Since open carry is legal, how do you carry?

LongRider · March 24th, 2009, 06:06 PM

Another thread asks the same question but wrongly assumes that open carry is illegal. By asking 'If open carry was legal, how would you carry?'I think semantics matter so thought I would re-ask the question. Since open carry is legal, how do you carry?

Fact is that Open Carry is legal in most states and does not require a permit. Weapons permits concealed weapons permits came in to being to vest those that would hide their gun. Concealed carry was thought to be sneaky deceitful and under handed. Honorable men did not need to hide their gun and trick others into thinking they were unarmed. The realm of criminals cowards and sneaks, so concealed weapons permits came into being to exclude those with ill intent from carry a gun covertly. Your concealed weapons permit is evidence that it is believed that you are an honorable person. Personally I am not ashamed of who I am or what I do. I would like others to be open and honest with me. So I am completely transparent in all I do. As open and honest as I can be. I open carry strong side, when it is reasonable to do so.
Values and opinions have changed, even in todays world open carry remains legal. Since open carry is legal, how do you carry?

jfl · March 24th, 2009, 06:11 PM

No hard truth; you'll find lots of different opinions here, most well thought.

For me it is a matter of circumstances; I'd rather carry concealed, but when it is inconvenient, I'd carry open.
Like many things in life , it depends on the individual, the circumstances, the environment, etc.

ErnieNWillis · March 24th, 2009, 06:12 PM

I wish Texas had open carry laws!

zigziggityzo · March 24th, 2009, 07:04 PM

I use a Serpa CQC Level 3 retention holster, strong side. I currently every-day carry a Glock 17 9mm with two spare mags on my belt.

jfl · March 24th, 2009, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zigziggityzo

I use a Serpa CQC Level 3 retention holster, strong side. I currently every-day carry a Glock 17 9mm with two spare mags on my belt.

I've always wondered: can you draw from the weak hand with this type of holsters ?

matiki · March 24th, 2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfl

I've always wondered: can you draw from the weak hand with this type of holsters ?

You can't draw with a firing grip, if that's what you're asking.

It's not much different than drawing from a strong-side holster of any variety, there's no good way to do it. I draw with my off-hand by griping the slide and upper frame with my forefinger and thumb, depress the SERPA release with my middle finger, and then shift to a halfway decent grip and complete the draw.

JerryM · March 24th, 2009, 07:52 PM

Although legal I never OC except when going to and from the range.

It is interesting that one cannot OC in a Walmart, quick stop gas if beer is sold, or anywhere alcohol is sold even if not for consumption on the premises. One can carry in those places if CC, but not any place that serves alcohol.

Regards,
Jerry

wpk · March 24th, 2009, 08:04 PM

It's legal to OC here in Ohio, but I always conceal. I don't even worry too much about losing an element of surprise, I just don't want to have to deal with the issues that can arise from it. If I was way out in the woods somewhere I'd think about OC as it would be more comfortable to be hiking around with, but around town (which is where I always am) it's 100% concealed.

mfcmb · March 24th, 2009, 09:58 PM

I never open carry in town because I'm usually too shot of time and engery to want to risk being slowed down or detained due to some sheep's angst.

I haven't yet, but I intend to open carry when out in the desert or in rural areas, because we've got a lot of crime and a modicum of dangerous dogs, etc. I want to be able to make it clear to criminals while they're still at some distance that I'm armed and won't go down easily -- so go prey on someone else. I also want the fastest draw possible if it comes to that.

Tally XD · March 24th, 2009, 11:07 PM

I wouldn't say open carry is legal in most states. Its certainly not legal in Florida unless you are hunting, camping or fishing.

However, even if it was legal in Florida, I would still conceal.

March 24th, 2009, 06:06 PM	#1
LongRider Distinguished Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Washington Posts: 1,785	Since open carry is legal, how do you carry? Another thread asks the same question but wrongly assumes that open carry is illegal. By asking 'If open carry was legal, how would you carry?'I think semantics matter so thought I would re-ask the question. Since open carry is legal, how do you carry? Fact is that Open Carry is legal in most states and does not require a permit. Weapons permits concealed weapons permits came in to being to vest those that would hide their gun. Concealed carry was thought to be sneaky deceitful and under handed. Honorable men did not need to hide their gun and trick others into thinking they were unarmed. The realm of criminals cowards and sneaks, so concealed weapons permits came into being to exclude those with ill intent from carry a gun covertly. Your concealed weapons permit is evidence that it is believed that you are an honorable person. Personally I am not ashamed of who I am or what I do. I would like others to be open and honest with me. So I am completely transparent in all I do. As open and honest as I can be. I open carry strong side, when it is reasonable to do so. Values and opinions have changed, even in todays world open carry remains legal. Since open carry is legal, how do you carry? __________________ Abort the Obamanation not the Constitution Those who would, deny, require permit, license, certification, or authorization for me to bear arms are as dangerous & evil as those who would molest, abuse, assault, rape or murder my family

March 24th, 2009, 06:11 PM	#2
jfl Distinguished Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Palm Beach County, FL Posts: 1,350	No hard truth; you'll find lots of different opinions here, most well thought. For me it is a matter of circumstances; I'd rather carry concealed, but when it is inconvenient, I'd carry open. Like many things in life , it depends on the individual, the circumstances, the environment, etc. __________________ The first rule of a gunfight: "Don't be there !" jfl (NRA Life Member/Instructor - GOA - IDPA - GSSF - ex-IHMSA)

March 24th, 2009, 08:04 PM	#8
wpk Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 274	It's legal to OC here in Ohio, but I always conceal. I don't even worry too much about losing an element of surprise, I just don't want to have to deal with the issues that can arise from it. If I was way out in the woods somewhere I'd think about OC as it would be more comfortable to be hiking around with, but around town (which is where I always am) it's 100% concealed. __________________ "America is a nation of laws; poorly written and randomly enforced." -Frank Zappa

March 24th, 2009, 11:07 PM	#10
Tally XD Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: North Florida Posts: 1,011	I wouldn't say open carry is legal in most states. Its certainly not legal in Florida unless you are hunting, camping or fishing. However, even if it was legal in Florida, I would still conceal. __________________ “I am consistently on record and will continue to be on record as opposing concealed carry.” - Barack Obama Chicago Tribune, April 27, 2004

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March 24th, 2009, 06:12 PM	#3
ErnieNWillis Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Willis, TX Posts: 352	I wish Texas had open carry laws!

March 24th, 2009, 07:04 PM	#4
zigziggityzo Ex Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 92	I use a Serpa CQC Level 3 retention holster, strong side. I currently every-day carry a Glock 17 9mm with two spare mags on my belt.

March 24th, 2009, 07:52 PM	#7
JerryM Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,693	Although legal I never OC except when going to and from the range. It is interesting that one cannot OC in a Walmart, quick stop gas if beer is sold, or anywhere alcohol is sold even if not for consumption on the premises. One can carry in those places if CC, but not any place that serves alcohol. Regards, Jerry

March 24th, 2009, 09:58 PM	#9
mfcmb Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: USA Posts: 120	I never open carry in town because I'm usually too shot of time and engery to want to risk being slowed down or detained due to some sheep's angst. I haven't yet, but I intend to open carry when out in the desert or in rural areas, because we've got a lot of crime and a modicum of dangerous dogs, etc. I want to be able to make it clear to criminals while they're still at some distance that I'm armed and won't go down easily -- so go prey on someone else. I also want the fastest draw possible if it comes to that.