Posted on Apr 28, 2016
Why does nobody Open Carry? Do we really want to try to defeat an actual threat, rather than try to deter a hypothetical one?
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If we Conceal carry, the only use our firearm has is to defeat an actual threat.
However if we Open Carry, then we capitalize on our weapons potential usage.
1. We can defeat an actual threat.
2. We could deter a threat that hasn't yet been committed, therefore a hypothetical situation
3. Show the public that firearms aren't scary! If they see enough of them, they will get used to it!!
I don't buy the argument that you become the first target, unless you are in uniform of one kind or another. Many studies have proven that the average person doesn't notice an open handgun unless their is something that draws attention to the individual like a badge, uniform, or physical gesture. Yet that is what nearly everyone has been posting. If you still believe that, that's fine. I'm just looking for some solid reasons backed up by actual events (more than 1) or different reasons.
That being said, thank you for all of the answers, I have greatly enjoyed intelligent conversation vs. an in-law just telling me that "You're a moron" or "You're going to get yourself killed".
However if we Open Carry, then we capitalize on our weapons potential usage.
1. We can defeat an actual threat.
2. We could deter a threat that hasn't yet been committed, therefore a hypothetical situation
3. Show the public that firearms aren't scary! If they see enough of them, they will get used to it!!
I don't buy the argument that you become the first target, unless you are in uniform of one kind or another. Many studies have proven that the average person doesn't notice an open handgun unless their is something that draws attention to the individual like a badge, uniform, or physical gesture. Yet that is what nearly everyone has been posting. If you still believe that, that's fine. I'm just looking for some solid reasons backed up by actual events (more than 1) or different reasons.
That being said, thank you for all of the answers, I have greatly enjoyed intelligent conversation vs. an in-law just telling me that "You're a moron" or "You're going to get yourself killed".
Gun Control
NRA
Open Carry
Concealed Carry
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 61
I prefer not to advertise... I prefer to make the offender wonder which of his targets is armed.. not know which ones he needs to avoid. I do not believe open carry is a deterrence .. I live in a state with a lot of license to carry...a armed thief already knows there is a good chance one of his victims is armed.... I do not see it as an advantage showing him which one.
The manner in which I "conceal carry" does not impart much in additional reaction time. and the idea of a quick draw for self defense is Hollywood in any case. Attacker makes himself known, you move to cover while drawing and go from there... If you're not behind cover or moving to it, you're worng.
The manner in which I "conceal carry" does not impart much in additional reaction time. and the idea of a quick draw for self defense is Hollywood in any case. Attacker makes himself known, you move to cover while drawing and go from there... If you're not behind cover or moving to it, you're worng.
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SPC Jonathan Schmidt
Advertising is really only a concern where there is only a lone open carrier or a team of dedicated bad guys. Try to travel in groups of a couple or more then it isn't a concern anymore. Husband and wife fore example.
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SFC Jim Ruether
Better for a criminal to think everyone is armed and dangerous. He might rethink his choice of career if he might take a round center mass for his troubles.
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SFC Jim Ruether
Open Carry does make everyone else nervous. You can look like a Baptist Preacher but when your coat climbs your back and your gun is exposed they forget how nice you look and are instantly concerned.
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SGM Erik Marquez
SFC Jim Ruether - "Open Carry does make everyone else nervous"
More then a year here in TX of legal open carry proves without a doubt your observation and opinion is not common or wide spread at least here in TX.
Many years of legal open carry in other states also supports this.
I accept you may get nervous at seeing someone open carry, and even you have observed others get nervous but I counter that with thousands including hundreds of law enforcement officers that neither get nervous or give it more then a 1st glance to evaluate and then move on.
More then a year here in TX of legal open carry proves without a doubt your observation and opinion is not common or wide spread at least here in TX.
Many years of legal open carry in other states also supports this.
I accept you may get nervous at seeing someone open carry, and even you have observed others get nervous but I counter that with thousands including hundreds of law enforcement officers that neither get nervous or give it more then a 1st glance to evaluate and then move on.
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All great points. PA is an open carry state as well. And even though I know I can open carry, I prefer to carry concealed only to prevent people who do not understand the right from pooping their pants from actually seeing a law abiding citizen exercise his/her right.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
I understand that. However, in that situation I would encourage open carry. That way, people would become more accustomed to it.
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Sgt Jay Jones
SSG(P) (Join to see) - How am I as a law abiding citizen going to make a crucial decision when I see an individual with a weapon as to whether this individual is a threat to my family and myself or a person exercising his/her constitutional right. Those initial seconds are crucial and I don't want to have to waste time in those precious seconds that could make the difference between life and death.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Sgt Jay Jones -
I don't see an issue. If the weapon is holstered, and the individual with it is not touching it, where is the potential threat? Just the fact that you can see the weapon? I am far more comfortable around a weapon that I CAN see vs one that I can't.
