Have any of you stopped "Open Carry" and gone back to "Concealed Carry?

1797 Views 54 Replies 34 Participants Last post by rogerdmillerco, 5 d ago

jonrjen

Discussion Starter · 23 d ago

In light of the increased number of shootings throughout the country, I am curious if any of you have discontinued going open carry and reverted back to concealed carry of your weapon in public?

My simple mind says that if "Joe Public" were to see me open carrying a pistol in a holster on my belt that he would understand that there is no reason for concern. However, these are no longer a time of common sense and rational thinking when it comes to firearms, too many people now live in fear of the unknown. Not just the unknown individual but also the unknown intentions of the unknown individual.

Has society now reached a point where an individual who does possess a "firearm carry license" now need a form of identification of their legal right to carry open so as to not create a panic. I remember having a laugh at the different selection of badges that you could purchase to wear on your belt that read firearm licensed.

I for one still open carry, however I do keep a keen eye of those around me when doing so. If I see the look of concern or fear of those around me, I will pull out my shirt tail and cover my weapon out of respect.

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Echo40

· #2 · 23 d ago

I only open carried for a very short period of time when I first started carrying a firearm and only because I hadn't yet obtained a CCW License.

Generally speaking, it's always better to carry your weapon concealed, lest you make yourself a target.
Sure, if everyone and I mean everyone open carried, then it would certainly serve as an effective deterrent against would-be criminals, but when you're one of the few if only people with a gun on your hip, all it does it tell those would-be criminals who to hold up, disarm first, or make an example of first.
It's better to blend in, keep a low profile, and be mindful of yourself. If you want to be a peace-keeper, then become a police officer or a soldier. Otherwise accept that you are a civilian and that you have a right to defend yourself, not to go playing wannabe Sheriff.

Reactions: 5

kschilk

· #3 · 23 d ago

I do both, whatever suits the occasion. I prefer to open carry though, as to not make myself a target. I figure if a criminal looks at me and doesn't see a gun, he'll shoot me just because he'll assume I'm carryin' concealed. After all, ya' never hear about crooks bein' shot by an open carrier. It's always someone carrying concealed that takes them out so it only makes sense that's who they'd target first.

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mike__fl416

· #4 · 23 d ago

When I lived in New York I also had a Florida concealed carry license so I was gtg in Pa, and Ohio and WV where open carry was permitted. I often went there and would open carry at times if I was staying overnight at a friend or relatives home. After a while I just stopped as actually there were far less doing it than one might think. Also....no matter how gun friendly a place is, there are those that will try their best to antagonize you for wearing a gun if they see it. Personally I like concealed carry better.

Reactions: 2

SpeedBuggy

· #5 · 22 d ago

Yes, I only CC now, for a couple of reasons. First I avoid the hassle of someone calling the police and falsely reporting I was waving a gun around, just to make trouble for me. Secondly it gives me the element of surprise if I ever need to use my firearm.

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MARINEDIVISIONTWO

· #6 · 22 d ago

Only O/C when out hunting,All other times Concealed ,Less of a chance anyone getting the drop on me,Unless its a deer out in the woods .

Reactions: 5

pegasus

· #7 · 22 d ago

See less See more

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jonrjen

Discussion Starter · #8 · 22 d ago

pegasus said:

Yeah, same question, but different sociological circumstances when allowing for the increasing number of mass shootings.

Reactions: 2

silverstring

· #9 · 22 d ago

I open carry, but not much. More for one upping others at the LGS, or around the local farm feed stores. I carry a cross draw 1890 in 45 colt. 300 grain pill at approx 900 FPS. Have a new Thnderball in 45 colt coming in, it has a shorter barrel at 4.75 opposed to my 1890 with its 5.5" barrel. Will be a bit more concealed, but not much. But for real SD and church duty it is IWB with a PDP wearing a Holosun.

Reactions: 4

macman24054

· #10 · 21 d ago

Having spent over 12 years in the infantry, I'm concerned with my tactical advantages. Open carry offers no tactical advantage! In fact, it is a disadvantage. A criminal now knows you are armed and you move to the front of the line as a target to neutralize before the criminal commits the crime. Heck if criminals are bold enough to try and take a side arm from the police, then us "regular" ole citizens will be viewed as a soft target. The criminals are at war with us. And I will do my best to allow them to meet their maker for their chosen profession.

