So you all just want to look like big shots

[Maverick9]

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Reis,

"The only reason to openly carry is that you're too lazy to get a concealed carry permit or you want to look like a big shot."
Thank you so much for telling me why I open carry. Since I posses a WA Concealed Pistol License (where I live), I never would have guessed that I was too lazy to get one.

As for looking like a big shot being the reason for carrying openly... If a criminal is presented with two potential targets - one who looks like everyone else except that they have a firearm which can be used to kill them with clearly visible in a holster on the belt - and the other target just looks like everyone else period, which target do you honestly think the criminal is going to pick?

I carry my gun openly to protect my family and the absolute best protection I can provide is to deter the criminal from ever choosing us as a target to begin with. I have no desire to be a concealed carry type of person with a hero complex hoping for the opportunity to save the world from the future actions of a criminal by being able to be judge, jury and executioner.

I hope that the hero complex comment offends you as much as your big shot comment offended me.

With all due respect,
John H....

I like John H./Navy, but this reply is not ideal.

1. First para, misspellings (posses), and snarky. It just makes them think OCers are not well educated, or are a little reactionary. (WE know the OP just typed quickly)
2. Second para - proof read. Sounds awkward, but kudos on addressing the guy with 4th grade English composition. Dumb it down so he can understand. (grin)
3. 3rd - used to kill them with, clearly visible in a holster on the belt took a couple readings to get the drift. Again, I know you were typing in haste.
4. Just fine. Nicely phrased.

Future attempts should be posted here for some quick commentary and help (teamwork) and then sent off with no misspellings, or awkward phrasing. Best foot forward.

We need to get these guys on our side by erudite and accurate commentary, and don't want to appear bloodthirsty (kill them with - yikes - it's stop the threat).

Hope this helps and is taken in the right spirit.

 

[Batousaii]

​

 

[Fallschirjmäger]

Well since cops don't need permits, I guess we know which is their reason.

According to the quotes of more than one Police Chief, cops carry guns to intimidate people.

Emeryville, CA Police Chief Ken James: "... A gun is not a defensive weapon. A gun is an offensive weapon used to intimidate and used to show power. Police officers do not carry a gun as a defensive weapon to defend themselves or their fellow officers. They carry a gun to do their job in a safe and effective manner, and to face any oppositions that we may come upon..."

Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank, "... a law enforcement officer openly carries a weapon for its "intimidation factor. In law enforcement, that's the message you send..."

 

[Primus]

According to the quotes of more than one Police Chief, cops carry guns to intimidate people.

Emeryville, CA Police Chief Ken James: "... A gun is not a defensive weapon. A gun is an offensive weapon used to intimidate and used to show power. Police officers do not carry a gun as a defensive weapon to defend themselves or their fellow officers. They carry a gun to do their job in a safe and effective manner, and to face any oppositions that we may come upon..."

Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank, "... a law enforcement officer openly carries a weapon for its "intimidation factor. In law enforcement, that's the message you send..."

Might have something to do with going towards the fight as opposed to away....

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

 

[Fallschirjmäger]

Might have something to do with going towards the fight as opposed to away....

Oh, no doubt. But how many times a week does the average city, much less the average 'cop on the beat' race to engage in a firefight with active criminals? Three, four times a day? A week? A year?

I'm not certain, but I'd wager that the average criminal engaged in a crime where shots are being fired is probably aware that any officers responding are more likely to bring firearms than a large pizza with extra sausage. They could probably figure that out even without the snazzy uniforms, the high and tight hair cuts, and the shiny badges.

No, those accoutrements are for the benefit of the public, a "I'm the baddest MF'er here and don't you forget it. Don't Even try me, boy" statement of the first order. The police spend far, far more time amongst the general public, interacting with the general public, than they do 'riding towards the sound of the canons'.

That show of force? It's for us, not the bad guys who already know what cops are about.

 

[LMTD]

No, those accoutrements are for the benefit of the public, a "I'm the baddest MF'er here and don't you forget it. Don't Even try me, boy" statement of the first order. The police spend far, far more time amongst the general public, interacting with the general public, than they do 'riding towards the sound of the canons'.

That show of force? It's for us, not the bad guys who already know what cops are about.

They even train to enhance the intimidation factor. More bothersome is when you hear "it was a win" which clearly defines that to some it is a game that must be won.

Opinions vary, but more and more I am finding that I see more problems with the leadership in police orgs than I do the officers on the street.

Life moves along.

 

[since9]

From the owner of pistols plus regarding the banning of open carry in Lake Ozark MO.

"The only reason to openly carry is that you’re too lazy to get a concealed carry permit...

Nope. Have one...

... or you want to look like a big shot."

Nope. All I want is for criminals not to bother me (deterrence) but be ready for them in case they do (quick access).

The contact info for the article's author:

To reach Jason Hancock, call 573-634-3565 or send email to jhancock@kcstar.com.