Before reading this post, we strongly urge you to sign up for our free newsletter. It could be the only lifeline to free thought and commentary on pro-freedom, free society and love of the outdoors. We can no longer rely on social media. See above to subscribe.
Six months ago today, I wrote a piece about why I don’t open carry. It’s time to revisit.
On October 14 of last year, when we were all a bunch of sweet summer children who weren’t worried about anything other than maybe getting our flu vaccine, we published an article about open carry versus concealed carry. The gist of it is that although the right to open carry is important and I support it 100%, I’ve generally decided that OC can be a tactical disadvantage. However, there’s a very important exception to that conclusion, and it’s that exception that has me pulling out my Old Bay Crow Seasoning and sprinkling it over the huge plate of crow that I’m about to chow down on.
That exception, of course, is a massive global pandemic that has forced Americans indoors and closed businesses and courthouses everywhere. Although President Trump has been clear in his direction that gun stores are “essential businesses” that should remain open, getting your hands on a firearm is only the first part of the equation. Although state laws (obviously) vary, most states that allow concealed carry do require that one obtain a permit through the court system to do so. There’s just one problem with that, right now:
Fact is, right now the American court system is either on a steeply reduced schedule or shut down completely–and for good reason. The people who process concealed-carry permits are just as susceptible to catching and spreading COVID-19 as anyone else, as is law enforcement. Every contact they make with the general public increases that risk, and we need as few of them to be sick and unable to work at any one time as is possible. It’s totally logical and makes perfect sense, but if you just purchased a handgun for personal protection…well, you have some choices to make.
If you don’t intend to take your gun off of your private property, you generally may legally carry it any way you like. And in the Coronavirus Era, many of us are simply not leaving our private property and this is perfectly sufficient. However, some of us have little choice but to head out into the world in search of milk, eggs, or the White Gold Formerly Known as Toilet Paper. In an ideal world, we’d have already purchased our gun and ammo, trained with it, and received our concealed-carry permits long before a crisis struck. But, as we’re all being reminded of right now, this isn’t an ideal world.
What’s pretty nifty is that in many states, you may legally openly carry a firearm without a permit, as long as your ownership of that gun is legal (e.g., you’re not a felon). And given that the first rule of surviving a gun fight is “have a gun,” open carry is going to be your best way to do that until you can get a concealed-carry permit. There are some key pieces of advice I’d like to impart for anyone considering this perfectly valid method of self-defense, however.
First, a good retention holster is critical! Make sure you have one that fits your firearm properly, is rigid enough to avoid catching on the trigger during a draw or reholster, and is secure enough to withstand an attempt at grabbing at it from an unauthorized person.
Secondly, please consider “the optics.” No, I’m not talking about the delicate snowflake feelings of the people who might see your sidearm…I’m talking about the fact that we are all being asked to wear masks to help prevent cough-droplets from spreading Coronavirus. Some of us were able to get masks before the pandemic really got rolling, but some of us weren’t. If you fall in the latter category, please be aware that wearing a makeshift mask over your nose and mouth while openly carrying a firearm might send the wrong message to everyone…even bona fide gun people. (Wearing a medical-style mask or at least something that doesn’t look like gang colors should help keep people from confusing you with an armed robber.)
Finally, please pass the Old Bay and a glass of water. Eating crow is thirsty work.
Trace, a proud Special Farces who goes commando, is dedicated to pubic service. Although he’s a legend among YouTube commenters, he actually began life as a humble dingleberry farmer. Now, no subject is too moist or sensitive for his incisive odor and scintillating lymph nodes.
Hawk says
Open Carry will never be acceptable to stubborn thick sculled Libtards. They are not Faccinated in the least.
They believe everything the media tells them and unfortunately too many of them are teaching our kids their views in school rather than the curriculum…
Joseph Cossaboom says
Retired law enforcement. For most part was uniform, so carried plain view side arm. Now carry every time when I leave the house. One Glock. MD does not have open carry. Always felt better to have and not be seen.
Paul says
How ever you carry, learn how to use it and then learn some more…..as a matter of fact just never stop learning!
Woody W Woodward says
It really all boils down to: It’s nobody else’s business if I’m carrying – – or not. And, if I do not do something stupid to place myself into a position or circumstance where I may be subjected to a body search,, all; is good. I’m 76 years old and I spent almost 50 of those years as a Texas peace officer. Since I am a retired peace officer I’m also qualified to obtain one of those federal permits to carry. I have refused to lick the hands of those who believe that citizens should be required to pay for and obtain a permit to exercise a right. I am NOT a subject – – I am a Citizen.
[W3]
. ..
Rodger says
I live in Alabama and we have to buy a permit yearly. We can also buy for 1-5 years at a time, but I just want to know how you get away with paying for your permit, except you are a retired Peace Officer or your own business. Thanks
Doc says
Concealed will not make me a target in the group (less than 10 of course).. Only time I open carry is when the wife and I go hiking. Legal in Florida and make sure you PRACTICE drawing because it is very different on your hip and a full pack on your back.