Reactions: 5

RedDrago

· #11 · 21 d ago

Personally, I am a support concealed carry, because in my opinion, not letting a potential criminal know the place where you have a weapon is much more priority than keeping a weapon in plain sight.

I believe that we should do everything to build a society where it will not be necessary to make it clear or show that you have a weapon with you in order to have no problems and avoid conflicts. But it is, for sure, very difficult, and huge efforts and law changes are needed to achieve this.

Reactions: 2

230JHP

· #12 · 21 d ago

kschilk said:
I figure if a criminal looks at me and doesn't see a gun, he'll shoot me just because he'll assume I'm carryin' concealed.

???

Why on earth would a criminal assume you're carrying concealed? The NRA hat? The, 'I have a gun,' patch on your 'fishing' vest?

???

Reactions: 4

kschilk

· #13 · 21 d ago

230JHP said:
???

Why on earth would a criminal assume you're carrying concealed? The NRA hat? The, 'I have a gun,' patch on your 'fishing' vest?

???

Well...

...how 'bout....we know the only reason anyone would concealed carry vs open carry, is if they just wanna' play James Bond or Inspector Clouseau. Or....the old west gunfighters didn't carry concealed, there's not an army in the world that I know of whose soldiers carry concealed so one should assume it's prob'ly not the hot setup. Just looking at it logically, ya' know.

Reactions: 4

230JHP

· #14 · 21 d ago (Edited)

kschilk said:
I figure if a criminal looks at me and doesn't see a gun, he'll shoot me just because he'll assume I'm carryin' concealed.

230JHP said:
???
Why on earth would a criminal assume you're carrying concealed? The NRA hat? The, 'I have a gun,' patch on your 'fishing' vest?
???

kschilk said:
Well......how 'bout....we know the only reason anyone would concealed carry vs open carry, is if they just wanna' play James Bond or Inspector Clouseau. Or....the old west gunfighters didn't carry concealed, there's not an army in the world that I know of whose soldiers carry concealed so one should assume it's prob'ly not the hot setup. Just looking at it logically, ya' know.

Tell me you can't answer the question without telling me you can't answer the question.

But on to more specifics . . .
1. Are you saying you look like Bond -- or Clouseau? Is THAT what would tip off a criminal that you're carrying concealed?

2. Gunfighters in the 'old West' DID carry concealed at times. Narrative history records several instances where a 'gunfighter' (such as Billy the Kid) pulled out a hideout gun when they were in a 'gun free zone'. (hints -- 'derringer' . . . 'pocket pistol')

3. Running around in a military uniform in a combat zone with battle gear and packs pretty much screams, 'I'm a soldier.' Concealing a weapon in that situation would be as silly as the answer in which it's referenced.

Reactions: 4

kschilk

· #15 · 21 d ago

230JHP said:
Tell me you can't answer the question without telling me you can't answer the question.

But on to more specifics . . .
1. Are you saying you look like Bond -- or Clouseau? Is THAT what would tip off a criminal that you're carrying concealed?

2. Gunfighters in the 'old West' DID carry concealed at times. Narrative history records several instances where a 'gunfighter' (such as Billy the Kid) pulled out a hideout gun when they were in a 'gun free zone'. (hints -- 'derringer' . . . 'pocket pistol')

3. Running around in a military uniform in a combat zone with battle gear and packs pretty much screams, 'I'm a soldier.' Concealing a weapon in that situation would be as silly as the answer in which it's referenced.

Just comin' up with ridiculous, bizarre and outlandish statements and scenarios...

...thought that's how ya' play this game, you know...

...just like caliber wars.

Reactions: 5

ragtop69

· #16 · 19 d ago

I occasionally concealed carry here in CA. I had a CCW for several years but the state makes it so painful to maintain a CCW here (constant renewal fees and paid instruction classes) that I let it lapse. I figure if I have to use a gun the authorities will probably indict me either with or without the CCW. The trouble is that two of my hand guns, a PT92 and a Model 65 revolver, are too big to carry concealed. My only concealed option is my 1927 vintage .380 ACP Remington Model 51. It's a great little gun but it doesn't have the hitting power I would prefer (95 gr.) and it chokes on hollow point ammo.

Reactions: 4

dm9638

· #17 · 19 d ago

jonrjen said:
In light of the increased number of shootings throughout the country, I am curious if any of you have discontinued going open carry and reverted back to concealed carry of your weapon in public?

