open carry option

[Gfro]

I live in the state of Wisconsin and concealed carry of a firearm is not a legal option.  However, Wisconsin does have an open carry policy.  Should I consider the open carry option that is available to me?  If so, aside from the legalities; what would I need to consider, specifically in regards to the types of training I should be looking for.  Example:  Because the firearm is easily visible I would think that weapons retention would be of more concern; especially compared to concealed carry.  Just looking for your thoughts.  Thanks everybody.

[mrmatt2you]

Since it is open carry, I would look at a Blackhawk Serpa holster.  I use one for my Kimber .45 in concealed carry and also one for my FN 5x7.   I have them in a paddle holster and very easy to get on and off since I take it off when I get in to work.  Another upside is the price.  It is not that expensive so if it does not work out for you, you are out about $30 not $80 or higher like some other brands.   Just my 2 cents.   
A question about open carry:  Is inside the waistband allowed?  Where you can have your shirt tucked in and the gun inside the waistband of the pants but clearly showing?   That might be a good way to go too.  But make sure your pants are about a size bigger because when you stick a gun in there, it gets a little tight.  Trust me, I have certain pants I have to wear IWB.
Hope this helps. 
Matt

[tombogan03884]

This may sound smart assed but is not, Have you considered how to deal with your carry method when you have to take a crap in a public place.
 
Any other rest room use can be accomplished by simply readjusting your clothes but, to take a dump you have to actually drop all below the wast carry methods on the floor  
        
Open carry is a pain in the butt, the only place you can conveniently carry up here is in a low slung leg holster, because of winter coats and jackets, That also is the fastest place for most of us to draw from.
 That is also the area that takes the most abuse , I even broke a grip splitting Kindling, I was choked up on the ax handle, the extra handle whacked the wooden grip and split it    
Made a new one the next day at work at T/C Arms  
I'm not saying don't, I'm just throwing out experience   Which reminds me,
Shoulder rigs, Does it anchor on your belt ? Does it use a solid loop, Velcro ? Some other type of "quicker" disconnects ?
At the age some of us have reached, just taking a "nice healthy" is stressful enough with out adding the menace of being hung in our carry system    
Before you laugh or blow this off, think back on how often we have heard about N/D's in restrooms  ?

[Hazcat]

If open carry is your only option I would certainly take advantage of it.  A RIGHT NOT EXERCISED IS A RIGHT LOST.

Also as mentioned above retention is VERY important as well as 'comfort'.

I would get clear, authoritative advise on self defense law in your state so there is NO QUESTION (or as little as possible) on when to act and what the ramifications might be.  Maybe find a gun friendly lawyer and buy an hour of his time.

[ellis4538]

I would go the BH Serpa suggestion one better and try to find the BH Level III holster with the guard that slips over the hammer.

JMHO

Richard

[Sponsor]

[PegLeg45]

Good points on the restroom use, Tom. I ran into that very thing at the oncology center today. Fortunately, they have 'single user' restrooms where you enter and lock the door, instead of like the open rooms at places like wally world. I always look for single occupant restrooms if I can. My solution is to place my gun and wallet on or in the sink, within reach. I use a SERPA, but my G27 makes it top-heavy when my belt is unfastened. I don't like the way the gun tries to flip over while seated in the business position.

[Timothy]

I've had a rather funny experience with a 1911 in a Kohls restroom.  Not so much the guns problem but my inability to find a place to put it while attending to my business.  That coupled with the fact that the contractor that built the stall, put the TP dispenser about two inches off the deck.  It was the handicapped stall, there is NO WAY someone with a real disability could have used this stall.

My wife thought it hillarious when I "playacted" my actions...

I'm sure the fella in the stall next to me wondered....WTF!...

[Solus]

Good points on the restroom use, Tom. I ran into that very thing at the oncology center today. Fortunately, they have 'single user' restrooms where you enter and lock the door, instead of like the open rooms at places like wally world. I always look for single occupant restrooms if I can. My solution is to place my gun and wallet on or in the sink, within reach. I use a SERPA, but my G27 makes it top-heavy when my belt is unfastened. I don't like the way the gun tries to flip over while seated in the business position.

I have heard it recommended that when using the restroom, you drop your pants to the floor and place your gun on your pants between your feet.

This ensures that you are thinking of the gun when business is done and are less likely to leave it on the back of a toilet, top of a paper  holder or some other place.

I guess the sink in a single use works cause you will be (hopefully) washing your hands.

Only downside to the sink is that is is not available for a "restroom invasion"  if the sink is not close.

[ericire12]

Since you ladies think its best to sit while you pee...... just drop your pants to your knees and spread your knees as wide as possible. This will put tension on the holster (IWB or OWB) and you wont have any problems.

[twyacht]

Since you ladies think its best to sit while you pee...... just drop your pants to your knees and spread your knees as wide as possible. This will put tension on the holster (IWB or OWB) and you wont have any problems.

 

At least no one brought up the "hover".....