Concealed vs. Open carry while hiking

The last time I went hiking I carried a .45 in a thigh holster, and a Glock 31 IWB under my jacket. Different tools for different problems and all...
 
I spend a lot of time in the woods. I'm either hunting, scouting, fishing, or roving. During hunting season handgun carry isn't a factor. I'm already carrying a rifle or shotgun. But when fishing or scouting I generally open carry unless it's cold and I'm wearing a jacket. I carry not for protection against human predators (where I go, there usually aren't any), but for protection against rabid animals or just plain aggressive animals (which are rare).
 
swman said it right,"Always carry concealed. Never show people what you really have.".I don't even let them see my pocket knife clip.The element of supprize is worth ten fold.tom.:cool:
 
Back in the 70's and 80's I did a lot of backpacking. I never carried a gun and never had a problem. Today the world is a different place. I would carry. I have a camara pack that sits in front of my waist. I would carry an Airweight revolver(S&W 642) plus a reload there. I use to be pretty fast with a camera. I think I could get my gun out fast. Every oz. counts going up hill so the little S&W would be light.It just seams the hills are longer and steeper today:rolleyes:
 
That guy that killed all the hikers on the Appalachian Trail targeted unarmed hikers. A guy like that would wait to catch you off guard and steal your weapon after ambushing you. I think it is better to keep the weapons concealed to give you the element of surprise instead of getting ambushed and being disarmed. Also, there are cases of anti gunners confronting armed campers. Better to walk softly and carry a concealed weapon.
 
Well, that's the classic argument against OC but I've never heard of it actually happening, have you?
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Yes, it has happened. Do an internet search using the words newton patent tavern carrying openly.

Sort of silly to have to provide an example given that everyone already KNOWS that determined criminals are willing to brave armed defenders. Gun store robberies are one example, banks with armed security guards are another.
 
open carry?

I think open carry is fine if you are playing cowboys&Indians.For reality,I believe concealed is the way to go.That way you don't scare the sheeple.However,if I owned a few 1000 acres,I would not think twice of open carry,esp. if I was on one of my horsies.:)
 
Gun store robberies are one example, banks with armed security guards are another.
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Law enforcement departments generally require their personnel to carry firearms in Level Three retention holsters for this very reason, and officers are also trained in how to keep control of their firearms if they are attacked. Despite this, every year, officers are assaulted, disarmed, and murdered using their own weapons.

Weapons retention when open-carrying is not a trivial concern.

pax
 
In some areas(even remote ones) you have to carry concealed because carrying either way is a no no:eek: (not that I'm advocating breaking the law mind you).
 
What do you guys think of Open carry vs. Concealed carry when hiking. There are alot of factors to weigh in, for example a BG might leave you alone if he sees you have a gun, or he might wait till you are sleeping to do something.
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This subject is the source of many an argument and has been discussed ad nauseum.

Without the slightest doubt, many, if not most, criminals would be detered by an open carried pistol.

Also, without doubt IMO, giving up your tactical advantage to the smaller but more dangerous % of criminals is only likely to contribute to your demise--even to the extent that it attracts those who may not have been planning to attack you until they saw your nice gun they'd like to have.

Since some people, like gun store owners, jewelry store personel, and others, are likely to be armed anyway, there isn't really (at least it could be argued) a tactical advantage in concealing the weapon. I'd still prefer carrying concealed, however.

In some instances, there are maturity issues with those who insist on open carry.

In other instances, one has no choice, since CCW isn't legal.

Lastly: When carrying in isolated areas while hiking, I'd have no problem carrying open. You put your coat on, you take it off, depending on your physical exertion level. In more populated hiking areas, I'm still a blend in, don't attract attention to myself, kind of guy.:cool:
 
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I am all for concealed carry it gives you a little uperhand because they don't know you have a gun.On the other hand open carry would be good to defend yourself from a wild animal because you can get your gun faster.I say carry one concealed and one o.t.w.If a bad guy gets the uperhand on you and makes you disarm then you still can defend yourself when the time is right.If a bear or other animal charges you you can pull your firearm quickly and if you need it you have your back up gun.
 
Before I got my CPL I would open carry. I was usually carrying for use on four legged critters, not for self defense. I think that in high risk areas such as trailheads, a hand on the weapon would do a lot to discourage a possible attack and you would be able to bring your weapon to bear in the quickest amount of time. As with most possible scenerios, the details are endless. Besides, it isn't that easy to CC a six inch barrel, Colt 357 Magnum revolver.;)
 
If I'm scouting or just out for a stroll on a beautiful evening I carry concealed.

But if I'm out fishing or some other activity where I might be 'engaged in a battle royal with a bass', I carry open with Galco's Phoenix. Gives me the option of crossdraw or strong side.

Everyday street carry is 45 ACP, but woods carry is 10mm with loads from Mike McNett.
 
Concealed Carry

Well hiking or out in the woods I guess for me the weather may determine open or concealed carry. Cold weather coat and so on. About a month ago I was in Sam's Clup and a guy, I guess close to 70 walked in with a pistol strapped to his hip. Sam's has no sign prohibiting concealed carry in the store and under Georgia law if you have a permit carry is ok in places like that. Point I am making he made even me worry. Places and circumstances should dictate concealed or open carry not comfort.
 
In the first place, I am rarely, if ever, surprised by another person when hiking. Almost always, I hear or see the other person long before I am seen or heard. I think the many years I have still hunted deer help with that.

I have been carrying a J frame Smith .38 special in a pocket holster. That satisfies the State of Florida's requirement to carry concealed, as well as keeping the revolver at hand.

If I am hiking in a wilderness area, and not on a designated trail, I usually carry a different handgun, and use open carry.

If I were in Sam's club, and saw an old timer with a pistol or revolver in open carry, I would smile and pat him on the back. :) Trust me, he is the LEAST of your worries among gun packers.
 
But if I'm out fishing or some other activity where I might be 'engaged in a battle royal with a bass', I carry open with Galco's Phoenix. Gives me the option of crossdraw or strong side.
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Wow, sounds like the bass in your neck of the woods must be pretty dangerous!:D
 
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