr .40 full-size. I used to carry a compact and while they conceal better I found it hard to get my hand on it properly during fast draw drills at the range. As far as why I carry a .40? Well…….because IF the time comes I am going to be the one going home to my family!!
I live in a Constitutional Carry state but have a State issued CCW and carry concealed when out in public. The element of surprise is the key to reversing bad fortune should you be trapped in to a fight or die scenario. I also talk with a lot of open carry folks here. Very few train. Training is the one thing that will make you prevail in a gun fight. Hoods generally do not train. Make that your secret weapon. Semper Fi
I agree with your points for the same reasons. It’s too bad that our citizens don’t understand freedom. So I guess we must continue to shelter them from the real world. I still feel that we must keep open carry legal just so we don’t give up a freedom by default. I still open carry on my property out in the country as it’s the most practical.
Thank you for sharing your rationale. I agree 100%. I would rather be secretly armed just in case I were not the initial target. A shooter may surveil his victims, and if my openly-carried firearm is detected, I may not have the opportunity to use my weapon in defense of others or myself.
Please delete post with full name and use only the JB from TN post
I carry concealed at all times – never open – for all the reasons stated in this excellent article. I practice in indoor range and on “back 40 protected range” to stay sharp vis-a-vis draw, reloads, stationary and moving targets, shooting right and left handed, etc. I have a lifetime permit, and open carry is legal is my state, but the HUGE bullseye on my back and the general skittishness of those around me makes it impractical.
In reality, open carry reminds me of many of my friends (and those I admire) who served in our great military. Generally, those who did the most say the least – and some of them say nothing at all. Open carry reminds me of that guy who served, comes back and tells bar stories constantly about “what he did and who he killed,” until you start to doubt everything he says. Open carry people remind me of those guys – all talk but NOT the guy I want on my side if trouble brews. I’ll take the “silent hero” any day.
JB, well said. I am a Vietnam veteran and have observed exactly your point. Beware the blowhards when it comes down to the nut cutting’. I want the strong silent type beside me in those situations. I suspect that the same phenomenon applies too often to the open carry situation. I stay concealed at all times.
Thanks so much for your service, sir. You are truly one of my heroes!
I carry concealed at all times – never open – for all the reasons stated in this excellent article. I practice in indoor range and on “back 40 protected range” to stay sharp vis-a-vis draw, reloads, stationary and moving targets, shooting right and left handed, etc. I have a lifetime permit, and open carry is legal is my state, but the HUGE bullseye on my back and the general skittishness of those around me makes it impractical.
In reality, open carry reminds me of many of my friends (and those I admire) who served in our great military. Generally, those who did the most say the least – and some of them say nothing at all. Open carry reminds me of that guy who served, comes back and tells bar stories constantly about “what he did and who he killed,” until you start to doubt everything he says. Open carry people remind me of those guys – all talk but NOT the guy I want on my side if trouble brews. I’ll take the “silent hero” any day.
I agree with your article that’s why I only primarily concealed carry. However open carry does have its uses. If your in the woods hunting or fishing out in the wild on a river filled with bears and wolves I’d prefer to open carry. Typically I only open carry in places where I’m not likely to run into a lot of people and I want quick access to a firearm in case of a threat. I highly doubt a bear is going to steal my firearm. That being said I feel that open carry still has its place but I tend to refrain from it so I can avoid negative attention from all the anti gunners.
I strongly agree with everything you have stated. I have been carrying concealed for over 40 years and very, very, few people in my circle of friends knew about it, let alone a stranger. Also why subject yourself to detainment or harassment by the local gendarme. Nothing like the element of surprise should shit hit the fan.
I agree with your article 100%. I carry everyday, and I don’t want anyone to know it. the only drawback is my usual carry is a S&W bodyguard 380. I recently picked up a Springfield XDs 9mm, and will see how easy this is to pocket or conceal carry.
I carry a Springfield XDS 9mm myself.
I find this particular pistol quite comfortable for conceal carry in both my shoulder rig and BRH, although I am currently checking out the Hellcat as my next daily.
Nice article. Not sure why some respondents think you are against open carry. Like you, in a moment of violent crisis I want my gun to be a complete surprise to my adversary. I’m old and never was a tough guy so I’ll need every advantage.
An appropriate comment. Many of us “senior” citizens need additional advantages. This makes sense to us.
Sure you can walk around the burbs with a visible handgun on your belt, just like any man can walk into a Texas kicker bar wearing pink cowboy boots and order warm milk. Sometimes it is wise to not be foolish.
Firstly, they were MY WIFE’S BOOTS! And the milk was warm only because the bartender ran out of chocolate, and by the time he came back, it was not hot enough to drink. And I resent you making fun of my wife’s boots. They’re pink for The Cause, not just because. You didn’t have to spill the chocolate milk on them.
Second, I only carry concealed, because, well, everything on me is concealed.
