The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Richmond Man Killed With Own Gun While Open Carrying

wayneinFL · January 1, 2012, 04:45 PM

I don't think I would ever open carry, but I don't see it as a bad practice. The way I see it there are disadvantages and advantages to both concealed and open carry.

Concealed carry:

Disadvantages:

You need appropriate training to draw a sidearm from concealment.

You need appropriate equipment, such as a smaller gun or a concealment holster.

You have to realize that there is no deterrent effect, because criminals do not know you are armed. You may become a target because the perception is that you don't have a gun.

Advantages:

Element of surprise.

You can carry into places that might hassle an open carrier.

Criminals are less likely to grab your gun before a confrontation starts.

Open carry:

Disadvantages:

You need appropriate training to protect a sidearm from a grab or draw from a retention holster.

You need appropriate equipment, such as a retention holster.

You may become a target because criminals know you have a gun.

Your sidearm is arguably more accessible to criminals.

Advantages:

Some criminals will see you have a gun and avoid you.

Size is less of a factor in selecting a sidearm.

Sidearm is arguably more accessible to you.

January 1, 2012, 04:45 PM	#61
wayneinFL Senior Member Join Date: December 18, 2004 Posts: 1,944	I don't think I would ever open carry, but I don't see it as a bad practice. The way I see it there are disadvantages and advantages to both concealed and open carry. Concealed carry: Disadvantages: You need appropriate training to draw a sidearm from concealment. You need appropriate equipment, such as a smaller gun or a concealment holster. You have to realize that there is no deterrent effect, because criminals do not know you are armed. You may become a target because the perception is that you don't have a gun. Advantages: Element of surprise. You can carry into places that might hassle an open carrier. Criminals are less likely to grab your gun before a confrontation starts. Open carry: Disadvantages: You need appropriate training to protect a sidearm from a grab or draw from a retention holster. You need appropriate equipment, such as a retention holster. You may become a target because criminals know you have a gun. Your sidearm is arguably more accessible to criminals. Advantages: Some criminals will see you have a gun and avoid you. Size is less of a factor in selecting a sidearm. Sidearm is arguably more accessible to you.