Open Carry: What are your thoughts?

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A right not exercised is a right lost.
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Actually I think the opposite is true here. Most people don't realize MN is an open carry state. Who's going to fight to take away something they don't even know exists? On the other hand, if a bunch of us gun toting crazy rednecks start wearing our evil guns in plain sight ... everyone is going to notice (it's true, no one might say anything but everyone does notice) and many are going to start to complain, call their representatives, and this liberal heavy state will more than likely take that right away. A right abused is also a right soon lost and I've seen too many open carry stories where it's clearly an 'in your face' demonstration. Not good for any of us. Maybe if I felt I needed to open carry my view would be different but since I prefer concealed anyhow, I'm just glad my state legally gives me the option.
 
I've lived in Arizona, where OC was legal. In college in the 80's, I would go shooting out in the desert around Mesa and Scottsdale and open carry. No one seemed to care. At the time, CC was either illegal or very uncommon.

Then I moved to the DC suburbs of Northern Virginia where OC was legal but could upset people, leading to being arrested for disturbing the peace. The charge would be dropped and the gun returned, but why take a chance?

After several years in the DC area I returned to Arizona for a family visit. In the grocery store check-out line in front of me was a very elderly woman finishing her Thanksgiving shopping and with her was her grandson, a short then guy with a mid-back braided ponytail, black t-shirt and jeans. And, at the small of his back, the butt end of a Glock from an IWB holster. I stepped back, momentarily concerned. Then I remembered - it's Arizona, it's legal!

Now in Texas, I have a CHL. I went to a fairly rigorous CHL class, learned the laws. So I am comfortable with others that have a CHL - I know they have received some training and have been ruled competent to carry. There is a movement to make OC legal in Texas and I don't support it, mostly for that reason.

I have seen a lot of OC activist videos and many just seem like attention-whores. I don't get the appeal of it and I wouldn't be comfortable doing it.
 
Most of the opinions here are because CC'rs lack the confidence to OC. They are making up bogus issues to justify it.
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You are probably right. But your statement comes off as slightly beligerent to me.
 
PGDION, not trying to split hairs

Most people don't realize MN is an open carry state. Who's going to fight to take away something they don't even know exists? On the other hand, if a bunch of us gun toting crazy rednecks start wearing our evil guns in plain sight ... everyone is going to notice (it's true, no one might say anything but everyone does notice) and many are going to start to complain, call their representatives, and this liberal heavy state will more than likely take that right away.
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but if you don't OC, what do you care?
 
I'm not disagreeing w/you COUNTZERO but

Some of them are borderline psychologically imbalanced. Individuals with severe self-image problems, individuals with persistent and severe issues with anger and paranoia. People who’s egos are tied to their weapons. There are people who want to make a statement with what they carry, fashion statement or otherwise.
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many anti guns OR people who do not CCW for whatever reason have the exact same sentiment as to why they don't like guns in general OR as to why they choose not to CCW
 
If you have ANY situational awareness you should notice someone looking at you, wether that person feels intimidated or not.
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So, you're aware of the lady halfway across the supermarket who's just done a double-take? Or the folks two tables away at a restaurant who are doing their best not to attract your attention?

As to another persons feelings, I could give a rats ass how someone else feels about me. That's their problem.
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So much for being pleasant "ambassadors." For all you know, one of those bystanders plays golf with his local congressman, who may or may not care much for the 2nd Amendment himself.

You anti-OC'rs are part of the problem in this country.
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Please clarify with examples.

A right not exercised is a right lost.
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Yet another slogan I always hear. Can you tell me when this has ever been the case?

I'm asking these as serious questions, as I've never had a debate with an open-carry advocate in which they haven't fallen back on slogans or claims that I was some kind of turncoat for not supporting the practice.
 
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While firespec35's comment above is not wrong, and is his right, I do believe it's a principal issue (but not the only issue) of what sets us gun advocates apart into the CC and OC crowd. As one in the CC crowd, I "do give a rats ass" about everyone around me being curious, alarmed, proud, supportive, or having any emotion at all about my being armed.

I prefer to move unnoticed about my business; and that's difficult to do with a commander 1911 riding your hip.

But once again, neither side is wrong; it's a lifestyle choice. And as long as its legal, those who choose to OC should be respected, and not harassed by neither the public or the cops.
 
