Does anybody care to comment on whether the mere act of OC can be cited............
(1) To my eyes, this is the biggest risk one faces while OC'ing.
(2) My understanding is that the BFPE does not like OC and takes a dim view of Oc'ers who end up in front of them since they clearly counsel that "every effort" should be made to conceal.
At most I suggest modified OC:
(3) 1. IWB
(4) 2. Cover up when entering businesses where you will be staying/shopping for any appreciable time..and do so casually/obviously so that any possible observer will see you respecting layperson sensibilities.
(5) Cover up anywhere you see children PERIOD...you will never be able to explain OC in the presence of children to anybody, ever...forget it.
(6) 3. OC is fine for fleeting encounters...gas stations, parking lots, popping in to coffee shops. If there is time for discussions about your visible weapon with bystanders and police response/interview, you run the risk stated above.
(7) REMEMBER it is up to the observer whether they wish to give you a hard time...why give them so much power? At the very least, duration of visibility is the most offensive aspect. People are normally oblivious to their surroundings, if they notice your OC firearm "late" they will be angered because they feel you are being deceptive or sneaky...not a good place to start the interaction and people may confront you out of fear/anger. ALWAYS disengage/deescalate...offer to cover...leave. They will not be of a mind to discuss that "yes it is legal in CT"...your motives "why" are not worthy of discussion, either...you don't need a reason to OC...
(8) just be polite.
4. Don't dress like a gangbanger/slob when OC...
(9) safe/sane/calm appearing OCers don't get hassled. Business attire (shirt tie slacks) makes you invisible, even when OC...try it out if ya don't believe me.
You seem to have a few issues with Open Carry.
1. You can "get cited" for anything you do, legal or not.
2. So, it is your choice to knuckle under or stand up for your Rights.
3. Uncomfortable choice compared to OCing, but that is a matter of comfort only.
4. Cover up?? Really?? We tend to lean to the Open Carry of weapons here.
5. Again, Cover up?? Really?? Your idea to "protect the children" is ludicrous. Do not sensitize people to fear your weapon, it is counter-productive to the normalization of Open Carry.
6. You are living in fear. OC can truly become a way of life.
7. Yes most people do not notice the weapon. If they do, it is their fear that must be overcome. Yes deescalate, but do not run away with your tail between your legs.
8. Always. A smile goes a long long way in an encounter.
9. Safe and Sane, that IS the ticket. People interact with you, not your weapon. Be polite, smile a lot, and carry.
If your fears are this great, conceal and be done with it. If you want to make Open Carry a normal way of life in your area, do it by Open Carrying every day. Encourage others to do so and work with your LEOs and Reps to keep it that way. It is very important to remember that A Right not Exercised is a Right Lost.