Open Carry
 

Would you open carry? Why or why not?

I currently don't own any weapons but have in the past. The density here in NYC makes it impractical to posess and use a weapon.

But if I lived in suburbia, I'd probably be much more interested in open carry. I recall going over the laws when living in CA that I could walk the city with a shotgun at my side, just had to make sure that I kept the ammo in a different pocket so that the weapon wasn't loaded. Of course getting hassled by the police was just a pain in the ass, so it was short lived.

We open carry almost everywhere we go, the only exceptions being cop-shops, post offices, schools, etc. My Mom refuses to open carry in the grocery store, but that just means she leaves her primary behind and takes the Kel Tec .32. Other than that, it's an everyday/everywhere thing for us. Gotten a few dirty or puzzled looks, lots of questions, and more than a few "attaboy's" from passerby.

Aah, the joys of living in the middle of nowhere.

"He wore the gun to a Ron Paul rally."
Why does this not surprise me?


I have no choice -- under CT law, even printing is considered brandishing and is grounds for permanent revocation of your carry permit. The pistol permit and carry permit are the same thing, so you can no longer legally purchase handguns in CT after that. I'd still conceal if I had the choice, though. It should be a deterrent, but with the gang activity in the area getting so bad, I wouldn't want to risk someone even thinking about stealing my gun because it could cause danger to a lot more people than just me. Maybe it's just from being in the Northeast all my life, but I can't imagine open carry being a common thing.

Interesting topic. How much faster is it to deploy a pistol from open carry as opposed to typical concealed carry holsters? Is the faster deploy time worth potential bad guys seeing that you are armed when they are about to start shooting the mall up, and thus taking you out first? I suppose it depends on if you think the weapon acts as a deterrent or if you want the element of surprise.

For example, I know jiu-jitsu, but I would prefer bad guys only finding that out AFTER I have wrapped my arms around their neck.

Chris, I think their logic is that it's a deterrent. In that sense, I understand it. Considering the density of violence in the news (not that that necessarily denotes an overly violent world), it makes sense that gun owners would want such confidence. Further, I think it's perfectly reasonable to carry a gun in general public places (going near a school or government building is going a little too far, however). It's within their rights, so I support it.

From a fashion point of view, however, it's a little too gaudy for my taste.

I live in Phoenix. I see people open carry a couple times a week all over the place. Once I have a carry firearm that I'm happy with and have properly trained with (gun show in two weeks!), if I'm working on a project and I'm just going to run to the store or something, I'll probably just slap on a belt holster rather than put on a concealed rig.

I definitely will open carry when hiking. Too much of a pain otherwise.

Open carry in Arizona is legal with no paperwork, by the way. Huzzah!

Edit: besides, holsters are cool!

http://www.patriotoutfitters.com/img...4400/14429.GIF

I fully support legal open carry. However, I also believe concealed carry is more practical in many situations.

I am sure open carry is a deterrant (who wants to mug someone who definately has a gun?), however, if someone does proceed with an attack, you are probably going to get shot straight away as they know you have a gun.

Also, personal protection is about making sure you remain safe, and one of the best ways to do that is to blend in and keep a low profile. If you have a big ass pistol strapped to your hip for everyone to see you have definately just raised your profile.

I also like concealed carry as it allows me to better control a situation that is in the process of escalating. If I feel the presence of a firearm would only make things worse, I can choose to never reveal that I have one.

I can draw a concealed weapon almost as fast as one carried openly.

If I lived on a ranch or elsewhere where firearms are the norm I wouldn't hesitate to carry openly.

Even in Afghanistan, if I was not on a full blown combat mission, I usually chose to carry concealed. When we would go meet with afghans (some of them very questionable people) it really helped put our hosts at ease when we dropped our body armor and our only apparent weapons (M-4's) in a corner of the room.

Seeing as one of my big concerns is that the places that make me nervous are that way because of the nearby gang territory, I don't want to stick out any more than I do by being ridiculously tall.

