You're right from a social standpoint as far as increasing acceptance of guns and decreasing the associated fear issues. However, from a tactical point of view, concealed is better - except as a possible deterrent against opportunists, who can be discouraged anyway through vigilance and body language.
It's far better if a potential assailant does not have any indication that you are armed. They're less likely to pick up a weapon for themselves, are more likely to be overconfident and make mistakes, and will probably be terrified when they suddenly see a gun. Look at how nations camouflage their nuclear weapons; you never see bombers or submarines with "THIS ONE HERE HAS NUKES!!!" painted in block red letters on the top. Generally, they are even loathe to say what troops are where, although the media often takes care of that part.
Being someone who likes to have conditions in my favor, I'd prefer to keep the element of surprise for myself whenever possible. If you're riding around a ranch or out hiking, it might be different - carrying openly is far more comfortable, and probably more advantageous for use against animals, which more likely to be a threat in the woods than people.
Honestly, I don't want to "surprise" a BG AFTER he's picked me for a target, I want him to not bother me. The visible deterrent effect of a weapon (for me anyway) outweighs any tactical surprise advantage.
And the "first target" or "gun grab" is so rare among non-LEOs that I've never heard of it, so that is really a non-issue. Not saying that it can't, or hasn't happened, I've just not heard of it. Proper situational awareness should prevent any gun grab. The way mine sits, even with 0 retention, if I am at all concerned I can let my arm hang down and press against it (hand is at thigh level, gun is at hip, slightly below elbow).
The same awareness may not be able to prevent all types of persistent "gonna get HIM FIRST" but should help with most. The same body language that protects you when you CC should also be a big tip-off to critters to pass you by when you're OC'ing.
There is an occasional "reaction" when I'm OC, but the VAST majority is neutral, and I honestly don't really care what somebody else thinks
There is also the benefit of "normalizing" weapons in society at large. If they constantly see peacefully carried weapons, it could help weapons becoming something of a "meh" item instead of an "OMG!'" item.
As an aside: I carry either way depending on weather. Warm weather=OC, cold weather=long shirts and coats=mild CC. My carry rig is a PT92 in a Yaqui Slide (Want a fobus, but they don't have a holster for a 92 w/ accessory rail).
I live in Alabama. As Bud45 stated, open carry is technically allowed, but I would rather not have to explain that to the police. So I carry concealed, but don't worry too much about printing or flashing. I agree with others that the general public needs to see that carrying a gun does not instantly make you a crazed lunatic. Several times I've been out shopping with my 6 year old daughter. We're just your typical daddy and daughter no big deal. I can see all the moms looking at us like "Aww...that's so sweet". Then I reach up for something on the high shelf or a gust of wind blows my jacket open and you can see it in their face...a look of shock and fear, followed by puzzlement followed by (most important) deeper thought. They go home thinking "well, he seemed normal, but he was carrying a gun. If he was carrying a gun he has to be evil, but he seemed perfectly normal...does not compute...illogical...must reboot."
You make good points in defense of open carry. However, as far as gun grabs are concerned, if it is truly the non-issue you say it is, then why do open carriers carry their guns only in holsters with an active retention device? To protect against those gun grabs that you say are a non-issue, that's why.
Um no...There are a ton of folks doing the open carry thing with no active retention device.
Gun grabs are a non issue. Post me up something where its happened please.
Not even trying to argue. The point is that it doesnt matter how you carry, just carry.
Personally Id like to see everyone OC so as to make it commonplace again. It would take plenty of steam away from the anti argument IMO.
We dont have OC here in SC but were working on it. CC is fine by me as well. I OC on my property all the time.
Honestly, I don't want to "surprise" a BG AFTER he's picked me for a target, I want him to not bother me. The visible deterrent effect of a weapon (for me anyway) outweighs any tactical surprise advantage.
And the "first target" or "gun grab" is so rare among non-LEOs that I've never heard of it, so that is really a non-issue. Not saying that it can't, or hasn't happened, I've just not heard of it. Proper situational awareness should prevent any gun grab. The way mine sits, even with 0 retention, if I am at all concerned I can let my arm hang down and press against it (hand is at thigh level, gun is at hip, slightly below elbow).
The same awareness may not be able to prevent all types of persistent "gonna get HIM FIRST" but should help with most. The same body language that protects you when you CC should also be a big tip-off to critters to pass you by when you're OC'ing.
There is an occasional "reaction" when I'm OC, but the VAST majority is neutral, andThere is also the benefit of "normalizing" weapons in society at large. If they constantly see peacefully carried weapons, it could help weapons becoming something of a "meh" item instead of an "OMG!'" item.I honestly don't really care what somebody else thinks
As an aside: I carry either way depending on weather. Warm weather=OC, cold weather=long shirts and coats=mild CC. My carry rig is a PT92 in a Yaqui Slide (Want a fobus, but they don't have a holster for a 92 w/ accessory rail).
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