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My best advice is do what you are comfortable with when exercising your 2nd Amendment Rights to defend yourself and your family. Time and practice will make you more comfortable. I have recently moved to Utah from WI (Lauderdale Lakes by Elkhorn) but I did OC when in Wisconsin. My first OC outside my property was going with three friends (two of whom also did OC) to Blue Bay in Mukwonago for lunch. I do not think anyone noticed that three of us had sidearms. If anyone did, nothing was said. The next day we had an OC picnic with 10 of us doing OC. Two local LEO's came by and wanted to see what we were each carrying. We fed them hamburgers and they were very contented.
You will hear from people who will say that a weapon that is not at the ready is a paperweight I will not tell you that. If you are anything like me, you need to work within your comfort bounds. Time and practice will make you less concerned about going to a more "ready" state of carry.
I carry my Springfield Model 1911 Officer's Ultra Compact (.45 ACP 6 + 1) locked and loaded (and now concealed). Round in chamber with safety on. The safety on that weapon is a breeze to disengage and it is generally off before I am "on target". Finger remains off trigger until "on target". Practice this. I did this when I lived in Wisconsin and I do it in Utah (concealed in accordance with my Utah CCW). I also occasionally carry a Rossi 2-inch revolver in .357. On days that my clothing will not allow me to conceal either of those weapons, I have a Kal-Tech .32 auto that is a "pocket gun" and has no signature.
One of the most frustrating times I had in Wisconsin was when Dictator Doyle vetoed conceal carry legislation and then on a-hole changed his vote so the over-ride would fail. Dictator Doyle appears to not be running so I encourage all of my former neighbors and friends to let the new candidates know that you are going to throw your money and support behind a 2nd Amendment candidate. Talk to your legislators about reviving concealed carry.
I am appealing to you to do this because concealed carry works. In CCW States, the typical victim of a violent crime is also a criminal. The bad guys do not want to attack a citizen who seems sure of him/her self. Such a person may be a permit holder and any attack could get the bad guy dead. So, criminals pick on criminals. And, since a domestic disturbance beef can get your permit revoked and your weapons confiscated, guys go to Motel 6 rather than exchange a single angry word with mama. The domestic disputes here are all non permit holders. You can usually tell who holds a permit because they will not jay-walk even if no cars are coming.
And, remember to practice Gun Control. Gun Control means hitting what you are aiming at every time you draw onto a target. That is "Gun Control". Go to the range often and train with a qualified instructor. Then train, train, and train. Did I mention to train? I am a weekly visitor to my local indoor range.
Best of luck in Wisconsin with Open Carry. The police cannot protect citizens. Police respond to crime, investigate it, and then try to catch the bad guy. But, if they catch the bad guy it might help future victims, it does nothing for the victim of the crime they are investigating. YOU are responsible for your defense and the defense of those you love. Google Dave Grossman and an article entitled: On Sheep, Wolves, and Sheep-dogs". Dave takes the position that anyone who may lawfully carry, open or concealed, has a duty to his/her community to do so - at all times. I agree with him. My weapons are like my American Express, I never leave home without at least one of each.
There is an old saying: "I would rather be judged by 12 than buried by 6." Keep that in mind as you decide when and where to carry.
Now, in fond memory of Wisconsin (at least camping in the wonderful State Parks), please allow me to introduce you to my family. It all started with a Ruger Security 6 but in my experience, having a handgun means that it gets very lonely and wants brothers and sisters. Now, my little children are begging for a brother in .44 Magnum.
My Family:
Dan Wesson (Full Size) Model 1911 in .45ACP (8 + 1)
Springfield Ultra Compact Model 1911 in .45 ACP (6 + 1)
Para P10-45 Model 1911 in .45ACP (10 + 1)
Ruger Security Six Revolver in .357 and 4-inch barrel
Rossi 6-shot Revolver in .357 and 2-inch barrel
Kel-Tech .32 auto *(Kevlar weapon; great pocket gun)
Baretta in .22LR (Pistol for training women)
DPMS M-4 in 5.56 / .223 16-inch heavy barrel (Mil-Spec)
Ruger Mini-14 in 5.l56 / .223
Mossburg Maverick 88 12-Gauge with 18.5 inch barrel 5 + 1
Mossberg Maverick 88 12-Gauge with 20 inch barrel 7 + 1
Marlin Model 795 in .22 LR (Rifle for training women)
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