OldMarksman
Staff
There is really not much to add to Glenn's summary.
That's one possibility, but there are others. A single open carrier can be surprised and attacked--it is simply not realistically possible for anyone to maintain constant, 360 degree "situational awareness" and guard against ambush by more that one attacker.If a smattering of folks would carry openly, criminals would, upon seeing such a display, be reminded of the fact that his penchant for criminal activity could be very hazardous to his health, providing a beneficial reinforcement of the fact that armed citizens are out and about.
If you don't make a big deal out of carrying openly, then most people probably wouldn't either. Look and act responsibly. when open carry starts in Texas wear a short loose shirt that flaps in the wind for a couple of month. Gradually get people used to it. Don't flaunt it. Ease people into it
A single open carrier can be surprised and attacked--it is simply not realistically possible for anyone to maintain constant, 360 degree "situational awareness" and guard against ambush by more that one attacker.
Of course, and probably more so.A single concealed carrier is just as vulnerable to surprise attack [as an open carrier].
That sounds reasonable, but the hypothesis has not been tested.In a jurisdiction with concealed carry, the likelihood of anyone in public view being attacked is reduced.
A single concealed carrier is just as vulnerable to surprise attack.
Of course, and probably more so.
But he may not be as likely to be attacked. The person with a visible firearm is seen to have something valuable to be taken, as would someone wearing a Rolex or jewelry, carrying a laptop, wearing the latest in athletic shoes, or carrying a valuable camera. And under rare circumstances, he may need to be neutralized if a crime is already under way.
For 5 years I did live in a bad neighborhood. And for 1 year I concealed ( open carry not legal yet) then the last 2 years I carried open. I did not have a problem not one.
Not much difference from the no carry ( did not own a firearm ) to conceal carry. I was a bigger man in size and walked sure footed. So people did not bother me. The last two years I have walked with a limp and not so sure footed in essence I look like an easy target. ( work related injury ) . Since my injury I have have several shady people try to get close to me. But once they caught a sight of my strong side ( 3:00 position ) I have noticed that they leave very quickly. I don't rest my hand upon it or stand like I am some kind of King. On the contrary I feel comfortable. But to add I am not afraid to tell someone to back off. Anything else feel free to ask.kinggabby,
Your story is something of a controlled, albeit unreplicated, experiement with three carry modes in a rough neighborhood -- none (2 yr), concealed (1 yr), and open (2 yr). Can you be specific as to the period or periods your absence of problems applies. Better yet, can you describe the differences in how you were treated in each of the three periods?
Thanks.
Not a fan of open carry but a fan of breaking the law? Granted most criminals will walk away and not call police. But what if you brandish your weapon to a law abiding person? Then that person decided to call the police on you . How will you explain that to them ?If I'd had my concealed carry and open carry was legal, I could have just popped my shirt up for a moment without drawing my weapon to drop the hint to back off.
Since my injury I have have several shady people try to get close to me. But once they caught a sight of my strong side ( 3:00 position ) I have noticed that they leave very quickly.
I would not call it an experiment . I carry a G30 SF . I had one negative with one Oklahoma County Sheriff's Deputy ( FTO ). That happened shortly after open carry took affect in Oklahoma. An off duty deputy told me I should report it. I did not have his name just that he was an FTO ( Field training officer ) He told me I needed to cover it up. I called the Oklahoma Open Carry Association. The person I spoke to told me he had a contact on the Sheriff's Department. Within 10 minutes the Under sheriff called me directly and asked what happened. I told him every detail. The deputy who told me to report it said to me a week later " I saw you made your complaint". I asked how did you know. He told me that the Sheriff's Department called him. Since then no problems .I'll take that as one experiment (a weak one) pointing toward open carry being an effective deterrant.
What piece are you carrying openly?
In two years of open carry what have been your negative experiences?
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