I would like for anyone here who opposes open carry to cite crime statistics of open carry states vs. concealed carry states to prove or disprove the notion open carry invites crime or that people who carry openly are more often victims of crime than those who don't.
The percentage of people open carrying is essentially negligible, the idea that it would affect crime statistics is laughable. Until a significant percentage of the population of a particular state (by that I mean maybe 1% or so) is actually OC'ing, there won't be a way to say anything based on statistics.
If you're hoping to maintain an "element of surprise" it could be argued that you're welcoming conflict and the opportunity to use your weapon.
Off-duty cops carry concealed, are you saying that a rational person would think that off-duty cops are welcoming conflict more than on-duty cops? The assertion is not supportable.
Furthermore being able to choose the time and place (or even IF) you respond is a significant advantage in some situations. If you are openly armed, you don't get to make those choices, they're made for you. I listed some real world situations
here.
You've just invited a crime in this instance.
First of all, the idea that a CC invites crime by concealing is ridiculous. Statistics show that CC actually discourages violent crime across the board because criminals consider that anyone in the area (including the victim) may be armed and they have no way to tell who is and who isn't.
On the other hand, if they can pinpoint who's armed and who's not, their job is much easier. In fact,
here's an instance where a person invited crime by OC'ing. The proof is that nothing besides his gun was taken.
"Two suspects approached the victim from behind, and placed a metal object up to the victim’s head. The suspects took the victim’s hand gun which he was openly carrying. The suspect’s then fled the area. The victim was not injured."
I believe OC should be legal, but I don't think it's the best carry option for several reasons.
Moving to Tactics & Training--looks like that's now the main topic of this thread.