Posted: 5/4/2004 7:44:47 AM EDT
I'm about to turn 21, just 10 days left I already have a pretty good idea of what i'm gonna buy for CCW, probably a wheelgun in .357, after that it will be something semi-auto in .45. My question is this, in NH it is legal to open carry anywhere you'd carry concealed, i was wondering if anyone had any experience with open carry, i.e. how do people react, how do police react etc... The reason i want to know is that a lot of times especially in the summer, it would be more convienent to open carry, especially around town, than it would be to carry concealed. I was thinking along the lines of a drop leg holster, but any suggestions would be more than welcome. |
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Open carry is generally not a good idea for several reasons, not the least of which is that you advertise the fact that you are armed to any bad guys, who might then just decide to eliminate you immediately as a threat in, say, a robbery scenario. My opinion is also that you will buy trouble when there is no reason to do so via display of the firearm, draw unwanted attention to yourself, and sort of look like a "cowboy wannabe" to the sheeple...who are the ones who will be your eyewitnesses if something happens and you actually have to use your sidearm. Keep it concealed until YOU decide to let people know about it! |
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Not to mention the hazing the local law enforcement may give you. I was told of a police officer in Colorado Springs (where open carry is legal) that jacked up everyone he saw packing, and ticketed them for "brandishing," because he didn't like the idea of "that many guns on the streets." (what an idiot.) The only time someone should be aware that you're carrying is right before they get a .451" diameter vent in their head. |
| I have a CCW here in Oregon and I was told by an ex-officer that if you have a CCW and you open carry, you're breaking the law. See by having a CCW you HAVE to always have it concealed from that day forward. But that could be a load and it could just be for Oregon. As for open carry...it would be nice but in the culture we live in, it's a bad idea. Now if you live in a real rural area where a lot of other people open carry, go for it. |
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I used to carry openly in Kentucky before they passed the CCW. I've had alot of people come up to me and ask why I was carrying or my hammer on my 1911 was cocked. I would always say that I was a professional who worked for the government (True statement). In 8 years only had two owners ask me to leave the gun in the car. First at a C&W concert and second at a ballet. Had a manager of a Walmart call the cops in Puducah. Cops had no problem with it. Had to explain to the manager that Ky has had a open carry since 1814! One pro is that alot of the times a crimminal will advoid you in a heart beat. Same way they will advoid homes when the owner is at home (less chance of getting shot). They are cowards, that's why they prey on the old and weak. I've also had a few situations defuse immediatley once they knew I was armed. Would suggest a strong side holster instead of a thigh rig. Unless tromping thru the bush hunting. A strong side is better for weapons retention and doesn't bump into things. Also will also carry a pistol with a manual safety so if you do get into a struggle you have still have a edge. |
| You can still open carry in most parts of VA. I would say that I carry conceled 98% of the time, but on occassion open carry. I know a few people who make it a point to open carry every place they go. There belief is that the more they get people used to seeing a gun, the less nervous normal people will be about them. |
| I carry a gun every single day and do have a CDW. However, about 30% of the time I carry open just because it is easier. Before we got a CDW in Kentucky I open carried 100% of the time. Regardless of everything all these other fine folks have heard will happen I've personally never had my gun stolen, been hassled by the police, had the police called on me, or been shot first in a robbery. I've been asked a handfull of times if I was a LEO but that's about it. Most people are going to tell you what they have heard, I'm telling you my experiance. |