Open Carry in CO is legal without permit. I'd never do it, though, because my city seems to have one of the highest percentage of "OH SHIT HE'S GOT A GUN!!! CALL THE COPS!!" idiots and I don't like being interrogated by police officers everywhere I go. In one of my gun safety classes the officer (a city police officer) was recommending that we get concealed carry permits, just he disliked as much as I did having to stop everyone open carrying to make sure they're not brandishing because someone called 911.

Concealed offers me the same protection without the hassle of my misguided liberal brethren and their irrational fears.

I support open carry wholeheartedly. TotalMILF and I plan to get our concealed permits here shortly anyhow, and I need to look into open carry in Michigan, but I wouldn't be opposed to it for myself either. Just need to find the right pistol and get a card to carry around with the legalese in case law enforcement decided to get crazy.

MOST of them very questionable people? What province were you in? Being the SECFOR over there, we never dropped armor or weapons and tried like hell to stop our CO from doing so with tribal elders. While we saw the "at ease" aspect, our province was far too hot for such things, at least as us infantry guys saw it.

Where's the mushroom shirt, the mushroom belt, the mushroom lining? You gotta co-ordinate! Srsly tho, CF belt + holster = nguyen!

I read this at least ten times and I still have absolutely no idea what you're saying.

It's a movie line from the movie 'Boomerang'. You'd have to see that scene to understand it, but I read it and it's pretty damn funny. :thumbsup:


I'm working with a group here in TX to get open carry decriminalized for the next session, barring that, I guess i'll fight it if I ever get arrested for carrying without a license.

Heh, at least someone got the reference. I didn't know TX didn't permit open carry. Of all the states that allow it, you'd think TX would be one of them. I remember reading about how the Black Panthers exercised open carry rights back in the day in CA. Is there somewhere we can get a list of states that permit it? And yeah that CF belt+holster is sexc.

These have become the new packing.org resources. I really wish the guy who owned it had passed it on instead of saying "I don't feel like doing it anymore" and letting it die.

http://www.usacarry.com/
http://www.handgunlaw.us/

opencarry.org is an excellent site and has plenty of maps that cover most laws.

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/715977.html

and another one.

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/myfox/pages/...&pageId=3.14.1

there is video in the article, yes, that is me in the first part of the segment.

+1 [Virginia] (despite hoody-hoo VA gun groups)

Open carry makes you a magnet to other charges that somehow wouldn't be bothered with if you were Joe Nongun. Jay walking while open carrying? Book 'em, Dano.

Greg700 has the right philosophy.

...

Self defense starts first with how you walk and second with what you say.

Third should probably be how fast you can run... and drawing your pistol should be near ninety-nine or so.

There is that. "Complacency Kills" is the most overused BS catchphrase ever, but I sure as hell didn't wanna be THAT guy, either.

Last year, I did Civil Affairs the whole time - also a lot of in-person engagements with leadership and townspeople. Generally, in this context (and also keep in mind, I was in Anbar, where we've completed the security piece and have worked transition for the past 18-24 months), I would also go slick and carry just the sidearm if we were in a hardened building and had security posted.

It wasn't so much to put anyone at ease, but mainly 1) because I could take a breather from the PPE, and B) because even in a phone booth, their marksmanship sucks ass. I *know* what I can do indoors with an M9.




Here in the US, I chime in with those who say locale goes a long way. I'd do it anywhere in Colorado, except maybe Denver or the Springs. Wouldn't dream of it in any east or west coast states withing 100 miles of an Interstate, for a lot of the reasons already cited.

People just flip the fuck out when they see a gun hanging off even a well-dressed, miled-mannered clean-cut white guy if it's not a cop. The hassle isn't worth it.

Texas billboard is up in Austin for OpenCarry.org

http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/members...y-bilboard.jpg

Wish we could see some of those in Houston. Seems like all of our billboards are for Mattress Giant.

Open carry smacks of brandishing to me, and in the current climate seems more of an attention grabber than a legitimate use of a defensive weapon.

I have done it. I wouldn't do it again. Life is to short to spend time having your ass kicked by the cops.

