SGB:226964 said:Why would you care if I choose to open carry? It's my ass, my choice and I don't buy into the bs tactical advantage theory.
The word 'cops' cover a wide family of law enforcement officers. The group of LEO's that open carry most are the partol officers, so I assume you are speaking of patrol officers.
Patrol Officers carry openly for the obvious reasons. 1) as a show of force and the authority to use that force. 2) fast draw in panic situations. Note here that police are thrust into panic situations far more that any civilian ever will be and rely heavily on speedy aquisition. 3) have you seen all the crap they have to carry on their person/belt? 4) quic re-holstering so they can safely manipulate the other tools on their tool belt
Compairing LEO reasoning for open carry against civilian decision to open carry is not a valid comparison. I don't believe "because cops do!" is a valid reasoning for open carry unles your intent is to identify yourself as a cop wanna be, and that reasoning alone is a good enough reason for you to NOT carry at all.
The decision to either OC or CC is a personal one, just like my decision of what type of car I buy. All the expanation in the world why YOU (OCer) bought what you bought is not going to convince me (CCer) that I bought the wrong car. Simply stated "it fits my needs". And we need to recognize this argument goes both ways. I don't care if you legally OC. I may not agree with the decision but it is not my decision to make for you (only your state legislature can make decisions for you without your consent)
I conceal carry for one reason alone. For concealment. I don't want anyone to know I have a gun. It's none of their business. Personnaly I think Open carry will draw more attention to myself and that's not why I carry. I want to be mistaken for a wall flower and ignored by everyone. I don't carry to stand out in a crowd. The element of suprise is a most powerful weapon.
A good post Walt except for the last sentence. I was completely with you up to that point. Especially, when you give the only "REAL" and "LEGITIMENT" reason a person carries the way the do.
<<CLIP FOR EXPEDIENCE>>
If you're chosen to be a victim by a BG, you have already given up the element of surprise. It has been said many, many times in these discussions; and it is still as TRUE now as ever:
"Surprise" is an "OFFENSIVE" tactic!
As an honest, law-abiding citizen, we will most likely ALWAYS enter a confrontation from a "DEFENSIVE" position. This simply means that it is IMPOSSIBLE for a CCer or OCer to have the "element of surprise" on their side; PERIOD!
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I'm sorry and I mean no offense!
But, instructors that teach the "element of surprise" is a "DEFENSIVE" tactic just do not know what they are talking about. IMHO; they are running a real risk of instilling a false sense of security in their students.
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Peace!
-[/I][/B]
Someone finally answered the question. Cops (patrol officer LEO's if you need that specificity) open carry as a show of force and for faster draw in panic situations. Those reasons apply to citizens who choose to open carry too. I rarely open carry but I fully support those who choose to open carry all the time. My point is that if open carry was so bad and dangerous as some people say, then American patrol officer LEO's wouldn't openly carry, they would either not carry (like most LEO's in Britain) or they would concealed carry to help prevent bad guys from grabbing their guns (which still happens).
AND, on top of all that, if the "element of surprise" was the ultimate weapon, we wouldn't have uniformed police. We would have police who looked and acted like every other Joe Citizen out there, watching for crime to happen, so they could yell, "SURPRISE" and catch the criminals.
Why do armored car companies mark their vehicles and have visibly armed and uniformed security guards? Wouldn't the "element of surprise" be more effective if they used unmarked vans and undercover guards? Why does ADT insist on putting signs in the yards and stickers on the windows? Why do auto alarm companies but flashing red lights in the dash? Why don't all these companies and government entitites utilize the "element of surprise" if it is so effective against criminals?
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/nation/epaper/2008/05/06/m1a_gunsatwork_0506.html
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/senate-passes-three-bills-easing-up-gun-laws-1441228.html
So far I have never heard of a "suicide by CCW Badge holder" incident.
homerfire232:229158 said:Sorry, I tend to disagre a bit. It is a personal choice, and I prefer to open carry. If a bad guy is holding you up and gunpoint, he already has the drop on you. Unless you are a quick draw expert, maybe you should just hand over your wallet. If I am open carrying, the bad guy might just find someone less able of putting a few holes in him. Bad guys tend to prey on the weak, thats why you don't see many cops being held up for their wallets. People say that open carriers are targets, bad guys will rob you of your gun. I don't ever recall anyone being held up for their gun at a gun show, or a NRA convention, or a police benevolent association meeting. Point being, bad guys don't want to die either, and if they don't care if they die, open carry or not your in for a bad day.
I OC when I'm working (security guard) and when I'm off duty in NON-uniform type clothing.Actually no, both Big Gay Al and NavyLCDR open carry on a regular basis.
Actually no, both Big Gay Al and NavyLCDR open carry on a regular basis.
Disagree with what? alcm44 said that "Only a police officer in uniform open carries." I'm pretty sure he didn't say on duty or off duty. :smile:Im gonna have to disagree, most cops do not open carry when off duty.
Actually no, both Big Gay Al and NavyLCDR open carry on a regular basis.
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