“For every instance of concealed carry, I can think of an instance to open carry....and I’ve not open carried once. I prefer concealed, but fully support those who carry openly.”
I agree with you, and your example about late night at a gas pump is perfect.
As a young kid visiting a fiends farm in Wisconsin, I encountered for the first time a man carrying a six shooter on his hip. He had been out and about his neighboring farm and just stopped by to get an early morning cup of coffee. I remember thinking how cool it was that he had that revolver in a holster on his hip. Nowadays I’m a bit divided about some who choose to openly carry modern semiauto rifles into public places just for the heck of it. Yeah, they’re making a political point, but I’m not sure they’re helping the cause so much. If they open carried a pistol on their hip to make the same point I’m all for it. Like you, I usually prefer to carry concealed, at least most of the time while in public.
There is no need to cause folks to freak if you don't have to. For instance, going shopping at the local mall or toy store...conceal the damn weapon. lol
I've already seen two old men open carrying down in Alvin, Texas at a lil diner for breakfast. The place didn't go into panic, no one even gave it second thought.
I am ok with it.