Gunnar says
Open Carry gives some people the willies merely because it’s not common anymore. Even among gun enthusiasts, most conceal. If more people open carried, it would not be a shock to those who see it, as it would become common (at least more common). Open carry evangelizes the right to bear arms. Conceal carry allowed it to become something not talked about in polite society and a scary thing for the uninitiated on the rare occasion they do see a gun. Guns need to be seen more often so they are perceived to be in common use daily but the common man.
If a pandemic is the impetus for gun owners to open carry, it’s a good start. When this is over, keep it going. Make guns popularly accepted again.
Link Lackluster says
No. Dumb logic. It doesn’t evangelize. It repels.
I’ll stay concealed, stealthy, strong, and without the sign that says “shoot me first” to the bad guys.
I’m a huge gun guy, and I convinced my open carry buddy how dumb it is. The article writer’s main point is that now, for some, it is their only legal option. But they’ll start issuing them again, and the gun can be covered.
John says
If more people had open carried over the years, it would be less scary for the general public. Growing up in Arizona people opened carried all the time and no one thought anything of it. The people that were scary were the ones trying to hide their gun.
Are you a target opening carrying? That is debatable as well.
First, how likely is it that the bad guy will be checking everyone out to see if someone has a gun, or will they most likely b looking more for anyone in uniform?
Second, if a bad guy is checking the crowd, won’t it be more likely that he will wait for you to leave instead of having a possible shoot out with someone that obviously knows how to handle a gun?
I would think it more likely that if you ever find yourself needing to use your gun to protect anyone (unless your do stupid things in stupid places with stupid people) you will not be fast drawing to shoot a bad guy, you will be coming up on a situation, carefully drawing your gun and from cover trying to stop a bad guy. Open carry works.
George Suitor says
Agreed. Although open carry comes with the loss of a certain amount of tactical advantage over concealed carry, it also lends to easier and faster access should the need arise. I have considered the pros and cons of open carry, and after watching the video of the White Settlement church shooting in Tx. my choice is further cemented. Having your handgun tucked away under your pants and shirt can and did cost a man his life. He was not practiced in his draw and telegraphed his intent to the shooter who summarily executed him before he could access his firearm. I nearly always open carry where possible and have refrained from shopping where it is not allowed. All the name calling from the hide it or else crowd will not change my mind. You do as you feel is right for you, and keep your nose out of my business.
Alan says
Open carry ??? Says…look at me, I’m as scary as an apple on a tree…
Not to mention…”hey Mr. bad guy..I’m your first target:.
Finally it scares the snowflakes, gun grabbers and their ilk.
Mike says
I have long been convinced that open carry makes you the first target in any armed confrontation from the bad guys. I carry concealed everywhere.
Link Lackluster says
yup
Jim Murley says
Here’s a thought. If everyone is open carrying and everyone knows everyone is carrying, won’t that force the ‘Bad Guys/Gals’ to reconsider their options? I mean, if I were the ‘Bad Guy’ and I knew everyone in the store was armed, I think I’d probably not want to be a ‘Bad Guy’ anymore. Like I said, Just a thought.
Be safe out there people.
Badd Dawgg
Mark Liles says
LOL…..I KNOW….LOL! GOOD ONE!!…LOL..!!
Rusty Burnside says
Why carry just one firearm? Two is better than one. If your open carry weapon is ever taken, damaged, lost, dropped, or out of ammunition, a concealed backup firearm might save your life. I carry two weapons most of the time. Shouldn’t you?
Jim Murley says
Indeed!!
Link Lackluster says
At least two guns. I usually have four or five.
Greg says
Indeed. A 9mm on the hip, and a little .380 backup on the ankle. Don’t leave home without it.
Rev. Daniel Pruitt says
Tracy, I believe the OC is our right as citizens. However, in this current environment, I don’t WANT the bad guys (or possible bad guys) to know that I am carrying a weapon. I’ve had a CWP for over 10 years and never had to draw the weapon for use on a bad guy. More than anything, I’ve used a rifle to put down rabid skunks, possums (they like my chickens for lunch) and poisonous snakes. I do carry concealed whenever I go off my property though, and I like the idea that the perps won’t know I’m armed until they see the business end of my 9 mm pointed at them.
Gary MacDonell says
I agree, retired law enforcement and carry. Am aware of the mask 😷 thing but this too will pass
Tommy Thomas says
Hey REV, I’m with you… I have always believed that a weapon, openly displayed, simply said to the bay guys “shoot me first!” The key is timing… Have you proven that you can access your firearm and hit your target before the bad guy knows what you’ve done? Tricky business that!! Practice… practice… practice. That split second decision to draw and shoot has to be followed with absolute PERFECT execution.
My practice: I carry my weapon with dummy rounds (checked THOROUGHLY) around the house. My wife will, at some random time during the day, yell. That is my key to draw and aim. NOT AT HER!!! but at some nearby inanimate object. This doesn’t always go well… but it gives me a realistic expectation of what might happen if the need arises.
I might consider OC under some circumstances… especially if I go from YELLOW to ORANGE awareness,
I’ve carried legally since April, 1972 (graduation from US Army MP School), and I have (thank GOD) never had to fire my weapon.
Another very controversial lesson: NEVER draw to intimidate… draw to kill!
Be Safe.