Do the cops really hassle people who are lawfully and legally carrying? It seems so crazy. I would love to hear the cops' perspective. Any TFP coppers who can weigh in on this too?

I live in California where all our rights have been taken away. I would consider conceal carry though just because I see it as an inherent right. Open carry here would probably not fly. Idunno though.

We've never had a problem with the Police or Deputies here, but then we do run a gunshop on a farm in the middle of buttfuck, so it's kind-of expected. Plus there are a few other locals who do the same thing, so as long as you're not visibly intoxicated and waving the thing in the air, you probably won't get hassled up here. The only possible wrench in the works is a tourist from the city, but they're not terribly common*, thankfully, and the Sheriff would probably laugh at them and tell them to calm down and get used to it.

In a big city it can be a different story. Lots of cops don't know that open carry is legal, and it can be a problem if some easily-panicked waterhead calls 911.


*The one exception: bikers. My area gets a -lot- of bikers. Somehow, they never seem to mind the guns either.

I live in Canada so I've never really had an exposure to this type of activity and I am very fascinated. I never go into the sections of the site that debate guns or discuss them. First off I thought every post would be something negative and it is the opposite. i have no opinion either way, but i am always excited when i think a thread is going to hit one direction and it smacks me in the face!


In Canada I would have to say very few people carry guns, no idea what the stat is but rare since I've never had anyone I've known or heard of second hand who carries for protection.
anyway not important, but i think that if i did live in a place were people carried guns or had the right to carry i would want them out in the open where they can be a good deterrent IMO instead of all stuffed away.

In some parts of the US, such as where I live and in large parts of the American South and West, it's reasonably common. I'd say open carry's probably more common in the Western states than anywhere else, because so much of that area is rural. I'm talkin' nobody-for-100-miles-in-every-direction rural. It's not terribly common in the flatlands, and certainly not in the "Beltway," although I understand it's becoming more regular in the Vermont/New Hampshire/Maine area. Lots of folks view it as an opportunity to educate people about 2nd Amendment issues and individual Rights of all sorts, and it's certainly easier to carry openly than conceal a pistol in 100+ degree weather and remain comfortable.

In california, by law, open carry is legal. The caveat, though, is the weapon must NOT be loaded. If you carry the gun in a holster, the magazine MUST not be in the weapon. If you have a mag holder, perfect. However, depending on what part of cali you live in, you can most assuredly expect an encounter with law enforcement.

Now, this does not mean that you shouldn't open carry in cali. for example,

san diego open carry lunch and dinner meet!! updated 7-16-08. - Page 35 - Calguns.net

and though nobody was hassled at this open carry event, there were plenty of police officers on scene.....just because.

I hear that the next open carry event is going to be in san jose. Hey will, you up for it?

It's kind of like the good cop/asshole cop split; most of them are cool with it, but there are some who will make it their mission to ruin your day. Some cops aren't comfortable with non-police civilians having guns, some are. The ones who aren't will likely take you in for disturbing the peace or disorderly conduct, hear from your lawyer, then let you go later that day or the next day, at which point you file a complaint for harassment.

Firearms carried for defense by private citizens (as opposed to police or RCMP) is generally limited to those who require it for job safety. This requires some managing of Authorization to Transport permits, and open carry permits. If you are not guarding an armoured car, or likely to be eaten by a bear, you are not going to get a an authorization to carry. Even then, they'd probably prefer that you get eaten by a bear before authorizing you to carry a field revolver.

I would open carry simply because it's more comfortable and more manageable. Stuffing a 5lb weight in your crotch and trying to appear nonchalant is a little difficult.

Halx seems to have it down! :thumbsup: *rimshot*

Open carry is a tactical as well as a social and political choice. Is the potential prevention worth the loss of surprise and possibly a second or two more access time? I've never heard a convincing arguement that one way is 100% better in all circumstances than the other.

Twisted Mosaic: Of course concealed carry isn't appropriate for all circumstances.

If you are in a situation where it is simply assumed you are armed, it is better to have quick access (Police, etc.). But for the regular citizen, most of the time, I feel it is best not to display the weapon unnecessarily.

