Have you open carried?

[SouthernBoy]

The one element missing in the argument of folks who mention police begin the subject of attacks (because they're armed??) is the fact that most are easily identifiable as LEO's since they wear uniforms. And they tend to go places which can be pretty dangerous, whereas common folk tend to avoid such places and do not wear clothing that shouts "I am an officer of the law and armed".

As for my own personal opinion about open vs concealed carry, I celebrate both modes for obvious reasons. I want good citizens to go about armed and their chosen method, as far as I'm concerned, is their business. I support both modes because I am a Virginian and an American. I see no difference in how someone carries their firearm. I just want them to carry.

I get a little sick of the in-fighting and arguing among some in our ranks about the method of carry because I see this as something the anti's love to have happening. Those who argue are feeding the anti's position. If I was solely devoted to concealed carry, and I used to be, I would support open carriers 100% because we are on the same side. The fact is, most of the time I do open carry and I have very good reasons for doing this. I do conceal when I deem it to be in my better interests at some given time. I have no problem doing either and one other thing.

I have yet to hear an open carry advocate admonish or belittle someone who carries concealed but I have heard and read a lot of concealed carriers doing this to those who open carry. That should tell you something.

 

[michaelcarl]

I live in Massachusetts that allows only concealed carry. I like the S&W SW99 40 cal. However, I prefer concealed carry, not for the mystery, but simply because I'm concerned that open carry draws too much attention and scrutiny.

 

[Treo]

I live in Massachusetts that allows only concealed carry. I like the S&W SW99 40 cal. However, I prefer concealed carry, not for the mystery, but simply because I'm concerned that open carry draws too much attention and scrutiny.

You would be amazed at how wrapped up in their own little world people are, most don't even notice

 

[Beau]

Hey sheepdog,

Every forum has at least one resident 'leg humper' that lives on the site attempting to develop social skills. You fail most of the time!

One last time.... Law enforcement is the largest sample size of those who open carry. They consider themselves targets and take extra training in gun retention and situational awareness. Most wear body armor and carry concealed whenever possible.

Unfortunately, many officers are shot while armed. Most have experienced a time when the bag guy has attempted to take their weapon. The internet (your source of information) is full of news reports verifying these incidents. Check them out if really interested.

Open carry advocates are kidding themselves if they think the bad guy will treat them any different than law enforcement. It is internet hyperbole that spreads the notion "a bad guy is intimidated by your visible weapon".

Do not respond to any of my future posts as they will be ignored!

Your argument is flawed. Law enforcement doesn't consider themselves targets because they OC. They consider themselves targets because they actively pursue criminals who have committed crimes. Please provide examples of officers being actively targeted by a person they were not trying to arrest.

 

[Treo]

Your argument is flawed. Law enforcement doesn't consider themselves targets because they OC. They consider themselves targets because they actively pursue criminals who have committed crimes. Please provide examples of officers being actively targeted by a person they were not trying to arrest.

You know you're going to Hell for your heresy, right???

 

[Firefighterchen]

Have you open carried?

******************

Many years ago but it was not to make a statement. It was a way of life as we lived in a rural setting on a ranch. With age and the growth of our town I found it more comfortable to conceal.

Why bring attention to yourself? I do not tell anyone that I carry (only the wife knows) I treat it no different than the long time habit of carrying a pocket knife.

I do not buy the argument that it scares off the bad guy. I believe it makes you more of a target. In large cities there are gang members who would shoot you in the back just for your weapon. A robber or person with murder on his mind would pick you out first prior to harming others. If you are standing in line at a bank etc. and the BG enters, he sees your firearm on your side, you will be the first to die.Why wear a big flashing sign?

Link Removed

open carrier not targeted first

OK here we go again, since you are so certain of this please feel free to post links to news stories of this happening

Open Carry Man Robbed of His Gun-Watch Video Here


I happen to be here with a state LEO friend. He will "only" carry concealed when off duty. Says you would be crazy to carry open, after dark, in any city USA. Will pretty much guarantee you loose your weapon carrying open in the Hazelwood area of Portland and fortunate if you don't loose more than that. He says that if you want to spend the time, your local LEO"s or FBI would have statistics available concerning this subject.

It continues to be proven, the majority of misinformation about firearms comes from three main sources: LEO's, gun store employees, and ccw instructors.

You and your cop friend do realize, the majority of police gun grabs occur during the arrest, and not by surprise, right?

I don't think i need to add anymore than what has all ready been addressed by other members.

 

[tommy62]

I did whenever I wasn't wearing the Indian costume. Parents made us share our toys.

 

[Hawkeye638]

The comparing of police officers to open carriers is not a valid argument.

 

[kcpauly]

Not only reason

If this is truly your reason for OC I suggest you get a video recorder so you can post those reactions on you tube and other places! Also you might get a Draco pistol, that surely would get some attention.

This is exactly the reason Open Carry is controversial. Too many people that oc just for reaction. Not a legitimate reason in my opinion. I'm guessing many here would agree with me.

Not the only reason, Main reason is I love my guns,as for your opinion I could care less, that's why it's a free country because even if it was my only reason it's really none of your business, and the only controversy is because of cowardly people so easily persuaded by other peoples opinions, that they can't just make their own without worrying about offending somebody, well I don't care offending people doesn't seem to be controversial unless you happen to be a pro-gun or Christian person then you don't have the right to offend but everyone else is free to offend us and I'm sure there is more people on here that agree with that more

 

[eagleeyes]

open carry should be everyones right if they so choose to do so..........so long as it's done responsibly
florida is not an open carry state but even if it were i'd probably conceal carry most of the time

 

[ricardo900]

In Virginia, I had to open carry in restaurants that served alcohol, no big deal. In my part of PA, my gun will "flash" when I am hopping out of the truck or bending to pick something up. I suppose people would see it, but I don't care and it seems they don't really care either. My opinion is to open carry and just get it out of your system, because it's not such a big deal.

 

[SouthernBoy]

In Virginia, I had to open carry in restaurants that served alcohol, no big deal. In my part of PA, my gun will "flash" when I am hopping out of the truck or bending to pick something up. I suppose people would see it, but I don't care and it seems they don't really care either. My opinion is to open carry and just get it out of your system, because it's not such a big deal.

This was changed on July 1, 2011. You have been able to conceal into ABC restaurants (alcohol served for consumption on premises) for a year now.

 

[sooners2win]

I have not open carried, but I will November 1st

 

[Chief1297]

It continues to be proven, the majority of misinformation about firearms comes from three main sources: LEO's, gun store employees, GUN FORUMS and ccw instructors.

There...fixed it for ya.

 

[John E. Smith]

I open carry around Watertown South Dakota quite frequently. So far no one has called the police to report "OH MY GOD! THERE IS A MAN WITH A GUN! OH MY"! I know that it will happen eventually, and I am prepared for it... A Springfield Armory XD(m) .40 S&W Service model isn't exactly easy to conceal so I don't even bother trying.

 

[Austin]

You haven't OC, therefore you shouldn't have responded to this thread, which specifically asked for people who HAVE OC. Good job. Way to be the first one to fail reading comp 101 on this thread.

Took longer than expected though.

 

[telomere]

Done it a few times, but in more gun friendly places like Alaska and Idaho.
I prefer concealed carry because that way no one knows and I'm still protected.

 

[krazi3825]

i open carry every day, full frame 1911... Yay Indiana

 

[johnlisker]

I prefer the power of anonimity.

 

[carracer]

I prefer the power of anonimity.

So... they see you carry, but, don't know who the mystery man is!

" ... don't pull the mask off that ol' Lone Ranger..."