I checked to make sure my current and valid WA State Concealed Pistol License was in my wallet before responding, and it is, valid until 6/4/2018.
I open carry because:
1. When buying clothes, I don't have to consider whether or not the clothing will conceal my gun.
2. When I leave the house, it's just as easy to slide the paddle of my holster behind my belt, with the gun already in the holster, as it is to slide the cell phone in my pocket.
3. If I am going to enter a building where guns are prohibited by law it is an easy matter for me to remove the paddle holster from my belt and store the gun and holster in my car and rearm myself without having to fuss with concealing clothing.
4. People get to see an image of a decently dressed family man (more than likely with his family) carrying a gun for self defense - instead of only seeing criminals with guns in the news and guns in the movies.
5. Should a criminal happen to be evaluating targets of opportunity and sees my gun, chances are they will just wait until I leave to commit a criminal act - or just go down the street a couple blocks to commit their criminal act somewhere else.
6. If I should find myself having to draw my gun in self defense, it is that much easier and quicker to do so.
7. I like the positive reactions I get about once a month from people who notice and compliment or thank me for carrying.
8. I like to answer questions people ask when they notice the gun, which happens 2-3 times per year.
9. My daughter is proud of the fact that her stepdaddy cares enough about her and family to carry openly for everyone to see.
Downsides:
1. I have to put up with concealed carry only prejudiced snobs who can't resist telling me they have a CPL, they carry their gun concealed and so should I. Happens about once a year in real life face to face and once or twice per week on internet forums.
2. I've had one negative encounter with a police officer - which turned out to have positive results afterwards.
3. A criminal might actually target me to try to take my gun - examples of which are available on the internet at a rate of maybe, and a big maybe, once per year NATIONWIDE.
It is clear, SR9, that you don't really care why people open carry, you are just looking for an excuse to bash it, but others might find the information useful in making their own decisions, so I don't mind reposting a reasonable response.
