Would YOU Open Carry???
- Thread starter Sigma 40 Blaster
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Not legal here but it would be rare that I would do so even if I could. I like being able to control who knows I carry. In fact, I like being able to control who knows I own guns.
I also like the fact that carrying concealed allows me to decide when/if I want to respond in a situation. Carrying openly doesn't really give you that option.
I also like the fact that carrying concealed allows me to decide when/if I want to respond in a situation. Carrying openly doesn't really give you that option.
rampage841512
New member
Yes, I would.
http://www.opencarry.org/
I'm with O.S.O.K!!!
I voted yes... I live in Colorado, and I have open carried about 4-5 times. I've just started. If I'm going out to lunch with my gf, or going to run errands. I've OC'd in Taco Bell, Wal-Mart, While getting gas, And while Riding my motorcycle. I live in a front range city of about 80,000 people. While OCing no one seams to be bothered by it. I've had a few people looking at me for a while while I was eating, and a few people at Wal-Mart glance my way. But no one Jumps and says "Oh no a gun!" Some times I tuck in my shirt, some times I leave it un-tucked and just pull up my shirt where the holster is to OC.
I've been carrying my grandpas old Ruger Mark II .22. Not exactly the most effective of my pistols, but it's flat, and comfortable, and I'm obviously very proficient with it.
My biggest reason for OCing is simply to exercise my rights. If you dont use it, you will eventually lose it. And thats obviously the case with OC. If everyone stops OCing because they would rather CCW, OC will eventually be outlawed because, "it makes people uncomfortable". And then after enough time, people will do away with any type of legal cary of a firearm, claiming that it's the Police's job to protect us, and "they are the only ones who know how to use guns"
It's already headed that direction. Sure There are places where you can CCW but cant OC. Like in Denver, it is illegal to OC, but I dont have a CCW permit yet, so I cant carry there either way. But I can legally OC just about anywhere else in Colorado, with the exceptions of one other anti OC town, and certain buildings and "Gun free Zones"
I called a Police station once to ask about the laws of transporting a hand gun in a bag while on my motorcycle. I ended up talking to the Commander. I already knew OC was leagal, but I decided to ask him about it. He said "You shouldent do that" I said "But I can though, right?" He said "Well, there is a law that if you have a gun out in the open, and it causes a disturbance, thats illegal" I said, "I know, it's called brandishing a weapon, and I have to make a threat or take it out of the holster for a reason other than self protection to be illegal, right?" He said, "Well, you can get a CCW if you want to carry" I said "well I'd like to do that some day, but for now I can open carry if I would like, right?" He said "I wouldent suggest it" LOL... I was very disappointed in my conversation with him. I was surprised at how hard he tried to "imply" that OCing is not legal, yet would not come out and say it, because he knew very well that OC is infact, Perfectly legal. But his reluctance to admit so is just more evidence as to how close we are to OCing being voted away.
Anyway. Open carry is not a bad thing. I highly doubt there are many criminals that will see you carrying your pistol and rush up and try to take it from you, although, it could happen, and I'm sure the risks will be higher depending on where you are OCing. But Over all, OCing is one of our basic rights, and I chose to exercise it.
Also, if Open Carry is legal where you live, but you dont yet have a CCW permit, then why not OC? When people talk about .45 acp being the best carry gun, but they they admit that a .22 is still better than nothing. It fits in well with the idea of OCing being better than not carrying at all. I dont think that OCing makes you a target, it is much more of a deterrent. Someone brought up recently the fact that (statistics of a survey given to criminals in prison) Basically ALL criminals search out for a week looking individual or small group to pray on. I dont see how someone OCing will radiate the appearance of a week victim
I'm with O.S.O.K!!!
