Opinion on open carry.

[MarkoPo]

On all of the shows I have watched I don't recall anyone open carrying a pistol. Most of the presentations have been from a concealed holster. The reason I bring this up is I live in Michigan where open carry is not only legal, but making a big comeback. I recently attended an open carry picnic at a local park and it ended up in the local paper. There is also more TV coverage of people open carrying a weapon at events such as policial meetings. I'm not sure how I feel yet about open carrying my pistol in public. When I an going to the range to target shoot I don't bother using my IWB holster, I just strap the open holster on my waist and go. I would like to know how some of the professionals feel about open carrying in public. Do you think it gives up the element of surprise, or make you a faster target? There have been some situations where someone was legally open carrying in a department store and had the police called on them and they were detained, questioned, but ulitmately released without charges. We (in Michigan) have specific laws protecting citizens who choose to open carry. On our local level, out police department had a training on the legality of open carrying, so did the 911 operators who where instructed to tell any callers that open carry is legal unless the person is waving the pistol around or acting erratically. I am curious as to what other peoples opinion is on the subject. Thanks.

[Pathfinder]

Marko -

Welcome to the site, head on over to the new member thread, introduce yourself properly, eh?

Open carry has been discussed her quite a bit. MB actually did a 180 on it, worrying that it would be counter-productive, then landing (correctly IMHO) on the side of using rights so you don't lose them. He tied it into the gay movement and their chant of we're here we're queer - and over 30 years went from illegal in most states to some states now recognizing gay marriage. Right, wrong or indifferent, it worked for them.

So yeah open carry.

[tombogan03884]

 I'm not a "Professional" but we have kicked this subject around on here
http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=8627.0
As far as TACTICAL considerations we seem to be divided between people who want to retain the element of surprise, and those who either believe it has a deterant effect, and those who think the average person doesn't see what they don't expect to see. I'm on the fence about it myself, (Influenced partly by the fact that I do not have a holster suitable for open carry )
How ever from a political stand point open carry is one of our strongest tools to "normalize" the public perception of fire arms.
By the way, your cook out was covered in a thread here as well as on Tom Gresham's "Gun Talk".
Good job. Here are more links to threads
http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=7529.0
http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=2494.0
http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=2856.0
http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=7797.0

Hope this helps till some of the others can weigh in.
3 other things, Cute kid  , Welcome to the forum, We have a new member thread where you can introduce yourself.
http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=19.0

[MarkoPo]

Thanks for the responses and links. I did post in the new members thread. I'm glad our picnic got some good coverage! The food was great.

[Rastus]

I think podcast before last (123?) Michael broached the subject again.

I've posted here: http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=8627.msg111753#new on the podcast.  I like open carry...even though I have qualms...I'm going to work through them.

[Sponsor]

[PegLeg45]

I'm somewhat conflicted on OC vs CC.

I'd kind of like the idea of OC, so as not to have to worry about concealment at all.....which in many ways would make life so much easier.

But, I like the 'tactical' advantage (not making ones self an obvious target ?) of CC and having no one know it's there until needed.

Both options have valid points.



If the 2nd Amendment were applied as intended, it would be a moot point anyway, yes?

[tombogan03884]

My biggest problem with open carry is that the places where a CC pistol sits, under the armpit, high on the hip are more likely to keepit from getting in the way during the normal course of the day.

[Rob10ring]

If you like open carry, go for it. There may be some places you may go, where you'd like your gun to be more discreet and if you can, you may switch to concealed carry on those occasions. Ultimately, people should be able to carry however they'd like.

Open carry is kind of weird in California. Location that are legal can be kind of complicated and the gun has to be unloaded. It's kind of like carrying a picket sign with 2 messages. One is, "We have rights, Dammit!" The other is, "Goblins! Come and get it!" A good article was posted in the following thread.

http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=7796.msg98739

[TAB]

The main prob with OC is, there are alot of ass holes that do it, looking for a conflict.  If you have any doubts about that, look at some of the OC sites, or THR( the high road .org)  Its full of people who think they are doing good, but are actually shooting all of us in the foot. 

I personally would not OC in a urban area.  There is a list a mile long on not to do it.

[david86440]

If you like open carry, go for it. There may be some places you may go, where you'd like your gun to be more discreet and if you can, you may switch to concealed carry on those occasions. Ultimately, people should be able to carry however they'd like.

Open carry is kind of weird in California. Location that are legal can be kind of complicated and the gun has to be unloaded. It's kind of like carrying a picket sign with 2 messages. One is, "We have rights, Dammit!" The other is, "Goblins! Come and get it!" A good article was posted in the following thread.

http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=7796.msg98739

I have issues with carrying an unloaded weapon on my belt. I feel if I'm going to carry, I should damn well be ready to shoot.

I'm fortunate to have one of those elusive Kali concealed permits.