Deanimator

I don't think there's a "should" or "shouldn't" to it. As long as it's legal in your jurisdiction, it's purely a matter of personal preference.

I don't open carry, purely as a matter of personal preference. I don't see anything wrong with it, nor do I criticize people for doing so. It's just not my choice.

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Life comes at you fast. Be prepared to shoot it in the head when it does.

kmbrcstm2

This is a good question. It's difficult to answer because there are so many variables to consider. There is no easy answer to this.

Your dad says you may become a target for BGs. This may be true and may not be. Maybe a group of 4 guys sees your sidearm and decides to jump you to steal your firearm. Maybe a group of 4 guys see your firearm and decide to pick another victim.

I don't think open carrying will deter someone that was thinking about attacking you. I think good situational awareness will deter many potential attackers. Your firearm would be worth a lot of money on black market and may be worth taking the risk to jump you.

Personally, I carry a firearm because I take full responsibility for the safety of my wife and my son. We live in the city and violent crime is exponentially higher here than in the surrounding areas. If open carrying will draw unwanted attention to me and my family I will conceal.

I will open carry at an opencarry.org gathering but I will not open carry in the city because I do not want to relinquish my element of surprise. I will not volunteer information to those around me that I have a firearm on my person.

My wife asked me if I would draw my weapon to prevent a bank robbery if I was there with our family. I told her I would only draw if our lives were in danger. I would not draw if our lives were not in danger. If they are not in danger I am not going to put them in danger by drawing my weapon and drawing attention to them. Others would draw to prevent the robbery. Everyone has their own position and opinion for a variety of hypothetical situations.

Obviously you'll want to find out if it is legal to open carry in your area should you decide to do so.

In any event, good on you for exercising your 2A and for tackling these issues.

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CZ 75 B
DPMS AR 15
CZ 453 American