imported post
follker wrote:
So let me sum up what I have read so far, and please correct me if I am wrong in my 'impressions'.
The BIGGEST, most OFTEN quoted reason if more 'PR' that tactical.
Follker,
I have enough faith in the general population of this forum to
assume (going out on a limb, I know) that self defense is the primary reason we all carry no matter what mode we choose. The OP asked for reasons we Open Carry, not why we carry period.
That being said, I agree with your assessment that OC wins out from a "speed of draw" standpoint, though I am still on the fence about the tactical advantage of the mere visible presence of my weapon. I tend to agree that it would make a criminal think twice about tangling with someone who is obviously prepared to defend themselves, but I have to think that in certain situations it will make you the primary target in hopes of eliminating the threat before perpetrating the criminal act. So from a purely tactical perspective, I am going with 50/50.
When I mention Public Awareness, or "PR" as you put it,as a reason to OC it is because I am of the firm belief that if you value the freedom you have to strap on a pistol every day in this country, then you have a responsibility to defend that freedom which is under morepublic scrutiny now than it ever has been before. Education and positive public examples are the best toolswe have at this point to defend this freedom. Many people will automatically ignore what the NRA does or says because they perceive them as part of the political machine, but they might just listen to what you, their friend or neighbor or customeror stranger pumping gas, has to say about personal protection and firearms ownership.
Abraham Lincoln was quoted as saying "To sin by silence when one should protest makes cowards out of men."
Follker, please hear me when I say that I am not calling you, or anyone else on this foruma coward. But if we are not taking advantage of the opportunities we have tochange the public perception of gun owners and do everything we can to hold on to ALL of the freedoms that the constitutionprotects, then history may just paint us all as such.
Sorry for the rant, none of this is directed at anyone personaly, something just got into me.
Snarly