I voted yes... I live in Colorado, and I have open carried about 4-5 times. I've just started. If I'm going out to lunch with my gf, or going to run errands. I've OC'd in Taco Bell, Wal-Mart, While getting gas, And while Riding my motorcycle. I live in a front range city of about 80,000 people. While OCing no one seams to be bothered by it. I've had a few people looking at me for a while while I was eating, and a few people at Wal-Mart glance my way. But no one Jumps and says "Oh no a gun!" Some times I tuck in my shirt, some times I leave it un-tucked and just pull up my shirt where the holster is to OC.
I've been carrying my grandpas old Ruger Mark II .22. Not exactly the most effective of my pistols, but it's flat, and comfortable, and I'm obviously very proficient with it.
My biggest reason for OCing is simply to exercise my rights. If you dont use it, you will eventually lose it. And thats obviously the case with OC. If everyone stops OCing because they would rather CCW, OC will eventually be outlawed because, "it makes people uncomfortable". And then after enough time, people will do away with any type of legal cary of a firearm, claiming that it's the Police's job to protect us, and "they are the only ones who know how to use guns"
It's already headed that direction. Sure There are places where you can CCW but cant OC. Like in Denver, it is illegal to OC, but I dont have a CCW permit yet, so I cant carry there either way. But I can legally OC just about anywhere else in Colorado, with the exceptions of one other anti OC town, and certain buildings and "Gun free Zones"I called a Police station once to ask about the laws of transporting a hand gun in a bag while on my motorcycle. I ended up talking to the Commander. I already knew OC was leagal, but I decided to ask him about it. He said "You shouldent do that" I said "But I can though, right?" He said "Well, there is a law that if you have a gun out in the open, and it causes a disturbance, thats illegal" I said, "I know, it's called brandishing a weapon, and I have to make a threat or take it out of the holster for a reason other than self protection to be illegal, right?" He said, "Well, you can get a CCW if you want to carry" I said "well I'd like to do that some day, but for now I can open carry if I would like, right?" He said "I wouldent suggest it" LOL... I was very disappointed in my conversation with him. I was surprised at how hard he tried to "imply" that OCing is not legal, yet would not come out and say it, because he knew very well that OC is infact, Perfectly legal. But his reluctance to admit so is just more evidence as to how close we are to OCing being voted away.
Anyway. Open carry is not a bad thing. I highly doubt there are many criminals that will see you carrying your pistol and rush up and try to take it from you, although, it could happen, and I'm sure the risks will be higher depending on where you are OCing. But Over all, OCing is one of our basic rights, and I chose to exercise it.
Also, if Open Carry is legal where you live, but you dont yet have a CCW permit, then why not OC? When people talk about .45 acp being the best carry gun, but they they admit that a .22 is still better than nothing. It fits in well with the idea of OCing being better than not carrying at all. I dont think that OCing makes you a target, it is much more of a deterrent. Someone brought up recently the fact that (statistics of a survey given to criminals in prison) Basically ALL criminals search out for a week looking individual or small group to pray on. I dont see how someone OCing will radiate the appearance of a week victim
ChicagoTex
Moderator
big plus one on that John. Only my family and close trusted friends know I own guns, I figure the more people know, the more likely I am to get burglarized for my guns.
Sigma 40 Blaster
New member
mellow_c,
I don't think people are saying that OC is a sign of weakness, I think most say that it strips you as a potential victim of your most valuable tactical advantage, Surprise.
Picture something other than a one on one mugging, like a gas station hold up. 2-3 guys enter, see you with a gun on your hip while they are casing it, you are their primary threat to deal with upon entering to take care of business. So instead of being a sheep in disguise these guys see you are a wolf and will deal with you as a wolf.
The positive side is they may not even bother coming back to handle business.
As a concealed weapons holder, like John said, you have the decision of when and if to respond with your weapon. You can wait for your moment of "surprise" or decide not to act if they just clean the register and leave.
It's a double edged sword but I still think it's an individual's right to decide.
I don't think people are saying that OC is a sign of weakness, I think most say that it strips you as a potential victim of your most valuable tactical advantage, Surprise.
