I just read this thread and found it very enlightening.
I applied for my permit and began carrying in 2000 shortly after moving to Indiana from Chicago, IL.
In Indiana the law is 'Silent' on Open Carry or Concealed Carry and what is issued is a 'License to Carry Handgun.' So I started carrying OC because in my thoughts it was better to carry openly because it should put people more at ease to see a handgun in an open holster on someones hip rather than tucked into their pants should an accidental lifting of the shirt show the weapon, etc... during a CC.
Then a LEO comes up to me and says to the effect of, "You can't carry that way!"
"But I have a permit to carry Sir."
"That may be, but you have to carry it concealed."
"But that's not what the law says Sir."
"If you argue with me I'm going to take you in. Just conceal it now and in the future."
"Yes Sir" (Write down his badge number.)
Go Home.... Calls Down State to the Issuing Authority, Indiana State Police Handgun Licensing.
"Indiana State Police"
"Hello, My name is... and I have a question about my gun permit. I was just told by an officer I had to carry my handgun concealed?"
"Um... Yes sir? What's the problem?"
"It was my understanding that we could carry open or concealed."
"Hmmm. Yes sir?... Umm... Where do you live? What City?"
"Umm... North West Indiana... Does it matter which City??"
"No... That's close enough.. I just wanted to know which area of the state you were in." "Well sir, You you're right, you can carry open. Heck, you can carry it on your dashboard if you want, on your hip, or even on top of your head. But then your local law enforcement agencies can question your mental fitness as to whether or not you SHOULD be ALLOWED to carry if you know what I mean. Does this answer your question?"
That was my LEO run in and aftermath, so I pretty much decided to begin to carry concealed after that. Maybe you can say I took the easy path, but there was an oblique threat of having my permit taken away if I didn't comply and I quite simply don't have the finances to fight something like that in court.