The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: seeker_two on September 20, 2009, 07:35:56 AM

Title: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: seeker_two on September 20, 2009, 07:35:56 AM
As MB and other pro-2A podcasters have talked about open carry recently, it's got me to thinking. While stymied by the last Texas Legislative session, the open carry movement is still pretty strong in the Lone Star State...esp. with a big election next year. If the Legislature wises up and passes OC in 2011, then we'll be able to enjoy the same 2A rights as many other states.

So, I have a question for the OC'ers: when you select a handgun for OC, do you select a larger, service-sized gun (i.e. Beretta 92, 1911, K/L-frame) or do you go with a smaller gun (Glock 26, J-Frame, PPK/PPS)? I can see advantages and drawbacks to both choices, and I'd probably go with the smaller gun....but I'd like to hear from those with experience on the matter.

Thanks in advance....  ;D
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: Badgersmilk on September 20, 2009, 09:02:34 AM
G21 with a Doctor site in a mid thigh holster (high capacity, high energy, high accuracy).  G30 under the belt backup.  But only in a martial law type of situation do I think open carry is not a bad idea (problem is, martial law will likely mean instant confiscation of ALL civilian weapons!).  And in a martial law situation I'd be toteing either a 12ga. or rifle as well.

Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: tombogan03884 on September 20, 2009, 10:20:15 AM
Since you are not bothering to try concealing it size is not an issue, carry what ever you want to have with you that day. For open Carry I would use a BBQ gun, on the principle that if you are going to show it, it might as well be purty  ;D
That only applies in Gun friendly areas, if there is any chance it will get confiscated by a uninformed cop I'd go with a Glock.  ;D
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: david86440 on September 20, 2009, 02:52:46 PM
Since you are not bothering to try concealing it size is not an issue, carry what ever you want to have with you that day. For open Carry I would use a BBQ gun, on the principle that if you are going to show it, it might as well be purty  ;D
That only applies in Gun friendly areas, if there is any chance it will get confiscated by a uninformed cop I'd go with a Glock.  ;D

Also less chance of anyone else wanted it too.
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: TAB on September 20, 2009, 03:14:27 PM
what ever you shoot the best.

Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: MikeBjerum on September 20, 2009, 03:24:38 PM
I have to agree with TAB as say what ever works best for you and your situation.  The same way I pick my concealed tool for the day!
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: twyacht on September 20, 2009, 04:39:58 PM
Open carry has its pros and cons in the PC world, but if it's legal, as others have posted, size doesn't matter. Your comfort and proficiency with "a firearm", is what matters.

I am not opposed to open carry in any way, and have done so on many a camping/hiking/trail trips. For the cities, trips to the store, etc,.. I prefer concealed...

But as someone stated:

"An armed society is a polite society", and we can all use some more of that....

Does that mean I agree with TAB also??? :-X
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: sanjuancb on September 20, 2009, 05:30:53 PM
I thought about this a bit too. Oklahoma is about in the same boat as Texas, with open-carry legislation being axed. However, if we ever do manage to get it, I'd like to think that it would be a good opportunity to carry a little bigger gun, like a full-size 1911. Honestly, I wouldn't be against a Bisley Vaquero in a good cross-draw holster either!
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: Bidah on September 20, 2009, 09:58:12 PM
Open carry what you want.  I OC the same that pistol that I CC with, a full size 1911, or my Kimber Compact.  The Compact is more flashy since it is stainless..  ;D

-Bidah
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: Walter45Auto on September 21, 2009, 10:45:03 AM
Well, since you don't need to conceal during Open Carry, I'd carry a bigger gun, most of the time. Like my Kimber BP Ten. But mostly whatever the hell I felt like carrying that day is the most immediate answer. Maybe my Rock Island Government model more often...... BBQ gun is a good idea if you have one.
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: Bidah on September 21, 2009, 11:21:07 AM
I think I need a new pistol.  Some sort of BBQ pistol with a nice set of western leather to carry it in.  Carrying these plain looking pistols in regular leather just isn't doing it for me since this thread..  ;D

I think I could find one of those really nice limited edition CZ-75's as they pop up now and then.  Oh, oh, how about a fancy BHP?

-Bidah
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: Walter45Auto on September 21, 2009, 11:37:21 AM
I'll tell you what grips I'd LIKE to have on my Rock Island 1911.... Blue Camo Lasergrips!!! ;D THAT  8)would be my open carry gun.
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: sanjuancb on September 21, 2009, 02:22:22 PM
I think something like this would be perfect:
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=140758437
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: Walter45Auto on September 21, 2009, 07:57:36 PM
Cant argue with that choice. 8)
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: Bidah on September 21, 2009, 08:02:11 PM
I think something like this would be perfect:
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=140758437

See, there is a beautiful pistol that was MADE to be shot, used, and carried.

-Bidah
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: alfsauve on September 21, 2009, 08:16:55 PM
I also think of the psychological factor.   If it's an open carry you want it to be plain to any would be hooligan that you are serious.  A "noisy cricket" might be more than enough to protect you but it's puny size might tempt nare-do-wells to test you out.   A full size gun says, "don't even try, sucker."



Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: ericire12 on September 21, 2009, 09:10:12 PM
I also think of the psychological factor.   If it's an open carry you want it to be plain to any would be hooligan that you are serious.  A "noisy cricket" might be more than enough to protect you but it's puny size might tempt nare-do-wells to test you out.   A full size gun says, "don't even try, sucker."





The man is wise beyond his years........ and he IS pretty damn old!
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: Badgersmilk on September 22, 2009, 07:14:31 AM
(http://www.deactivated-guns.co.uk/images/Raging%20Bull/raging_bull-4.jpg)
(http://www.smartguysports.com/images/raging_bull.jpg)
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: Big Frank on September 22, 2009, 08:06:47 PM
Show 'em you mean business.  ;D
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: TAB on September 22, 2009, 08:14:31 PM
(http://www.deactivated-guns.co.uk/images/Raging%20Bull/raging_bull-4.jpg)
(http://www.smartguysports.com/images/raging_bull.jpg)

i'll see that and raise you this


Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: sanjuancb on September 22, 2009, 11:20:40 PM
i'll see that and raise you this




That is a beautiful rig! We need something big and toothy around here to justify carrying that around...
Title: Re: Open Carry--Big or Little Guns?
Post by: TAB on September 23, 2009, 01:07:24 AM
you got pigs don't you?

a 500 would make a great pig gun.