This is always an interesting topic for discussion and you did an excellent job of putting it into perspective. I carry but not in the open, mainly for the reasons you described. I used to shop at Wally world and I noticed a guy carrying his weapon in the open. I engaged him in conversation and asked why and I got the response that it is his right and so on. I then asked him how often he practices drawing his weapon and how often he actually puts rounds down range. He said he doesn’t because he knows what he is doing! I then asked when was the last time that he attended any sort of training class and again the same response “I don;t need it!” I understand that it is his right and I fully support that,but anyone carrying a weapon should at least get some training in what they are doing. As we have seen, a gunfight is a dynamic event and usually happens rather quickly. Will you be confident that you will be able to perform at the level you may have to without putting yourself or anyone else for that matter at great risk. I do believe that carrying in the open may put you at more risk because for one thing bad guys may be dumb but they aren’t stupid. They often case out the establishment and look to see where their best effort is to do harm to the people in the place. If you are open carry they will quickly target you first and there goes your element of surprise and you will probably add your firearm to their inventory. Just a thought, thanks.
Agree with you. I saw a man at Walmart on one of the scooters. Revolver on his right side open carry and he was putting his items in his car from his left side. Obviously at a disadvantage being on a scooter the handle of his pistol was sticking out from his body. Anyone probably could have unsnapped strap with one hand and removed pistol with other hand. Wait a minute. I forgot they have security cameras.
Open carry doesn’t bother me but I wonder what their mind set is.
Also and armed robber, if he cases a store out and sees you with a gun 2 things happen. He either leaves to find an unarmed target or to score points on how bad he is guess who gets shot first
The mindset for many is they do not want to registered by the state and getting their permission slip. The mindset is, the more people see guns in public, the comfortable they get with the idea. We need to make more guns visible in public that never is used in crime.
I open carry as much as possible with no issues. .
As the author stated in a perfect world, open carry would be an acceptable choice of being
armed. The reality of our environment is that concealed carry allows the the greatest level of
protections for the armed citizen.
Great article, I carry concealed and would never carry openly. Remember as he said in the article Cops get freaked out by open carry too. Why invite questions by a Cop?
Just be the grey man or woman
We shouldn’t have to worry about freaking out anyone by exercising a God given and legal right. We should all work to make it accepted norm. It used to freak people out when gay people were seen holding hands in public and that often put gay folks in danger as well, but they sure kept on doing it until it became more normal and accepted. Law abiding gun owners did just the opposite we cowered and gave in to liberal squares and went backwards from carrying firearms openly and on our body to putting ourselves in a unarmed situation just to please the leftist ideology. I am very happy my state KY made it legal to conceal carry without a costly permit, but we should never go unarmed on account of offending liberals or pansies by open carrying. And of all people Police need to be taught that our right to have a firearm must be honored. Police are being taught to shoot too soon , if they can’t accept the danger of being a servant and LEO they shouldn’t become one.
Spend a day in a Cop’s shoes, Then come back and tell us about accepting danger. I’ll bet you couldn’t accept being shit on much less shot at. And no I’m not a Cop but I have worked around them for the last 12 years. They get enough bullshit from the politicians much less what John Q. Public throws at them. I don’t know how they do it. I wouldn’t piss on you to put the fire out, but these guys would save your sorry ass in spite of yourself.
Spend a day in a Cop’s shoes, Then come back and tell us about accepting danger. I’ll bet you couldn’t accept being shit on much less shot at. And no I’m not a Cop but I have worked around them for the last 12 years. They get enough bullshit from the politicians much less what John Q. Public throws at them. I don’t know how they do it. I wouldn’t piss on you to put the fire out, but these guys would save your sorry ass in spite of yourself.
“Police are being taught to shoot too soon , if they can’t accept the danger of being a servant and LEO they shouldn’t become one.”
So with you saying that… What is your profession? Must not be in LE. Because in all my LE training, Federal and State, we are not trained to shoot sooner but rather than later. To defuse the situation and/or use other less lethal alternatives. But if a threat presents itself to a LEO hopefully they will act accordingly… So Mr Coffey, please educate yourself and stop reading and watching all the liberal new media and become a well informed and educated citizen.
Not trying to argue but that still leaves you being the target of the bad guy that has the advantage of knowing you are armed and he will no doubt get to shoot first unless you by some off chance see him coming. He also would probably not be carrying openly. I get the rights part of it. I carry concealed, but occasionally will forget to put my coat on at the rest room stop or gas station and it is good to know I will not be arrested for it, but generally I too like the advantage of the other guy not knowing.
My guess you are a socialist, commi at heart. . If you do not use it you lose it,Which is what demacRAT folks like you love, Now let’s hear your praise for confiscation and forced government buy back, you damned liberal.
You know how I know you didn’t bother to read the first paragraph of the article?
The 1st 2 reasons are more to show why everyone who can open carry should and should do so always. People become inured over time to just about anything so eventually you’ll have less freaked out snowflakes and cops if exposure is great enough and long enough. The second 2, however I agree with so there’s certainly a balance that must be considered for each person’s situation.
I live in a place where I can do neither so it don’t matter!
Totally agree for all the same reasons
I don’t open carry either, for the same reasons you’ve given. Very well thought out and presented!
Great points. I would agree 100 percent
Fantastic explanation! Thank you for having the guts to rock the boat and discuss the unfortunate reality of what open carry can mean to citizens.
I always teach my students “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”
Thanks again!!!
Yes I totally agree in all aspects I dont want anyone or as few as possible knowing I’m carrying