That was the argument here in Michigan leading up to the state becoming a "shall issue" state back around 2000.
Imagine their shock when several years later it was discovered that Michigan was already an "open carry" state and had been for almost forever. At that time, not even the LEO's I knew were aware of that law since no one had ever been observed exercising that right......
Funny, I was living in Michigan at that time and that is exactly what happened. The rag was the Grand Rapids Press. I still remember how livid I was reading that article.