You're not going to pull your conceal weapon on someone with an open weapon are you? Why is your reaction time damaged at all. I think it's pretty safe to assume, that if you see the individual shooting, threatening, or even brandishing their firearm, they are a bad guy. If they are standing in a store or walking down the street like anyone else, they are probably a good guy.
Like I said, I don't see an issue. Don't pull your weapon until you have an articulable, verifiable, reason to believe that you or someone around you, is in danger for their life. It's not that difficult. Someone having an open carry weapon is no where near meeting that criteria.
That being said, I'm not a lawyer. This is not legal advice.
I don't see an issue. If the weapon is holstered, and the individual with it is not touching it, where is the potential threat? Just the fact that you can see the weapon? I am far more comfortable around a weapon that I CAN see vs one that I can't.
You're not going to pull your conceal weapon on someone with an open weapon are you? Why is your reaction time damaged at all. I think it's pretty safe to assume, that if you see the individual shooting, threatening, or even brandishing their firearm, they are a bad guy. If they are standing in a store or walking down the street like anyone else, they are probably a good guy.
Like I said, I don't see an issue. Don't pull your weapon until you have an articulable, verifiable, reason to believe that you or someone around you, is in danger for their life. It's not that difficult. Someone having an open carry weapon is no where near meeting that criteria.
That being said, I'm not a lawyer. This is not legal advice.
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Generalities follow:
1) The Citizenry doesn't like it.
2) The Cops don't like it.
When we moved away from "guns as tools (a part of everyday life)" to "guns as weapons (something to be feared)" mentality, they became taboo which altered how those around us perceive them.
Wearing them in the open creates a cultural pushback. Having a sidearm IS a deterrent. However it is also a target (Social as opposed to physical). There are a couple second order effects to this. Mostly in Urban vs. Rural though. In Rural areas, weapons are more common so the "tools" mindset is still prevalent, but in addition to that, the primary LEO is a Sheriff (Elected) which means they are DIRECTLY accountable to the Citizenry. In Urban areas the "feared" mindset is more common, but so are Police Chiefs/Commissioners (Appointed) making them NOT directly accountable to the Citizenry.
It creates a strange dynamic. Sheriff's Deputies generally don't screw with their residents. They're part of the community and accountable to them. "Bob" has to worry about getting reelected every 4 years, and he focuses on "real criminals" not "Bill" shooting ducks down at the lake. City Cops don't care. This isn't to say they're bad/greedy/etc. Not trying to imply that, but their priorities are just different. A city cop sees someone with a Gun, and they'll "screw with someone" rather than assume they have a Right to have it.
1) The Citizenry doesn't like it.
2) The Cops don't like it.
When we moved away from "guns as tools (a part of everyday life)" to "guns as weapons (something to be feared)" mentality, they became taboo which altered how those around us perceive them.
Wearing them in the open creates a cultural pushback. Having a sidearm IS a deterrent. However it is also a target (Social as opposed to physical). There are a couple second order effects to this. Mostly in Urban vs. Rural though. In Rural areas, weapons are more common so the "tools" mindset is still prevalent, but in addition to that, the primary LEO is a Sheriff (Elected) which means they are DIRECTLY accountable to the Citizenry. In Urban areas the "feared" mindset is more common, but so are Police Chiefs/Commissioners (Appointed) making them NOT directly accountable to the Citizenry.
It creates a strange dynamic. Sheriff's Deputies generally don't screw with their residents. They're part of the community and accountable to them. "Bob" has to worry about getting reelected every 4 years, and he focuses on "real criminals" not "Bill" shooting ducks down at the lake. City Cops don't care. This isn't to say they're bad/greedy/etc. Not trying to imply that, but their priorities are just different. A city cop sees someone with a Gun, and they'll "screw with someone" rather than assume they have a Right to have it.
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LCDR (Join to see)
Great points and SPOT ON regarding municipal vs. county. We've got some great municipal cops in my town, but they're generally younger, and trying to build up experience so they can join the metro PDs. The Deputies are local, sit by us in church, and go to the bar-b-ques. When its all said and done, the Sheriff's people are a bit "closer" to the population and act accordingly.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Absolutely, and the way I see it, it will just get worse until a group of people take it upon themselves to re-educate the citizenry.
Sure you might get stopped and frisked, they might run your ID (which is unconstitutional, so I don't let them.... or won't if it ever happens to me), they might try to make you quit carrying. However, the more people, and the more often people carry, the less people are going to care. It will become the norm, and then maybe we will get back to the days of the not so "wild west".
Sure you might get stopped and frisked, they might run your ID (which is unconstitutional, so I don't let them.... or won't if it ever happens to me), they might try to make you quit carrying. However, the more people, and the more often people carry, the less people are going to care. It will become the norm, and then maybe we will get back to the days of the not so "wild west".
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