Zeezrom

I agree with what has been posted here. I will open carry while hiking or camping, but that's it. As mentioned by other posters, this type of open carry is not something as likely to cause any public concern. However, here are my feelings when I see someone open carrying which is legal in my home state of Utah.
1) People around an open carrier tend to seem a little nervous. I think most around are trying to figure out the intent of the open carrier.
2) This may be only my opinion, but most open carriers I observe seem to be guys with a macho complex. They strut around like they are some big shot as if they are in the Wild West or something. I usually just shake my head in private disgust when I see this. Gives gun owners a bad rap in my opinion.

For me I believe discreet is the way to go in public.

jstanfield103

I have seen people in Kentucky open carry and it is a big target on their back. I figure they open carry due to them not having a concealed carry permit. In Kentucky you can open carry without a permit from what I understand. I have a permit so I keep mine concealed, I like the element of surprise.

lgustavus81

I live in Texas and there is no open carry allowed which actually kinda surprises me seeing as it is Texas! But I carry just about everywhere I go except to work because I would have to lock it in my trck and there's been quite a few break-ins and stolen vehicles from my plant(gotta love the security!). So I don't bring it to work so I won't have a weapon floating around out there to cause some problems. I'd actually like to see open carry allowed in Texas just to have the option and like other posters have said not to worry if my shirt rides up and exposes the barrel and hear a bunch of BS for it!

Kenny D

Most people wouldn't notice if you were printing or if your shirt rode up a bit because if you look around you, most folks aren't paying attention anyway.

lgustavus81

Valid point there Kenny but you know there's always some stupid idiot out there that might take notice and make a scene out of it.

Kenny D

Agreed. We are definitely not short of those around here.

lgustavus81

Well now that I see your location we've problably seen a few of the same ones! I'm right down the road from ya!

txshurricane

I would like to be able to open carry when I'm hunting. In a state where it's legal to hunt big game with a revolver (Texas), it's stupid that I can't carry it in the open while stalking.


As far as keeping the element of surprise or making yourself a target with open carry: it's no different than someone wearing a uniform or a duty rig.

Mack

Ummm... No... The guy shot first is the guy walking NEXT TO the RTO.

ClickBang

Hardly anyone Opened carried in Cali. Prob because One is only allowed to throw the gun at an assailant. (Can't have em' loaded) So as of the first of the year the so-called powers that be, have outlawed Open Carry. Not that I would. I guess it depends on the situation. Woods/Hunting-Yes. Natural disaster-Yes. Shopping-No. However in today's times. It looks like One should carry a gun 24/7. However if you cannot get a CCW like in Cali, then Open Carry is the next best thing I guess. Unloaded with a clip in your pocket...
Seriously, the guy who just shot up a school may have been stopped if the Principal and or other teachers had quick hand safes in their desk drawers. In Palm Springs 20 miles from my house there has been shooting every other day. Some are home invasions others are at stop lights. Then there is the Mall in Oregon.
I know I am preaching to the choir when it comes to carrying a gun. However I hope they are still available in 10 more years.

mudslinger

Agreed. The state of awareness of way too many people is horrendous. I've always preached to my family about being aware of your surroundings and pay attention to possible threats. A couple of months ago we were at Wal-Mart and as soon as we were out the door I heard yelling. As we got closer to our car I heard a few curse words and saw a pretty big black guy slap someone who I though was a woman. I got my family into the car and dialed 911 and drove to where I could see a little better. When I got closer I found that it was a Wal-Mart employee that had been hit and by that time several people were starting to pay attention so the bg jumped into his car and took off. I discretely followed while on the phone with 911 but got caught by a light and lost him. I was shocked to find out that my family had no idea that one isle away there was violence being carried out. My wife and two boys were talking and laughing all the way to the car and weren't paying attention. So we have a new rule, no talking in parking lots. Heads up and on a swivel, and sometimes once we are in the car I ask them which cars around us are occupied and by how many people. Paranoid? Maybe, but if it one day keeps my family safe then it's worth it.

ronin2  

ROFL...not sure that came out right ....or did it?

Downtownv

Right On! LT The element of surprise is the most valuable asset!

P225sig

Obviously an attempt to make a joke and or the lack of hunting terminology.

txshurricane

Stalking deer, jokester.

Kenny D

EXACTLY.
Yesterday, I stopped in to Walmart and as I got out of my truck, two younger gentlemen and their female companions walked past me and I know one of the men was carrying concealed. He must have adjusted his weapon 3 times between his vehicle and the entrance. I noticed right away, but I can bet you no one else even paid attention.

txshurricane

Yeah, but...that's Crosby Wal-Mart.

By the way, they have Serbian-made PRVIA Partizan (PPU) brass-cased .223 ammo right now. Daily limit is 3 boxes per customer.
I've stopped by every day this week for my daily limit. Probably going again today.

Kenny D

At the Crosby location? What about 9mm?

Go Sig or Go Home

NorthernVandal

I am surprised at how many don't support open carry here. Definitely a different angle than on other forums I have participated in for years. I open carry in summertime whenever convenient, simply for comfort. Nary had an issue. "A right not exercised..."

txshurricane

Yeah, at Crosby.

They had one last 9mm box yesterday - Federal steel-cased.

I'm surprised, too. Anyone who doesn't support the RIGHT to carry openly is just swallowing the government's BS. Just because it's not recommended for principle's sake doesn't mean it should be ILLEGAL.

Otherwise, motorcycles would be illegal.