[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Anyone open carry? (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 12/15/2010 4:16:28 PM EDT
| I'm thinking about open carry because I do not want to get a CCW license until I graduate college and settle in one state. So, I was wondering who open carrying and how it is different? What are the differences/dynamic of open carry? Should I do this or is it not a good idea? |
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I'm an Ohioan too, and didnt even know Ohio allowed open carry till I read this and researched it. That being said, I'm pretty sure you'll run into problems with uneducated people calling the police on you, or running into police that dont know the law. Heck, I've been held up twice at an Ohio gunshow because an officer thought I had to be 21 to be own/carry/sell a rifle at the show. It might also be tricky with winter clothes on, since the pistol has to be visible. I'm not against it, heck I dream of a an open carry peaceful state, where criminals fear for their lives, but I dont think it's a good idea.
http://www.examiner.com/gun-rights-in-cleveland/fox-news-ohio-covers-open-carry-of-a-firearm |
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I do.
What part of Ohio are you in? I've OC'd in WV and Ohio. I do it because I disagree with begging for a permit to exercise my rights. Also see the open carry website |
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the first time I OC'd, some woman made a beeline for me while I was at the gas station....."why are you carrying a gun? Don't you think that's ridiculous? Do you think this is the Wild West?"
i still laugh thinking about how she picked a fight with a guy she knew had a gun.  
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the first time I OC'd, some woman made a beeline for me while I was at the gas station....."why are you carrying a gun? Don't you think that's ridiculous? Do you think this is the Wild West?" i still laugh thinking about how she picked a fight with a guy she knew had a gun. I pray someone does this to me some time. "This is America." Will be my simple response (given with a smile). |
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Yes while walking around the block, I'm in NC where it is legal. Probably not a good idea when you're around a bunch of people, what if someone went for your weapon, sitting there right on your hip in plain sight? I think CC has a FAR superior advantage. I too think that CC is nore advantageous, but there are times that I want a weapon on me. I just don't want to take the time and spend the money to get a CCW license and have the state that I move to after college not have resiprosity with the CCW license state. So, I was just wondering what people do. Thanks for the experiences guys. |
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I wear a quick draw pistol, tied down low... two bandoleers of Brasso'd ammo. That's how I carry too. People gave me shit for it, but I started wearing a sombrero and grew out my mustache and I think I've finally got them too intimidated to complain. 
Eta: I've only OCed on private property. Working or going tothe laundry room.  not the best idea outside of specific contexts. IMHO.
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Do any of you guys realize that 90% of the people out and about are completely clueless as to their surroundings?
Most won't notice anything. That said, I still conceal most of the gun. This is what I look like most of the time now. 
While at work, I carry IWB tucked because...well...I can't have it seen. Once I get home, it's in an OWB holster under my "sweatshirt" layer. Sometimes I take it off when we're in somewhere too warm. That's about it. If I reach for something or bend over, there's a little more peeking out, but nobody has said a word. I think I have caught a few people looking at it as I've walked by before, but all was well. For advantages, in my current way of carrying, the draw is just like my IWB holster under a t-shirt. Only one layer to pull out of the way to get to the gun. While open carrying, there's nothing in the way of me getting to the gun, making my draw smoother and faster. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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I do. Or did. Probably still will. I think that Open Carry is the star-bellied sneetch of the handgun world, and I open carried because I live in a place where I can, and I didn't have a CHP because I was lazy. I got my CHP in the mail last weekend, but I'll probably still OC during the summer. Why? #1: I carry a full size handgun because I like it. It's a little hard to 'conceal' in the best of cases, but damn near impossible in the summer. So, screw it. #2: See 1a. Screw it. I don't really care who knows I have a gun. "Oh, does me exercising my freedom make you uncomfortable? I'm sorry, Canada is that way." Here in God's Country all the times I've open carried in Wal-Mart or the Grocery Store or my favorite watering hole, I've never gotten the stink eye, or accosted, or anything. The only person who's said anything is my sister in law who told me to "Be Careful". I'm not sure what she meant but later that year she asked me why I *wasn't* carrying that particular day. But really, I don't understand people who hate on Open Carry. I prefer it, most times. I will say it's nice now to not have to tuck a sweatshirt in behind my holster, or be able to just toss on a jacket if it's cold. Maybe I'm in a third category, a "casual carry". I'm not wearing a colt SAA low on my hip with spurs jangling in the dust, but I'm not really making an effort to make sure that nobody knows I have a gun until I've drawn it... |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Would if i could... Same here.... I can open carry at work as a LEO but I can't as John Q. Public. Hopefully with our new incoming Governor, Florida will have open carry.So even as a Florida LEO you can't open carry if you wanted to off duty? Correct. Under Florida law open carry is only legal on one's property (home or business), camping, hunting, or fishing. Nothing else is legal. I would like for the option of open carry in Florida. Would I do it daily? No... but I want the option. I know of the pros and cons with each choice. In Florida if my gun prints or if the wind blows my jacket open or I bend over the my shirt rides over.... I broke the law. If he had open carry then I wouldn't have to worry about brandishing. For those of you that have both options. Consider yourselves lucky. |
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Would if i could... Same here.... I can open carry at work as a LEO but I can't as John Q. Public. Hopefully with our new incoming Governor, Florida will have open carry.
