While it is no longer common knowledge as it should be, there is what could be called “Old West” gun culture, which is how to be openly armed in public in a manner to reduce apprehension and misunderstandings.
More than anything else, it is a set of common sense behavior, such as do not casually brandish your weapon, and avoid making sudden motions that look like you are drawing your weapon. I imagine there was a variant to this when people commonly carried swords as well.
Even living in the southwest, where it is more common for people to openly carry, guns do attract the eye and call for instant value judgments about who is carrying them. And not just for the guns’ sake.
You automatically ask yourself in rapid succession: “Undercover cop? Biker? Criminal? Type gun? Behavior? Activity? Location? Threat?” A spur of the moment judgment call.
Yes, it is a right to carry a gun in public, and a good one. Though I like the extra advantage that comes from having a concealed weapon as well. Why advertise?
“Though I like the extra advantage that comes from having a concealed weapon as well. Why advertise?”