First, OC is NOT for everyone.
Most, probably, should not open carry. Some are iffy.
Why?
Some do not feel comfortable carrying exposed. Makes sense. There are times and places I feel the same way.
Some know and understand the tactical element of surprise and do not want to give that up. "You won't know I have it until your actions cause me to use my firearm, not show, not draw - use." I agree.
Some believe an openly carried firearm puts a target on their forehead/COM/back and a bad guy will see and shoot them first. Well, since no one knows of documented cases of this happening, none have been posted on Glock Talk, this is a perception of what could happen.
I do not disagree that their are bad guys out there who want nothing more than to kill. Someone with a firearm is a bonus. They get to kill and keep the prize.
Some of us can avoid places where that would more probably happen. Some cannot. To open carry there would be a very poor choice.
And remember, what was a safer place yesterday may not be today. Bad guys do move around to more lucrative target areas.
Some people are not comfortable answering, "Why are you carrying a GUN?" They should conceal.
Some people do not have the temperament to answer, "Why are you carrying a GUN?" They come back with, "It's none of your "expletive" business!" They should conceal, and conceal well.
Some people do not want to be labeled/called a 2nd Amendment gun toting activist. They should not open carry.
They should practice their activism with their letters, calls, emails to those who make the laws and rules that infringe on our Right to Carry, and in response to Letters to the Editor, Editorials, and opinion pieces in print and on the Internet.
Some people believe if they are seen carrying a firearm everyone will think they are trying to make a political statement. They do not want that label. They should not open carry.
Some people believe if they open carry it will intimidate/scare people and they do not want to do that. They should not open carry.
Some people believe if they open carry it will cause others to call the police even though no law is being violated. They do not want to talk to the police for whatever reason. They should not open carry.
Some people believe or live in areas where open carry draws the attention of law enforcement. They want to avoid that. They should not open carry.
Did I miss anyone who should not open carry? **********************************
Congratulations! Choosing to carry for your personal protection is a good choice. Choosing open carry, welllllll
.... If you open carry, here are some thoughts of mine...
If you open carry because you want to show off your barbecue pistol, your ultra-custom holster/belt/mag carrier, save those for the social gathering of fellow firearm aficionados. Few others will notice, and those that do may just think it is gaudy. Carry concealed.
If you open carry because you think it enhances your manhood, carry concealed. I don't think carrying even a Buntline Special will help you.
If you need a pistol on your hip to show everyone you're the Alpha Male, carry concealed. You're not on Animal Kingdom
If you think a pistol on your hip in plain view provides a force field of protection, scares away evil people, that is a dangerous mindset. Carry concealed.
If you open carry to make a political statement, and you are on GT asking, "Can I carry here - or there," carry concealed until you know your laws better than anyone.
If you open carry in areas and locations where you will certainly draw attention to provoke law enforcement, to test their knowledge of the law and you then feel bad when you are ignored, conceal carry. You're intentionally trolling for trouble.
When you wake in the morning, strap on the ol' pistol and secretly hope someone notices and makes a big deal about it, your mindset is wrong. Go ahead and conceal the pistol.
There are more, "If you open carry because....carry concealed." That's enough for now.
If you open carry, remember, you are representing every other American who carries.
Think before you open carry. If you can relate to any of the categories I mentioned, re-think your decision.
Look in the mirror, actually look in a mirror. Ask yourself, "Why am I open carrying?" Don't try and BS yourself. You know the real answer. ****************************************
Ever hear the expression, "First impressions are everything"? If you open carry, your appearance and demeanor will influence how someone reacts to seeing that humongous cannon on your hip.
Think like this. If you saw yourself carrying, would "you" elevate your alert status? Would "you" make yourself nervous? If the answer is maybe or yes, something needs to change, doesn't it. Maybe you should carry concealed! ***************************************
Okay, what about those who open carry because the law says it is the only way to legally carry?
There is no law against open carry. The law says the age for possession of a firearm is less than the age for concealed carry. Open carry is the only option. Respect the Right you have. Carry responsibly The consequences could be horrendous. You are representing the rest of us. Don't screw it up.
Here in Virginia, we cannot conceal carry in restaurants serving alcohol. That is how I started open carrying. For me, there is no other option. ***************************************
Now, what about those who open carry just because they can and it fits their lifestyle. They have no agenda. It's comfortable and fits into the norms of their communities. Enjoy! *************************************** Then there are those who open carry just when and where appropriate. They have no agenda. They carry where allowed by law. They carry discretely. They dress so as not to draw attention. They project confidence, not arrogance. They smile and nod when passing people. They don't lock eyeballs with every person they pass. They are curteous. They show respect to those around them. They open carry.
They answer questions about their choice to carry simply and calmly. They may talk about how they came by their decision, if asked.
They are not flustered by animated opposition to their carrying. They do not insult those challenging them remembering others may be watching. Rational behavior trumps.
You will not read about these people on the internet or in the news.
Well, not unless some ignorant individuals or those with an agenda create a problem.
Since there are many, many open carry social gatherings monthly, and only a couple make the news, these events involve only a small minority of the carrying public. Why are not more of the open carry gatherings in the news? Because nothing unusual occurs. ******************************
What about those who do go out looking for confrontations? They go out of their way to draw attention to themselves. They are arrested, on purpose.
These individuals have their following. I am not among them. ********************************
As to "open carry hurts 'the cause'", open carry is part of the cause. It is more important in states where there are no laws preventing it.
Again, open carry is not for everyone and some should not open carry.
These are just my thoughts and observations.