imported post
Open carry for one day in Alabama? I don't know where you are from, but in this state if you carry open for anytime at all, and are seen by the police, you are going to be arrested on the spot for brandishing a firearm. No nonsense policy in this state.
Do I want it to be different? You bet I do. I am a NRA certified pistol instructor, and I would love to be able to teach folks how to carry open responsibly rather than be so careful to keep it concealed. But, that is the law for the time being, and perhaps it will change down the road and I would be one in favor of the open carry policy.
The mindset these days of anyone who would want to carry a gun openly is mixed to say the least. Some in my classes just wouldn't want a society if everyone carried openly. But, that is not my mindset at all. The laws need to change and change drastically for those of us who carry daily. First we need a nation-wide conceal carry law, where every state would allow us to carry a firearm if we have a conceal carry permit from your home state. For instance I would love to see a state like California or Illinois to allow me to carry even concealed while in their state. But, if you are caught, your gun would be confiscated and you probably would go to jail no questions asked. That needs to change.
We live in an age where carrying is almost a must. But, I am a firm believer in training for those who carry concealed or open. It should be mandatory to take at least a three day class from a first class self defense organization. Why? Because you will learn things that will save your life and perhaps those around you once you are ever forced to use your pistol. I know to may cowboys who say they have been shooting for many years and don't need any training. But, shooting for many years doesn't make you a good defensive handgun handler. When the pressure of the moment hits you, you may fall apart with no training.
This certainly is not any advertisement for self defense schools, but as one who has taken many hours of such training, I know the value of the teachings.
But, open carry is my long term goal for carry in the future for all states. Big goal I know, but if you have no goals, you have no future.