So even as a Florida LEO you can't open carry if you wanted to off duty? Correct. Under Florida law open carry is only legal on one's property (home or business), camping, hunting, or fishing. Nothing else is legal. I would like for the option of open carry in Florida. Would I do it daily? No... but I want the option. I know of the pros and cons with each choice. In Florida if my gun prints or if the wind blows my jacket open or I bend over the my shirt rides over.... I broke the law. If he had open carry then I wouldn't have to worry about brandishing. For those of you that have both options. Consider yourselves lucky. WOW you would think LEO's would be exempt. Now here is question, I have been in your state numerosus times over the years on vacation and always carried concealed, is that legal for a visiting LEO? |
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Handgun technical: I open carry several times a week in good weather when I go hiking. I usually carry a BHP in a Milt Sparks 55BN and I've never had an issue with it catching on anything. Tucks in tight to the hip in a 4 o'clock position. No issue with brush, dog leashes, walking stick, small day pack, or camera bag. With a proper load bearing belt I don't even think about it. GD Discussion: I can open carry in New Mexico. In town I don't because I don't want people, particularly bad guys, knowing I'm armed. Also, I choose not to scare the soccer moms at the mall. I non-concur with those that feel that getting in their faces is a form of positive education. As for "it's my right": actually, unless you live in Washington DC, it is still very much up in the air. The supreme court ruled recently (last spring) that the 2nd amendment applies to states. Before that, it didn't and states did what they chose to do. These laws are still on the books. Even though we now have this important ruling, none of the necessary clarification has happened yet. So, it's still TBD how this is to be interpreted. Break a state law and they can and probably will arrest you. |
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I'd rather not be some asshole's first and primary target just because I feel like making a political statement. I support the right to open carry and will defend it all day long, I just don't think there are that many instances it would be practical (for me). I also live in the greater eastside of the Seattle area, in a town where the cops have a distinct reputation for being dicks, even in the opinions of other cops. The area is liberal and snooty as shit, and I really don't feel like explaining myself everywhere I go. As I said in my earlier post, I believe it's preferable to maintain a certain anonymity and tactical advantage while carrying (concealed), and you lose that when you've got your hardware displayed for all to see. My .02.
ETA: spelling |
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Have, do, and will I strongly disagree with open carry cost one tactically I disagree... I would rather have it and no one know it, than have it out for the world to see. Why draw attention to yourself? Or is open carrying just that, trying to draw attention, a "Hey look at me?" I would rather be the guy in the back of the room that is carrying concealed, that no one notices, than the guy that swaggers in, like Wyatt Earp, drawing attention to themselves. I have seen it, over and over. To me it is a tactical and strategic advantage to carry concealed. Plus, like WheatSnackBread-Why, possibly, become the first target for a would be shooter. I would rather be off a shooter's radar, with the ability to strike back, than be his #1 target, because I'm trying to make some statement. Sometimes, gun owners can be their own, worst, enemy. |
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Plus, like WheatSnackBread-Why, possibly, become the first target for a would be shooter. I would rather be off a shooter's radar, with the ability to strike back, than be his #1 target, because I'm trying to make some statement. Sometimes, gun owners can be their own, worst, enemy. Can I have 3 instances in the last 15 years an John Q. OCer was first target in a crime? heck make it 20.... Here's 1 when it deterred Crime this year Atlanta I very much agree with that in red
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| I have my GA weapons permit and can OC or CC, personally I carry in a OWB holster, but under a shirt. Being that I carry a M&P45, it's not comfy to carry IWB and this feels more natural to me. At the most the bottom of my holster may stick out a little when I lean over, but I have been around people for hours and no one ever noticed that I had a weapon on me. So I guess this would be CC. |
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Plus, like WheatSnackBread-Why, possibly, become the first target for a would be shooter. I would rather be off a shooter's radar, with the ability to strike back, than be his #1 target, because I'm trying to make some statement. Sometimes, gun owners can be their own, worst, enemy. Can I have 3 instances in the last 15 years an John Q. OCer was first target in a crime? heck make it 20.... Here's 1 when it deterred Crime this year Atlanta I very much agree with that in red Nope, don't have instances....I know I don't want to be one. Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor. I'm glad it worked, this time. Next time, who knows. If you want to make a statement or just want to OC, fine, more power to you. Me, I think it's a bad ideal, tactically. |
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I'd rather not be some asshole's first and primary target just because I feel like making a political statement. I support the right to open carry and will defend it all day long, I just don't think there are that many instances it would be practical (for me). I also live in the greater eastside of the Seattle area, in a town where the cops have a distinct reputation for being dicks, even in the opinions of other cops. The area is liberal and snooty as shit, and I really don't feel like explaining myself everywhere I go. As I said in my earlier post, I believe it's preferable to maintain a certain anonymity and tactical advantage while carrying (concealed), and you lose that when you've got your hardware displayed for all to see. My .02. ETA: spelling I think you're off base thinking that OC would ever make you a target, but I offer a solid handshake to you because you have your own opinion but don't discourage those of us who OC. 
