imported post
In my opinion, the best thing to say when asked about or confronted about open carry is this:
"In Arizona, anyone without a criminal record who is willing to attend a class can get a concealed carry weapons permit. All around you are people carrying guns - on the highways, in Wal-Mart, at gas stations and some restaurants. You probably pass dozens of people a day who are armed and you don't know it. Many or most law abiding citizens carry concealed specifically to avoid confrontations with people or otherwise avoid making people who haven't given much consideration to the right to keep and bear arms uncomfortable. Concealed carry is a courtesy and convenience I've chosen not to exercise today.
"How many criminals or people with bad intent do you think carry their gun on their hip, displayed to the world? Few, or none, I reckon. I carry my gun openly principally because I choose to exercise my rights under the United States and Arizona State Constitiution - and it is a right, and Arizona expressly recognizes it, and that's one reason I like living here. But beyond this, I carry it openly because I have nothing to hide. And what's more, I want any bad guys in the vicinity - the kind of deceptive criminals too craven or dishonest to carry their gun openly, to know that I am armed. They may well rob a store that day no matter what I do, but I bet they don't rob the one I'm in, while I'm there. You're here, too. Consider what this means for you, friend.
"You're familiar with the military salute? That dates back to ancient times when knights would lift the visors in their helmets to show their eyes. Open carry is like this. I need not justify my rights, any more than I need justify my right to speak my mind. But it has the added advantage of sending a message: that I am a peaceable, law abiding gun owner, and I have nothing to conceal or hide or be surreptitious about. In principle, my gun requires no justification, but I will say, categorically, that it is not there to intimidate you or any other peaceable person. But if it intimidates bad guys, well, we all win.
"I support and encourage you to consider exercising your right to keep and bear arms as well, as I would encourage any honest, law abiding man or woman."
