Posted: 4/8/2014 8:57:55 PM EDT
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Mississippians are fortunate, we have both. No permit required for open carry.
This is from a training perspective so, for or against one or the other doesn't matter. Remember the first rule, "have a weapon" so however the student chooses to carry, its not my place to judge good or bad. I'm just glad they are going to carry and seeking training. I am the same way with those that want to carry with or without a round in the chamber. Its my job to see they improve with whatever way they are most comfortable. But, this is about open or concealed this month. Both have pro's and con's. Open carry, its out for all the world to see. I view a open carry person the same as anyone else. This is not GD, where all kinds of adjectives describe them. By it being in the open, that person will never know how many bad situations were avoided because of open carry. There are those that say he/she will be the first shot in a bad situation. This could be or it might not be the case. Either way the element of surprise is lost by open carry. What is gained is a split second by not having to rake the cover garment away, or lift a shirt before the draw. In a situation that lasts 3,5 or 7 seconds that split second counts for the good. When one open carries usually they have space around them as others stare at the weapon and back off somewhat. Weapon retention is an issue with open carry, a level 2 holster cures that problem. Some do not like a retention holster for whatever reason, in that case seek training on how to protect the weapon. Concealed carry, nobody knows but you. There is so many ways to conceal a weapon and in so many places on the body. Again like stated above its not my place to judge if this is right or wrong however one chooses to carry. They are seeking training which is good and the trainers job is to see they improve with the way they are most comfortable concealing the weapon. The element of surprise is yours with concealed. You should be able to present the weapon consistently, and quickly from your way of carry. If there is so much movement to presenting the weapon, you have drawn attention to yourself. Not a good thing. Any noise will do the same thing, like velcro or a snap. A good test is in front of a mirror in a quiet room. Be honest with yourself, your life or the life of a loved one may depend on it someday. Just lightly touching on the subject of open / concealed. |
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Personally I don't buy into the tactical advantage (surprise) argument, or "you'll be the first one shot" argument.
What good does the element of surprise gain me if I am under attack? I am always on the defensive. I must react to an on going threat that has already been identified. In my mind OC is a deterrent to attack, and if someone is determined to attack me first because I'm armed then I've trained for that, and I know the outcome. I think a lot of us train to the 21 foot rule standard (1.5 seconds). Based on my research, I think my reaction time during a defensive shooting could be double or more my fastest time under a shot timer. ETA: Meaning I would be much slower than imagined from training. I can draw from retention (Safariland OWB) and hit center mass in under a second. I can hit a 2" diameter circle at 3-5 yards in under 1.5 seconds. I am actively training to reduce those times (so I can keep up with miker at our IDPA matches  ).
I have an airsoft replica of my M&P 9 that I train with in addition to live fire and dry fire practice. It's a GBB pistol (uses propane) that has an operating slide just like the real deal. A shot timer app on my iPad picks up the shots from the GBB pistol. This has helped a great deal with my speed and accuracy. I can find anecdotal evidence on either side of the argument. Whatever methods you choose please train to draw quickly. ETA: Current GD thread: Poll: People who open carry will get shot first? |
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CM in under one second is something we all should try for. Very good Patrick, I'm sure Miker is looking over his shoulder. Next step is doing it with the heart rate elevated.
Concealed or open, the presentation of the firearm should be practiced by all. In different positions as well, seated at a table for example. |
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I live in the middle of nowhere, and OC when working on my land and running down to the local country store where they don't bat an eye.
I'm glad the legality question has been cleared up, but I prefer to CC generally. If one decides to OC, I don't think it can be stressed enough to dress in a respectable manner and act with utmost politeness and courtesy. |