Posted on 05/11/2024 5:25:07 AM PDT by MtnClimber
Generally, it’s best to go about one’s business as unobtrusively as possible, relying on situational awareness and solid knowledge of use of force law to avoid ever having to draw or fire one’s handgun.
Among the perennial controversies in the firearm world is whether concealed or open carry is best. Circa 2024, open carry is widely allowed:
State laws regarding open carry fall into several categories: permissive, permissive with restrictions, licensed open carry states, and those in which open carry is prohibited. Permissive states allow non-prohibited citizens to open carry without requiring a permit or license. Most states fall into this category. There are also slight variations in regulations for handguns versus long guns.
Thirty-six states are permissive and allow the open carrying of a handgun without a permit or license. Seven of these states have some restrictions on the open carrying of handguns. North Dakota, for example, allows for open carry of a firearm without a permit, provided the gun is unloaded. The state requires an individual to obtain a license to open carry a loaded weapon.
Nine states require a permit to open carry a handgun, while four states, California, Florida, Illinois, and New York, prohibit it entirely. Open carry is also not permitted in the District of Columbia.
Forty-four states allow open carry of long guns—rifles and shotguns—without a license.
The primary advantage of concealed carry is criminals can’t know who is carrying and have to assume everyone is and act accordingly. This applies largely to red states. Of course, situational awareness plays a role. Anyone appearing to be an easy, unaware target is more likely, armed or unarmed, to be attacked. Obviously, the greater the number of honest people carrying concealed, the greater the potential deterrence.
(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...
I have seen many people open carrying and have never seen someone, other than myself, that even noticed.
In Virginia you can’t CCW and have a drink. But if you remove your coat and reveal your weapon, it’s OK. Just sayin....
Open carry makes you the first target of the bad guy with a bad plan.
Concealed carry? Surprise MF. ;-)
CC since 2000.
From my observation, this is complete supposition on the part of the author. Open carriers tend to carry in more secure holsters than concealed carriers, because the problem of a snatch is obvious.
On the other hand, a fair number of concealed carriers use a simple inside the waist band holster, or don't even use a holster.
I retired 4 years ago, took a part time job at local Lowes year ago as a way to keep active and offset some cost on my home projects. See folks OC’ing all of the time and never hear anyone complain. It’s common around here.
Unless e everybody does it.
Got to admit. My GP-100 with a four inch barrel does not conceal very well
Open carry, for the larger gun. CC for a second, smaller one.
For me, the primary benefit of open carry being allowed in my state is that I can carry concealed and not get into problems if my gun is accidentally exposed.
When I was young, open carry was legal, concealed generally illegal where Igrew up. Now, concealed is considered polite, open more aggressive.
And where I live now, lots of places permit concealed, but not open carry, on their premises.
If you can, always conceal carry. I rarely tuck in my shirts or I wear a sport coat so concealing isn’t an issue. On the off chance I am tucking in my shirt and not wearing a coat, I conceal a revolver in an ankle holster. Open carry, IMHO, is for carrying in places where you won’t have much interaction with people (hiking, camping, etc...). If you’re going to Walmart with a 1911 on your belt outside your Levis you’re just seeking attention. IMHO.
The main advantage of open carry is that it may preempt an attack. If a concealed carrier exposes his weapon to ward off an attack, he could be charged with brandishing.
I like open carry, let’s everyone know to be nice. Oh and I assume most are concealed carrying. I just think being honest about the whole situation is better.
The reason I don’t like open carry is do you know how secure the holster is in case someone comes up behind you and makes a grab for your weapon.
Open carrying is like putting a political bumper sticker on your car.
You’re surrendering your position.
It doesn’t bother me to see people open carry but I wouldn’t do it. Not only does open carry take away the element of surprise it brings unwanted scrutiny.
Well I say I wouldn’t do it but if the grid goes down or some other kray kray event happens then the deterrent factor of open carry would be obvious. I’d be walking around with my AK as well.
Open carry defeats the purpose of carrying a handgun for protection. If you’re open-carrying, the bad guy knows who in the room is armed. As such, you will be the first target, and he will be sure to approach you with great caution and stealth.
A Texas state rep tell me that the only reason they supported open-carry was to thwart unscrupulous prosecutors from prosecuting concealed-carry people who’s gun accidentally became visible, or dislodged from the holster.
I agree with you. Open carry is for the woods.
I wear a retention holster when I OC. CC is an ISW slip in or just a pocket if I am carrying the little LCP.
Herrera 2024. Let’s Go, Brandon!
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