I can't live my life worrying about what other people think. I think most people upon maturity will agree, and I for one wish I could go back to the days as a child when I did care and tell a few people to shove it.:D
 
If you carry just to impress people, then open carry is better. I'm talking about civilians here. If you carry to possibly stop a threat or worse, then concealed is better. If other civies hassle you, your attention/awareness is compromised. If a perp sees your weapon, you and any action you might have taken are compromised, as in you are their first target.

Better all around to keep the civies happy and the baddies guessing. My .02.
 
Depends on the setting. I usually only open carry for sheer intimidation. Maybe if it's a bad area or something. Otherwise, I CC. And in Michigan the OC laws are ambiguous.

In the suburbs, where I reside, it's not normal at all. While a mostly republican district, it's more of a preppy conservative state of mind. Few gun supporters. Many people would call the cops or just not know what to do. My aim isn't civil unrest.

So, no, not common for me.
 
Think we are fortunate the situation is how it is. You'd assume it would be harder to get concealed carry vs open carry.
 
Where I live OC is fine, but I typically only OC when hunting or target shooting.

I CC any time I am allowed.

My favorite way to carry in pocket or ankle, it is hard to open carry those ways. I have never liked waste band carry. Open carry is not usually in the pocket or on the ankle.
 
I'm all for Open Carry, but unfortunately many people are scared of guns so I would not OC myself - only unless i'm hunting, camping, or in my own private property.
 
I think it's fine if you're into that sort of thing but you will attract the attention of some cops that you REALLY will not enjoy talking to. (not all of them. but some of them) Besides I like to surprise the bad guys because the look on their faces is priceless if you time it right.
 
I was in DC for the Million Mom March in 2000. My Texas CHL was not valid at the time in Virginia or West Virginia. I had no choice but to open carry and it was not an issue. In fact when some of the locals and I went out to dinner to a restaurant that served alcohol they had to open carry as well. At the hotel I quietly spoke to management and asked them if they would prefer that I conceal the gun and they did, so I was only open carrying when out and about. I never got a strange look, but I think that most people didn't even notice. I wore dark clothes with a Glock 30 in a vertical scabbard at the 3 o'clock position and tried to keep my arms at my side.
 
I do not want anyone to know I am carrying.

It would not be all that difficult to lay on wait for someone open carrying to pass by and get knocked unconscious by a criminal and have their weapon taken or worse.

No weapon showing the element of surprise is on the person carrying the weapons side in my opinion.
 
It would be just as easy to lay in wait for someone that's thought to be unarmed as well. Ambushes can happen to anyone, armed or not. Situational awareness can help out with avoiding a confrontation that could be avoided. Doesn't mean to fear everything and avoid every possible person and neighborhood, but know your surroundings as best you can.

Chances are potential criminals will avoid you if they know you're armed because you're now a harder target. If they did manage to catch you flatfooted, then having a concealed weapon wouldn't matter much either. The only valid scenario where a CCW would have the advantage is if someone was intent on shooting his victims or using violence first, in which case the OCer would be a priority target.

Seems that a lot of people just don't want anyone to know they're carrying or aren't comfortable with it. I think that's fine, it's all personal choice. I personally don't care if someone knows I am or not. I like being able to walk around and not have to worry about whether or not I'm printing or what clothes best hide my gun. It's easier to conceal in the winter, but during hotter weather I'd rather not have to deal with it. The local area is fairly gun friendly, and I have little issue going elsewhere and doing it given the chance.

I wonder if anyone has thought about why carrying doesn't seem to be the norm and even frowned upon. Guns aren't 'mainstream'. People hear the word 'gun' and freak out. Why? When did seeing a holstered gun become something to instantly instill fear? Where I am currently it doesn't always cause alarm, but that's because people carrying isn't uncommon. I think the more responsible people carrying and people knowing about it the less strange and frightening it'll seem.

Dad taught me that guns are to be respected, but not feared. The person carrying the gun may be someone you should fear, if they give reason for it. Them having a gun doesn't automatically mean you should run. Shame that's not being taught as much.
 
I am for the right to OC as I think it is given to us in the constitution. I think the individual should be able to choose whether or not they want to OC or CC.

Me personally, I'd only CC but if the guy next to me wants to OC that's his right.
 
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