Concealed or Open Carry?

[500KV]

What do you guys/gals think about the advisability of open carry?
This article outlines an incident that occurred in Kennesaw, GA in which a robbery was averted but I still can't convince myself that, while OC is legal in my state, it's the best option.
I see others OC but it seems to me you loose a certain advantage in doing so.
Any opinions?

Open carry deters armed robbery in Kennesaw

[Ol'coot]

Open carry is also legal here in Michigan and we do see people exercising that right from time to time but IMHO it only draws a lot of attention to that person and that is the last thing that I want. I have no issues with others open carrying but I don't my self unless I am out in the boonies 4 wheeling and doing my nature photography or fishing on a secluded stream. I much prefer the tactical advantage that conceal carry gives me.

[Dietrich]

Hi,500,I have to agree with you and Coot.The less attention I draw to myself,the better I like it. Quite a few people are off-put by a "civilian" walking around wearing a gun.If the public don`t know it`s there,the more relaxed they are around you.I don`t want to scare someone and have them calling the police with a "Man with a gun call". Even though open carry is legal in N.C.,I don`t practice it for that very reason.At least not in a location where I`m apt to run into others.

[500KV]

Agree totally, Ol'coot and Diet'.

I hear some of these guys saying "bye *** it's my right to open carry and I'm going to do it."
It's hard to convince them otherwise too but I don't feel it contributes to our cause and, as you say, does away with the element of surprise in case we need to use it.

Kennesaw is akin to an armed camp, which I like BTW, I think it's one of the safest places on earth, but in my neck of the woods it just doesn't seem to be the smartest thing to do.

[mr surveyor]

even if we did have open carry here in Texas, I would still CC 90% of the time. We do not have a penalty for accidental, or unintentional exposure of a carry gun, but to be on the safe side it is prudent to stay legally concealed. With open carry as an option, I would feel comfortable taking my jacket off at a restruant, or not otherwise be overly concerned about displaying a holstered handgun. I do NOT think it wise to start major legislative efforts to lean on our congressmen in an effort to push the issue. We had this problem over the last couple of years with "out of state" organizations trying to stir up Texans into an open carry frenzy..... that kind of unnecessary, and unsolicited "help" could cost us some very good legislation in the future by creating a further division of overall 2A opinions in our state house.


surv

[Steve-$]

I think we should have the right to choose, but think it's a better idea to keep the gun concealed when out in public.

[ltxi]

Rural or remote outdoor activities...otherwise, not hardly. Certainly not just to make a point. That's simply childish.

[Raoul]

Rural or remote outdoor activities...otherwise, not hardly. Certainly not just to make a point. That's simply childish.

Agreed. Most of the people I run into who OC in a public place have an agenda. This does nothing positive for responsible gun owners. It almost always comes off as an egotistical cowboy attitude.

[varoadking]

Agreed. Most of the people I run into who OC in a public place have an agenda. This does nothing positive for responsible gun owners. It almost always comes off as an egotistical cowboy attitude.

...or worse...

[Dozer]

Open carry is legal in my state, but for me that only reduces the stress associated with temporarily displaying my sidearm during the course of the day. Makes it no big deal. I don't purposely carry openly, but if someone sees it as I move around, I don't give it much thought.

[Armybrat]

Agreed. Most of the people I run into who OC in a public place have an agenda. This does nothing positive for responsible gun owners. It almost always comes off as an egotistical cowboy attitude.

Agreed.

[ltxi]

Open carry is legal in my state, but for me that only reduces the stress associated with temporarily displaying my sidearm during the course of the day. Makes it no big deal. I don't purposely carry openly, but if someone sees it as I move around, I don't give it much thought.

I quite agree with this basic point. I do usually consciously dress to conceal my sidearm, but after all these years I certainly don't obsess over it. Inadvertent exposure while reaching for something has never been an issue/problem.....except for that one time 20 some years ago at Trader Joe's in Redondo Beach.

[jfrey]

I agree with Surveyor and most here. OC isn't legal in Texas but it would be nice when I am going to the ranch or range and want to stop off at the little store on the highway to get a Coke or snuff, if I didn't have to conceal my Ruger vaquero or leave it in the truck while I am in the store. Otherwise, concealed is probably a better option.

[jocko]

everyone of you guys posted correctly IMO. It might be a legal right but I can assure you in Indiana,you will get challendged every time a LEO see 's you carrying and most business's will ask you to leave or put the gun in your vehicle.

You best plasticize your ccw permit for you will wear it out showing it to authorities every day. Just to me make zero sense to open carry and evidently et all the posters here to.

[Armybrat]

Open carry of long guns is legal in Texas, just as a woman going topless is....but try walking up Congress Avenue either way, and see how far that will go without the local law stoppin' you.