For instance, I read a story some time back about a defensive shooting at a gun store. The store was robbed, and at some point a shot was fired at one of the employees (and missed, IIRC). Following the robbery, the robbers did things that indicated they were going to execute the employees. At that time, one of the employees drew a concealed weapon and ended the situation.

Had he been wearing that weapon on his hip, he would more than likely have simply been shot at the get-go.

Like I said earlier, concealed carry has it's drawbacks, but for most every day situations (in urban areas) it's best, IMHO, not to attract attention.

Hah, 5 lbs. Stuffing an MRI Desert Eagle behind your fly, are we?

That's funny, a S&W .38 weighs 14 ounces. Probably less than some people's wallets. Most logical concealed carry pieces are going to be pretty small and lightweight. Packing a full size automatic is overkill, IMO. Such weapons are sidearms, not concealed carry pieces. Big difference. A sidearm is a backup to a main firearm for those in an offensive role (military, SWAT, Chuck Norris flick badguys) or a main firearm for those engaged in a protective / defensive role (patrol cops, Average Joe Schmuckatelli). A concealed carry piece is a last ditch, oh-snap-somebody-is-trying-to-croak-me weapon to be used at close range (21 feet or less).

Concealed carry is superior in that it doesn't make you a target to bad guys and cops, doesn't scare ignorant civilians, and doesn't lead to as many firearm-related "accidents."

In a perfect world? Open carry would be ideal. In this world? I am (and you should be, too) more afraid of the police actin'-a-fool and rabid civvie litigation than actually needing to use the privilege to defend yourself using a firearm.

...

Carry weapons is a big pain in the ass anyway. I continue to study martial arts in the hope that the latter will help prevent the use of the former as much as possible.

Perhaps unlike others here at the board who train in martial arts... I'm realistic about the limitations.

I've usually found conversation to be the first line of defense. Not always, but usually.
-----Added 31/8/2008 at 12 : 38 : 33-----
I used to do parole and probation in a rural area of Oregon. Seeing someone with a weapon almost always amounted to a violation of their release agreement. So if they had a weapon it was quickly an in custody situation. Simply were admin. rules that could not be over looked. There was a time under the right circumstances an waiver could be easily applied for during hunting season. Those days ended in the late 80's.

Most Deputies and State Troopers I worked with were not fond of people carrying weapons, esp. loaded weapons. Flat out freaked them out. Of course when you've know or attended funerals for fellow officers who'd be killed during traffic stops I could see being a little on the paranoid side.

I only worked traffic or in uniform during holiday periods for overtime pay. Probably 8-10 times a year for nearly 20 years. During which I wrote a total of less then 10 tickets. If I wrote you a ticket you earned it. Saw lots of rifles and hand guns in vehicles. Caught my attention, kept a close eye on them, but I wouldn't say it raised my blood pressure any.

Interesting, well I have to admit that I am glad that is our law and how we handle it.

I'll just be overly polite to the bear while it nibbles on my leg and eventually it will leave. Plus i think I might be too salty according to the lady friend.

But what I don't understand is why get so worked up over lawful legal guns rather than the real criminals and illegal ones. We're not the ones looking to commit crimes with our open carry or concealed guns. It's to protect ourselves from the criminals who don't respect the law. I would think law enforcement people would embrace and support us lawful citizens in our right to bear arms whether concealed or open carry. Instead of hassling us, perhaps they should be more supportive and turn their attention to the criminals on the street. We're on the same side here.

Many do, many do not. LE is made up of people. People, regardless of profession, often disagree on issues. I was and still am a member of LEAP.

LEAP - Cops Say

I'd say 80% of my co-workers did not favor this organization when I joined, When I left it was closer to 60%.

I think part of your answers lies in that lawful citizens and stark raving criminals do not wear uniforms or signs letting the officer know which he/she is dealing with.

Crompsin, you're certainly entitled to your opinions as to what is suitable as a carry gun. I cc a commander length, alloy frame 1911 in the understanding that if I ever have to use it, I'll be extremely proficient with it.