Open carry

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

SocialAnarchist

Moderator
I open carried today for the first time on a trip to the grocery store. I wore my XDs in the factory supplied plastic holster on my right side just forward of my back pocket. I just went about my business as normal and while I think a couple of people saw my gun no one said anything about it.

I guess I expected some one to say something, but maybe it isn't as big a deal as I thought.
 
When they do say something it will most likely be in a panic phone call to the police so be ready to deal with them. Happened to me a bunch of years ago in Arizona, police showed up and told the snowbirds that had called the facts of Az. gun laws. Kinda wonder how it would go down now.
 
It won't be a big deal until suddenly it is. I hope however that your experiences continue to be positive.

I've open carried a few times in less populated areas without issue but otherwise I roll concealed.
 
I wore my XDs in the factory supplied plastic holster on my right side just forward of my back pocket.
Click to expand...
That's not a very good holster in general, and it's terrible for open carry. It's floppy and has almost no retention.
 
My state has open carry so the mere fact that I am carrying is not against the law. Of course I can't open carry into places that have signs prohibitting firearms on the premise.

If the police are called and they arrive I will cooperate and handle it calmly.

I am sure there are better holsters, I am hoping within a couple weeks to get my concealed carry so a completely different holster will come into use.
 
I am sure there are better holsters, I am hoping within a couple weeks to get my concealed carry so a completely different holster will come into use
Click to expand...
But by carrying in that holster in the meantime, you're exposing yourself to risk.
 
My state has open carry so the mere fact that I am carrying is not against the law. Of course I can't open carry into places that have signs prohibitting firearms on the premise
Click to expand...

Open carry is legal in Kentucky as well but there are some cities where you will likely be hassled regardless. In these cases, you can open carry but will be asked to leave because of it. If you refuse, they will charge you will trespassing. Either way, if you are ever involved with the police, handle it correctly.

Tom has a great point about the holster. If I were going to open carry, a good leather holster with some type of retention would be my priority. Galco, Bianchi, High Noon or Don Hume are all good places to start. They will also work as concealed carry holsters when you start going that route.
 
My state has open carry so the mere fact that I am carrying is not against the law. Of course I can't open carry into places that have signs prohibitting firearms on the premise.
Click to expand...

Well, not sure about WI but many so-called 'open carry' states simply don't have a law disallowing the practice, allowing it by proxy. Just keep that in mind. You may still get a 'MWAG' call and accompanying Terry search and temporary detainment in front of a few dozen onlookers. It happened a couple years ago here in Louisville and almost happened to me in VA.

CA specifically banned the practice after OC groups got carried away with their outings.

Now I do seem to remember a WI OC guy a few years ago getting a monetary settlement for getting arrested, so hopefully various over zealous LEO's got the memo.
 
iT still gives the BG the advantage since you've given up th element of suprise !!
NY you MUIST cary concealed and I agree with that !
 
It may take away the element of surprise, or it may convince someone not to do something because a law abiding citizen is obviously armed.

I will go concealed as soon as I get my permit.
 
With as many thing gone so wrong will leos any more my worry leans more toward a stressed out or or over zealous officer showing up with pistol draw ready to shot first. Its legal to open carry in nc too and I know some do. But as rural as it is where I live and with the 3rd highest percentage off legal CC'rs in the state I have never seen anyone owb openly.
 
It may take away the element of surprise, or it may convince someone not to do something because a law abiding citizen is obviously armed.
Click to expand...
Which of those factors is more likely has been the subject of much debate, both here and elsewhere.

There is a real element of risk in the possibility of a gun grab. Carrying in a holster with no retention increases that risk.
 
I'd rather not open carry, for reasons mentioned.... But also, you are basically displaying a$1000 dollar bill.

I believe my right to carry was granted by the constitution, but that's not the reality we live in.... Open carry will get you a free background check soon enough.
 
Right across the border from you in MN. Let us know how the open carry works out.

Just out of curiosity, roughly what age are you and what's your appearance like? i.e. stock broker, 3 piece suit, biker, leather vest, jeans and golf shirt, etc. and if you don't want to comment that is fine because it really is NONE of my business.
 
Always use a retention holster. The Safariland ALS is a great holster that costs around $40 (if they make it for the XDs).
 
Though carry in a less-than-perfect holster could increase the risk of a "gun grab", not carrying due to the lack of a better holster also carries a risk. You have the risk of losing control of your firearm versus the risk of not having your firearm when you may need it; consequences could range from financial loss to the loss of your life.

Good luck in your choices. Personally, I would rather ride a bicycle than walk when my car isn't running.
 
Something tells me that an idiot thug intent on attempting to FORCIBLY TAKE A LOADED GUN FROM YOU doesn't care if there is a retention holster involved or not. That idiot might not even know what the difference is. Either the open-carrier is a weak target and falling-down drunk, or the guy attempting to disarm him has an IQ below 75 and is going to try it no matter what. Don't we all just love to speculate about this stuff?
 
Don't we all just love to speculate about this stuff?
Click to expand...
Some seem to. However, we've seen gun grabs from civilians, sometimes with alarming results.

If the purpose of carrying a gun is to reduce risk, it doesn't make much sense to introduce an element of risk back into the equation.
 
DaleA

Right across the border from you in MN. Let us know how the open carry works out.

Just out of curiosity, roughly what age are you and what's your appearance like? i.e. stock broker, 3 piece suit, biker, leather vest, jeans and golf shirt, etc. and if you don't want to comment that is fine because it really is NONE of my business.
Click to expand...

I am 55, though I am told I look like I am in my late 30's. That is open for debate!!:D I am a jeans and T-shirt, hoodie sweat shirt type of guy. I have shorter hair and am clean shaven. I suppose it doesn't hurt that I am fairly well known because I am a long tie resident of this area. I graduated high school here and have been very involved in the community.

My son open carried for months and was never hassled by anyone. He has since gotten his ccw and now carries concealed.
 
I open carry on occasion and have never been bothered. That is not to say it can't happen though.

I never OC when I go down to the city of Atlanta.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top