It is basically illegal to defend yourself with a gun in Ct. Unless the self defense scenario is fear of imminent death, even after retreating, the defender will probably face some form of murder charge.
I am 100% FOR carrying.
That said.. Open carry, I think, is generally a REALLY BAD idea.
Until and unless open carry reaches a critical mass. And the general population is used to it.
The the carrier is setting themselves up for constant police harrassment, with potential charges, disturbing the peace, tresspass, menacing, and all manner of subjective nuissance complaints.
Then there is the very real issue of the carrier making themselves a target for theft. A firearm is a very appealing item for theft. Too few have the situaltional awareness. carrying groceries in both arms accross a busy parking lot? Reaching for that box of fruit loops on the top shelf in a crowded store, etc..
an unconcealed firearm is a very shiny object, and a potential theif, can watch, follow and pick their time to strike.