Picture something other than a one on one mugging, like a gas station hold up. 2-3 guys enter, see you with a gun on your hip while they are casing it, you are their primary threat to deal with upon entering to take care of business. So instead of being a sheep in disguise these guys see you are a wolf and will deal with you as a wolf.
The positive side is they may not even bother coming back to handle business.
As a concealed weapons holder, like John said, you have the decision of when and if to respond with your weapon. You can wait for your moment of "surprise" or decide not to act if they just clean the register and leave.
It's a double edged sword but I still think it's an individual's right to decide.
I openly carry at work. I manage a pawn shop and we want maximum deterrence to prevent an attack. So far it has worked with zero robberies attempts in 20 plus years while shops located within blocks of ours are robbed regularly at gunpoint. Heres the catch there are usually three of us openly carrying. To take us they will have to use lots of force. If I was solo or while out on the town I carry concealed. This gives me surprise since I don't have friends to back me up.
Its not hard in a public place to get the drop on someone. Standing in line with others etc. I could simply get close enough and punch someone openly carrying then take their gun. Very few humans can with stand a powerful strike to the head without getting rocked especially from someone who knows how to punch. I think openly carrying would increase my potential of attracting trouble.
Its not hard in a public place to get the drop on someone. Standing in line with others etc. I could simply get close enough and punch someone openly carrying then take their gun. Very few humans can with stand a powerful strike to the head without getting rocked especially from someone who knows how to punch. I think openly carrying would increase my potential of attracting trouble.
Billy Sparks
New member
Altough I don't begrudge anyone's desire to do so I would not. The reason is simple, I don't want to advertise I have a gun. Example you are the local quickie mart, you know the ones that have floor to glass ceilings along the front, local creatin decides to rob it but he can see you inside before you see him. Therefore he decides to just come in and shot you first. I know several people will take me to task in that I should be "aware" but you cannot be 100% vigilant every second and go about your life.
I voted "YES" as I open carry on a daily basis, but I live in AZ where open carry is legal and here in Kingman it is not uncommon to see open carry at wal-mart and other local stores. I do get some interesting looks as I ride my "street legal" quad down the road and tourists see me .
Never had a hassel for open carry here in Kingman not in 3 years.
I am waiting for my CCW to be approved but until then.....Yep, I open carry
Never had a hassel for open carry here in Kingman not in 3 years.
I am waiting for my CCW to be approved but until then.....Yep, I open carry
depends
I do not open carry because it is not legal in Florida. Would I? Depends if there were other people even 8-10% I probably would, I do not want to "stick out". I believe open carry helps to prevent crime, most "common" criminals are cowards and run when confronted. I don't believe the argument that criminals would just "target me and take my gun", if this were the case why not just take any "cop's" gun they happened upon? Why not "roam" the streets in armed gangs and rob everyone they come upon? The answer is they are afraid/know they would be confronted by police or someone armed and they would be harmed. There are instances where this has occured but very rarely....and that is the criminal that will not run.....normally drugged/crazy. I truly believe that an armed society is a polite society. Have a nice day.
I do not open carry because it is not legal in Florida. Would I? Depends if there were other people even 8-10% I probably would, I do not want to "stick out". I believe open carry helps to prevent crime, most "common" criminals are cowards and run when confronted. I don't believe the argument that criminals would just "target me and take my gun", if this were the case why not just take any "cop's" gun they happened upon? Why not "roam" the streets in armed gangs and rob everyone they come upon? The answer is they are afraid/know they would be confronted by police or someone armed and they would be harmed. There are instances where this has occured but very rarely....and that is the criminal that will not run.....normally drugged/crazy. I truly believe that an armed society is a polite society. Have a nice day.
In New Hampshire I can carry openly all I want, but I choose to carry concealed. Why? Because when I go out in public it's usually for a specific purpose, with a destination that is likely a privately owned business establishment of some sort. Given that the property rights of business owners to exclude firearms on their premises trump my right to carry them, it's just good sense to avoid that conflict altogether with proper concealed carry. After all, what they don't know probably won't hurt them. 
open carry
IMO absolutely not. All you are asking for is all the village idiots out there in tin foil land wanting to try there hand at the bad ass with the gun on his/her side. Just my personal feelings on open carry:barf:. If they are willing to shoot at LE what would they do to John Q public. This aint 1860 and Dodge City or any other famous or not so famous western town. I think you are only asking the tin foils does he have the brass to use it?
