Which would you prefer: open carry or concealed?

Open Carry without a permit.

I would prefer to conceal my firearm so that know one knows I am carrying.

Concealed is my preferred choice. Open carry just freaks to many folks out. And I like to keep the bad guy guessing who's armed.

Concealed... The element of surprise is always the best way to go.

I prefer concealed personally. I do not want to make others feel uncomfortable and I do not want to be a target or draw any unwanted attention. Tactically, it is better to have the element of surprise on my side rather than being on the wrong cycle of the OODA loop.

Now, if I were to live in a small town where everyone open carried because that was the culture, that would be awesome...and I don't think places like that have an issue with the types of crime we concealed/open carriers would be concerned about:)

Concealed for sure. Doesn't make one stand out.

To carry concealed (meaning hidden) when a criminal act is committed means the perp or perps will not notice you carrying a handgun, thus you are not a target they will go after right away, whereas you will be if you carry openly. Concealed gives you the choice of when and how you will respond to the perpetrators (perps) when the opportunity presents itself.

Hmmm well based on the phrasing I actually have two responses sir.

1. I think the right to do either as you see fit and the situation dictates is an absolutely vital one.

2. "As the situation dictates" actually sums up my preference, when I'm out on the range or in the woods, or just running around in a more active situation I like having my pistol on a thigh rig, keeps it close to hand but out of my way. Normal day to day though? A nice "kidney" carry in an IWTB keeps things close to hand, comfy and a surprise for any potential bad guys.

I'm of two minds on it:

On one hand, concealed (I have a CHL myself) gives you the element of surprise and keeps the soccer moms from freaking out because "OMG! Someone has a gun."

On the other hand I subscribe to the idea that "An armed society is a polite society" I *know* there are a bunch of people walking around here that either are or have the potential to carry concealed, but I honestly don't think most people do realize how many people are walking around armed, resulting in the conclusion that "all guns are bad" when they hear about a school shooting.

To sum up my point, if more responsible people were obvious about carrying firearms, average people would be less likely to be shocked when the exception happens and guns make the news in a bad light. After all, irresponsible car owners kill people every day, but people don't think twice... because they're exposed to cars daily.

Concealed...Im not one to show boat my gun...unless its being used.