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Plus, like WheatSnackBread-Why, possibly, become the first target for a would be shooter. I would rather be off a shooter's radar, with the ability to strike back, than be his #1 target, because I'm trying to make some statement. Sometimes, gun owners can be their own, worst, enemy. Can I have 3 instances in the last 15 years an John Q. OCer was first target in a crime? heck make it 20.... Here's 1 when it deterred Crime this year Atlanta I very much agree with that in red I was 'de-targeted' for mugging this semester while open carrying. It prevented the entire incident. Happened to me - personally. OC'ing does not make you a target. In fact, I carry a full size Glock 17 and startlingly LOW number of people even notice that I have it on. People don't look, are busy on their cell phones, are used to people's hips being crowded w/ gadgets, etc. |
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Be aware in OH if you OC without a CHL that there is no way to have a loaded gun in a vehicle. That means no loaded magazines and no loaded speed loaders. This is true. I OC'd in OH, nearby WV resident. If the police would have started following me I would have had to walk across the bridge home. |
guys, do we really have to do this again? 
OC if you want. CC if you want. Both have disadvantages and advantages (depends on the criminal really imo, but whatever). Just carry. And always be vigilant. I like to OC and CC at the same time. That way I can deter crime and have a tactical advantage.
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Be aware in OH if you OC without a CHL that there is no way to have a loaded gun in a vehicle. That means no loaded magazines and no loaded speed loaders. Yep, this is exactly the case. I do from time to time OC while off duty, but really only when hiking in the woods. In this case I usually carry my woods pistol in a full flap holster. No one has ever bothered me about it. If however you were planning on driving somewhere with an OC in the car and no CHL, you are in deep trouble. While it is legal in Ohio, one could expect more crap the closer one gets to higher population density. |
| AZ is an open-carry state and I do open carry. I just picked up a Safariland Level 2 duty holster for my SW99's. It is a great holster. There is no way someone can yank the gun out of the holster. I have other holsters for other guns that I open carry also. One for my K frame 66 and a nice leather one for my 6" Highway Patrolman and Model 29. |
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I OC occasionally.
I used to only carry concealed, but in 1995 the state changed the CHP law to compell us to carry openly by removing the option to conceal in most restaurants. Through experience I learned that OC is not the drama-inducing theatrical production that some claim. Speaking from experience, not ignorance, going about my regular business with a visible holstered handgun on my belt is not in-your-face, rude, or attention-whoring. The people around me, from restaurant staff, soccer moms, and police officers, to my State House Delegate, my US Congressman, and my State Attorney General, are not bothered by it. The few comments I've received have been positive or simply inquisitive. Do you feel you shoud carry concealed? Fine, do that. Do you feel you shoud carry openly? Fine, do that. The holster I primarily use for OC is a Safariland 6377 ALS belt holster. |
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Do any of you guys realize that 90% of the people out and about are completely clueless as to their surroundings? Most won't notice anything. this is an interesting topic and i would like to share my experience to validate this idea that most people do not notice or care. just recently, i decided one day that i was going to make a trip to a local walmart. i didn't need anything in particular, but this was to be the location of my experiment. wearing jeans and a t-shirt, i walked right into this walmart with my Glock 19 strapped to my hit (open carry) in a Blackhawk Serpa holster. i even had a double magazine carrier exposed on the other side. i walked in and headed back to the sporting goods section. i tried to watching everyone's eyes. i wanted to see just how many people would notice "a man with a gun" walking around walmart. i wanted to see people's reaction. i made it to the back of the store where the sporting goods section is without being detected (as far as i could tell). it wasn't until after i paid for a box of WWB 9mm, that i notice a child in line staring directly at my right side (hip level) as i walked away from the check out counter. i could only suspect that this young boy had noticed. i continued to walk out of the store and made it to my vehicle. from this experience i learned that most adults are somewhat preoccupied with other things and are too busy or too carless to really take in their surroundings. kids on the other hand, are very aware of their surroundings. what i did was completely legal in my area and i was well within my rights. i was prepared to deal with law enforcement if it were to get that far. take my "experiment" for what it's worth. do i open carry? yes, on occasion, but i mostly keep it concealed just to avoid any unwanted attention. besides, i rather not have the "bad guy" know i'm armed anyway. |