Hawker

There is a movement in this country involving open carry. Most of it is based on publically exercising 2A Rights and political activism. Unfavorable LEO encounters and upset citizens seem to be a frequent occurence with the OC crowd. Most of these folks also get upset if you mention concealment as possibly a better way of carrying.

Although legal in most locales... what do you think? I prefer conceal carry and have mixed feelings about open carry. 2A rights, etc. aside.... I'd like to hear from you all...especially LEO's that have to deal with this issue on the street.

Thanks for your feedback.

__________________
225th SAC "Phantom Hawk" - US Army - Vietnam 1969-70

TacticalCompact

I think open carry, where legal (should be everywhere) should be accepted as normal.. However it is not, unforunately. As much as I'd like to read a discussion about it, I'm sure most of the members here are against it.

I'd also bet this thread is locked in a big hurry.

stanislaskasava

I think you've got the gist of it. Don't take it personally if this thread gets locked before people start replying.

Hawker

Hopefully, this thread doesn't get locked down. It's a legitimate concern of many people who carry defensively... concealed or open.

__________________
225th SAC "Phantom Hawk" - US Army - Vietnam 1969-70

StevePVB

Maybe a good guess on locking the thread.

Why OC? Get your license. No need to draw unfavorable attention to yourself. I know a lot of better informed people will disagree with me, but I believe OC puts me at a disadvantage in a hostile situation. OC would likely make me target #1 -- very possibly before I even knew what was happening.

OC reminds me of a response a LEO gave me when I asked if he would prefer to be informed of my CWP (no duty to inform in FL). He said yes. He knows lots of folks carry weapons in their car and he is OK with that and understands why. He just doesn't want a "surprise".

TN_Mike

I'm OK with it and I do OC a good bit of the time in the heat of summer. Here in Tennessee it is 100% legal and in fact, quite a few people do OC here. It is pretty normal and not at all unusual to see someone open carrying here.

__________________
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. —Barry Goldwater 1968

Tennessee Firearms Association

mcp1810

I think it's much ado about nothing myself.

__________________
"And what would you do with your brain if you had one?" - Dorothy

Chooie

I OC on occasion; usually when forbidden by statute to CC.

__________________
-Joe

Quando omni flunkus, moritati.

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Rustburg, VA Volunteer Rescue Squad

C Paul Lincoln

In Washington, the OC movement is strong, and making good progress with even the largest jurisdictions (Seattle, Olympia, Spokane, etc.). While OC isn't common, it is becoming more accepted due to the efforts of a few dedicated enthusiasts.

I OC and CC. It depends on the circumstances. My permit in Washington allows me to conceal a gun, but does not require me to conceal if I choose to carry. I like the choice to either wear a jacket or not, and not worry about who knows I am carrying.

I don't think this is an issue that should be reduced to two viewpoints in conflict with each other. Carry is carry -- even though Defensive Carry is about CC primarily, OC is practiced as well for defense.

kimberland

The open carry movement is growing. Even since this national article Packing in public: Gun owners tired of hiding their weapons embrace 'open carry' - Los Angeles Times local papers and communities are opening their eyes to their new freedom.