My simple mind says that if "Joe Public" were to see me open carrying a pistol in a holster on my belt that he would understand that there is no reason for concern. However, these are no longer a time of common sense and rational thinking when it comes to firearms, too many people now live in fear of the unknown. Not just the unknown individual but also the unknown intentions of the unknown individual.

Has society now reached a point where an individual who does possess a "firearm carry license" now need a form of identification of their legal right to carry open so as to not create a panic. I remember having a laugh at the different selection of badges that you could purchase to wear on your belt that read firearm licensed.

I for one still open carry, however I do keep a keen eye of those around me when doing so. If I see the look of concern or fear of those around me, I will pull out my shirt tail and cover my weapon out of respect.

jonrjen said:
In light of the increased number of shootings throughout the country, I am curious if any of you have discontinued going open carry and reverted back to concealed carry of your weapon in public?

My simple mind says that if "Joe Public" were to see me open carrying a pistol in a holster on my belt that he would understand that there is no reason for concern. However, these are no longer a time of common sense and rational thinking when it comes to firearms, too many people now live in fear of the unknown. Not just the unknown individual but also the unknown intentions of the unknown individual.

Has society now reached a point where an individual who does possess a "firearm carry license" now need a form of identification of their legal right to carry open so as to not create a panic. I remember having a laugh at the different selection of badges that you could purchase to wear on your belt that read firearm licensed.

I for one still open carry, however I do keep a keen eye of those around me when doing so. If I see the look of concern or fear of those around me, I will pull out my shirt tail and cover my weapon out of respect.

In Wisconsin I do both ,where I live in the norhhern part you can walk down the street with AR 15 and the local police will wave high to ya

Reactions: 2

garywboisseau

· #18 · 19 d ago

I'm all about that tactical advantage, and 1 or 2 seconds I might gain from carrying concealed makes it the only way to go, in my humble opinion.

Reactions: 3

rogerdmillerco

· #19 · 19 d ago

jonrjen said:
In light of the increased number of shootings throughout the country, I am curious if any of you have discontinued going open carry and reverted back to concealed carry of your weapon in public? My simple mind says that if "Joe Public" were to see me open carrying a pistol in a holster on my belt that he would understand that there is no reason for concern. However, these are no longer a time of common sense and rational thinking when it comes to firearms, too many people now live in fear of the unknown. Not just the unknown individual but also the unknown intentions of the unknown individual. Has society now reached a point where an individual who does possess a "firearm carry license" now need a form of identification of their legal right to carry open so as to not create a panic. I remember having a laugh at the different selection of badges that you could purchase to wear on your belt that read firearm licensed. I for one still open carry, however I do keep a keen eye of those around me when doing so. If I see the look of concern or fear of those around me, I will pull out my shirt tail and cover my weapon out of respect.

garywboisseau said:
I'm all about that tactical advantage, and 1 or 2 seconds I might gain from carrying concealed makes it the only way to go, in my humble opinion.

jonrjen said:
In light of the increased number of shootings throughout the country, I am curious if any of you have discontinued going open carry and reverted back to concealed carry of your weapon in public? My simple mind says that if "Joe Public" were to see me open carrying a pistol in a holster on my belt that he would understand that there is no reason for concern. However, these are no longer a time of common sense and rational thinking when it comes to firearms, too many people now live in fear of the unknown. Not just the unknown individual but also the unknown intentions of the unknown individual. Has society now reached a point where an individual who does possess a "firearm carry license" now need a form of identification of their legal right to carry open so as to not create a panic. I remember having a laugh at the different selection of badges that you could purchase to wear on your belt that read firearm licensed. I for one still open carry, however I do keep a keen eye of those around me when doing so. If I see the look of concern or fear of those around me, I will pull out my shirt tail and cover my weapon out of respect.

I have had my CHL license and carried concealed daily every day since 1994. I have open carried a few times just as a social experiment. My personal opinion is that open carry is intentionally provocative. And as one who carries every day, I simply do not want to draw unwanted attention to myself.

Reactions: 5

TomShipp

· #20 · 19 d ago

I have never carried open except while deer hunting
With one of my scoped revolvers. That’s the only time I carry open. Not that there is really anything wrong with open carry. It’s just not for me I guess the thought of the element of surprise is why I don’t open carry

Reactions: 4

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