Posted on Dec 14, 2014
LTC Operations Officer (Opso)
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Open vs concealed
Which would you prefer to exercise if given the choice?
Posted in these groups: 2nd amendment logo 2nd AmendmentOpen carry logo Open Carry
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Responses: 78
SGT(P) Fsqa Manager
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Without a doubt, concealed. If concealed, you have the element of suprise on your side.
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MAJ Medical Operations Officer
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Both. I don't remember reading the right of the people to keep and bear Open or Concealed Arms, shall not be infringed.
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MAJ Medical Operations Officer
MAJ (Join to see)
11 y
LTC (Join to see) Oh I know. I just think it depends on the situation. Personally I like to carry concealed, but sometimes I like to open carry. Haven't read up on the history of why laws restrict one way and not the other.
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SGT Patrick Abrams
SGT Patrick Abrams
11 y
Open carry is often a good deterrent. That being said a lot of people see guns as "scary" so it comes down to if you want to deal with what other people's reactions
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SPC(P) Jay Heenan
SPC(P) Jay Heenan
11 y
Those anti-gun groups are 'SWATing' those who are open carrying...I'll stick to concealed until people stop trying to skirt the 2nd Amendment.
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CPT Armor Officer
CPT (Join to see)
11 y
As I've said, I've open carried enough and never had an issue. I have my CCW, too, and I've carried concealed for 15 years (including NYC). It's a personal preference and being aware of your situation as well as location. Open carry in a state like South Dakota, especially western SD, you won't see folks bat an eye. Open carry in Omaha, NE or Sioux Falls, SD and you'll probably get some attention. I'm just using those towns as examples of "situational awareness," even in strong "red" states.
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SGT Steve McFarland
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I live in Florida, which is a concealed-carry-only state with only limited open-carry provisions, so when I am out and about, I always carry concealed. I also work part-time in a gun shop, where the staff can carry either way, and most of the time I am carrying concealed. If I take to a notion to open-carry, all I have to do is slip off my over-shirt. The over-shirt keeps me legal otherwise.

I'm not sure that I would open-carry even if was legal, because I have learned to "dress-around" whichever gun I am going to carry, and concealed-carry gives me the element of surprise if something were to happen.
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SPC Brian Mason
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Concealed. Even if a person was going to try something, seeing an armed person may not deter them. Some of these people are mentally ill. When they go somewhere to shoot up the place and hurt/kill people, their intention may be that their death is part of it. They don't want to kill themselves so they'll have someone else do it for them.
If I'm concealed, then should I be in that situation, I would most likely be viewed as non-threatening. Hide in plain sight if you will.
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SGT Christen Newell
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Concealed. A lot of people get skidish around guns
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SGT Infantryman (Airborne)
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I would like the open carry. I feel I would be safer and quicker with my firearm where I could get to it without having to raise my shirt and look down if I was having problems getting it out. All the carry laws would still be in effect and I wouldn't be concerned with hiding it. Also, if that law was passed some of the places you go into now with your weapon concealed would probably start putting signs up not allowing customers in with weapons. So it's six one half a dozen the the other, but I would still like the open carry.
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SN Sean Willson
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I prefer to carry concealed as it avoids a lot of needless and unwanted attention. Also, some people are concerned or even frightened by seeing someone with a gun. It is my right to carry but it's not my right to intimidate, intentionally or otherwise.
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
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Openly concealed!
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
11 y
Brian, you are shameless, but that's why I love you!!!!
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CW3 Network Architect
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Concealed. Why poke the bear? Also, if I'm out somewhere and I'm carrying openly, someone with a gun who was bent on causing chaos will shoot me first.

Furthermore, a weapon is a tool, and should not be used to make a political statement. I feel that open carry is being used as a political statement.
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Sgt Jason West
Sgt Jason West
11 y
At least down here where I am from a lot of people are using firearms as a political statement in the attempt to actually pass legislation to stop the infringement upon our rights. In Texas it is illegal to carry a pistol openly. To carry concelaed you must be permitted. Now, I prefer concealed carry, but there are a few times I would rather open carry, but due to current laws I cannot. There are groups here in Texas that have been demonstrating the absurdity of our laws that allow open carry of a rifle, but not a pistol in an attempt to get an open carry bill passed. It has gained enough support that Gov. elect Abbot has said he will sign an open carry bill when it reaches his desk. For this reason, I am not completely against using it to make a political statement.
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SFC Network Engineer
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Concealed for EDC. Open only when I know everyone else is carrying - 'cause then I can talk guns if I see something I like and vice-versa!
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