[Doc Intrepid]

I must agree with CelticWolf's earlier post.

I have never understood the utility of open-carry.

Anyone - anyone - can be caught by surprise.

It happens to LEOs, military patrols, special forces, other trained professionals, and it can happen to any of us as well. Plus, a lot of criminals are frankly a lot more experienced at being criminals - violence and attacking people - than most of us are at gunfighting. Gunfights or assaults don't always go down the way you envision them going down in your mind or your planning.

If 2 or 4 serious jackwads decide they want that sleek custom tuned .45 (or whatever) that you're open-carrying, guess what? You'll have a shotgun suddenly pressed against your head in broad daylight and your pistol, wallet, and cellphone will be gone in about 34 seconds. It's not like in the movies.

Open carry simply lets the predators know information that they don't need to know - such as where a gun can be had quickly if they want one.

Discretion remains the better part of valor...