IMO absolutely not. All you are asking for is all the village idiots out there in tin foil land wanting to try there hand at the bad ass with the gun on his/her side
. Just my personal feelings on open carry:barf:. If they are willing to shoot at LE what would they do to John Q public. This aint 1860 and Dodge City or any other famous or not so famous western town. I think you are only asking the tin foils does he have the brass to use it?
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This is assuming that licenses are not needed for Open Carry, which is true for about half the open carry states in my eyeball estimate:
http://opencarry.org/opencarry.html
But the other half require a permit...
I'd personally be a fan of Open Carry with a permit. I don't know if this goes against the spirit of OC, but it would help weed out some of the tin-foil crazies you speak of, no?
Billy Sparks
New member
In case you were referring to my post. I don't think they want my gun I just don't want them to confuse me for a LEO and shoot me first to remove any known opposition.
Here in Louisiana our cars are an extension of our homes so keeping one in the glove box is fine so long as it is not chambered. Our carry laws are non existant. I called the office in Baton Rouge and was told that there was nothing on the books forbiding it so it's left to my judgment. She added though that that implied to do so in a responsible manner as it is up to any citizen to call the police they feel threatened.
Basicly I am a PI and do some face to face visits. I was very happy to learn my rights to carry so long as I am not an idiot about it. God bless the USA!!!
Basicly I am a PI and do some face to face visits. I was very happy to learn my rights to carry so long as I am not an idiot about it. God bless the USA!!!
Why open carry when you can carry concealed? Concealed carry has all the tactical advantage. The only time I open carry is 1) in the outdoors in a hunting /camping situation and 2)going directly to the range<and then only on occasion out of convenience>
Lot of 'nuts' out there. I don't want to get in a verbal dispute with one - and then have him call the police and make up some wild story about me and my gun. If I'm carrying concealed I can defend myself, and I don't have to worry so much about defending my open carry of a 'gun.' Some folks out there are not just 'anti-gun' but really hysterical about guns.
Think of all the scenarios: 1)What if I'm in a fender bender and I get out of my car...and the 'nut' that has hit my car see's my open carry gun and starts yapping some false story about me being a threat? 2)What if I have to go to some business and the manager calls security? Too much hassle. When its concealed, I have more control and options.
Lot of 'nuts' out there. I don't want to get in a verbal dispute with one - and then have him call the police and make up some wild story about me and my gun. If I'm carrying concealed I can defend myself, and I don't have to worry so much about defending my open carry of a 'gun.' Some folks out there are not just 'anti-gun' but really hysterical about guns.
Think of all the scenarios: 1)What if I'm in a fender bender and I get out of my car...and the 'nut' that has hit my car see's my open carry gun and starts yapping some false story about me being a threat? 2)What if I have to go to some business and the manager calls security? Too much hassle. When its concealed, I have more control and options.
Open carry is legal in my state, and I live in a rural area where nobody would blink at it.
It's definitely more comfy to carry openly than concealed.
And I think there's a political advantage in treating a sidearm as if it is just a normal part of your clothing, not some hyper-scary testosteronized terrifying monstrosity.
Nevertheless. I've never open carried, and don't intend to.
I do draw a great deal of comfort in knowing that I am legally in good shape if my cover garment rides up.
pax
It's definitely more comfy to carry openly than concealed.
And I think there's a political advantage in treating a sidearm as if it is just a normal part of your clothing, not some hyper-scary testosteronized terrifying monstrosity.
Nevertheless. I've never open carried, and don't intend to.
I do draw a great deal of comfort in knowing that I am legally in good shape if my cover garment rides up.
pax
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