[marktwain]

From the article: Open carry holsters—usually outside the waistband (OTW) types—tend not to have any retention or security mechanisms other than friction, making it easy to snatch a handgun from the unwary.

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.

[SauronOfMordor]

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.

[lapsus calami]

 

 

Open carriers tend to carry in more secure holsters than concealed carriers

 

That hasn't been my experience, though this no doubt falls under the YMMV caveat, depending where you are at. I've seen some awful holsters and manner of carry along with an alarming lack of situational awareness - as if the presence of a firearm creates some kind of force field of protection around them that needs no attentiveness. I've addressed that in some past postings, where open carry was approaching the level of negligence. Amazon/Ebay specials, nylon Uncle Mike's and so forth. The worst one I've seen so far was a Colt Officer/Commander in a fancy tooled leather holster with a retain strap worn by a tall Ichabod Crane-looking goober. It was slid all the way around to his back, the holster had a big belt loop which didn't allow for a controlled fit, letting it violently flop around in an alarming manner with every step he took. I was fully expecting that pistol to pop out onto the ground any second. Not noticing open carry in public as much these days, there's been a marked decline going on, at least in my locale. I hope all the casual fadsters have developed a keener sense of responsibility towards carry, particularly under the circumstances of these contemporary times.

 

 

[MtnClimber]

From my observation, this is complete supposition on the part of the author.

Re: Open carry (OC) and retention, I had the same thought. I live in FL now and OC is not legal. But, If I were to open carry I would use my OTW retention holster due to risk of someone snatching from behind or grabbing during a scuffle. I have never concealed carried without a holster to cover the trigger. Carrying without a holster seems to just be asking for an accidental discharge.